Walmart Weighs TV/Movie Streaming Service

Look out Netflix. Look out Amazon. Walmart is eyeing your turf.

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How Much TV/Video Do You Watch a Day?

Average time spent per adult 18+ per day on video. Source: Q1 2018 Nielsen Total Audience Report.

How much TV or video do you watch a day? Probably more than you think — perhaps way more, according to new research from the media gurus at Nielsen.

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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/how-much-tvvideo-do-you-watch-day

How to use Alexa Cast - CNET

Amazon rolled out a new feature for Alexa that lets users send Amazon Music from their phones to speakers.

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‘Predator’ Heading for 4K Blu-ray

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment has announced that Predator, the 1987 action thriller starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, is slated for release on 4K/Ultra HD Blu-ray August 7 along with a new Predator 3-Movie Collection featuring the original movie and its two sequels Predator 2 and Predators.

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Linen vs. percale vs. sateen: What sheets should you buy? - CNET

What's the deal with all of the fancy sheets out there?

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Ecobee wants you to give away your data. Here's why (Q&A) - CNET

If we want better smart homes, we need to share our info, says the company's head of social impact and sustainability.

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Here we go again: The $600 Infinite Cooler seeks crowdfunding cash - CNET

Years after the smash-hit Coolest Cooler left its Kickstarter backers cold, the makers of this new mega cooler want to do better. Can they?

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3rd-Gen Nest Learning Thermostat for $171 + free shipping - CNET

3rd-Gen Nest Learning Thermostat for $171

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Flood Finally Inspires Home Theater Redo

The owners of this theater knew their previous media space was out of date. They had been using the same equipment for about 13 years — that’s a lifetime in the world of home electronics. But they were content. The components worked, the space was large enough to host friends and family, and they had long ago mastered how to work the system. It would take something major to spur them to renovate.

Related: How to Protect Your Home From Water Damage

Recently, something big did happen: Their home theater flooded. A leaky bathroom pipe located directly above the theater sent water into the room, damaging the ceiling, walls, and much of the furnishings. The owners figured this was their sign to update the space.

They contacted a trifecta of experts to handle the transformation: Mike Murphy Construction Consulting, Amy DeVault Interior Design and DSI Luxury Technology, of Los Angeles. Together, this team created an amazing viewing environment for the homeowners, which earned the space a Gold Award for the Electronic House Home of the Year Contest in the Best Home Theater $75,000-$150,000 category.

See more home theater award winners here and here

Walls were moved and soffits removed to provide more headroom and better sightlines from the seating area to the new projection screen; a fresh, modern interior design complete with new furniture was implemented; and a suite of state-of-the-art A/V gear along with a Savant control system was integrated.

Getting the room into tip-top shape was the first step in a process that would bring this theater into the upper echelon of performance. “We didn’t have a lot of ceiling height to work with, only about 9 feet, so it was a tricky engineering feat working around soffits and getting the screen where it the best position,” relates DSI principal Eric Thies.

Systems with Staying Power

“Our main objective when it came to selecting equipment for the new space was that the components be very current and have some staying power — tech that would have a long life and not become obsolete quickly,” adds Thies. “For example, we selected a 4K laser projector instead of an LED projector because we know that laser will be around for some time. The homeowners will never need to change a bulb or worry about their image losing brightness.”

DSI complemented the Digital Projection International (DPI) projector with an assortment of other 4K-compatible equipment, including a Kaleidescape movie server, DirecTV cable box, and Apple TV. DSI also rounded out the entertainment options with legacy components like a Sony PlayStation and even a VCR for the owners’ collection of VHS tapes.

A 17-speaker Dolby Atmos system handled by JBL Synthesis speakers and AudioControl electronics delivers realistic 3D audio to the space. Some of the speakers were planted into the room’s existing columns and covered with acoustical fabric. “The speakers are completely disguised, and the JBL Synthesis system ensures that they’ll sound great for another 13-plus years,” Thies says.

Shape-Shifting Screen

Because the owners would be watching old movies on VHS, as well as TV programs and sporting events, the screen would need to accommodate not just the super wide 2.35:1 aspect ratios of some 4K content, but also less-wide 16:9 content and possibly even 4:3. A masking system was applied to the theater’s 12-foot-wide acoustically transparent Vutec screen to alter the aspect ratio to suit whatever content the family chooses. The fabric masking is motorized to move automatically, thanks to its integration into the Savant controls.

In addition to ensuring that the A/V sources, projector and masking system are in sync, Savant and a Lutron RadioRA system simplify the control of the room lighting. The owners can use a keypad at the theater entrance or an app on their smartphone to engage a lighting scene for before, during and after viewing. Programmed scenes are accounted for such as Movie, Intermission, Pause, and Clean Up, giving this theater even more stamina to endure the test of time.

Systems & Equipment

• Savant control
• Lutron lighting
• Vutec projection screen
• DPI projector
• JBL Synthesis, Revel speakers
• AudioControl amplifiers

The post Flood Finally Inspires Home Theater Redo appeared first on Electronic House.

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How Ecobee's Donate your Data program helps smart-home scientists video - CNET

The smart-thermostat maker lets customers give away their data to support research projects.

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Save on Arlo by NETGEAR Ultimate Home Security Camera System Kit. Indoor and Outdoor home monitoring kit (Contains 2 Arlo Pro 2, 2 Arlo Q) and more - CNET

Save on Arlo by NETGEAR Ultimate Home Security Camera System Kit. Indoor and Outdoor home monitoring kit (Contains 2 Arlo Pro 2, 2 Arlo Q) and more

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Whirlpool wants to give you another cooking option in the kitchen - CNET

The appliance manufacturer has received a patent for a device that enables you to cook food with a water bath.

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Halo Smart Labs is folding and your smart alarm smoke will soon turn dumb - CNET

The makers of the weather-sensing Halo+ Smoke Alarm have gone out of business, so your $130 smoke detector might soon lose its connection to the internet.

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https://www.cnet.com/news/halo-smart-labs-is-folding-and-your-130-smart-smoke-detector-might-soon-turn-dumb/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Canadian Startup Offers Unique TV Consoles

Canadian startup MeiliAudio has taken a decidedly different approach to speaker design, shunning traditional configurations in favor of an elongated “TV console” with built-in powered speakers.

