You could win* an Instant Pot for Mother's Day! - CNET

Enter our online giveaway for a chance to be one of the three lucky winners who can surprise Mom with a programmable pressure cooker. This sweepstakes ends May 6, 2018, and it's valid in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico.

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Amazon Debuts Smart Home Services, Security Package Tiers

5 ways you can add Alexa to your car right now - CNET

If you use Alexa at home every day, why not bring her along for your daily commute?

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10 things you can clean with Coke - CNET

Coca-Cola may be one of the world's favorite fizzy beverages, but it's also great for other things, such as cleaning.

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Pioneer Rounds Out Elite Series with $699 AVR

Pioneer today introduced a new $699 addition to its Elite family of AV receivers.

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Yunmai Smart Scale - Body Fat Scale with Fitness APP & Body Composition Monitor with Extra Large Display - CNET

Yunmai Smart Scale - Body Fat Scale with Fitness APP & Body Composition Monitor with Extra Large Display

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Alexa exec Charlie Kindel leaves Amazon to spend more time with his smart home - CNET

Citing a desire to catch his breath, Kindel, who helped scale up Alexa for the mainstream, is leaving the internet giant after five years.

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‘Die Hard’ Gets Remastered in 4K for 30th Anniversary

Twentieth Century Fox is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the 1988 action classic Die Hard with a remastered 4K/Ultra HD Blu-ray release of the film, a limited-edition Steelbook version, and a box set featuring the five-film series — all due out May 15.

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Eufy BodySense Smart Scale with Bluetooth, Large LED Display, Weight/Body Fat/BMI/Fitness Body Composition Analysis, Auto On/Off, Auto Zeroing, Tempered Glass Surface, Black/White, lbs/kg/st Units - CNET

Eufy BodySense Smart Scale with Bluetooth, Large LED Display, Weight/Body Fat/BMI/Fitness Body Composition Analysis, Auto On/Off, Auto Zeroing, Tempered Glass Surface, Black/White, lbs/kg/st Units

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Crestron Home Automation Now Supports 3rd Party AV

Crestron has announced that its Pyng home automation platform will support IP control of third party AV devices, including LG’s 2017 and 2018 OLED, SUPER UHD, and UHD TV’s.

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MINGER 10W PAR30 Radar Motion Sensor LED Bulb, 60W Equivalent, 800 Lumens Soft White 3000K, E27 Base, 120°Beam Angle Spotlight, for Indoor and Outdoor 2 Pack - CNET

MINGER 10W PAR30 Radar Motion Sensor LED Bulb, 60W Equivalent, 800 Lumens Soft White 3000K, E27 Base, 120°Beam Angle Spotlight, for Indoor and Outdoor 2 Pack

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SENS8 Home Security Device, Smart Wireless All-in-One Home Security Camera System with Alarm - CNET

SENS8 Home Security Device, Smart Wireless All-in-One Home Security Camera System with Alarm

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Reolink 1440p Security IP Camera for $57 + free shipping - CNET

Reolink 1440p Security IP Camera for $57

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Nest 3rd-Generation Learning Thermostat for $183 + free shipping - CNET

Nest 3rd-Generation Learning Thermostat for $183

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MINGER 10W PAR30 Radar Motion Sensor LED Bulb, 60W Equivalent, 800 Lumens Soft White 3000K, E27 Base, 120°Beam Angle Spotlight, for Indoor and Outdoor 2 Pack - CNET

MINGER 10W PAR30 Radar Motion Sensor LED Bulb, 60W Equivalent, 800 Lumens Soft White 3000K, E27 Base, 120°Beam Angle Spotlight, for Indoor and Outdoor 2 Pack

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Taylor Electronic Glass Talking Bathroom Scale, 440 Lb. Capacity - CNET

Taylor Electronic Glass Talking Bathroom Scale, 440 Lb. Capacity

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MagicLight Bluetooth Smart Light Bulb - Dimmable Multicolored Disco Light - Wake Up LED Lights & Sleeping Night Light – Smartphone Controlled Xmas Seasonal Celebration Lighting - CNET

MagicLight Bluetooth Smart Light Bulb - Dimmable Multicolored Disco Light - Wake Up LED Lights & Sleeping Night Light – Smartphone Controlled Xmas Seasonal Celebration Lighting

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Wemo Light Switch 2-pack, Wi-Fi Enabled, Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant - CNET

Wemo Light Switch 2-pack, Wi-Fi Enabled, Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant

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Hyperikon T8 LED Light Tube 4ft, 18W, Glass, Single-End Powered, Frosted - CNET

Hyperikon T8 LED Light Tube 4ft, 18W, Glass, Single-End Powered, Frosted

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Smart Bulb - CNET

Smart Bulb

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Vintage Edison LED Bulbs, 8W ST64(ST21) Dimmable Antique LED Bulbs, 80W Incandescent Equivalent, 680 Lumens 2700K – 3200K Warm White, Squirrel Cage Filament, e26 /e27 Base,Clear Glass Cover,4 Pack - CNET

Vintage Edison LED Bulbs, 8W ST64(ST21) Dimmable Antique LED Bulbs, 80W Incandescent Equivalent, 680 Lumens 2700K – 3200K Warm White, Squirrel Cage Filament, e26 /e27 Base,Clear Glass Cover,4 Pack

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Keymit LED Candelabra Bulb Dimmable - CNET

Keymit LED Candelabra Bulb Dimmable

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Hyperikon A19/A21 15.5W - CNET

Hyperikon A19/A21 15.5W

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3 easy ways to make this allergy season less horrible - CNET

Tired of sneezing? Combine some tech and some smart home tips to fend off allergens.

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The Big Picture: How Big Is Big Enough?

The Technology changes, but the goal remains the same.

In prepping for the May print issue’s focus on front projection, I found myself philosophizing on the value of having a big image for viewing movies, TV serials, and sports. Not just big, but really big.

