Electronic entertainment has to cope with different conditions in the bathroom than, for instance, in your living room. Assuming, of course, that your living room isn’t a wet room, or even a damp room.
Technology in damp rooms – or: know your IP safety number!
Today there are numbers for everything, including the load capacity and safety of electronic devices. So for special areas of use such as the bathroom, outdoor rooms and so on, it is good to know the protection classes because they are important. They are always written as follows: IPXX. “IP” stands for “Ingress Protection”, and means the degree of protection something has against the intrusion of solid objects into the enclosure. This is followed by two numbers. The first one refers to the protection against touch and foreign bodies. The second one provides information on the protection against water. In both cases, the level of protection increases along with the value. Zero means “not protected”.
An example: iPhone X has protection class IP 67. The “6” tells you that the device is dust-tight and completely safe from dirt particles. The “7” indicates that the device is safe for brief periods of immersion (1 m, up to 30 min). So in theory you could take it into the shower or bath with you, perhaps to shoot cool underwater videos.
Damp eyes: TVs and screens in the bathroom
Thanks to video-on-demand, we can watch series and films almost anywhere. And what series fan wouldn’t want to watch the long-awaited finale while enjoying a wonderful, relaxing bath?
The most basic version is without doubt a high-quality tablet holder for the bath. You could play the sound through your mobile speaker via Bluetooth (see above). This is quite flexible and, in direct comparison with a high-end screen, costs only pence.
However, the perfect entertainment in the bathroom should also be a treat for the eyes – and safe. Mues-Tec is an expert in waterproof TV systems. LED screens are available either with a stainless steel frame or in a mirror effect. So when it’s not switched on, all you see is a mirror on the wall. The appliances are waterproof and will not usually mist over. In theory, you could even fit a screen in the shower.
Photo: © trimborn & eich
Damp ears: sound systems in the bathroom
If your bathroom is just that, then a simple shower radio will suffice. They are splash-protected, and are just fine for your 10-minute morning routine. However, a feel-good oasis is something else.
If you want the sound to be good while keeping the expenditure manageable, then a streaming speaker is a good idea. This is fed with the sound via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. It’s useful, because it’s wireless. Let’s consider the Teufel One S, strictly for illustrative purposes. The front is impregnated, the buttons on the control panel water-repellent, and the various inputs (USB, AUX etc.) have rubber covers for protection. Which makes this compact, sturdy speaker perfect for use in the bathroom.
Sound systems that you can only hear without seeing are usually permanent installations. These out-of-sight speaker concepts are available, for instance, from the sound expert Ceratec. The speakers in the cerasonar 6062 concept series are ideally installed during the dry construction stage. For permanent installations in particular, you should consult an acoustics expert for the optimum positioning. Then there will be nothing in the way of your – hotel standard! – audio entertainment in the bathroom.
For the little ones: Edwin the Duck
Of course, you can also entertain a child with high-quality pictures and sounds. From a play to a cartoon series, you can have whatever you like in the bathroom. But what about a smart squeaky duck for very small children?
The gadget is called Edwin the Duck, and to put it basically is a Bluetooth speaker and nightlight in one. Thanks to the app, it also has a wide range of additional functions. So while your offspring is splashing away merrily in the bath, there is always a speaker present. You can also use the app to play soothing background sounds. Parents know how helpful this can be when you are trying to get your little ones to sleep. The only problem might be that the Edwin app(s) is/are only available in English. But despite that, though, Edwin does make a terrific nightlight-speaker-duck.
Photo: © pi lab / www.edwintheduck.com
Whirlpool bath as the focus of entertainment
Perhaps you have already planned your new bathroom at this point. Your favourite series is playing on the waterproof screen and you’re listening to the dialogue through the invisible speakers while a flock of smart squeaky ducks is bobbing its way around your bath.
Hold it right there!
Bath? Or perhaps a whirlpool bath? Maybe even a whirlpool bath with LED-Colour Spot Light? Many Bette bath models can be fitted with a whirlpool system. There can be no doubt that little represents luxury and entertainment in the bathroom more than a whirlpool bath in combination with entertainment gadgets.
Today there are numerous options for transforming the bathroom into an entertainment oasis with high-quality technology. Are you away of any other products? And are you already using any of them?
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