Alexandre Beaudoin Bonotto Blog's: June 2018

Saturday, 30 June 2018

SimpliSafe home security locks down a $1 billion investment - CNET

The money comes from the private equity investment firm Hellman & Friedman and will help fund the company's expansion into international markets.

from
https://www.cnet.com/news/simplisafe-home-security-locks-down-a-1-billion-investment/#ftag=CADa08b18a

15 things in your family room you can toss today - CNET

Make more room for fun by clearing out your junk.

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https://www.cnet.com/pictures/things-in-your-family-room-you-can-toss-today/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Friday, 29 June 2018

Pellet vs. charcoal vs. gas: Grill types, explained - CNET

Grills come in all shapes, sizes and with different fuel sources. Here's how to pick one.

from
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/a-guide-to-types-of-grills/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Zmodo Wireless 1080p PT Smart Camera for $42 + free shipping - CNET

Zmodo Wireless 1080p PT Smart Camera for $42

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https://www.cnet.com/deals/zmodo-wireless-1080p-pt-smart-camera-for-42-free-shipping-17420459/#ftag=CADa08b18a

2 quick ways to clean your grill without a grill brush - CNET

A few minutes of work after the last patty leaves the grill saves you hours of work later.

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https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-quickly-clean-your-grill-in-between-bbqs/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Thursday, 28 June 2018

Save up to 10% on Honeywell 7-Day Touchscreen Programmable Thermostat - CNET

Save up to 10% on Honeywell 7-Day Touchscreen Programmable Thermostat

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https://www.cnet.com/deals/save-up-to-10-on-honeywell-7-day-touchscreen-programmable-thermostat-d0c74bd8/#ftag=CADa08b18a

8 unexpected ways to cook with your grill - CNET

Level up your grilling skills with these cooking tips and DIY upgrades.

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https://www.cnet.com/how-to/8-unexpected-ways-to-cook-with-your-grill/#ftag=CADa08b18a

How to grill smarter this summer - CNET

Consider this your guide to cleaning and setting up your grill, staying safe, grilling burgers perfectly and cooking like a pro at your next BBQ.

from
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-grill-smarter-this-summer/#ftag=CADa08b18a

4 unexpected tricks for a better cookout video - CNET

Grill like a pro, even if you're a novice, with these cooking tips.

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https://www.cnet.com/videos/4-unexpected-tricks-for-a-better-cookout/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Samsung Connect Home WiFi Extender 3-Pack for $90 + free shipping - CNET

Samsung Connect Home WiFi Extender 3-Pack $90

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https://www.cnet.com/deals/samsung-connect-home-wifi-extender-3-pack-for-90-free-shipping-17417174/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Wednesday, 27 June 2018

Kansas City Maker Faire Made Great Geeky Fun For All

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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/kansas-city-maker-faire-made-great-geeky-fun-all

Elgato rebrands as Eve to focus on HomeKit products - CNET

Corsair acquires the company's Elgato brand and gaming division.

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https://www.cnet.com/news/elgato-rebrands-as-eve-and-focuses-on-homekits-smart-home/#ftag=CADa08b18a

How to start a charcoal grill - CNET

Take the time to set up your grill right and you'll be rewarded.

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https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-start-a-charcoal-grill/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Make your grill nonstick in 2 minutes - CNET

If you're out of nonstick spray, use this trick to keep food from sticking.

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https://www.cnet.com/how-to/rub-a-potato-half-on-the-grill-to-prevent-food-from-sticking/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Can a potato make your grill nonstick? video - CNET

A cheap and easy way to keep food from sticking to your grill.

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https://www.cnet.com/videos/can-a-potato-make-your-grill-nonstick/#ftag=CADa08b18a

AHD 1080p Security Surveillance Bullet Camera for $18 + free s&h from China - CNET

AHD 1080p Security Surveillance Bullet Camera $18

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https://www.cnet.com/deals/ahd-1080p-security-surveillance-bullet-camera-for-18-free-s-h-from-china-17414531/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Tuesday, 26 June 2018

August and Airbnb automate vacation rental access - CNET

If you're an Airbnb host, August can automatically create and deliver an access PIN to scheduled guests.

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https://www.cnet.com/news/august-and-airbnb-streamline-vacation-rental-access/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Google Home learns Spanish in the US, hits stores in Mexico - CNET

The smart speaker is ready to respond to Spanish inquiries.