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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/canadian-startup-offers-unique-tv-consoles

How to create and schedule Google Home Routines - CNET

Everything you need to know about Google Home Routines and how to schedule them to run on their own.

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Google Smart Displays: New Competition for Amazon Echo

For some time, Amazon had the smart display category covered with a variety of form factors. Now Google has joined the pack with the introduction of its first Smart Display from Lenovo. Google Assistant is built in, so the display, which comes in 8- and 10-inch models, still listens for your voice commands. But now, there’s something to look at, including Google Maps, Calendar, Photos and more.

Free YouTube Premium

Ask YouTube to play anything: how-to videos, cooking videos, product reviews, you name it! And, with every Smart Display, you get three free months of YouTube Premium (for new subscribers).

If you have a YouTubeTV membership, you can watch live or recorded TV in your library. The next time you want to turn on the game, you can say “Hey Google, watch ESPN” to start streaming. Many other popular video services are supported too, including HBO Now, Google Play Movies & TV and Crackle.

Surveillance and Video Calls

With video calling on Google Duo, you can instantly connect with your closest friends and family on Smart Displays. Duo is also built in on Android phones and available for free on iOS, so you can call your friends and family hands-free across devices. Just say, “Hey Google, call Rachel” to start a high-quality video or audio call.

You can also glance at the display to see what’s happening around your house. “Hey Google, show me the family room” will link to a Nest Cam. Turn up the thermostat, dim the lights or change the color—all with your voice or a tap of a finger.

The built-in screen is helpful for browsing music, too.

The 8-inch HD version retails for $199.99 and the 10-inch Full-HD version for $249.99. Smart Displays are available at Walmart, BestBuy.com, Amazon.com, Costco.com, SamsClub.com, Lenovo.com and other stores.

JBL and LG plan to announce Google Smart Displays later this year.

The post Google Smart Displays: New Competition for Amazon Echo appeared first on Electronic House.

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5 reasons you need a smart lock right now video - CNET

No matter your doorstep dilemma, there's likely a smart lock out there for you.

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DTS Play-Fi Expands ‘Works With Alexa’ Lineup

DTS has announced that a dozen existing Play-Fi-enabled products from Klipsch, Onkyo, Pioneer, and several other brands are now “Works with Alexa”-certified.

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Ecobee's vision: A hive mind of smart devices - CNET

The smart-thermostat maker wants to remodel our houses for the digital age -- if Google’s Nest doesn’t squash it first.

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https://www.cnet.com/features/ecobee-smart-home-vision-a-hive-mind-of-smart-devices/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Ecobee looks to save you money with new Peak Relief feature - CNET

The smart-thermostat maker pilots a program that automatically tweaks your temperature as energy rates change.

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Save up to 15% on Ascher products - CNET

Save up to 15% on Ascher products

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Is it time to replace your garage door opener? - CNET

This large and frequently used entrance to your home might need an upgrade or a replacement.

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Showstopper: The Lenovo Smart Display outclasses the Echo Show video - CNET

With a simple touchscreen and built-in Google Assistant, the Lenovo Smart Display proves particularly helpful in the kitchen.

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https://www.cnet.com/videos/showstopper-the-lenovo-smart-display-outclasses-the-echo-show/#ftag=CADa08b18a

9 ways to prep your home before you leave for vacation - CNET

No one wants to come home to a messy, smelly house.

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https://www.cnet.com/how-to/prep-home-before-you-leave-for-vacation/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Does your vacation rental have hidden cameras? Here's how to find out - CNET

Protect your privacy with this guide.

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11 cheap ways to make your home smarter - CNET

These gadgets will make your home smarter, and all are under $100.

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Zmodo 720p Mini WiFi Security Camera for $33 + free shipping - CNET

Zmodo 720p Mini WiFi Security Camera for $33

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Star Wars: Episode VIII-The Last Jedi

Picture
Sound
Extras

Is Star Wars art or entertainment? The simplest answer to that question is, “It’s both, of course.” But Episode VIII: The Last Jedi proves the question to be less simple than it first appears. Because of all its silly creatures, swashbuckling adventure sequences, million-dollar-a-minute special effects, and cheeky humor, The Last Jedi is at its heart a deeply personal, deeply thematic, deeply deconstructive, big-budget indie film that forces longtime fans to contend with questions about what Star Wars even is and why its unique blend of mythology, arthouse pastiche, and B-movie kitsch works as well as it does.

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Home Builders Embrace Smart Home Technology; Home Buyers Reap the Benefits

Should You Install Home Automation Products Yourself?

By Justin Schwartz, Founder and CEO of SAGE AV

Thanks to fairly low costs and easy installation, entry-level home automation products are now available to almost everyone. While these products are ideally suited for the DIYer, there are  also a wide assortment of more advanced home automation systems that homeowners should have professionally installed. The challenge for homeowners is deciding when to DIY and when to hire the help of a professional.

Here’s a look at DIY technology versus what should be professionally installed to help you make the right choice.

Easy DIY Tech Upgrades

For homeowners who are dipping their toes into smart home technology for the first time, there are plenty of affordable products, like those listed below, that can be installed with the assistance of a professional installer:

Nest

The Nest line of products includes thermostats, security cameras and more. The Nest programmable thermostat connects to your home Wi-Fi and allows you to change the temperature in your home remotely via an app on your smartphone. Additionally, the Nest thermostat will identify your preferences and anticipate your temperature needs. The system also has a security option, which allows you to set up and monitor cameras inside and outside of your home. All of these cameras can also be accessed on your smartphone. Nest products are all fairly simple to set up and connect, some in 30 minutes or less.

 

Ring Doorbell

Ring is a standard looking doorbell that can be placed just outside your front door.  It puts an end to second-guessing who’s at the door. It has a camera and microphone built in so you can use your phone or another device to see and talk to whoever’s ringing, even if you’re miles from home. The Ring doorbell offers plenty of technical support in the box and online, so installation should not be hard for the average DIYer. All one needs to do is line up the mounting bracket, drill holes, place the doorbell on the mounting bracket, and tightens the security screws.