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3 Smart Home Spruce Ups for Summer

Google Assistant is smarter than Alexa, study finds - CNET

But Amazon's assistant is getting better.

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August Smart Lock vs. Kwikset Kevo - CNET

The August Smart Lock and Kwikset Kevo are solid contenders to secure your smart home, but which one takes the cake?

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Earth: One Amazing Day

Picture
Sound
Extras

Remember those A Day in the Life of… coffee table books that gave us glimpses of Hollywood and the Soviet Union and the like over a single 24-hour span? Imagine that same dynamic applied to some carefully selected, human-free locales across the globe, and you start to get the idea behind Earth: One Amazing Day. This sequel to the 2007 nature documentary Earth takes us from the pre-dawn hours well into the night, revealing visions of flora and fauna we’ve likely never seen before. (Giraffe smack-down!)

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Put a Google Assistant on your nightstand for $25 - CNET

Insignia's alarm-clock version of the Google Home makes a perfect addition to the bedroom -- especially at this price. Plus: a Cheapskate-exclusive deal on Ecovacs' new smart-vac!

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TCL Announces Pricing for 2018 Flagship TVs

TCL, the Chinese consumer electronics brand that has been aggressively pursuing the U.S. market in recent years, has announced pricing and availability for the flagship 4K/Ultra HD TVs it previewed at CES in January.

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Everything you need to know about Google Home - CNET

Here's your guide to getting started and getting the most out of your Google smart speaker.

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Honeywell Smart Color Touch Thermostat Works with Alexa - CNET

Honeywell Smart Color Touch Thermostat Works with Alexa

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New Yamaha Receiver Supports Wireless Surround Speakers

Entertainment enthusiasts know that the best way to build a reliable, versatile and great-sounding home theater surround system is to use an AV receiver with wired speakers. For many, this is still a go-to solution that works seamlessly. For others, it presents a dilemma: How to get wires to the back of the room for surround sound speakers without having unsightly exposed cables. Running speaker wire through walls can be a headache, and for those who rent their homes or have plaster walls, it’s simply not feasible. Now Yamaha gives home theater fans a choice: wired or wireless surrounds.

Three New 4K Yamaha Receivers

Yamaha is introducing three new 4K AV receivers—the 5.1-channel RX-V485 and 7.2-channel RX-V585 and RX-V685—two new speakers, the MusicCast 20 and MusicCast 50, and the new MusicCast SUB 100 subwoofer. Each of these products features a new wireless technology called MusicCast Surround. An enhancement of the company’s MusicCast wireless multi-room audio system, MusicCast Surround allows a user to build an AV receiver-based 5.1-channel surround sound system with wired speakers for the front channels (Front Left, Center, Front Right) and wireless speakers for the surrounds (Surround Left, Surround Right). It also supports the option of using a wireless subwoofer.

Rivaling the sound quality of a wired system, MusicCast Surround technology brings for the first time a wireless surround capability to Yamaha AV receivers, appealing to a broad range of customers at a variety of price and performance levels.

The RX-V 85 series AV receivers are also capable of supporting wired surround speakers for those who prefer a traditional setup or a speaker configuration with more than 5.1-channels. They also feature a host of other upgrades from last year’s line.

MusicCast Surround builds on the Yamaha MusicCast wireless multi-room audio system which enables music enthusiasts to stream their favorite tunes from almost any audio source over a Wi-Fi network to MusicCast-enabled products throughout the house. In comparison, when the MusicCast Surround mode is employed, a direct Wi-Fi connection is made between an RX-V 85 series AV receiver and the MusicCast 20 or MusicCast 50 wireless speakers so that the surround audio streams do not have to pass through the user’s home router.

Audio Streaming Services Supported

All of the new models come fully-loaded with wireless technologies, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay and Spotify Connect. They support numerous built-in streaming services, including Spotify, Pandora, SiriusXM Internet Radio, TIDAL, Deezer, Napster and thousands of free internet radio stations, all accessible via the free MusicCast app. They also all feature voice control via Amazon Alexa-equipped devices, such as the Echo and Echo Dot smart speakers, through the use of free MusicCast skills available on the Alexa Skills Store.

Key features and Benefits of the New Products:

RX-V 85 Series 4K AV Receivers: All three receivers deliver life-like images to connected TVs with up to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second. The receivers also pass through high dynamic range (HDR) video in the HDR 10, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma formats with BT.2020 wide color gamut (WCG) compatibility. The RX-V685 offers dual HDMI outputs for rooms incorporating both a flat-screen TV and a video projector.

All three models support HD Audio decoding of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio^T sound tracks, while the RX-V585 and RX-V685 also support object-based Dolby Atmos and DTS:X^T  decoding, which adds height effects through overhead speaker channels.

MusicCast Speakers: The compact MusicCast 20 and high-performance MusicCast 50 wireless speakers can be used as standalone audio systems, or with existing MusicCast components for multi-room audio linking, or used as wireless surround speakers with MusicCast Surround-enabled AV receivers.

Two MusicCast 20 speakers can be paired in stereo mode. A single MusicCast 50 delivers stereo sound by itself, while using two MusicCast 50 speakers yields even higher output and a wider sound field.

In a MusicCast Surround configuration, only a single MusicCast 50 is needed to produce two surround channels, but two units may be used for better performance. The MusicCast 50 delivers the highest performance of any MusicCast speaker, and features a lower profile than competing models in its performance class to fit more discreetly in more places at home.

Subwoofer: The MusicCast SUB 100 can be paired wirelessly with the new AV receivers as an alternative to a wired subwoofer, allowing for easy placement anywhere in the room. It can also be paired with either a single or two MusicCast 20 or MusicCast 50 speakers for 1.1-channel and 2.1-channel systems.