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https://www.cnet.com/news/google-home-hits-store-shelves-in-mexico-and-learns-spanish-in-the-us/#ftag=CADa08b18a

IDC: Video and Smart Speakers Lead the Smart Home

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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/idc-video-and-smart-speakers-lead-smart-home

Smart Home Steals the Show

It took a while, but home builders seem to be on board with smart home technology these days. Increasingly, they are incorporating touches of tech into model homes, show homes, and even including preconfigured packages as standard amenities in the homes they build for clients.

Related: Smart Homes by Lennar

The adoption has made it easier for home systems integrators to ally with builders in an effort to bring home technology to the masses. HabiTech Systems, of Ormond Beach, Fla., the company the decked out this Gold-Award-Winning Home, for example, has collaborated with Kargar Homes since 2001, and their relationship took a drastic turn recently.

Show Home Gets Real

What had started out as purely a business partnership has become one of customer and home systems provider. “After using the house as a company show home for several months, the owner of Kargar had the intention of putting it on the market to sell,” says HabiTech sales manager Kris Levengood. “Secretively, I think he had hoped that it wouldn’t sell, which it didn’t.” But, instead, the Kargar family moved into the house, made it its own, and have been taking full advantage of all the systems installed by the HabiTech crew as well as its energy-efficient design for about a year.

A Good Starting Point

The team of home systems integrators must have covered all of its bases, because according to Levengood the Kargars have requested very few adjustments to their home’s Control4 system since they moved in. Their satisfaction with the setup could have stemmed from their close involvement during the design and installation of the home systems. “Even though it was conceived originally as being a show home, the residence ended up reflecting a lot of their personality—from the architecture and interior design to the integration of technology,” Levengood says. “It really evolved into their dream home.”

Custom touches are apparent throughout the 12,000-square-foot residence. Nearly 50 Control4 wireless dimmer switches and 40 keypads were engraved from the get-go with all of the typical scenes: Home, Away, Party, Good Night, Movie, and more. These scenes can be changed on a whim and new ones added easily at any time.

Sensors on every door and window, as well as multiple motion sensors, communicate via hardwire to an Interlogix NetworX security system. The system lets the family actively monitor and manage each facet of the system via Alarm.com services via a mobile app. They can use the app to customize the settings of the system, like have it dispatch alerts on their smartphones whenever a particular sensor is tripped. Because the Alarm.com utilizes a cellular connection, home protection is never jeopardized in the event of an Internet snafu.

Cosmetically Conscious Tech Design

Convenient and customized control was critical to the project, but what the owner wanted more than anything was the technology to remain as inconspicuous as possible. “Hiding the technology was our number one goal and our biggest challenge,” Levengood says.

Although the home was outfitted with several keypads and 10 Control4 touchscreens, these elements were customized to blend in nicely with the room cosmetics. An equipment closet hides all of the gear. Sixteen zones of MartinLogan speakers were tucked into the ceilings and walls. And for components that couldn’t be as easily fused with the architecture, like the floor-standing MartinLogan models chosen for the home theater, HabiTech arranged

to have cabinetry built around them. “The owner wanted all the bells and whistles in this room, but wanted to see none of it,” Levengood remarks. “This ‘cloak-them-with-cabinetry’ solution allowed the MartinLogan speakers to perform optimally without overpowering the room design.” The custom-designed speakers in the home theater are part of an 11-channel Dolby Atmos surround-sound setup, complemented by a 150-inch Screen Innovations Black Diamond screen and an Epson laser projector.

Plans for the Future

Today, the home theater system is connected to its own dedicated suite of AV components, including a cable box, BluRay Disc player, and Apple TV. The other nine TVs in the house each have their own set of components, too. But rather than clutter the residence with AV cabinets in each TV room, HabiTech ran HDMI cabling from each media setup to centrally located rack that holds all of the home systems.

For now, this arrangement works, but Levengood says an 8×8 Control4 matrix switch will eventually be added to enable the TVs to share sources. Also on the docket is voice control. “This house is prewired for anything. It’s just a matter of deciding what the owner wants.”

Even without the wiring, the team at HabiTech made sure that any wireless systems in the house would work like a charm. A Luxul networking system establishes and maintains reliable Wi-Fi communications—essential for the delivery of video footage from 16 Luma IP surveillance cameras to Control4 touchscreens. As each new device joins either the wired or wireless network, HabiTech will be on hand to help its business partner-turned-client to customize it perfectly to suit the design of the house and the needs of the family.