 

Sonos Play

Sonos is a wireless speaker system for your smart home that you can control from an app on your smartphone or tablet. Sonos Play:1 or Play:5 speakers require only an electrical outlet and a Wi-Fi connection. A threaded mount allows you to put it on the wall or a speaker stand if you wish. You can pair either speaker with an Echo or Dot and play and control songs, shuffle playlists, and tune in radio stations or podcasts.

 

The Problem with DIY

Most homeowners who take a DIY approach tend to choose technology for single-device control instead of whole home automation. When problems arise, DIYers are relegated to phone or online customer service options to diagnose and fix problems. This can be a frustrating and time-consuming experience.

 

Why Use a Professional?

 

As mentioned above, there are certain smart home appliances that just need to be plugged to work and can be easily set up by DIYers. But, if you want your technology upgrades to start working together, things get a bit more complex. To start with, you’ll need to ensure all items you purchase are compatible with one another. When designing your system, you must plan not only for your current needs but for any additional upgrades you might want to make in the future.  Professionals keep up with the latest trends and can help you create the best smart home environment for today and far into the future.

 

Also, as a homeowner, you have many options and may not be aware of them. This is where a professional comes in handy. A home systems professional can evaluate your lifestyle and explain the best options that deliver what you need within your desired budget.

 

The following smart home technologies should be set up by a professional:

Lighting Control Systems

It’s now possible to automate every light in your entire home and unify them behind a single, easy-to-use lighting control system.  A professionally installed system will give you control over all of the lighting in your home. This includes table lamps, desk lamps, ceiling lamps as well as ceiling fans. The system will allow you to remotely access and have control over the lighting with a small remote control device or an integrated wall system. You can program motion detectors to identify when you walk into the room, turning on the lights and then after a time you have specified, they will also turn off or dim the lights.

 

You can also combine other smart lighting devices to create an array of effects. From colored accent lights to bedroom lamps that can wake you up by simulating the sunrise, your possibilities are virtually endless.

 

Motorized Shades and Window Treatments

When it comes to smart window shades and treatments, customization is key. A professional can help you choose the perfect system that marries both style and function. The best motorized shades and window treatments allow you to schedule adjustments at certain times or adjust them using just the touch of a button, voice command or your smartphone.

Distributed Audio Systems

A properly designed and installed audio system allows you to broadcast sound throughout the entire house, creating the perfect balance from room to room. Setting up a distributed audio system is no small task. It goes far beyond simply plugging in a few wireless speakers.

 

In fact, designing a great system requires the skill and knowledge to combine the proper speakers, receivers, amplifiers, and other components while taking into account the dynamics of each individual room as well as the vast design experience and deep product knowledge.

 

Unified Apps and Integrated Controls

With all of these different types of smart home devices, you will need a way to control them. Remember the frustrating days of multiple remotes? Today, home automation systems integrate various subsystems into unified apps and interfaces that bring you complete connectivity and control for every smart device.

 

DIY or Professionals?

 

The goal of any smart home installation is to make various devices work seamlessly together.   This is where DIY tends to fall short. In order to fully experience the benefits a smart home can offer, it’s best to work with a professional who can coordinate with your contractor, interior designer, and electrician. They will work with you to design a system that meets your needs, using their knowledge of the latest smart technology for the home. By outsourcing this task, you’ll have the peace of mind in knowing your system is set up for optimal power, performance, and reliability.

 

The post Should You Install Home Automation Products Yourself? appeared first on Electronic House.

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Denmark's Dali Callisto Speaker Systems Hit the U.S.

Lenbrook, parent company of the iconic NAD and PSB brands, has announced the arrival of Denmark’s DALI Callisto high performance wireless speaker systems in the U.S.

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How to clean out your closet in one afternoon - CNET

Follow this guide every 6 months, and you'll always have a clean closet.

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Lenovo Smart Display gives Google Home a helpful touchscreen - CNET

The combination works well, as Google Assistant can show you extra info when you ask a question or give a command.

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New Klipsch Subwoofers Hide in the Wall (or Ceiling)

New subwoofers from Klipsch are designed to deliver powerful bass with a “minimal visual footprint” — so minimal that the bass module is hidden in the wall or ceiling.

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LG OLED65C8PUA OLED Ultra HDTV Review

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value

PRICE $3,499

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Deep black levels
Extremely wide viewing angle
Supports Dolby Vision and HLG
Minus
Expensive compared to same-size LCD UHDTVs
Lower peak brightness than LCD UHDTVs

THE VERDICT
This new C8 series set exceeds the performance of LG’s previous OLED models, making it the best OLED TV from the company I’ve yet tested. Its price is also significantly lower than last year’s C7, which means more buyers can now bring home an LG OLED instead of dreaming about one.

The picture quality improvements in LG’s 2018 OLED Ultra HDTVs aren’t a dramatic upgrade over the company’s already superb 2017 sets, but they are accompanied by a new Alpha 9 processor, an autocalibration option, and a few new and updated features. LG has gathered all of these capabilities under the “LG ThinQ AI” rubric. While the AI (Artificial Intelligence) claim may be a bit overstated, that’s where the market is going and LG is not alone in it. I wonder if adding a blinding blizzard of do-everything geegaws makes the screen interface too complex for the average user who simply wants to turn on his or her TV and watch a movie.

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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/lg-oled65c8pua-oled-ultra-hdtv-review

7 ways to keep packages from getting stolen off your porch - CNET

Defend yourself against "porch pirates" and other would-be package thieves.

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First Alert CO605 Carbon Monoxide Plug-In Alarm with Battery Backup, 1-Pack - CNET

First Alert CO605 Carbon Monoxide Plug-In Alarm with Battery Backup, 1-Pack

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Amazon's next Echo Dot reportedly appears in leaked images - CNET

If they're real, then Alexa's ditching the black plastic in favor of fabric.

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Best Soundbars of 2017/2018

A good soundbar performs a valuable service: It elevates TV sound quality far beyond what the TV’s tiny speakers TV could ever hope to achieve and, in some cases, it will even deliver a legit surround-sound experience. Does that mean a soundbar can replace a full-blown home theater speaker system? Nope, but that’s rarely the goal. Instead, most soundbar shoppers are looking for a simple, space saving setup. We’ve compiled snapshots of the best soundbars — and soundbases — we’ve reviewed over the past 18 or so months. Prices range from $270 to $799 and all but one model received a four-star or higher rating in the important Performance category. If you’re in the market for a soundbar, start here.