Pricing and Availability

The three RX-V 85 4K AV receivers will be available in May:

• RX-V485, $449.95
• RX-V585, $549.95
• RX-V685, $649.95

The following two MusicCast speakers will be available in July in a choice of black or white:

• MusicCast 20 at $229.95
• MusicCast 50 at $499.95

The MusicCast SUB 100 will be available in September in a piano black finish for $549.95

The post New Yamaha Receiver Supports Wireless Surround Speakers appeared first on Electronic House.

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Turn your old phone into a home security camera you can watch from anywhere - CNET

If you have one or more old phones hanging around, here's a way to turn them into security cameras you can log into from anywhere.

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Flashback 1968: The Bose 901 Speaker System

Julian Hirsch’s review of the Bose 901 in 1968 helped set off one of the greatest and longest-lasting audiophile debates.

There may be no singular product in modern audio history that has generated more accolades, derision, or pure controversy than the Bose 901 loudspeaker. Introduced in 1968 by a then four-year-old concern named after its MIT-educated founder, the 901 neither looked, nor sounded, like any speaker that had come before it. With its pentagonal cabinet that faced eight of its nine identical 4-inch, full-range drivers at the reflecting wall behind the speaker, its designer Amar Bose sought to have it mimic the way we hear in concert halls and imbue its sound with a giant soundstage and spatial realism that was unsurpassed.

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Refurb Netgear 720p Security Camera 4-Pack for $250 + free shipping - CNET

RefurbNetgear 720p Security Camera 4-Pack $250

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Netgear Arlo Add On Security Camera 2-Pack for $168 + free shipping - CNET

Netgear Arlo Add On Security Camera 2-Pack $168

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Refurb Philips Hue Stand Alone Bridge for $29 + free shipping - CNET

Refurb Philips Hue Stand Alone Bridge for $29

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Hyperikon BR30 12W - CNET

Hyperikon BR30 12W

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Can I Use Ceiling Speakers as Surrounds in an Atmos Setup?

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

Q I want to install a Dolby Atmos 5.1.2 speaker configuration using ceiling speakers for both overhead height effects and the left/right surrounds. How would you recommend I go about positioning the speakers? —Tuck Seng

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Live TV Streaming Services Are the New TV Providers

It is now possible to stream almost any TV show using dedicated apps. HBO Go, NBC, and other “TV Everywhere” apps provide unlimited access to stream new TV series’ episodes and movies if you already subscribe to the channel and sign in with the cable, satellite, or telecom provider. With more and more people switching to live TV streaming services, apps can now be authorized if you subscribe to the channel on Hulu Live TV, Playstation Vue, Sling TV, DirecTV Now, and others, though not all channels are offered by all live TV streaming services.

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Total recall? Amazon's giving Alexa a better memory - CNET

New features are on the way for Amazon's voice assistant -- including the ability to remember things about you.

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Denon Unveils Budget AVRs with Alexa Voice Control

Denon today announced the addition of six richly featured yet affordably priced models to its X- and S-Series of AV receivers.

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If this, then cash? IFTTT announces $24 million in new funds - CNET

The free online automation service is getting a fresh injection of capital, and plans on using the money to expand its platform and to "hire top talent."

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Q Acoustics Goes for ‘Bigger Sound’ With New 3000i Speaker Series

U.K.-based Q Acoustics has announced a new speaker series that builds on the company’s 3000 series by borrowing technology from the $5,999 flagship Concept 500 speaker, winner of the 2017-2018 EISA Award for Best Floorstanding Loudspeaker.

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April 2018 New Gear

AEmotiva DC-2 Desktop DAC
Supercharge your desktop rig! That’s what you’ll be able to do with the DC-2, an update of Emotiva’s reference-quality DC-1 digital-to-analog converter (DAC). Emotiva CEO Dan Laufman calls the new half-height DAC a “no-holds-barred converter for any enthusiast whose music library is stored on a computer or hard drive.

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SUNEON Par30 Led Short Neck (L=3.54'') 5000k Crystal White Glow 11w(75w-equivalent) Dimmable - 120v E26 Ul-listed (4-Pack) - CNET

SUNEON Par30 Led Short Neck (L=3.54'') 5000k Crystal White Glow 11w(75w-equivalent) Dimmable - 120v E26 Ul-listed (4-Pack)

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PAR30 Series + ShortNeck - CNET

PAR30 Series + ShortNeck

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Cary Audio Rethinks its Solid-State Amplifiers

Cary Audio, a company known for its tube amplifiers, has introduced two solid-state power amplifiers that offer “dramatically improved performance and current-handling capacity” over its previous solid-state models.

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Amazon's Alexa had a flaw that let eavesdroppers listen in - CNET

The problem was promptly fixed once researchers alerted Amazon.

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Wifi Smart Connected Body Fat Bathroom Scale by Weight Gurus, Backlit LCD, ITO Conductive Surface Technology, Accurate Precision Health Alerts, Measurements, and Monitoring - CNET

Wifi Smart Connected Body Fat Bathroom Scale by Weight Gurus, Backlit LCD, ITO Conductive Surface Technology, Accurate Precision Health Alerts, Measurements, and Monitoring

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Smart Speakers and ‘The Art of War’

Sun Tzu was a Chinese general and military theorist living in the 6th century B.C. He was the author of The Art of War, a treatise on military strategy and tactics. In addition to its profound military importance, his work has influenced many other competitive enterprises. I imagine that business executives are studying Sun Tzu right now, as they plan for one of the greatest corporate wars of all time.

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Amazon rolls out Alexa for kids: Dad jokes reach a new level - CNET

Starting May 9, customers can subscribe to a version of Alexa that has audio books, games and music catered to kids. Plus, there's the Echo Dot Kids Edition.

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ECOVACS DEEBOT Slim2 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner - CNET

This Highly-Rated Vacuum Takes the Work Out of Keeping Your Floors Clean

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This adjustable bed promises sleep nirvana - CNET

Put it this way: I nearly dozed off on the job trying it out.