Systems & Equipment

Control4 control system

Control4 lighting
Control4 audio distribution
Interlogix security system with Alarm.com monitoring
Luma surveillance cameras
HP Products central vacuum system
Marantz receivers
MartinLogan speakers
MartinLogan subwoofers
Epson video projector
Screen Innovations home theater screen
Luxul wireless network

Systems Design & Installation

HabiTech Systems

Ormond Beach, Fla.

www.habitechsystems.com

The post Smart Home Steals the Show appeared first on Electronic House.

from
https://www.electronichouse.com/uncategorized/smart-home-steals-the-show/

Wemo Mini Smart Plug 3-pack, Wi-Fi Enabled, Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant - CNET

Wemo Mini Smart Plug 3-pack, Wi-Fi Enabled, Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant

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https://www.cnet.com/deals/wemo-mini-smart-plug-3-pack-wi-fi-enabled-works-with-amazon-alexa-and-google-assistant-c42625bc/#ftag=CADa08b18a

What kind of grill should you buy? - CNET

Grills come in all shapes, sizes and with different fuel sources. Here's how to pick one.

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https://www.cnet.com/how-to/a-guide-to-types-of-grills/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Elrigs LED Light Bulb Stick 9W 2 Pack - CNET

Elrigs LED Light Bulb Stick 9W 2 Pack

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Pack of 25 LED C9 Cool White Replacement Light Bulbs - CNET

Pack of 25 LED C9 Cool White Replacement Light Bulbs

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5 grilling myths to stop believing - CNET

Forget everything you thought you knew about grilling.

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https://www.cnet.com/how-to/5-grilling-myths-to-stop-believing/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Netgear's Arlo Pro 2 HD security cameras venture outside - CNET

Netgear brings 1080p live streaming to its $480 Arlo Pro 2 rechargeable outdoor security cameras.

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https://www.cnet.com/pictures/netgears-arlo-pro-2-hd-security-cameras-venture-outside/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Monday, 25 June 2018

DTS Announces Play-Fi App for Headphone Listening

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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/dts-announces-play-fi-app-headphone-listening

Nest Smart WiFi Video Doorbell w/ Google Home for $180 + free shipping - CNET

Nest Smart WiFi Video Doorbell w/ Google Home $180

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Research Shows Screen Size, Picture Quality Drives Replacement TV Purchases

Are you tired of your TV? Are you ready for a new one? You’re not alone. The number of consumers that reported replacing an existing TV with a 4K/UHD TV grew from 23 percent in November 2017, to 28 percent in February 2018, according to the new TV Ownership Trends Report from NPD Connected Intelligence.

Bigger Screen Sizes

What’s inspiring most consumers up upgrade? Researchers found out that 45 percent of consumers who purchased a 4K replacement TV did so because they wanted a larger screen, while 39 percent reported wanting better picture quality, and another 24 percent cited more affordable pricing as the main factor behind their decision.

Living Room the Prime New TV Location

Where in the home are these new TVs mainly residing? The living room seems to be the choice location, with nearly two-thirds (62 percent) of 4K/UHD replacement TVs purchased reported as being installed in a living room.

According to the report, the average size of a replacement TV intended for the living room was 52 inches. For all other household rooms, the average replacement TV screen size is 43 inches.

“While the number of installed TVs per US household has shrunk slightly in recent years, consumers are continuing to spend on the primary TV in their home, upgrading it to the biggest screen and the best picture they can afford,” says Stephen Baker, vice president, The NPD Group.

According to forecasts by Strategy Analytics, 4K TVs will lead the charge, with North American household penetration of 4K Ultra HD TVs jumping from 5 percent in 2015 to 48 percent in 2020. The upswing is driven by U.S. consumers’ appetites for big-screen TVs, availability at more affordable price points, and shrinking selections of 1080p TVs, Strategy Analytics forecasts.

By the end of 2016, more than 11 million homes will own at least one 4K TV, the research company says.

So which TV should you buy? Here are a few displays, reviewed and chosen by CNET for their design, features, performance, and value:

TCL 6 Series (2018 Roku TV)
LG OLEDC7P
LG OLEDC8P
Vizio M-Series (2018)
Sony XBR-X900E Series
Sony XBR-A1E Series
Samsung Q8 Series (2018)
Sony XBR-X900 F Series

The post Research Shows Screen Size, Picture Quality Drives Replacement TV Purchases appeared first on Electronic House.

from
https://www.electronichouse.com/smart-tv/47076/

Google Launches ‘Continued Conversation’ Feature for Google Home Devices

There’s something very empowering about being able to bark out commands and have devices in your home respond. There are no arguments, whining, or complaints. Your voice-enabled smart speaker is there to please. Google is taking voice a step further, however, by enabling its Google Home devices to not only obey commands, but carry on a conversation.

