On its own, a home automation system has the dexterity to juggle a variety of different tasks. Meticulously engineered and designed by the manufacturer and installed by a home systems integrator, it’s able to dim and brighten light fixtures, adjust the settings of thermostats, provide status reports of household electricity usage, and choreograph the operation […]
Get the Guidetechnology
Yamaha Targets Sonos with MusicCast Audio Collection
If you’re seeking a Sonos alternative, there are certainly a lot of options out there. Of course, a lot of people wonder why you’d want something like that, when Sonos products are so plentiful. Now, Yamaha is delivering an answer. The company’s MusicCast lineup has capabilities and product options that go beyond what several manufacturers […]
Get the GuideEditor's Note: What's Cooking?
If it’s cooking in my kitchen it’s likely to be a ham and cheese Hot Pocket or a Tombstone pizza. Quick, easy, and … YUCK. If I had more time to plan and prepare a real, honest-to-goodness meal, I’d dump my old standbys faster than a bad boyfriend. I’m pretty sure my guilt over poor […]
Get the GuideSmart Home Trends: Aging in Place
As our population ages, so does the number of at-home, unpaid caregivers. According to a 2010 report*, the aging population (65+) in the U.S. will more than double between the years 2000 and 2030, increasing to 71.5 million. It’s no wonder that in 2012, 65.7 million caregivers made up 29 percent of the U.S. adult […]
Get the Guide
The Perfect Video Projector Match
Getting the optimal performance from a projector requires matching it to what you want to watch, the room environment, and the screen. Each projector technology has its drawbacks, but by using the right screen with it, you can minimize those flaws and make your viewing experience more enjoyable. Gain The first screen feature to be […]
Get the GuideTips for Choosing Quality Home Theater Loudspeakers
A quality audio system helps put you in the middle of the on-screen action, so don’t skimp on the speakers.
WHEN YOU THINK OF THE TERM “home theater,” what immediately comes to mind? If you’re like most people, it’s probably the bright, vivid, larger-than-life video screen. While this component is certainly essential, having a top-notch audio system is just as important to the overall home theater experience. By audio, we mean a surround-sound system. Made […]
Get the Guide
Home Automation Roundup
Your smart home starts with a good list of home automation options
One of the biggest challenges of adding technology to a home is finding and comparing the many options available. You can scour the Internet for hours and still leave scratching your head. While the selection of home automation systems may not be as immense as stereo speakers or smart TVs, it’s still impressive … and […]
Get the GuideTime to Give Your House a DIY Job?
It’s one thing to hear about a home automation system from the company that manufactured it; it’s another to listen to the thoughts about the system from the people who actually use it. Manufacturers are quick to claim that their automation systems are easy to install and even easier to use, but are they really? […]
Get the GuideExpert Commentary: Deciphering the Internet of Things
The IoT, or Internet of Things, has exploded upon the everyday consumer, in a variety of products and forms. It’s a confusing, chaotic time, so how can you determine which IoT products are best for you and your home? How do you live today? Creating a connected home is easier today than ever, thanks to […]
Get the Guide7 Top Products for Your Smart Home
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 […]
Get the Guide