When it comes to gaming room furniture, you are more than likely to be limited due to the available space the room provides. As far as the placement of video equipment is concerned, the potential is limitless. Regardless of how much space you really have, quality visual equipment can fit any design you may have for the ultimate gaming room.
For those of you who are console gamers, you can’t go wrong with a television (TV). If you are more of a computer gamer, video game streamer, or programmer, then going with an extra monitor may be the right choice for you. If you want your gaming experience to be larger than life, then you should consider a projector.
No matter what item you decide is right for you, The Gamer Experience Review (GXPR) is here to help. Here are some helpful ideas to consider before you make that purchase.
TVs
As you may or may not know, TVs have been around since the 1930’s. Like many inventions that have stood the test of time, TVs have gone through many innovations. Those innovations as a result, have made TVs a necessity for the home. From watching your favorite shows or movies to playing video games, having a TV in your gaming room makes sense. The only thing left to consider is where you are going to place the TV in that room.
Since TVs are thinner nowadays, getting them through the door will be one less worry you will have. However, you will need to take into consideration that the wider the screen is, the more heavy the TV will feel. The good news on that front is that there is no shortage of help when it comes to installation. You could ask a reliable friend/family member or you could have a professional ease your burdens.
The only issue that remains is whether you want place the TV on a stand or hang it on the wall. Here are some pros and cons that you should take into consideration before you make that decision.
Put it on the stand or hang it
One of the greatest advantages of hanging your TV on the wall is that it gives you more floor space. As long as you attach the brackets to a wall that is well built, you will have more opportunities to put other stuff in your gaming room. But, the convenience may be more trouble than it is worth.
After you have established the fact that the wall can handle the weight of the TV, you will now have to perfectly measure the distance of the brackets. If you do not have power tools, you are going to be at a disadvantage. And if that wasn’t hard enough, then you have to actually mount the TV onto the brackets. The silver lining in this circumstance is that the backs of TVs are designed with slots embedded for that situation.
Then there is the option of putting the TV on a stand. If exposed cords and wires are one of your pet peeves, the size of the stand will help provide the cover you need and want. Plus, if you have other external devices such as a video game console or a disc player, a stand will have extra space provided. Then again, having a TV stand may be one piece of furniture that you may not want to have. Because furniture is sold separately from the TV, it will add to the overall expense. You can ease that burden by purchasing a room set with the TV included. Again, if all you want is the TV, then the rest of the stuff are just extras things that you may not need or you don’t want.
Either way you decide to go, a TV in your gaming room is a good idea. Regardless of what the cons are when it comes to your TV purchase, the positives will greatly outnumber the negatives. All you have to remember is that installation does not have to be a chore. Just contact a retailer to install it for you for free. If they do not offer free installation, gather some of your most tech savvy friends and make a celebration out of it. Whatever you choose, get your gaming room started off on the right foot.
Computer Monitors
If you are looking for a computer that will fit your gaming needs, then check out our article "Gaming & Computers". For the sake of expediency, let’s say that you already possess your favorite gaming computer. Then having another monitor would be a plus, especially if you are an online gamer who livestreams.
Maybe you are a student or someone who works from home and you would like to do some gaming on the side. Just add another monitor and you will be multi-tasking in no time. As long as you get your assignments done in a timely fashion, a little gaming break from the mundane never hurt anyone.
There is that possibility that you may feel that having an extra monitor is more of a luxury instead of a necessity. Let us put it another way. You can still have two or more monitors without using them simultaneously. So when one of those monitors goes out, you will have another one at the ready. Just think of your extra monitors as an insurance policy.
Projectors
If you are looking for a portable device made for the large screen, then the projector is right for you. Projectors are great for large and small rooms alike. The only things you would really need are a wall, a backdrop, and a place to set the projector and you’re good to go. You can set up the projector from somewhere high or within arm's reach. Whatever you decide to do, you can't go wrong.
The only major issue as it pertains to installation is the distance from the screen. According to our research, you should have the projector at least 100 inches (or about 8 feet) away from the screen. If your screen area is larger, then you should consider moving the projector further back.
When it comes to the visual presentation, you will want to make sure that the screening area is darker than the majority of the room. If you don’t have any track lights (i.e. spotlights) or a dimmer switch, you can simply turn off all the lights in the room. If you have to leave the room during the presentation, you can turn on the lights in the next room or use lamps along the side walls with low wattage bulbs.
Analysis
The typical time to receive the best deals on TVs is on Super Bowl weekend (1st Sunday of February). You can also receive great deals on Black Friday and Cyber Monday for TVs, computer monitors, and projectors. Of course, anytime a retailer has a sale on electronics is another good way to save you money.
A good TV will cost you around $500 up to over $5,000 in most cases. Basically, you will get a HD screen with a sound card already installed. Depending on what model you purchase, you should have enough HDMI ports to use for your streaming device, video game console, sound system, or anything else that uses an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) cable. Also, if your TV has an internet card and/or Bluetooth, you will be getting a lot of bang for your buck. Computer monitors can be purchased from under $100 up to over $1,000. You can either get the traditional flat or the curved screen in LED (Light Emitting Diodes). If you are a live streamer or you like to shoot videos of your game play, there are models that come with a webcam. Assuming you take good care of your monitor, you should be able to get up to 10-20 years out of use from it.
Even if high quality projectors will cost you between $1,000 up to over $5,000, you will be getting your money’s worth and then some. You could always complete the transformation of large rooms in your home into the ultimate theater or gaming arena with projectors. Assuming your home has a backyard, you can have a makeshift viewing party with your projector in the great outdoors as well. If you prefer to just use a projector for a smaller room in your home, you can purchase some for around $100.
Summary
Regardless of the size of the room in your home, you can't go wrong with any of these choices. Even if extra furniture is required to help keep the TV, computer monitor, and projector at your optimal visual level, then you should consider buying more. But, if you are not willing to spend extra money, you can always utilize other furniture you have in your home. All your equipment really needs is a good table, desk, or simply put, a solidly built flat surface that can support the weight of your devices.
If there are any other questions in regards to TVs, projectors, or any other visual devices that you would like to ask The GXPR, please feel free to contact us.
