My 18-year-old son is notorious for taking really long showers. When I say “really long,” I’m talking close to 30 minutes. That’s precious water and money down the drain. How much water and money, exactly? I’ve never really taken the time to investigate, but I’m sure it’s more–much more–than is reasonable. With the addition of […]
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Home Energy Management Takes More than a Smart Thermostat
So you went out a bought a Nest smart thermostat. You open the app a couple of times each day to turn the temperature up or down, and feel good about the money and energy you think you’re saving (this article states that for most users, a Nest will pay for itself in two years, […]
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Understanding New TV Tech: OLED TV, Nano Crystal Technology, Quantum Dot and What It All Means
As new televisions arrive in electronics shops, custom installers and online stores, TV buyers are faced with an assortment of new technology terms and decisions: OLED TV or nano crystal technology or quantum dot. One of the most important questions buyers always ask is what’s the best flat panel TV. If you had asked me […]
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Great Active Speakers for a Computer Sound System
A quality digital desktop listening system requires quality active speakers to bring the music to life. Here are four worth checking out.
by Rebecca Day If you value the tunes you store on your PC (or Mac, of course), you should also value the speakers for your computer sound system. Like the throwaway earbuds that come with a smartphone, most speakers that come with laptop or desktop PCs are serviceable at best. But with hard disk space […]
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What Are the Best Bargains in Smart LED Light Bulbs?
Wireless LED light bulbs and wireless smart lights are among the easiest lighting control products to install and use in your house. However, with prices like $60 for the popular Philips Hue lights, they’re not cheap. One of the motivations (beside the cool factor) to switch to smart LED light bulbs from boring old dumb […]
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Smart Light Alternatives: Can These LEDs Outshine Philips Hue Lights?
When Philips launched the original Hue smart light bulbs, they were revolutionary products for several reasons. First, they were LED bulbs at a time when LED was a new thing. Second, they were one of the first smartphone controlled lights for DIY users. Finally, and most importantly, they changed colors. That was the cool part. […]
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Insteon Apple HomeKit-Enabled Automation Hub Insteon is offering a smart home hub that works with Apple Homekit, as well as a new app that works with the Apple home automation platform. Announced in June 2014, HomeKit allows users to control devices individually or in pairs, all via Apple’s Siri voice assistant. This means you can […]
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Light Matters: Tips for Maximizing Your Home Theater Projector’s Performance
We talk a lot about home theater projectors–how bright they are or what kind of contrast ratio they offer, but the projector is just the device that delivers the light. There are other factors that help ultimately determine the picture experience, including the home theater screen, ambient lighting control and room characteristics. Here are some […]
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Marvelous Media Room Illumination
It’s only fitting for the room with the most drama to have the most dramatic lighting. If you want your media room to be a true home theater, expert lighting design is key to creating atmosphere, illuminating the way, and enhancing the overall movie experience. A home theater presentation involves choreographed technology, in which lighting […]
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What Home Lighting Control System is Right for You
Lighting control systems come in a variety of forms and prices. Find out what's right for you.
Smart home automation and lighting control systems are indeed high-tech enhancements to any home, but they don’t necessarily have to be high priced or highly complicated. Technology developments, including apps, LED lights and wireless control systems, have evolved a great deal, making lighting control, from the simple to the advance, available to almost anyone. There […]
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