Google has officially launched its “continued conversation” feature for Google Home, Home Mini, and Home Max, allowing users to ask a question, get an answer, and then ask a related question in a natural way.

For example, users can now ask Google Assistant, “How old is Barack Obama?” Google Assistant will reply with something like, “Barack Obama is 56 years old.” Users can then immediately ask another question, such as, “How tall is he?” and receive an answer without having to wait much longer.

The latest update also allows users to ask a question, and then quickly shift to another task, like asking Google Assistant to remind them to take out the trash in 10 minutes right after asking about the weather.

This new functionality may be an opening for Google to gain some ground on Amazon and its Alexa voice assistant, which currently offers a similar function called “follow-up mode.”

Continued Conversations are U.S. Only

Google has limited the “continued conversation” feature to the U.S. for now, and the tech giant has not provided an official timetable for when it will be available in more countries. Additionally, the feature is designed to be opt-in only, meaning integrators will need to step their interested clients through Google Home’s settings menu in order to enable it via:

Settings > Preferences > Continued conversations> Toggle On

One potential drawback to the system is how long its mic waits for additional commands. If a Google Home hears a request to start up Google Assistant and fulfills a request, it will then wait an additional 8 seconds for another request.

That 8-second “open mic” functionality could lead to false positives, where a dealer’s client asks a question and has no follow up question, but the mic still hears everything in the room for another 8 seconds. Fortunately, any Google Home device will keep its “I’m listening” LEDs lit for the duration.

Still, the benefits should outweigh the negatives. After all, it’s a lot easier and more natural to say, “OK, Google. Turn off the living room and kitchen lights,” than it is to say, “OK, Google. Turn off the living room lights and turn off the kitchen lights.”

The post Google Launches ‘Continued Conversation’ Feature for Google Home Devices appeared first on Electronic House.

from
https://www.electronichouse.com/smart-home/google-launches-continued-conversation-feature-for-google-home-devices/

How to grill smarter this summer - CNET

Consider this your guide to cleaning and setting up your grill, staying safe, grilling burgers perfectly, and cooking like a pro at your next BBQ.

from
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-grill-smarter-this-summer/#ftag=CADa08b18a

5 steps to take before you get started grilling - CNET

Before you hit the grill this summer, don't forget these important steps.

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https://www.cnet.com/how-to/5-steps-to-take-before-you-get-started-grilling/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Sunday, 24 June 2018

Zmodo Wireless Home Security Cameras System - 1080p 8CH HDMI NVR 500GB HDD- 4 HD Wide Angle Indoor Cameras and 4 HD Weatherproof Outdoor Camera System - CNET

Zmodo Wireless Home Security Cameras System - 1080p 8CH HDMI NVR 500GB HDD- 4 HD Wide Angle Indoor Cameras and 4 HD Weatherproof Outdoor Camera System

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Dimmable LED Candle Bulb - CNET

Dimmable LED Candle Bulb

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Save up to 15% on APULSE products - CNET

Save up to 15% on APULSE products

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Save $70 on Echo Show - CNET

Save $70 on Echo Show

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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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Saturday, 23 June 2018

Dephen 45W LED Cron Bulb Light - CNET

Dephen 45W LED Cron Bulb Light

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Friday, 22 June 2018

As CDs Go, So Go the Apps

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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/cds-go-so-go-apps

Triomph Precision Digital Body Bathroom Scale with Step-On Technology, 6mm Tempered Glass, 400 Pounds Capacity, Weight Loss Monitor - CNET

Triomph Precision Digital Body Bathroom Scale with Step-On Technology, 6mm Tempered Glass, 400 Pounds Capacity, Weight Loss Monitor

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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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OUYIDE LED Corn Light Bulbs - CNET

OUYIDE LED Corn Light Bulbs

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E12 Bulb 12 Pack - CNET

E12 Bulb 12 Pack

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KKmoon Wireless Wifi 720P HD Camera for $25 + free shipping - CNET

KKmoon Wireless Wifi 720P HD Camera for $25

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Zmodo 720p Mini WiFi Security Camera 3-Pack for $55 + free shipping - CNET

Zmodo 720p Mini WiFi Security Camera 3-Pack $55

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Thursday, 21 June 2018

Home Technology Takeover

When the owners purchased this 9,000-square-foot home 18 months ago, the only electronic components that had been used were four TVs and two loudspeakers. Sparse in smarts, yet an open canvas, the owners dove in to create a home environment that nearly runs itself.

