Like it or not, soundbars have become a big part of the audio market. Even the best soundbar is pooh-poohed by the average audiophile. But let’s get one thing straight: Soundbars are popular. Earlier this year, Quixel Research said that revenue for the soundbar market rose by 31 percent in 2014, all the way to […]
Read MoreThe time has come. You have done all your homework and, after much deliberation, have finally selected all of the electronic components for your fancy new media room! This is an exciting project, but before you pull the trigger on that new gear, it’s important to ask yourself one key question. Have you given enough […]
Read MoreYou’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 […]
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Looking for ways to incorporate smart lighting? Here are a few bright ideas.
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Today’s DIY smart home systems, from companies like SmartThings, Wink, Lowe’s Iris, iRule, Universal Devices, Vera, Insteon and others are fairly easy to install, setup and use. They’re also getting more affordable, so no longer are home automation systems only for the wealthy. Of course, there’s a difference between what a DIY smart home system […]
Read MoreA REFRIGERATOR THAT KNOWS you’re out of milk before you do? A thermostat that cools down as soon as your head hits the pillow and warms back up in the morning, without the touch of a button or flip of a switch? Lights that brighten and dishwashers that churn at the mere touch of a […]
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By Dennis Burger For the obsessive home theater aficionado, it’s the ultimate horror: You enter a friend’s house and spot a home theater system. It may not have the best speaker system, but everything looks reasonably normal at first. Left and right speakers flank the screen and a center channel sits above or below. Then […]
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A step-by-step, easy method for installing in-ceiling audio speakers.
Read MoreBecause a home theater is not an off-the-shelf purchase, it can require a significant investment—and not just with the price tag. A big part of your home theater investment is doing your homework and educating yourself. The most important phase of your home theater purchase is getting connected with the right dealer.
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If it’s been a few years since you purchased a new Flat Screen: TV, well, a lot has changed. No longer is it enough to go into a store and simply look for the best picture and sound. The advent of smart TVs has turned the typical display device into an all-in-one media center for […]
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