And it’s not just a matter of the decor; the home has become the location of many people’s entertainment, particularly for the middle-aged. No longer going out as frequently, perhaps due to responsibilities of young children, the home takes on this added dimension. From inviting friends over for dinner parties to staying in with a film, the home takes on an increasingly important role. Not just a place to live, but also an entertainment Mecca.

The role of technology in providing such entertainment in our homes has persistently increased over the last century. The introduction of the gramophone and the wireless may have started the ball rolling, but for better or worse, the television has perhaps been the single most dominant form. With the recent explosion of DVDs, large wide-screen televisions and surround-sound systems, the potential to create a cinema-style experience in our own homes has come within reach. And given the rapidly decreasing cost of such technology, it’s quickly becoming more affordable. But that’s not to say that it’s immediately appealing. There’s still the consideration of how its presence in the room will have on the image that it presents, or perhaps reflects, about its owner(s).

Whilst the vast array of speakers...