There’s a difference between “easy on the eyes” and “easy to use.” But by the looks of many lighting control keypads, the companies behind these products don’t recognize that aesthetics and design have a direct impact on the functionality of the system. The biggest problem with lighting systems and their respective user interfaces: They’re being […]
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Front Door Security
Given the front door’s high level of visibility, you’d think burglars would avoid it when plying their trade, favoring a side door or window for entry. Yet, studies show that 30 to 40 percent of all break-ins occur by way of the front door. This puts the onus on the homeowner to ensure that the […]
Get the GuidePowered Up for Auro-3D Surround Sound
David Kepke, president of Multimedia Resource Group Inc., of Chappaqua, N.Y., believes that there are three pillars for any successful high-performance media room or home theater: room structure, equipment, and power. Sadly, homeowners often see power as a low priority when it comes to their wish list, he says. It’s one of the most misunderstood […]
Get the GuideAffordable Automation
Home automation has come a very long way in the last few years. Even the highest of the high-end control companies are creating more affordable solutions as smart home technology advances. “There’s a perception that home automation systems are only for the very rich,” says home systems integrator Todd Anthony Puma, owner of The Source […]
Get the GuideConnected Home Savings
Utility programs are connecting with homeowners to fuel savings with Wi-Fi thermostats, EVs, and IoT-based smart home systems.
Brent and Danielle Warner are creating a smart living environment at their new house in Wellesley, Mass. And what’s the centerpiece of their smart home? A thermostat. A very smart thermostat. With about six different brains, or sensors, positioned in several rooms in their house. The thermostat is the ecobee3, which uses its embedded sensors […]
Get the GuideHow to Design a Multipurpose Media Room
Options, tips, and tricks to creating a great-looking, high-performing space for movies, games, socializing, and more.
You’re thinking about renovating an area of your house or you have a room that’s being sorely underutilized. Converting the space into a dedicated home theater might be your first thought, but before you pull out the power tools, think again. A room built for the sole purpose of viewing movies may not be practical […]
Get the GuideHome Theater Face Off
There are few home technology projects that can bring as much pleasure as a home theater. Like anything worthwhile, planning for the installation of a home theater requires making a lot of important decisions. One of the first and most crucial is picking the display type. While some audio enthusiasts may argue the point, it’s […]
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How to choose the ideal locations for speakers for every room of your house.
For the most part, every home and every room is unique. Whether it’s a decorative ceiling, placement of furniture, or the location of windows or a TV, each room requires its own considerations for optimal speaker installation. Tall ceilings might mean in-ceiling speakers aren’t useful, and a brick or stone wall could preclude the option […]
Get the GuideAutomated At-Home Yoga Studio
When you’re passionate about practicing yoga, having a space in your home dedicated to the art can make all the difference between going through the motions and actually perfecting them. And as the owner of this custom-designed yoga studio discovered, it can also be good for business. Systems Design & Installation SM Contracts Limited, London, […]
Get the GuideHome Gym Gets Personal
Savant home automation system lets fitness buffs create their own personalized workout environment.
Just because you’re working up a sweat doesn’t mean you have to suffer. To keep the future owners of this 2015 Utah Valley Parade of Homes showhome inspired and on track, the home systems integration team at TYM, of Salt Lake City, made sure to pack the 200-square-foot gym with plenty of video options—but without […]
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