It helped that the owner came into the project with years of home tech experience under his belt. Having dealt with a number of systems in the past as a custom integrator, his plan for this project was plain and simple: Install best-in-breed products, employ state-of-the-art technologies, and automate to the nth degree.

The strategy worked. The high-tech systems operate as a natural extension of the home, impacting every facet of the family’s lifestyle in some very practical, useful and remarkable ways. And rarely do they have to lift a finger to make the systems in their smart home operate appropriately. Going from barebones to bells-and-whistles, this home’s journey to smart home excellence makes it a worthy recipient of our 2018 Gold Traditional-Style Smart Home Award.

Laying the Groundwork

Handling the extensive makeover was BlueSpeed AV, of Bixby, Okla. Before getting into the nitty-gritty of installing speakers, light switches and other gear, the BlueSpeed AV team installed a high-speed Ruckus wireless network and hardwired backbone to support the wide range of systems selected for the interior and exterior of the home.

The second crucial element was the implementation of a control system that could pull all the pieces and parts together to work as one. BlueSpeed AV chose Savant for complete, comprehensive home control. With this networking and control groundwork laid, the team went to work, installing, configuring, and programming each high-tech facet of this smart home.

Hands-Free Lighting Control

One of the most beneficial parts of any smart home is an architectural lighting system, and the wireless Lutron HomeWorks QS solution added to this house takes charge of more than 180 light switches. The HomeWorks QS dims and brightens lights to preset intensity levels based on occupancy in rooms, time of day, home security status, button presses, mobile app, and voice commands. Although elegant seeTouch keypads installed near each doorway offer quick and easy control over the lights in the room — as well as access to and control over music — “we rarely touch them,” says the owner. “Most of the time, we let the occupancy sensors and timers manage when the lights go and off.”

For example, when the sensors notice that someone has walked into a room, it signals the Lutron HomeWorks QS system to brighten them to a certain level and stay on until the room is vacant. However, at night, the sensors ignore movement so that the lights stay off while people are sleeping. The exceptions are the hallway lights which brighten to 10 percent to lead family members to the bathroom and kitchen.

26 Zones of Audio; 50 Outdoor Speakers

The home’s whole-house music system, which is driven by a Savant matrix switcher, requires more human interaction, but it’s still a cinch to handle. A user simply taps a button on the room keypad to play songs on the built-in Bowers & Wilkins speakers in the space. The music, which is curated from streaming services such as Pandora and Spotify, also travels to 50 outdoor Coastal Source and Episode speakers around the decks, swimming pool, and landscape.

The whole-house system also features a pair of striking B&W floorstanding speakers in the living room and a full Phase Technology dARTS Speaker System in the media room. Even if a keypad isn’t handy, the owners can use the Savant app to find music, adjust volume, and direct it to any or all of the home’s 26 listening areas.

The switcher also delivers video from a central rack of equipment, which includes four cable boxes, two Apple TVs, two Kaleidescape media servers, three Xbox One players, and a PlayStation 4, to numerous Sony, Samsung, and Séura TVs. A 160-inch Screen Innovations Transformer screen paired with a Sony projector in a media room and 120-inch Screen Innovations screen and companion Digital Projection International (DPI) projector in the indoor basketball court also tap into the video sources.

All-Out Integration and Voice-Activated Scenes

Lighting and whole-house AV are just the tip of the iceberg. Also integrated into the Savant control architecture are a full-blown security system with 35 surveillance cameras, motorized window shades, the aforementioned TVs and projectors, four thermostats, six electronic door locks, and garage door openers. That’s a slew of systems to manage individually, so to simplify BlueSpeed AV programmed several housewide “scenes” into the Savant systems.

For example, there’s no need to visit each door, window, thermostat, TV, or A/V component before for bedtime, thanks to the “Goodnight” scene specially crafted by BlueSpeed AV for the family. Instead, the owners can have the house ready in seconds from wherever they are — even while under the covers. The “Away” scene can be activated from the app on any mobile device, keypad, or by voice. BlueSpeed peppered several Amazon Show and Echo Dot devices throughout, so the every command is heard.