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Smart home gifts for Mom - CNET

Make Mom's life a little easier this Mother's Day with a thoughtful smart home gift.

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Smart home gifts for grads - CNET

Help make your recent grad's home life a little more convenient and connected.

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Nest Hello vs Ring Pro - CNET

Can Nest's video doorbell stand toe-to-toe with the popular Ring Video Doorbell Pro?

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Rampage in A Quiet Place

Back in the Jurassic age movie theaters routinely offered double features. That practice has long since disappeared, but you can recreate it by seeing two movies on the same day. It takes some doing to get the schedule right, with perhaps a half hour between the end of the first film and the beginning of the second—just enough time to see a man about a dog. Of course it will cost you for separate tickets, and you’ll want to be sure you can get good seats for both films.

Then there’s the challenge of making a good pairing...

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Philips Monitor Achieves HDR1000 Certification

Philips has announced that its new 43-inch Momentum 436M6 4K/Ultra HD monitor, due out this summer for $1,000, is the first to achieve DisplayHDR 1000 certification from the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA).

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HGTV House Hunters Gem: 1980s House Ready to be Automated

The location, the view, the layout—all three checked off the must-have list when a recent HGTV House Hunter was introduced to this 1,360-square-foot home in San Clemente, Calif. Situated within walking distance to the ocean, the 3 bedroom house also had “good bones.” The only thing missing was smart home technology. But this didn’t prevent a purchase. Familiar with home technology, the home buyer knew that many features could be easily integrated into the residence, so jumped at the opportunity.

Smart Tech Punch List

Top on his list were smart shading and lighting systems—controls that would work seamlessly together to manage natural and artificial light to enhance the home’s décor.

To update the 1980s home with modern amenities, the new owner selected three solutions from Legrand: QMotion motorized window shades, Vantage Equinox keypad and lighting control system, and adorne smart light switches.

QMotion motorized roller shades were installed throughout the home to provide easy management of natural light and to help reduce heat build-up and glare in the bedrooms and living area. The owner was able to choose from a wide assortment of fabrics so that the shades complemented the room design.

Stylish Keypad and Switch Controls

To control the roller shades, as well as the home’s lighting, a Vantage Equinox LCD keypad was installed. The owner

uses it to create special lighting scenes that alter the levels of multiple lights with a single button press. In seconds the ambiance of the room can be set and changed on a whim. The same level of control is available from a companion mobile app on smartphones and tablets.

Supplementing the keypad and mobile app for shading and lighting control are customized adorne light switches and power outlets. Most of the rooms feature switches and outlets covered in a satin nickel wall plate, which suits the home’s clean modern aesthetic. However, the switches and outlets in the guest bedroom and office received special attention, featuring pewter faceplates in the guest bedroom and oil rubbed bronze in the office. In addition to enhancing the appearance of the outlets, the faceplates provided additional functionality through the inclusion of built-in USB ports.

2 Weeks from Start to Finish

The entire smart tech update was completed in two weeks. The shading solution was installed by a local home systems integrator; the electrical work was handled by a local licensed electrician. No new wiring was required, which simplified the installation, which made this House Hunter even happier with his decision to smarten up his house.

The post HGTV House Hunters Gem: 1980s House Ready to be Automated appeared first on Electronic House.

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Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug with Energy Monitoring review - CNET

Monitor your device's energy consumption with this $30 smart plug that works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

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9 surprising things Google Home can't yet do - CNET

The Google Home is a pretty well-rounded smart speaker, but there's a bunch of simple things it can't do.

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‘Paterno’ Starring Al Pacino Due for Download

HBO has announced that Paterno, the recently released film about the downfall of legendary Penn State football coach Joe Paterno, will be available for digital download on May 7.

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Ring WiFi Video Doorbell Pro for $187 + free shipping - CNET

Ring WiFi Video Doorbell Pro for $187

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New Yamaha AV Receivers Boast Wireless Surround

Yamaha aims to simplify home theater installation by offering a wireless surround option for three new budget AV receivers.

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12 gorgeous household devices we can’t stop staring at - CNET

Here's proof that basic gadgets like routers and light bulbs can be beautiful.

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Wearable Technology: The Future is Scary, But Also Fascinating

How Alexa can help you clean your house - CNET

Don't let cleaning get you down. Your favorite home assistant can help.

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PetChatz PawCall - CNET

PetChatz PawCall

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4 rooms that definitely need a smart speaker in your home - CNET

Your home might have a smart speaker already, but does it need another? And what rooms deserve one most?

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MeasuPro Instant Read Digital Pulse Oximter; Oxygen - CNET

MeasuPro Instant Read Digital Pulse Oximter; Oxygen

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Wall Pack Cutoff - CNET

Wall Pack Cutoff

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Nest Hello Smart WiFi Video Doorbell for $183 + free shipping - CNET

Nest Hello Smart WiFi Video Doorbell for $183

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4 places around your home you should have smart speakers video - CNET

Smart speakers are useful all around your home. But which rooms deserve one the most?

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LOHAS Smart LED Bulb, Wi-Fi Light, Multicolored LED Bulbs(UL Listed), A19 LED Dimmable 60W Equivalent(9W), Smartphone Controlled Daylight&Night Light, Home Lighting Compatible with Alexa(3 Pack) - CNET

LOHAS Smart LED Bulb, Wi-Fi Light, Multicolored LED Bulbs(UL Listed), A19 LED Dimmable 60W Equivalent(9W), Smartphone Controlled Daylight&Night Light, Home Lighting Compatible with Alexa(3 Pack)

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Next Level Acoustics Unveils Super Soundbar

Boston-based Next Level Acoustics has introduced a high-performance soundbar that can be customized to match TVs with screens starting at 70 inches and projection screens up to 200 inches (diagonal).

