A few decades ago, families would have never even considered creating elaborate home theaters. Now, the trend is on the rise, and shows no signs of slowing down. Most of us know about about the opportunities to depend on streaming and subscription services to get entertainment how and when we want it, but what does the future hold?

During the second week of January, technology enthusiasts and retailers alike will meet at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) to begin answering that very question. A preview article that was published on the CNET website seems to indicate that home theater products will feature prominently when new products are unveiled, but that these new gadgets might not be revolutionary.

The Continued Rise of Over-The Air TV Options

If you thought that broadcast television died as people began to gravitate towards cable programming, you’d be partially incorrect. Now, broadcast options are enjoying somewhat of a rebirth, thanks to services that combine the internet with broadcast signals to let viewers receive cable channels and films at lower prices. In fact, this phenomenon even caught the eye of a writer at the Wall Street Journal who detailed it in print at the start of 2012.

Some experts think that this year’s CES show will preview set-top options that are sleek, yet functional. If that’s correct, anything new would join the ranks of currently available devices such as Boxee and Slingbox. Any introduced options will also likely work seamlessly with services such as Netflix.

Slimline Sound Systems

The start of 2013 may also signal the growing popularity of super-skinny, yet powerful home theater speakers, such as those housed inside of a sound bar. These compact solutions are smart if you’re looking to upgrade the speakers that are built within your TV, but don’t have a lot of extra space to work with.

Manufacturers are gradually introducing pedestal-style sound bars, where the speaker and TV are connected in an elegant way that’s space-saving, too. If your mind’s eye is filled with home theater speakers that span across entire rooms, these new items can help update your perspective.

More Seating Options

For most of us, watching a film is a wholly enjoyable experience. For anyone who has back problems though, the prospect of spending a few hours in one position might be something to avoid. Fortunately, furniture makers are being more sensitive that everyone has a right to enjoy their films in comfort.

New choices feature separate head supports, built-in lumbar padding and more. Even better, it’s easier than ever to purchase these items. In past years, most people would automatically head to big box stores like Best Buy to get theater seating. That option remains, but many online merchants sell identical items on their websites, and sometimes at discounted prices.

Besides allowing you to tap into a greater amount of suggestions, this development should make you feel more capable of making your purchase whenever you’d like. When you feel restricted to purchasing only from physical stores, you might have to work out the details of finding someone who has a flatbed truck to lend you. Buying online brings items right to your doorstep.

Indeed, now we can merely speculate about what must-have items will rise to the forefront in the world of home theater, but if the above predictions are any sign, we can all look forward to even more unforgettable movie nights.

Frank Unger writes for home theatre blogs. If you’re looking to design a home theatre for your home, check out options for developing your home theater.