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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/best-soundbars-20172018

Lenovo Smart Display 10 review: Google Assistant is your sous chef in Lenovo's take on the Echo Show - CNET

Google's first smart speaker with a touchscreen earns a spot on your counter with well-rounded skills and great recipe assistance.

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Everything the Lenovo Smart Display can do - CNET

Google Assistant uses the touchscreen on the Smart Display to great effect. Here are all the ways the Lenovo Smart Display enhances your assistance.

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Where to Hide Your Speakers? Put Them Above The Ceiling Tiles

A new audio product from Revolution Acoustics has made it possible to install completely hidden audio sources in suspended ceilings. The patent-pending Ubiqui-T360, an innovative ceiling tile mounting system for the SSP6 Multiducer, brings the company’s constant-SPL planar wave audio technology to any drop ceiling, with no change in the visible appearance of the ceiling. The Ubiqui-T360 mount attaches in less than two minutes by a professional to an existing ceiling tile, after which an SSP6 Multiducer unit is screwed into place. Once installed, each speaker provides 360 degree coverage of up to 1,200 square feet, with power handling of up to 150 watts (400 watts instantaneous peak). All you see is the ceiling tile; the speaker remains completely concealed.

“With our new product, whole-home audio can really mean the whole home,” says Revolution Acoustics CEO Bob Katz. “The Ubiqui-T360 brings our revolutionary sonic quality to basements, home theaters, play rooms and workout rooms while providing an unmatched value proposition. We provide more uniform coverage, with constant SPL and frequency response, using far fewer speakers than you would need with traditional point-source ceiling speakers.”

The Ubiqui-T360 panel is sized to fit within 2’ x 2’ or 2’ x 4’ and metric equivalent sized ceiling panels and does not require any tools for installation.

If that’s not crafty enough, Revolution Acoustics offers a speaker that resembles a pendant light. The patent pending Pendant360 is designed for indoor or outdoor use and provides 360 degree, immersive audio. The Pendant360 may also be mounted horizontally, enabling installation on poles or other open-wall structures.

“The Pendant360 is the only pendant speaker on the market that gives you consistent sound quality and frequency response no matter where you are standing or sitting,” says Katz, “and its small footprint and flat, paintable surface allows it to disappear into its surroundings.

Each Pendant360 unit measures only 13.8” x 13.8” x 0.6”.

The post Where to Hide Your Speakers? Put Them Above The Ceiling Tiles appeared first on Electronic House.

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13 unusual things you should always pack when traveling - CNET

A trash bag is more useful than you think.

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These countertop appliances take new approaches to cooking - CNET

They look like microwaves, but each cooker employs new techniques to preparing meals.

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Best smart home tech for your dorm - CNET

These tech products will make you want to spend more time in your dorm room.

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Why People Still Rent DVDs

How choice, community support and nostalgia are keeping the last Blockbuster alive in Bend, Oregon. After spending an afternoon at my local blockbuster, I learned a lot about who still rents videos and why.

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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/why-people-still-rent

Foil vs. parchment vs. wax paper vs. freezer paper: Here's when to use them - CNET

These go-to cooking staples have very different uses. Make sure you're using the right one with this guide.

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Elliot Scheiner, Surround Sound Mixmaster

Legendary producer/engineer Elliot Scheiner at LA's iconic Capitol Studios.

“I make these records, so I know what the artists want to hear,” notes legendary producer/engineer Elliot Scheiner (a.k.a. ELS) while perched behind the main mixing board in Capitol Records Studio A in Los Angeles. I sat down exclusively in the control room with Scheiner and the members of acclaimed indie/folk-rockers Dawes to discuss their mutual and individual goals for surround sound recording and mixing, and how well it all comes across in the ELS Studio 3D premium audio system in the 2019 Acura RDX.

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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/elliot-scheiner-surround-sound-mixmaster

9 devices every Airbnb host should put in their rental - CNET

These smart home devices can make the experience less stressful for you and your Airbnb guests.

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https://www.cnet.com/how-to/devices-every-airbnb-host-should-put-in-their-house/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Get Your Zzzzs: 5 Sleep Trackers for a Better Night’s Rest

Are you getting the sleep you need? There’s one way to find out: use a sleep tracking device. According to sleep research from Parks Associates, nearly 29 million U.S. broadband households currently own a product that helps them track their sleep quality, representing less than half of the nearly 60 million consumers who report having at least one sleep problem. Sleep & IoT: Behaviors, Awareness, and Opportunities reveals 51% of U.S. broadband households are interested in buying a sleep tech device.

Sleep Trackers Pinpoint Problems

“Sleep tracking features of smart watches and fitness trackers are raising consumer awareness about lack of sleep—42% of consumers in U.S. broadband households are concerned their health will worsen due to poor sleep quality,” says Jennifer Kent, director, Research Quality and Product Development, Parks Associates. “Still, once a consumer understands their sleep patterns, then the issue becomes what to do about it? Most consumers have not brought up these concerns with their doctors, but many state they would be willing to see a doctor if sleep tech detected a problem with their sleep patterns.”

Related: How controllable lighting can promote better sleep

Sleep & IoT: Behaviors, Awareness, and Opportunities report 58% of U.S. broadband households rated as valuable a sensor, device, or app that can detect and track potential sleep apnea/respiratory issues, potential restless leg syndrome, or potential insomnia issues. Among them, 85% said they would be likely to see a doctor based on this information.

Wearable devices are a popular option for tracking sleep, but if you’d rather not go to bed with something on your wrist, there are many non-wearable products: Here are six of the best non-wearable sleep tracking devices, according to No Sleepless Nights:

 

EMfit QS

EMFit QS (Quantified Sleep) is a sleep monitor that lets you measure the effect sleep has on your health and sports training. It measures heart and breathing rates, heart rate variability, stress levels, sleep quality, length of time for deep, REM, light sleep and total sleep, as well as movement activity (tossing and turning.) It detects whether the user is in or out of bed, awake or asleep, and measures snoring without the need to use a phone or microphone for detection.

EMFIT QS gathers information automatically. Data is transferred by Wi-Fi or cellular signal to a cloud server accessed through a personal dashboard.