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Emerson Sensi thermostats answer Google Assistant commands - CNET

Emerson's Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Thermostat​ and Sensi Wi-Fi Thermostat​ now respond to queries from Google Assistant.

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The FTC Says If You Break It, You Should Be Able to Fix It

By now, even the most ecologically minded person has probably had their fill of Earth Day articles and blog posts. Bear with me, though, because this post is only tangentially related to Earth Day and eco-sensibilities. Instead, it's more about getting your hands dirty with the innards of an electronic gadget or component after you've removed or cut the "WARRANTY VOID IF SEAL BROKEN OR REMOVED" sticker on the device's outer casing. I've done it plenty of times before...

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An Amazon home robot may be coming to a living room near you - CNET

A secret Amazon project called Vesta is reportedly developing a new product, which may be released as soon as next year.

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Canary app update gives you more control over video recordings - CNET

Tell the Canary app whether you want your security cameras to record just people or everything -- or nothing.

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HEOS Soundbar Controlled by Amazon Alexa Voice Commands

Adding to its selection of wireless multiroom audio products, the new Denon HEOS HomeCinema HS2 Soundbar provides users with a host of features for both home theaters and whole-house audio setups. One of the most exciting capabilities of the soundbar is its compatibility with Amazon Alexa. This gives users the ability to use voice commands to adjust volume, change tracks, and access music streaming services including Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Tidal, and others.

Related: Polk Audio Also Offers a Amazon Alexa Voice Controllable Soundbar

“The HEOS HomeCinema HS2 not only provides outstanding sound for any TV, it also increases the efficacy of the HEOS network, which is currently the most fully featured IoT audio platform in the industry,” says Nick Murrells, technical category, HEOS.

“In combining Denon’s legendary audio prowess with whole-house audio capabilities, Amazon Alexa and the latest entertainment technologies, the HomeCinema HS2 is an easy choice for consumers who prize great sound, flexibility and ease-of-use.”

As a wireless whole-house audio zone, the soundbar offers homeowners access to a variety of music streaming services, including Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, TIDAL and more.

The soundbar also provides access to music stored on a network, allowing users to listen to their favorite tracks stored locally.

HEOS HomeCinema HS2 Soundbar Decodes Surround Sound

The HS2 supports Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS surround sound decoding.

Internally, the unit incorporates two Class D bi-amplified midrange drivers and dual tweeters that are controlled by a 400MHz floating-point digital signal processing (DSP) engine.

The soundbar’s DSPs support several listening modes, including “Movie Mode,” which enhances certain movie scenes, and “Music Mode,” which widens the soundstage.

HEOS Sounbar Comes with a Subwoofer

Additionally, a companion wireless subwoofer employs a pair of 5 1/4-inch subwoofers to help augment the soundstage. The subwoofer can be placed horizontally or vertically to help it blend into a variety of home environments.

The HS2 wireless soundbar also incorporates a choice of optical or HDMI inputs and outputs to provide system installation flexibility.

On top of its Amazon Alexa voice control capabilities, the HS2 soundbar also provides IP control capabilities, and control/automation system integration from companies such as Control4, Crestron, RTI, URC, and Elan Home Systems.

Pricing and Availability

The HEOS HomeCinema HS2 is available at Amazon.com, Crutchfield.com, Magnolia AV online and top audio specialists nationwide, and retails for $799.

The post HEOS Soundbar Controlled by Amazon Alexa Voice Commands appeared first on Electronic House.

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Samsung Unveils HDR Upgrade for LED Cinema Screen

Samsung has teamed with the Ymagis Group, a Paris-based company specializing in digital technologies for the film industry, to enhance the high dynamic range (HDR) performance of the Cinema LED Screen it introduced last year.

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Yunmai Smart Scale - Body Fat Scale with Fitness APP & Body Composition Monitor with Extra Large Display - CNET

Yunmai Smart Scale - Body Fat Scale with Fitness APP & Body Composition Monitor with Extra Large Display

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TP-Link's little C2300 router is packed with Wi-Fi features video - CNET

The TP-Link Archer C2300 router is easy to use for everyone, has lots of features and performs great on 5GHz -- all for a very affordable price.

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Zmodo HD Mini WiFi Camera 4-Pack for $64 + free shipping - CNET

Zmodo HD Mini WiFi Camera 4-Pack for $64

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Sengled Element BR30 Smart Bulb Starter Kit - CNET

Sengled Element BR30 Smart Bulb Starter Kit

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Hyperikon T8 LED Light Tube 8ft, 36W, Dual-End Powered, Clear - CNET

Hyperikon T8 LED Light Tube 8ft, 36W, Dual-End Powered, Clear

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Swann 8-Channel 1TB DVR Surveillance System for $200 + free shipping - CNET

Swann 8-Channel 1TB DVR Surveillance System: $200

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Yunmai Smart Scale - Body Fat Scale with Fitness APP & Body Composition Monitor with Extra Large Display - CNET

Yunmai Smart Scale - Body Fat Scale with Fitness APP & Body Composition Monitor with Extra Large Display

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Hyperikon BR40 LED Bulb, 15W (100W Equivalent) Dimmable, Flood Light Bulb, Medium Base (E26), UL & ENERGY STAR - CNET

Hyperikon BR40 LED Bulb, 15W (100W Equivalent) Dimmable, Flood Light Bulb, Medium Base (E26), UL & ENERGY STAR

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Yunmai Smart Scale - Body Fat Scale with Fitness APP & Body Composition Monitor with Extra Large Display - CNET

Yunmai Smart Scale - Body Fat Scale with Fitness APP & Body Composition Monitor with Extra Large Display

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Etekcity Digital Weight Bathroom Scale - 400 Pounds - CNET

Etekcity Digital Weight Bathroom Scale - 400 Pounds

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Lights Off, Fan On: Automating Home Theater Ambiance

The snappiest way to adjust the ambiance in my home theater is to touch an icon on my phone to start the ceiling fan a-twirling. Touch another icon, and the fan’s room light turns off. Getting the fan’s speed right may require another tap or two. It should be fast enough to dry TV viewers’ brows but not so fast as to cause paper plates and napkins to fly off the coffee table.