“Voice control really comes in handy when we’re hosting a party,” says the owner. “I just say, ‘House Party,’ and the outdoor entertainment area springs to life. My favorite Pandora channel streams through 50 speakers, three outdoor TVs turn on and tune to preset sports channels, and if it’s evening, the landscape lights activate. When you’re walking out to the barbeque with a tray full of meat, being able to yell at Alexa to control things is very helpful.”

Personal Wake-Up Calls

Other scenes are engaged in a similar manner, but with a few tweaks personalized for each family member. Next to the bed of each family member is a keypad with a button labeled “Goodnight.” When the kids press their button, only the lights and A/V in their room turns off. The rest of the house is unaffected. In Mom and Dad’s bedroom, the button initiates a global sweep where every light, A/V component, window shade, door lock, alarm, thermostat and motion sensors are adjusted. The TV in the master bedroom stays on, but automatically shuts off after 45 minutes.

In the morning, a “Wake-Up” scene activates automatically — at a different time for each family member. At their set wake-up time, which is adjustable through the Savant app, the bedroom lights slowly brighten and a favorite music channel plays through the room’s built in speakers at their preferred volume level. “It’s one of the most effective ways to wake up my son for school,” the owner enthuses. And if that doesn’t work, there’s always Alexa. “Because we have them in nearly every room we can use them as intercoms,” the owner says.

High-Tech Lifestyle Fully Embraced

With control options galore, there’s no way this smart home gets unruly. The family can let the system handle certain functions automatically, tap a button on a keypad or mobile device, and launch scenes through voice commands to Alexa. It’s a high-tech lifestyle that the family has fully embraced, as it’s enhanced every aspect of their at-home existence.

Systems & Equipment

Savant control system
Savant A/V distribution
Savant thermostats
Lutron lighting and motorized shading
DPI, Sony projectors
Screen Innovations 160-inch, 120-inch screens
Samsung, Sony, Séura TVs
Bowers & Wilkins, Coastal Source, Episode, Sonance, Phase Technology speakers
Sonance, Marantz amplifiers
Yale electronic locks
IC Realtime, Luma surveillance cameras
Amazon Alexa Show and Echo Dot smart speakers

Systems Design & Installation

BlueSpeed AV

Bixby, Okla.

The post Home Technology Takeover appeared first on Electronic House.

from
https://www.electronichouse.com/smart-home/home-technology-takeover/

Save up to 20 % on salking products - CNET

Save up to 20 % on salking products

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Kelement Smart WiFi LED RGB Bulb - CNET

Kelement Smart WiFi LED RGB Bulb

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https://www.cnet.com/deals/kelement-smart-wifi-led-rgb-bulb-484bdf47/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Wednesday, 20 June 2018

Social Distortion to Headline Klipsch Fest

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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/social-distortion-headline-klipsch-fest

Etekcity Digital Weight Bathroom Scale 400 Pounds - CNET

Etekcity Digital Weight Bathroom Scale 400 Pounds

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https://www.cnet.com/deals/etekcity-digital-weight-bathroom-scale-400-pounds-9aafb8ab/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Smart Weigh Digital Body Weight Bathroom Scale with Smart Step-On Technology - Non-Slip - Modern Design - Accurate Weight Measurements;Backlit Large Display 440lbs - CNET

Smart Weigh Digital Body Weight Bathroom Scale with Smart Step-On Technology - Non-Slip - Modern Design - Accurate Weight Measurements;Backlit Large Display 440lbs

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Zmodo 4-Ch 500GB Security Camera System for $110 + free shipping - CNET

Zmodo 4-Ch 500GB Security Camera System for $110

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Yunmai HQ - CNET

Yunmai HQ

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How to share your custom Alexa skills with friends - CNET

Not only can you make your own Alexa skills without coding, you can now share them with your friends and family too.

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Tuesday, 19 June 2018

We Are Miserable, Slothful Creatures. Can Technology Save Us From Ourselves?

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Digital Body Weight Bathroom Scale from Greater Goods, Clean White Glass with Backlit Shine Through Display and Highly Accurate Weight Measurements - CNET

Digital Body Weight Bathroom Scale from Greater Goods, Clean White Glass with Backlit Shine Through Display and Highly Accurate Weight Measurements

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8 things you should do with Google Home right now - CNET

Ready to take your Google Home speaker to the next level? Start here.