 

S+ by ResMed

S+ by ResMed sits on the nightstand where it listens to the sound of breathing. It also detects the movement of your upper body while you sleep.

The movement it detects consists of the expansion and relaxation of your chest as you breathe in and out, and overall body movements such as positional changes, arm twitches and shrugs.

You get a report on your smartphone with tips on how to improve your sleep. It includes software algorithms that recognise the combination of respiration and body-movement signals, so that the overall sleep state can be reliably assessed.

You receive tailored feedback from S+ by ResMed after your first night’s sleep, along with tips on how to improve your sleep. Later, after experts at S+ by ResMed analyze the date, you receive personalized feedback and suggestions.

 

 

 

Beddit 3

The Beddit 3 slides horizontally across the bed where you sleep, preferably under your heart. You cover it with a bedsheet and connect the attached cable to a power adapter which plugs into the wall. After setup it measures body movements in response to the heart pumping blood and breathing effort. It also monitors snoring, and the bedroom temperature and humidity. A smart alarm wakes hyou up at the best part of your sleep cycle.

 

RestOn Sleepace

The Sleepace from RestOn is another under the sheet or mattress monitor. It monitors hera rate, respiratory rate, sleep time and duration, and tracks the number of times you wake up, turn over, and leave the bed. The app aggregates all of this information and provides a detailed report of your resting patterns.

 

Withings Aura Smart Sleep System

The Withings Aura Smart Sleep System consists of a strap that sits under the mattress to measure your movement, a bedside unit that monitors the conditions of the room and produces light and sound to help you sleep, and a mobile app that shows your results. The bedside unit also works like an alarm clock, waking you up slowing during the lightest stages of sleep.

Besides monitoring real-time heart rate and respiratorand heart rate are analyzed to determine the actual sleep quality.

 

The post Get Your Zzzzs: 5 Sleep Trackers for a Better Night’s Rest appeared first on Electronic House.

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Amazon's Cloud ESP just made every Alexa gadget a better listener - CNET

The Amazon Echo's ESP feature makes it so only the Alexa device closest to you responds to your question. Now, new cloud-based software will make it much easier for Alexa gadgets not made by Amazon to follow suit.

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Outdoor AV Roundup

The weather is warm and outdoors is the place to be. It doesn’t matter if you’re poolside, at the beach, or on the road with the family, you don’t have to leave your music and movies behind. Here are 10 AV gear suggestions for getting an entertainment fix in the great outdoors.

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The 15 coolest things you can do with your Amazon Echo - CNET

Get a new Echo and want some ideas on what to do with it? Thinking about buying one and curious about Alexa's appeal? You, my friend, have come to the right collection of images and captions.

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5 reasons to get a smart lock already - CNET

It's time to upgrade your deadbolt with a smarter model.

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Survey: Pay TV Exodus Accelerates in the U.S.

Cord-cutting — the practice of dropping traditional cable TV in favor of internet-delivered content — is expected to jump more than 30 percent this year, according to the latest forecast from eMarketer.

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Atlantic Tech Ships Gatecrasher 1 Smart Speaker

Atlantic Technology has announced that the Gatecrasher 1 smart speaker it previewed in June is now available on amazon.com for $499.

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This is the right way to pack your clothes - CNET

Three different methods, but which one is best?

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What's the best way to pack your clothes? 3 methods, tested video - CNET

It's folding vs. rolling vs. packing cubes. Which method will win?

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Amazon bought Ring months ago. Why don't their products work together yet? - CNET

Commentary: Amazon should look to Google and Nest to see how to handle Ring.

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Save up to 30% on Ecobee3 + 3 Sensors Thermostat - CNET

Save up to 30% on Ecobee3 + 3 Sensors Thermostat

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Build your own Echo Show on the cheap - CNET

Don't want to spend $230 for Amazon's Alexa-with-a-screen? You can build one for a lot less.

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Kuri gets cancelled: Mayfield Robotics pauses operations - CNET

The development puts the future of the adorable Kuri robot in doubt.

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Ellumi's LEDs use light to kill household germs and mold - CNET

Can you really eliminate gross stuff by turning on a light?

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How to use the broil function in your oven - CNET

It cooks fast, and takes supervision, but you'll get hooked.

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KKmoon 720p WiFi Baby Monitor for $19 + free s&h from China - CNET

KKmoon 720p WiFi Baby Monitor for $19

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Senators Raise Smart TV Privacy Concerns

If you have privacy concerns about what information your smart TV is gathering and how it’s being used, you’re not alone.

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Giving Movie Musicals Their Due

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (that is, a sequel) opened in theaters this week. I didn’t realize that the first film, Mamma Mia! The Musical was a major hit when it was released in 2009, selling hundreds of billions of tickets to folks worldwide. I wasn’t of them, having a love/hate relationship with the Abba tunes featured in the film.

In fact I’ve always had a love/hate relationship with movie musicals. La La Land lost me after the first song and dance number from the otherwise appealing leads who could neither sing nor dance. And apart from that title and a few others (notably The Greatest Showman—a recent release now available on a spectacular UHD Blu-ray), the musical hasn’t received a lot of film love in recent years. But it was, for decades, a movie staple...

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Yamaha $650 Slimline Receiver, Small, Smart and Listens to Amazon Alexa

Audio and video components are shrinking in size, and that’s good news for people who live in smaller spaces or who simply want something that’s easier to hide. Yamaha’s newest A/V receiver, the $650 RX-S602 Yamaha Slimline, stands just 4.5-inches high.

Although small in stature, it packs in plenty of top-notch technology. It supports 5.1 theater applications, as well as wireless whole-house audio through the inclusion of the company’s MusicCast platform. It also offers Amazon Alexa voice control capabilities.

“The RX-S602 makes powerful surround sound a reality for those living in a limited amount of space,” comments Robert Goedken, general manager, A/V division, Yamaha Corporation of America. “With MusicCast surround capability, in addition to Alexa voice control, this slimline receiver opens up a broad range of wireless options for the compact home audio setup.”

The RX-S602 supports a 5.1 surround-sound system with left, center, right and wireless speakers for left and right rear surrounds. The wireless whole-house MusicCast platform lets you stream audio content over Wi-Fi to any MusicCast-enabled component.