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Apple HomePod: Here are the apps you can use with your voice - CNET

There is a growing number of third-party apps that are compatible with Apple's HomePod's voice-control capabilities.

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Apple Launches Trade-In/Recycling Program

In advance of the annual Earth Day celebration on Sunday, Apple has announced a GiveBack program that lets you trade in eligible devices for an Apple Store gift card or recycle them if they’re not eligible for credit.

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4 things you should know before building a smart home video - CNET

The smart home dream is cheaper and easier than ever before, but there are some things you should know before building your own.

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Groundhog Day

Picture
Sound
Extras

Phil Connors, a TV weatherman from Pittsburgh, is dispatched to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to cover the annual Groundhog Day festivities where he’s teamed up with a young and annoyingly cheerful producer and a smart-aleck cameraman. With impending offers from other stations, Connors has short-timer’s disease and isn’t what you’d call a pleasant guy to be around. In fact, he’s a first-rate pain in the rear whom his coworkers want to spend as little time with as possible.

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10 Top Notch Outdoor Speakers for the Ultimate Backyard Bash

Homeowners want to party outside… using technology… according to the Houzz 2018 Landscaping Survey, which found that over half of homeowners (51 percent) spend more time entertaining outside after completing landscaping projects.

The Houzz survey of 750 consumers also shows technology plays a role in making the yard entertainment-ready.

Of the nearly one in five homeowners (18 percent) who added or upgraded entertainment systems during their landscaping projects, three in five (59 percent) opted for a new television, followed by wired and solar speakers (48 percent and 42 percent, respectively). One in 10 homeowners also added wired and solar charging stations (14 percent and 11 percent, respectively).

Related: How to Choose an Outdoor TV

 

Here are 10 great outdoor speakers to get the party started:

 

 

Ambisonic Systems Model 6.5HD-AW-L

The Model 6.5HD-AW-L incorporates a 6-inch planar magnetic ribbon driver arranged in a true coaxial configuration with a 6.5-inch composite cone woofer. The passive 6.5HD-AW-L is rated as an 8-ohm product that dips just below 6 ohms. The 89dB efficient speaker is rated to produce a frequency response of 50Hz to 20kHz. Ambisonic houses the drivers along with an advanced 12dB Butterworth crossover network in an all-weather, trapezoid-shaped composite IP-65 rated enclosure. The speaker ships with a mounting bracket. ambisonicystems.com

 

 

Coastal Source 3-Way Ellipse Speaker

The 3-Way Ellipse Bollard and 3-Way In/Above Ground Bi-Amplified Full Range Speaker features an 8-inch subwoofer to provide full-frequency response. Coastal Source designed the solution for use in direct-burial applications where directional sound is desired from a product featuring a simplistic contemporary style.

The speaker utilizes a larger driver area compared to traditional products to deliver improved efficiency, according to the company. coastalsource.com

James Loudspeaker Omni Planter Speakers

Built with all-aluminum, powder-coated construction, the Omni Planters are offered in standard and custom colors to facilitate placement in a range of settings. Custom configurations are also available, including units without rear-firing satellites for corner placement or against a wall placement. The products’ tamper-proof brackets and hardware support their installation into commercial settings. jamesloudspeaker.com

 

Klipsch PRO-500-T-RK

Klipsch designed its PRO-500-T-RK rock speaker to address smaller environments. A mechanically reinforced fiberglass cabinet has been employed so that the speaker delivers years of worry-free use in all types of weather conditions. Internally, the speaker utilizes a 5-inch IMG woofer, along with a Tractrix horn-loaded 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter. Klipsch says the rock speaker produces 105-degree dispersion, and offers 8-ohm and 70/100-volt compatibility. klipsch.com

 

 

 

Peerless-AV Xtreme Outdoor Soundbar

The newly updated, versatile SPK-080 outdoor soundbar from Peerless-AV is an active loudspeaker that incorporates 200 watts of power. It has a rated frequency response of 50Hz to 20kHz. In addition to its audio capabilities, the SPK-080 carries an IP65 rating for its enclosure, and it comes with the company’s universal mounting hardware. Other features include built-in Bluetooth and a 12-button IR remote control. peerless-av.com

 

Russound XZone 70V Streaming Audio Amplifier

Russound was one of the first companies to identify the potential of 70-volt speakers for outdoor applications.The XZone70V Streaming Audio Amplifier streams content from local networks, cloud services, and incorporates other features such as Apple AirPlay.

 

Sonance Landscape Series

Sonance has been a leader in outdoor audio systems for a long time. Supporting its market position is the company’s Landscape Series, which features low-frequency extension from the LS10SUB in-ground subwoofer. Sonance says the sub is part of a family of scalable solutions for building complete outdoor systems. The LS10SUB has a 10-inch woofer and 100-watt transformer. Complementing the sub is the LS47SAT two-way loudspeaker, designed for placement under plants and in trees. The LS47SAT features a UV-resistant enclosure along with a 25-watt transformer, and it is compatible with 70-volt systems. sonance.com

 

SoundTube Weather Resistant Surface-Mount Speakers

SoundTube’s SM52-EZ, SM52-EZ-WX, SM82-EZ-II and SM82-EZ-II-W speakers incorporate polypropylene woofers; 5.25-inch in the SM52-EZ and SM-52-EZ-WZ models, and 8-inch woofers in the SM82-EZ-II and SM82-EZ-II-WX. All four models include soft-dome tweeters, and SoundTube’s BroadBeam Ring technology. The speakers carry IP65 ratings, which means the speakers are dust tight and capable of withstanding water jets pointing directly at them. More specifically, the WX models are IP65 rated out of the box, and the standard models meet IP65 criteria when the port plugs are installed. The speakers offer 70/100-volt and 8-ohm bypass. soundtube.com

