A couple of years ago I visited the Sonos headquarters in Santa Barbara, CA, for a sneak peek at the company’s new PlayBar, a networked soundbar speaker that can be part of a wireless whole-house audio system. It’s very cool product, and you can read more about it here and in my PLAYBAR review. While […]
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DIYers Display Their Automation Chops
3 amazing projects prove what’s possible when homeowners tackle automation on their own.
Interested in automating your home? There are options galore—from sophisticated systems that are best installed by a trained professional, those that you can buy and have installed by your Internet Service Provider, and packages of automation gear available online and at retail outlets that are designed to be set up by homeowners. The latter is […]
Get the GuideOld School New School
Originally a school auditorium, this beautiful 4,644-square-foot space is now home to a family of four and is equipped with smart home technology and media systems that are so intuitive to use, virtually no schooling is needed. This cavernous structure was transformed into livable areas with a little ingenuity on the parts of the builder […]
Get the GuideEditor's Note: Room for Improvement
Your house is already equipped with a few flat-panel TVs. Your home’s windows are already adorned with blinds, drapes, and shades. Your abode might even be accoutered with a multi-room music system (Sonos, anyone?). And, of course, no home would be complete without an ample assortment of lights. On the surface, your house is completely […]
Get the GuideMusic Buffs Branch into Home Automation
Relative newbies to home technology, the owners of a traditional-style 6,000-square-foot home in Lower Gwynedd, Penn., decided to incorporate a few high-tech touches after seeing a whole-house audio system running at a friend’s home. Like their friend, they were avid music listeners, and could clearly recognize the benefits of putting a control system in charge […]
Get the GuideSpecial Fireplace TV Wall Mount Keeps TV Cool
These fireplace TV wall mount installation techniques prevent TV from overheating in master suite.
The jury is still out as to whether it’s a good idea to put a flat-panel TV over the fireplace. Some home theater designers think the spot is too hot for the TV’s well-being; others cite the fireplace TV wall-mount position as being too high for comfortable viewing; and there are those that find the […]
Get the GuideZones of Wicked Fun: Outdoor Space Silver
Ultimate outdoor space cooks with audio, video, and fun for everyone.
THE OWNERS OF THIS AWARD-WINNING OUTDOOR SPACE live for throwing “wicked” parties. “They’ll find an excuse to throw a party once a month,” says Scott Sullivan, principal of San Francisco Bay-area home systems integration firm SoundVision. Let’s first review the basic elements comprising a “wicked” party: â™:¦ Music everywhere â™:¦ Outdoor activities galore â™:¦ Kitchen, […]
Get the GuideSound Designs for an Entertainment Palace: Home of the Year Over $50,000 Bronze
Behold a collector car cave, live home theater, and a playroom to die for.
WHAT DO YOU GET when you combine a multimillion-dollar car collection with high-quality house-wide audio and a theater with a live performance stage? This 12,000-square-foot entertainment palace. Or maybe we should call it a chateau, as it’s designed like a French Provencal farmhouse, complete with cobblestones. Systems & Equipment Control: AMX Lighting Control: Vantage Controls […]
Get the GuideHarman Omni Soundbar is the Wireless Sound System with Style
This wireless sound system can work alone or in conjunction with a multiroom network.
This wireless sound system can work alone or in conjunction with a multiroom network.
Get the GuideSmart Home Score: Pro Football Player Greg Jennings Scores with Elan g! Home Automation System
There is a huge difference between using a trusted home systems integrator and buying electronics from your local big box store. If you find the right professional, you’ll not only net a custom-made system, but will also forge a relationship that could last for years. This could be invaluable as technology outpaces your home systems and updates become necessary.
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