More of us are gamers these days—yup, incredible graphics, extended role-playing and interactive experiences will do that.

Guess it’s not too big of a stretch to estimate, but research firm NPD Group (via USA Today) in its latest figures says the number of gamers in the U.S. rose in 2008 from 59 to 61 percent.

It also found that the percentage of people who said they played online was also up 2 percent, from 33 to 35 percent—though at the same time the largest portal to online gaming, the PC, decreased from 90 percent usage to 87 percent.

With the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii all going strong, we’d expect the numbers to keep increasing, and it leaves us wondering how the gamer population is viewing your games? Is your console hooked into a theater with surround sound? A big flat-panel TV?

Is your computer hooked up to more than just a 19-to-24-inch monitor for a more immersive experience? Did you buy a new display specifically to enhance your gaming hobby?

Let us know about your gaming rig in the comments section below, and how or if it’s tied into your home theater system.

Arlen Schweiger - Editor of Electronic House Magazine

Arlen writes about home technology installations and product news and reviews for electronichouse.com and Electronic House magazine.