 

Stealth Acoustics StingRay Outdoor Speakers

StingRay outdoor speakers from Stealth Acoustics are IP68 rated for high environmental durability. The speakers produce a hemispherical radiation pattern to cover a wide listening area, according to the company, as well as extended bass response. The line includes the StingRay 8, the small-format StingRay 6, and the StringRay 430 above-ground subwoofer. The speakers also offer customized finish options to help them blend into a variety of environments. stealthacoustics.com

 

Terra AC Five Series

Terra’s AC Five Series — which includes AC Five 1, AC Five 2 and AC Five 3 speakers —is suitable for outdoor 70-volt projects. The Five 1 employs a ¾-inch tweeter and a 5.25-inch midrange driver; the Five 2 has a 1.1-inch titanium dome tweeter and a 5.25-inch midrange driver; and the Five 3 utilizes a 1.1-inch titanium dome tweeter and a pair of 5.25-inch midrange drivers. terraspeakers.com

 

The post 10 Top Notch Outdoor Speakers for the Ultimate Backyard Bash appeared first on Electronic House.

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CEDIA Shares Expertise on HDMI 2.1 in 2 White Papers

CEDIA, the Indianapolis-based trade association that represents companies involved in the design, manufacture, and installation of connected home technology, has released two white papers on HDMI 2.1— one focusing on the features and capabilities of the upgraded spec, the other on passive and active cable requirements for ultra-high-speed connectivity.

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Dyson V6 Cordless Vacuum - CNET

Clean Your Home with Innovative, Convenient, Cyclonic Power

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Tidy up tangled cords at home with these cheap products - CNET

Don't live with a home tied down by messy wires and tangles of electric cords. Here are products that can help in a big way, without costing an arm and a leg.

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6PCS LED A19 Light 11W Soft White Dimmable Energy Star - CNET

6PCS LED A19 Light 11W Soft White Dimmable Energy Star

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Amazon and Best Buy to Launch Line of Smart TVs

If you thought Amazon and Best Buy were the archest of arch rivals in the rapidly shifting world of retailing, brace yourself: The e-tail and retail powerhouses yesterday announced a collaboration to bring a new line of smart TVs to market in the U.S. this summer.

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LaView 1080p WiFi Security Camera for $28 + free shipping - CNET

LaView 1080p WiFi Security Camera for $28

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Game of Thrones: Season 1 Heading to 4K Disc

HBO has announced that Season 1 of the smash-hit series Game of Thrones, the most successful franchise in the network’s history, is scheduled for release on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray June 5.

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Nest to offer 1M free or low-cost thermostats for Earth Day - CNET

This is part of Google-owned Nest's Power Project, which will formally launch Sunday for Earth Day.

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UE Blast and Megablast speakers will add voice control for Spotify - CNET

The Alexa-enabled speakers will soon get some sorely needed updates.

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How Do I Determine an Ultra HD Blu-ray’s Aspect Ratio?

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

Q My home theater system is based around a Sony VPL-VW675ES projector and a 2.4:1 aspect ratio screen. (I really like ultra-wide Cinemascope images.) Outside of reading the excellent disc reviews in Sound & Vision, is there a way to determine a film’s aspect ratio before buying it on Ultra HD Blu-ray? — Rod McClaskey

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The Importance of a Home Systems Installer to a High-Tech Smart Home

Smart devices and systems can have a profound impact on every part of your home. But with so many smart home options available today—from automated lighting and shading to whole-house music and home control systems– deciding exactly which types of technology to add can feel overwhelming—and confusing as you determine the best way to have these features integrated into your home.

Related: 10 Smart Home Devices to Buy with Your Tax Return

To simplify the task of smartening up your living space, and save yourself from possibly making a series costly mistakes, it’s wise to hire a home systems professional to handle the selection and setup of your smart devices. If the addition of tech will coincide with a remodel or new build, they are able to work with designers and architects to ensure that the technology will coexist nicely with the layout and cosmetics of the home. They understand the options, and based on your needs—including budget–can recommend products that will add value and enjoyment to the space for years to come.

Related: Award-Winning Smart Home Remodel

Not sure what to look for in a home systems installer? Here are six necessary traits a good installer embodies that will help make your home more comfortable, convenient, and functional.

Listening Skills. Like any good contractor, a quality home systems installer knows that he must work closely with many people—designers, builders, homeowners, etc.—to ensure a pleasing end result. He must be willing to listen to everyone’s ideas and suggestions and fully understand each party’s needs, wants, and expectations. Regular meetings and close correspondence with key people on the project should be expected.

Depending on the scope of the project, a home systems installer will collaborate with contractors even before the home is built or remodeled. Everything from the layout of the room and the construction of cabinetry to the make and model of appliances and fixtures can have an impact on his home technology plan. Any modifications of the design of the room should be communicated so that the technology can be integrated in a way that suits the style and function of the space.

Proper Certification. Adding smart lighting, automation, audio/video components and other technologies to a home is a huge undertaking, which is why organizations like the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA) exists. A visit to the CEDIA website can identify qualified home systems installers in your area. CEDIA is a national association that requires its members to complete regular and rigorous training in all disciplines of smart home design and integration. By hiring a CEDIA-qualified and trained installer, you’ll have the assurance that the work will be completed in a professional and timely manner, and that the end-result will be precisely what you envisioned.

Good References. You wouldn’t hire an employee without first checking his or her references, so do the same when hiring a home systems installer. Ask to see your prospective installer’s portfolio and have him walk you through a similar project that he has completed. In many cases, a home systems installer will have his own private showroom that you can visit to see a variety of systems in action, usually in a setting that resembles a real home. Here, you will be able to gauge the quality of his work.

