From watching evening news on a small TV to now aiming for an IMAX-level home theater experience, my perception of the “living room” has completely changed. Especially over the past year, I made the decision to fully upgrade my home’s living room system—from TV, sound system, and media players to the overall layout. My goal was to create a truly immersive audiovisual space of my own. Now in 2025, with a new generation of TVs and audio devices becoming mature and diverse, these are no longer just tools for “watching shows,” but the heart of a genuine cinematic experience at home.

I’d like to share my full living room upgrade journey, including my honest thoughts and comparisons when choosing TVs, speakers, and projectors. I’ll also recommend several 2025 newly released and already available products that I personally tested. Hopefully, this will provide some practical reference for anyone looking to renovate their living room.

1. My Home Theater Goals: Immersion + Practicality + Aesthetic Unity

Before buying any devices, I clearly defined my needs:

  • Immersion: Top-notch picture quality, ideally with 8K or OLED displays, and Dolby Atmos-supported audio.
  • Practicality: Must support a variety of uses—watching films, streaming shows, gaming, and even family video calls.
  • Aesthetic unity: The design needs to blend with my living room style. No bulky devices, and cable management should be clean.

Traditional home theaters used to be powerful but space-consuming. What I wanted in 2025 was a more “invisible” setup—powerful yet elegant.

2. The Main Attraction: My Real-World Tests of Three 2025 Flagship TVs

Samsung Neo QLED 8K QN990D (75-inch)
This TV represents the peak of LCD technology. With Mini LED backlighting and Samsung’s new NQ8 AI Gen3 processor, it can upscale content to 8K in real-time. The clarity, dynamic color range, and contrast are simply breathtaking.

Highlights:

  • Supports Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+, delivering cinematic detail while watching Dune: Part Two.
  • 120Hz refresh rate and low input lag make it perfect for PS5 gaming.
  • Ultra-slim bezels offer a nearly borderless canvas.

I ordered it on Amazon.com—quick delivery and professional installation. For anyone who prioritizes visuals, the QN990D is a no-brainer.

LG OLED evo G4 (77-inch)
LG’s 2025 G4 series uses their META 2.0 OLED panel. Brightness is now comparable to LCD while retaining OLED’s legendary black levels. I wall-mounted it in my main living room, and the picture literally pops off the screen like a painting.

User experience:

  • Excellent dark-scene detail in movies like The Dark Knight.
  • Paired with the LG SC9S soundbar, audio direction syncs with on-screen movement.
  • The webOS interface is smooth, and voice control is family-friendly.

I chose this one to ensure a premium experience for the whole family without complex setup.

Sony Bravia XR A95L (65-inch QD-OLED)
Targeted at movie lovers and gamers, this model uses second-gen QD-OLED panels for punchier colors. I placed it in a secondary gaming area paired with PS5 and Xbox Series X.

What makes it special:

  • Game mode with HDMI 2.1 support (VRR, ALLM) offers super-fast responsiveness.
  • Bravia Core streaming platform delivers ultra-high bitrate movies for quality testing.
  • Acoustic Surface Audio+ system makes sound come from the screen itself.

A perfect pick for those wanting the best of both cinematic and gaming worlds.

3. Audio Immersion: My Chosen Home Sound System Setups

Visuals alone aren’t enough—sound brings the living room to life. After tons of research and testing, I settled on the following setups:

Sony HT-A9 + SA-SW5 Subwoofer Combo
This is a true “space-flexible” home theater system. Four wireless speakers and one subwoofer create a virtual 12-speaker setup, supporting 360 Spatial Sound Mapping.

Benefits:

  • No wires needed; each speaker auto-calibrates to its position.
  • Surround effects in action films are jaw-dropping.
  • Easy pairing and intuitive app control.

Great for those who want immersive sound without ruining their interior design.

Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar + Bass Module 700 + Surround Speakers 700
This set delivers “minimalist + powerful” performance. Bose’s audio is always crisp and warm—ideal for family use, from TV shows to remote meetings.

Highlights:

  • Delivers layered sound with crystal-clear dialogue.
  • Built-in Alexa and Google Assistant turn it into a smart home hub.
  • Slim soundbar design fits invisibly on a media stand.

I also ordered this combo from Amazon.com. Whole setup took under 30 minutes.

4. Projector Alternative? Testing 2025’s New Ultra Short Throw Options

I briefly considered replacing the TV with a projector. Although I ultimately chose TVs for everyday use, I still bought and tested some top-tier models for outdoor movie nights.

My pick:
Hisense PX3-Pro Laser TV (2025 flagship)
An ultra short throw laser projector that needs only 20cm from the wall to project a 100-inch screen. Peak brightness hits 3000 ANSI lumens.

Key strengths:

  • Supports Dolby Vision + HDR10+, excellent contrast even during daytime.
  • Built-in Dolby Atmos sound system removes the need for external speakers.
  • Triple-laser light source ensures ultra-accurate colors.

Perfect for large living rooms or creating an outdoor cinema vibe.

5. Supporting Equipment: Don’t Overlook the Little Things

A full home theater system needs more than just TV and sound:

  • HDMI 2.1 Cables: I use Anker Ultra High Speed HDMI cables, supporting 8K/60Hz for ultra-low latency gaming.
  • Power Manager: Belkin 12-outlet surge protector with cable concealing—hidden behind the media console.
  • Universal Remote: Logitech Harmony Elite (still available), controlling TV, speakers, Apple TV, PS5, and more.
  • Wall mounts & cable ducts: Keeps things tidy—I found great, easy-to-install options on Amazon.com.

6. Budgeting, Planning, and Shopping Advice

Many friends ask how to start planning a home theater. My advice:

  1. Prioritize core gear: On a budget, focus on the best display (TV or projector) first.
  2. Upgrade sound in phases: You don’t need the full sound system on day one. Start with a soundbar and subwoofer.
  3. Use Amazon.com sales: I bought almost everything during Black Friday or Prime Day—saving over 20%.
  4. Think ahead: Choose TVs with enough ports, ARC/eARC support, and software upgrade potential.

7. My 2025 Home Theater Setup Results

Now that the system is complete, my living room is no longer just a place for TV. It’s the hub for family movie nights, solo gaming, remote meetings, and weekend parties. If you’re thinking of upgrading your living room experience, start by picking your ideal TV size and preferred audio style. No need to rush the whole setup—upgrade gradually, test as you go, and you’ll eventually find the perfect home theater combo that fits your lifestyle.