Related: How to ensure a solid Wi-Fi connection

Yamaha Adds Alexa Voice Control & 4K Video Support

Yamaha’s latest receiver incorporates voice control via the Amazon Alexa family of products, with additional support from Yamaha’s own MusicCast skill, available for download in the Alexa store.

The RX-S602 also supports 4K video at 60fps, and high dynamic range (HDR) formats such as Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG).

The receiver also includes wireless Bluetooth, Wi-Fi networking, Apple AirPlay and Spotify Connect. It also supports a variety of streaming services inlcuding Pandora, SiriusXM Internet Radio, TIDAL, Deezer and Napster, and incorporates a Zone 2 option allowing for the transmission of audio from an independent source to a separate set of speakers.

The RX-S602 A/V receiver also incorporates Yamaha’s YPAO auto-calibration and Cinema DSP technologies, which enable you to fine-tune the sound quality.

YPAO measures the room acoustics and system response and adjusts the receiver’s output for the best possible sound. Yamaha says its Cinema DSP 3D supports the creating of sound fields like movie theaters and concert halls.

The RX-S602 Slimline A/V receiver will be available this upcoming August.

The post Yamaha $650 Slimline Receiver, Small, Smart and Listens to Amazon Alexa appeared first on Electronic House.

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Here's everything that works with Google Home and Home Mini - CNET

With a built-in voice assistant, Google's Home and Home Mini smart speakers can each act as your secretary, music hub and smart-home controller. Here are all the products and services that work with them.

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Home Automation System Sets the Tone for Luxurious Lakeside Living

Blessed with beautiful views of an inland lake, you better believe the owners of this home made sure to install massive windows — and lots of them. In fact, the majority of the lake-facing side of the house features wall-to-wall glass. As stunning as these sensational fenestrations might be, though, they do pose a few problems. Sunlight can fade furnishings and throw a glare onto TV screens. There’s also the heat generated by the incoming sunlight to combat. Lastly, unclad windows preserve none of an occupants’ privacy. Those windows needed some TLC.

Thankfully, when the owners began designing plans for their new 15,000-square-foot home, they contacted the team at Spire Integrated Systems, of Traverse City, Mich. to add a few high-tech systems to handle the harsh afternoon sunshine. It was a project that earned the Electronic House Home of the Year Award for Best Smart Contemporary Smart Home, $150,000 and Up.

See more award winners here, here, and here

“When we first started working with the homeowners, our initial goal was to prewire it to the hilt and install a Lutron architectural lighting and shading system,” says Navot Shoresh, president of Spire. “Sunlight would affect a lot of the house, so these two technologies would be extremely beneficial to the homeowners; and, based on our years of experience, we expected that as the project progressed the owners would likely ask us to install other types systems.”

Shoresh’s hunch was spot on. Within a few weeks, plans for the smart home project grew to include a full-blown Savant automation system that spreads audio and video content to speakers and TVs housewide and controls a security system and surveillance cameras, motorized entry gate, numerous water features, motorized TV lifts — and, of course, the 256 lights and nearly 60 motorized shades.

Savant Automation System Empowers the Household

The evolution of integrated systems made Savant an ideal choice for the job, which took two years to complete. “It would allow the owners themselves to create routines for the systems to follow, which makes them feel more empowered and not like hostages in their own home,” Shoresh explains. “It completely removed any trepidation of the technology.” Of course, he and his team configured the system fully for the family, with several customized scenes and automated scenarios for the ultimate in ease and simplicity.

For example, lights inside and outside the home activate automatically based on the time of day and the occupancy. Shades lift up and down in sync with sunrise and sunset. Again, because maintaining a view was of the upmost importance, Spire programmed the shades to descend only halfway down the windows. “This would shade the interior of the house, yet still give the owners an unobstructed view outside,” Shoresh says.

Putting these systems on auto pilot saves the owners from the tedium of manual adjustments, but they find the Savant app on their mobile devices to be just has helpful. With a quick tap and swipe on the screen, they can access, monitor, and operate every Savant-connected device in the house, from the couch, the backyard, bedroom, or thousands of miles from home.

Entertainment Enlightenment

Entertainment was a natural complement to the lighting and shading systems, turning the home into the perfect place to entertain friends and family or to simply relax and unwind with music and a movie. Spire packed the house with plenty of options. Tucked neatly inside an equipment closet are cable boxes, Apple TV, and an Autonomic media server that streams music from Pandora, Tidal, and other online services to 26 listening zones equipped with a variety of Sonance interior and exterior speakers, plus a pair of Meridian floorstanding units in the living room for a two-channel stereo effect.

The Meridian duo is accompanied by a 70-inch Sony TV — just one of many. With TVs of this size, it’s easy for the technology to become the visual focal point. Rather than let that happen, the owners, architect and Spire team collaborated on a unique solution that completely removes at least a couple TVs from the spotlight.

“In order to maintain the views, we placed a 65-inch TV in the kitchen and a 36-inch TV in the master bedroom on motorized lifts that raise the displays from the floor and into viewing position,” Shoresh explains. “It was one of the most challenging parts of the project as we had to build a space below the floor to house each TV, move a slice of granite from the floor to allow the TV to pass, and then move that piece of granite back into positon to fit flush with the rest of the floor.”

The disappearing TV act was a success. Stowing them below the floor, the windows remain the main eye candy. Should the owners want to watch a show from their bed or catch the news while sipping coffee in the morning, they simply go to the Savant app on their iPad or iPhone, and command the Future Automation lifts to bring the TVs up into perfect viewing position. They go back into their hiding spots just as easily when the show is over.

Slick but Sensible

This same lift-and-lower technique was applied to the shelving unit in the rec room. Except with this setup, the shelves, which hold liquor for the bar, rise from a locked cabinet below when the owner presses his thumb to a biometric reader. ”It’s a great way to keep a party from getting out of hand,” Shoresh says.

The motorized TVs and bar shelves are slick in design but still serve very practical purposes, just like every other smart system in this lake house. “We really focused on what made sense for the home and family and didn’t spend time or money on things that probably wouldn’t get used,” Shoresh remarks.

For example, two Meridian speakers instead of a full surround-sound setup suffice in the living room, and in-wall speakers were installed only in rooms where music listening would definitely happen — not throughout the entire house. Money and technology was invested in parts of the home deemed extremely important, like shading for the windows and scenery-saving TVs.