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https://www.cnet.com/how-to/do-this-with-google-home-right-now/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Smart Weigh Digital Bathroom Scale for Body Weight; BMI; Bone Mass; Visceral Fat; Muscle Mass and Calorie Management - Tempered Glass Platform w/Large Digital Backlit LCD- FDA Approved-440lbs - CNET

Smart Weigh Digital Bathroom Scale for Body Weight; BMI; Bone Mass; Visceral Fat; Muscle Mass and Calorie Management - Tempered Glass Platform w/Large Digital Backlit LCD- FDA Approved-440lbs

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Nest Cam IQ Security Camera for $180 + free shipping - CNET

Nest Cam IQ Security Camera for $180

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https://www.cnet.com/deals/nest-cam-iq-security-camera-for-180-free-shipping-17397440/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Amazon’s Alexa for Hospitality handles checkout, pool time and more - CNET

The tech giant's newest version of its popular voice assistant was made specifically for hoteliers.

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Save up to 15% on Henlixin products - CNET

Save up to 15% on Henlixin products

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Monday, 18 June 2018

Beyoncé and Jay-Z Making Waves at Tidal

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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/beyonc%C3%A9-and-jay-z-making-waves-tidal

PawCall PetChatz - CNET

PawCall PetChatz

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https://www.cnet.com/deals/pawcall-petchatz-86056be0/#ftag=CADa08b18a

A Smart Home That Pays You Back for Water Problems?

When most people think about home protection, the first thing that comes to mind is a home fire and burglary security system. There’s so much more that can happen to a home, though, than burning and theft.

According to ISO/Verisk about one in 50 insured homes has a property damage claim caused by water damage or freezing each year. These claims cost insurers about $9 billion a year. The average water damage claim costs about $8,860.

Flo Technologies, Inc., a company on a mission to prevent costly water damage in homes around the country, offers its own reimbursement program, HomeProtect. The program will reimburse homeowners for their insurance deductibles if their Flo-equipped home suffers major water damage.

Gabriel Halimi, CEO and Co-Founder of Flo Technologies, says: “Water damage is the leading cause of preventable homeowner’s insurance claims every year, costing over $9 billion annually. We’ve analyzed the results from our diverse customer base and proved our initial hypothesis: The Flo System’s proactive technology helps dramatically reduce the likelihood of water damage. With this data, we can now stand behind our customers in an unprecedented way. We are so confident in the Flo system that we will refund customers’ deductibles in the unlikely event their Flo-equipped home suffers major damage that Flo should have prevented. We are excited to offer our customers this added layer of protection as we further Flo’s mission of preventing costly water damage and water loss.”

For $5 per month HomeProtect subscribers gain an additional layer of protection, including:

A water damage prevention guarantee: Flo will pay up to $2,500 for out-of-pocket homeowner’s insurance deductible (details)
Proactive Monitoring by Flo’s experienced support team, as well as Live Chat Support
Access to Flo’s Water Concierge to answer questions about your home’s water system and help resolve water and plumbing issues (whether or not the issues involve the Flo System)
An extended 3-year product warranty
Access to enhanced analysis and information about water usage, including usage per water fixture (currently in beta)
A Flo Certified Letter for Insurance that may help reduce monthly homeowners insurance costs (depending on your insurance provider)
Access to the Flo Standard Plan, which comes with every Flo device purchase

Using FloSense technology, the smart home device applies machine learning and artificial intelligence to learn users’ daily behavior, and sends alerts about abnormalities via the free iOS and Android app. Through the app, users can shut off the water, get troubleshooting tips, or contact Flo Support. Plus, Flo’s MicroLeak technology runs daily proactive tests, identifying and notifying users of tiny leaks that would otherwise go undetected. The Flo device has already helped U.S. homeowners save over 1 million gallons of water.

Flo customers can sign up for HomeProtect today at www.meetflo.com/homeprotect. Flo devices are available for purchase at www.meetflo.com.

The post A Smart Home That Pays You Back for Water Problems? appeared first on Electronic House.

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https://www.electronichouse.com/home-security/a-smart-home-that-pays-you-back-for-water-problems/

HBO: ‘Barry’ Now Available for Download, GoT Music in the Works

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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/hbo-%E2%80%98barry%E2%80%99-now-available-download-got-music-works

Sunday, 17 June 2018

The CNET Smart Garden comes to life - CNET

Check out the smart garden in action.

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Can technology help our garden grow? - CNET

We planted some vegetables in the garden of the CNET Smart Home and installed connected gadgets to take care of our plants.

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https://www.cnet.com/news/putting-the-cnet-smart-garden-to-the-test/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Don’t have enough power outlets? Here's what you can do - CNET

Get more use out of your outlets and stay safe while doing it.