Creative Thinking and Problem Solving. The installation of smart systems should not follow a cookie cutter approach. Just as no two families or homes are exactly alike, nor should the systems that help run the household. A home systems installer must be able to determine the unique requirements of a project and devise solutions that suit the space and the needs of the homeowners. A good home systems installer will document details about each phase of the project, and be willing to deviate from the plan when necessary.

Speaks Your Language. Technologies for the home are, well, fairly technical and complex. You need an installer who can explain how the systems work and their key benefits in terms you can understand. If not, you might be sold on something you really don’t need, or worse yet, fail to fully utilize them.

Post-Installation Support. A home systems installer’s job is far from over after all the smart tech components have been set up. For most people, it takes some practice to master the operation of many of the technologies that can enhance a kitchen or bathroom. A home systems installer should provide a thorough walk-through to explain how the technologies work within the space and teach you how to use them. If anything minor needs to be changed, like the brightness level of the lights, a home systems installer will gladly accommodate requests. Finally, a home systems installer will supply you with detailed documentation of the products used, warranties, and his contact information for any questions or concerns that may arise.

The post The Importance of a Home Systems Installer to a High-Tech Smart Home appeared first on Electronic House.

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20 bathroom items you should throw away today - CNET

Clear clutter -- and potentially health threatening items -- with this list.

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How to choose the right paint color for your home - CNET

Forget bringing home piles of paint chips from the home improvement store. These high-tech apps and gadgets are here to find your picture-perfect shade.

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Step inside the Guide to Smart Living - CNET

Walk through our stunning smart home in San Francisco, designed to show you how to make your life smarter.

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SI Unveils Custom Option for Popular Zero Edge Screen

Screen Innovations (SI) has introduced a customizable version of its popular Zero Edge screen that gives enthusiasts the power to create a projection screen that fits their unique space and looks the way they want it to.

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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/si-unveils-custom-option-popular-zero-edge-screen

How to automate your morning routine video - CNET

Here are a few smart ways to make your mornings easier.

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Leviton DW6HD-1BZ Decora Smart Wi-Fi 600W Incandescent/300W LED Dimmer, No Hub Required, Neutral Wire Required, Works with Alexa, Google Assistant and Nest - CNET

Leviton DW6HD-1BZ Decora Smart Wi-Fi 600W Incandescent/300W LED Dimmer, No Hub Required, Neutral Wire Required, Works with Alexa, Google Assistant and Nest

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How to make your home a Smart Home - CNET

Your life is about to get a whole lot easier.

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Live in 2025 by automating your morning routine - CNET

Smart home tech has come a long way, and automating your mornings is easier than ever. Here are four ways to breeze through your mornings.

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YWTESCH 6 Pack 5W GU10 LED Light Bulbs 2700K Warm White - CNET

YWTESCH 6 Pack 5W GU10 LED Light Bulbs 2700K Warm White

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LaView 8-Ch. 2TB Security Camera System for $300 + free shipping - CNET

LaView 8-Ch. 2TB Security Camera System $300

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KKmoon 4-Channel WiFi Camera System w/ 7" LCD for $133 + free shipping - CNET

KKmoon 4-Channel WiFi Camera System w/ 7" LCD $133

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Google's Nest eyes Nokia Health assets - CNET

Nokia is looking to sell its Withings home health business, and Google's Nest may be interested, according to reports.

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ecobee4 WiFi Thermostat w/ Alexa for $199 + free shipping - CNET

ecobee4 WiFi Thermostat w/ Alexa for $199

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LaView 4ch 1TB Security System w/ 4 Cameras for $190 + free shipping - CNET

LaView 4ch 1TB Security System w/ 4 Cameras $190

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New Invisible HDMI Cable Preserves Room Décor

Cabling: You love it for its ability to connect home theater equipment together, but hate it for the way it intrudes on the décor. Inneos has resolved this conflict by developing an HDMI 2.0 cabling solution that’s virtually invisible, and it’s made of super thin optical fiber. This is good news for people who want to enjoy 4K content in all its glory, as fiber cable boasts bigger bandwidth than standard HDMI cable.

The InvisiCable In Room Solution from Inneos features the following:

• Complete turnkey solution – Everything needed to connect 4K video across distances up to 75 feet
• Ultra-sleek, nearly invisible fiber optic cable
• Real 4K bandwidth (18Gbps uncompressed)

“The promise of video over fiber is not just about incredible bandwidth over longer distances,” states Todd Whitaker, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Inneos. “It’s about making big ugly HDMI cable messes simply disappear.”

The InvisiCable In Room Solution includes 75 feet of InvisiCable on a magnetic Magic Disk.  The Magic Disk is only 2.75” in diameter and weighs less than 3 ounces.  It comes with a small tape backed, metal plate used to affix the magic disk virtually anywhere.  It also includes a set of Real4K Optical Adapters.

Samsung employs invisible cabling to connect its QLED TVs to a connector box, but Inneos points out that this is a proprietary solution. (https://www.samsung.com/us/explore/qled-tv/style/). By contrast, InvisiCable uses standard HDMI 2.0 connectors and works with any HDMI source and display.

The optical fiber that comprises InvisiCable offers other benefits besides good looks and performance. According to Inneos, it’s also easier to install than traditional HDMI cables.  “They are heavy, and they take up a lot of space.  When customers order them, they must make sure they choose the exact right length because longer length cables cost more and there is nowhere to store the bulky excess cable.  If the cable is too short, then the installer has to pull it back out, re-order the right length, and start over. The result is a lot of non-value-added labor,” according to Inneos.

The Inneos InvisiCable In Room solution retails for $799.

The post New Invisible HDMI Cable Preserves Room Décor appeared first on Electronic House.

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https://www.electronichouse.com/smart-tv/new-invisible-hdmi-cable-preserves-room-decor/