Systems & Equipment

• Savant controls
• Lutron lighting and shading
• Savant audio/video distribution
• Meridian, Sonance speakers
• Sony TVs
• Integra amplifiers

 

The post Home Automation System Sets the Tone for Luxurious Lakeside Living  appeared first on Electronic House.

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Why you should take Alexa with you on vacation and how to do it - CNET

Alexa isn't just great for the home, it can also help while you're on vacation. Here's how.

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VIZIO Ships Flagship 65-Inch 4K Smart TV

Vizio today announced the availability of the flagship 65-Inch 4K smart TV it previewed at CES 2018 in January.

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Bill Maher Comedy Special Slated for Digital Release

HBO has announced that the stand-up comedy special Bill Maher: Live from Oklahoma that aired July 7 will be available for digital download August 6.

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Refurb Logitech Circle 2 1080p Camera for $80 + free shipping - CNET

Refurb Logitech Circle 2 1080p Camera for $80

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Report: Google's Nest wants to create smart home devices for senior citizens - CNET

The devices could help people live independently longer, CNBC reports.

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Alexa, turn up the bass! Amazon rolls out equalizer controls for Echo devices - CNET

Want to adjust the treble, bass or mid-range on your Echo speaker? Just ask Alexa.

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Netgear adds a smart doorbell to its Arlo home security lineup - CNET

But this buzzer doesn't have a built-in security camera.

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Remodeling the Kitchen or Bath? Here’s How to Unite Design and Technology

Vanco Introduces HDMI Wireless Extender, Bluetooth Adapter

Vanco, an Illinois-based distributor of electronic accessories, has announced an HDMI extender that wirelessly extends signals up to 131 feet and a Bluetooth transmitter/receiver kit that brings wireless connectivity to components that lack it.

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Amazon's Echo Show makes Alexa more accessible to the deaf and speech-impaired - CNET

Live today, Amazon's new "Tap to Alexa" feature lets hearing- and speech-impaired users trigger common Alexa tricks with a few taps on the screen, no conversation needed.

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How to pick the perfect carry-on bag and pack it right - CNET

Stay safe, stay entertained and don't be naked with these tips.

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1More Updates Gaming Headphones with 3D Sound Technology

China-based headphone specialist 1More, maker of the Quad Driver earphones that made our 2017 Top Picks list, has announced an updated version of its Spearhead VR gaming headphones that uses processing developed by pro-sound company Waves Audio to “eliminate the ‘head effect’ and enhance the sense of space and position.”

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The best travel tips: Packing hacks, cheap flights, securing your home and more - CNET

Getting ready for your trip doesn't have to be stressful. Let us help.

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Leaving on vacation? Put your smart home in vacation mode - CNET

Leaving your home behind for days or weeks can be stressful, even when it's smart. Use these tips to gain peace of mind.

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Behind the scenes at Misty Robotics - CNET

We go inside the headquarters of Misty Robotics in Boulder, Colorado to see how the company is building home robots.

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Misty the adorable robot just wants to be your friend - CNET

It's much more than Alexa on wheels.

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Up to 15% select CPLA Lighting - CNET

Up to 15% select CPLA Lighting

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The amazing ceiling fan trick you're not using - CNET

Depending on the time of year, your ceiling fan should rotate in a different direction. Here's why.

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Quick tip: Find the hot spots in your microwave - CNET

All you need are some marshmallows.

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Save on Logitech Circle 2 Indoor/Outdoor Wired Home Security Camera Works with Alexa, HomeKit and Google, with Easy Setup, 1080p HD, 180° Wide-Angle, Night Vision, 2-Way Talk, Alerts, Free 24-Hours Storage and more - CNET

Save on Logitech Circle 2 Indoor/Outdoor Wired Home Security Camera Works with Alexa, HomeKit and Google, with Easy Setup, 1080p HD, 180° Wide-Angle, Night Vision, 2-Way Talk, Alerts, Free 24-Hours Storage and more

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Save on Select First Alert products - CNET

Save on Select First Alert products

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Ring's budget home security system covers the basics video - CNET

Ring's uncomplicated $199 Alarm Security Kit keeps an eye on your home for less than the competition.

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How to keep pests out of your home - CNET

From bedbugs to mice, here's your all-natural antipest guide.

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What a streamlined HomeKit means for Apple's smart home ambitions - CNET

For starters, you can probably expect to see a lot more HomeKit gadgets.

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Smart home gadgets aren't foolproof, even if you skip the installation - CNET

A shiny new home with a Nest thermostat and a Rachio sprinkler system! What could go wrong?

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Ring's inexpensive security system handles the essentials for less - CNET

The $199 Ring Alarm Security Kit is a solid home security system at a great price.

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25% off Diaper Genie with Mama Bear Refills by Amazon (Bundle and Save) - CNET

25% off Diaper Genie with Mama Bear Refills by Amazon (Bundle and Save)

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Amazon Prime Video to Support Dolby Atmos

Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan will be the first Amazon video release to carry a Dolby Atmos soundtrack when it becomes available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video August 31.

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Game Of Thrones: The Complete First Season

Picture
Sound
Extras

Rewatching Game of Thrones, this time on Ultra HD Blu-ray, so many years after first entering Westeros, that fictional realm conjured up by fantasy writer George R.R. Martin, is an experience akin to visiting an old friend—and a crime scene. As the series unfolds, and its extensive cast of characters get introduced, there’s an uncomfortable pang that comes from knowing what hellish circumstances these men, women, and children are about to endure. The first episode marks the first time you hear “winter is coming” uttered. The statement is tossed off casually and doesn’t land with much impact. But it does leave a certain chill in its wake. These poor folks don’t know the half of it.

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EatSmart Precision Digital Bathroom Scale with Extra Large Lighted Display - CNET

EatSmart Precision Digital Bathroom Scale with Extra Large Lighted Display

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Audirvana Plus Music Player Comes to Windows 10

Audirvana, maker of the Audirvana Plus audiophile music player for Mac users, has introduced a Windows 10 version of the software.

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How to survive without a microwave - CNET

You don't really need a microwave. Here's how you can cook, reheat food and more without one.

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8 unexpected ways to use a George Foreman Grill - CNET

This little grill can do so much more than make burgers.

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Top Remodeling Projects for Your Smart Home

The easy way to find out if your refrigerator is keeping your food cold enough - CNET

Check your fridge's temperature with a thermometer to make sure it's staying as cool as it should.

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Ring Alarm Security Kit review: Ring's crazy-affordable DIY system nails simple home security - CNET

The Ring Alarm Security Kit isn't fancy, but it's a solid DIY system at an unbeatable price.

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Save on Philips Hue 2 Bulb Color Starter Kit - CNET

Save on Philips Hue 2 Bulb Color Starter Kit

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USB Wall Charger With Hidden Camera - CNET

Keep Tabs from Any Outlet with this Hidden Camera/Charger Combo

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Sony XBR-65X900F LCD Ultra HDTV Review

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value

PRICE $2,300

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Excellent shadow detail
Superb color and resolution
Punchy HDR
Minus
Mediocre off-axis performance
Some blooming

THE VERDICT
The new Sony XBR-65X900F is no OLED-killer, but it offers OLED-like benefits at a reasonable price.

OLED ULTRA HDTVS grab most of today’s headlines. And although prices for OLED sets have dropped dramatically over the last year, they still command a high premium. Even flagship LCD sets— Sony’s Z9D line, for example—remain beyond the price reach of many consumers. Sony’s new X900F LCD TVs, which are available in screen sizes all the way up to 85 inches, provide a more reasonable alternative. Choose the 65-inch X900F under review here and you’ll leave the store with a far smaller dent on your credit line than you would when buying an OLED or a flagship LCD.

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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/sony-xbr-65x900f-lcd-ultra-hdtv-review

How to keep your bread fresh longer - CNET

Whether it's bagels or buns, here's how to keep your bread from going stale.

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https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-keep-your-bread-fresh-longer/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Flashback 1999: World’s Biggest TV!

Nineteen years ago this month, Sound & Vision had just published its fifth issue. The cover featured the “world’s biggest TV” — an 80-inch Mitsubishi rear-projection TV that was positively huge by today’s skinny-TV standards.

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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/flashback-1999-world%E2%80%99s-biggest-tv

Wemo the first in new wave of easier-to-use HomeKit devices - CNET

After a software update, the Wemo Mini smart switch will become the first device to connect with HomeKit via software protocols, no MFi chip (or Wemo Bridge) necessary.

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https://www.cnet.com/news/wemo-mini-smart-switch-syncs-directly-with-apple-homekit-software-protocol-no-mfi-chip-needed/#ftag=CADa08b18a

How Do I Diagnose Phase Problems in My System?

Got a tech question for Sound & Vision? Email us at AskSandV@gmail.com

Q I can’t seem to get clear dialogue when playing some movies and TV shows and am forced to used closed captioning. I believe my problem is caused by improper phase. My home theater setup consists of five speakers plus dual subwoofers that have a polarity switch and phase knob. I’ve heard that the proper way to adjust phase is to play a sine wave at 80 Hz (same as my crossover setting) and then turn off all speakers except the left or right speaker and its adjacent sub. The next step: adjust polarity and phase until you measure the highest SPL level at the main listening position. Am I going about things right? Any other suggestions to improve dialogue intelligibility in my system? —AMIT ALCALAY

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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/how-do-i-diagnose-phase-problems-my-system

AudioQuest ‘Optical HDMI’ Cable Good for 100 Feet

AudioQuest has announced a hybrid optical/HDMI cable that uses an electro-optical conversion module and four glass-fiber optical conductors to carry 18Gbps of data — including HDR-enabled 4K video — up to 100 feet.

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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/audioquest%E2%80%99-%E2%80%98optical-hdmi%E2%80%99-cable-good-100-feet

Roku Moves into Wireless Audio with Roku TV Wireless Speakers

The preorder price of the Roku TV is $150 through July 23. From July 24 to Oct. 15, the bundle will be available for $180 before shifting to its regular $200 cost. The bundle includes a pair of Roku TV speakers, a Roku TV voice remote, a Roku Touch tabletop remote, two power cables, and four AAA batteries.

Aiming to improve the sound quality of flat-panel televisions, the speakers comes with a voice control remote and sell for $150 for a limited time.

“Picture quality, a tremendous selection of content, value and ease of use make Roku TVs some of the most popular smart TVs on the market today,” says Anthony Wood, CEO. “Adding great audio dramatically enhances the way people experience their favorite entertainment. With this package, we’re able to offer our customers a simple and affordable way to further immerse themselves into the TV, movies and music they love, while providing them with a better whole-home entertainment experience.”

Turnkey Audio

Designed to set up and install quickly, the wireless speakers pair to TVs equipped with the Roku TV OS.

Once the wireless speakers are paired with a Roku TV through the OS, homeowners can listen to audio from any streaming channel on the Roku platform, as well as live television from over the air antenna broadcasts, set-top cable and satellite boxes, and wireless audio via Bluetooth-enabled devices such as phones and tablets.

The speakers offer features such as Automatic Volume Leveling to maintain a consistent volume level between programming and commercials, and the speakers’ Dialog Enhancement is said to improve speech intelligibility of TV shows and movies.

The company emphasizes that its new wireless speakers work exclusively with Roku TVs, which it says account for 25 percent of all smart televisions sold in the U.S. during the first quarter of 2018.

The remote control is a battery-powered tabletop voice remote featuring a press-and-hold voice command button, playback control buttons, and programmable preset button options.

To help launch the speakers and the bundle, the company is running a pre-order special from July 16 to July 23 in which consumers can order the bundle for $150. Once the initial preorder expires, there will be another special from July 24 to Oct. 15 in which the price of the bundle is $180.

After the special pricing offers completely expire the cost of the bundle will be $200.

The complete Roku TV Wireless Speaker Bundle includes:

• A pair of Roku TV Wireless Speakers.
• A Roku TV Voice Remote.
• A Roku Touch tabletop remote.
• Two power cables.
• Four AAA batteries.

The post Roku Moves into Wireless Audio with Roku TV Wireless Speakers appeared first on Electronic House.

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https://www.electronichouse.com/home-theater/roku-moves-into-wireless-audio-with-roku-tv-wireless-speakers/