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https://www.cnet.com/how-to/not-enough-power-outlets/#ftag=CADa08b18a

See the CNET Smart Garden in action video - CNET

We task smart sprinklers, cameras and lights with helping our garden grow.

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VTech VM344 Owl Video Baby Monitor with Automatic Infrared Night Vision, Pan/Tilt and Zoom, Temperature Sensor and 1,000 feet of Range - CNET

VTech VM344 Owl Video Baby Monitor with Automatic Infrared Night Vision, Pan/Tilt and Zoom, Temperature Sensor and 1,000 feet of Range

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LED Vintage Light Bulbs - CNET

LED Vintage Light Bulbs

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Kasa Smart Wi-Fi LED Light Bulb by TP-Link - Soft White, Dimmable, A19, No Hub Required, Works with Alexa and Google Assistant, 3-Pack (LB100 TKIT) - CNET

Kasa Smart Wi-Fi LED Light Bulb by TP-Link - Soft White, Dimmable, A19, No Hub Required, Works with Alexa and Google Assistant, 3-Pack (LB100 TKIT)

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https://www.cnet.com/deals/kasa-smart-wi-fi-led-light-bulb-by-tp-link-soft-white-dimmable-a19-no-hub-required-works-with-alexa-and-google-assistant-3-pack-lb100-tkit-33b94959/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Saturday, 16 June 2018

Why you should erase Alexa’s memory (and how to do it) - CNET

Want to start fresh with Alexa? Here's how with the Alexa app or though Amazon.

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https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-wipe-alexas-memory/#ftag=CADa08b18a

First Alert PRC710 10-Year Combination Carbon Monoxide and Photoelectric Smoke Detector - CNET

First Alert PRC710 10-Year Combination Carbon Monoxide and Photoelectric Smoke Detector

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Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance 3rd Generation A19 10W Equivalent Dimmable LED Smart Bulb (Latest Model, Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant) (Certified Refurbished) - CNET

Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance 3rd Generation A19 10W Equivalent Dimmable LED Smart Bulb (Latest Model, Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant) (Certified Refurbished)

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Friday, 15 June 2018

Darkest Hour

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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/darkest-hour

Marantz NR1609 Receiver Features Amazon Alexa, Dolby Atmos

Typically people think of A/V receivers as big, black boxes. The new Marantz NR1509 and NR1609 Receivers break that stereotype by providing homeowners a choice of small-footprint home theater solutions, along with Amazon Alexa voice control capabilities.

The space-friendly receivers offer an array of features, including surround sound decoding, multiple HDMI inputs, 4K UltraHD video compatibility, wireless whole-house audio options, and Amazon voice control.

“Marantz has a legacy of providing absolute top-notch audio solutions for consumers who value sound quality, visual clarity, ease-of-use and beauty above all else,” says Emmanuel Millot, global brand director, Marantz.

“The latest slimline network receivers continue to embody this tradition of excellence. Putting audio and video quality first, both receivers are packed with power and the latest video technologies. We’ve also added HEOS for multiroom wireless chops and Amazon Alexa support to easily control content with your voice.”

Marantz NR1609 Supports Dolby Atmos

Exclusive to the $749 slimline NR1609 is object-based surround sound decoding with a choice of Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and DTS Virtual:X formats, as well as Audyssey MultEQ and Dynamic Volume equalization technologies.

At the heart of both the Marantz NR1509 and NR1609 receivers are discrete, high-current power amplifiers.

Marantz rates the NR1609 to produce 50 watts per channel on all seven channels at 8 ohms (and the rated distortion with two channels driven is 0.08 percent). The company rates the NR1509 to produce 50 watts per channel for all of its five channels, and the amplifiers include the company’s Hyper Dynamic Amplification Module (HDAM) circuitry, which helps the products produce an improved listening experience.

Both products incorporate six HDMI inputs (the NR1609 includes eight HDMI inputs), as well as HDMI outputs that support HDCP 2.2 copyright protection, ARC and CEC.

The receivers also support 4K at 60Hz with 4:4:4 chroma subsampling, and the HDR10, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) high dynamic range (HDR) formats.

Moreover, the receivers allow for the playback of ALC, FLAC and WAV audio files up to 24-bit/192kHz; 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz DSD files, and they enable wireless streaming via Bluetooth and/or Apple AirPlay.

The NR1509 and NR1609 provide wireless whole-house audio options through the company’s proprietary built-in HEOS platform, ensuring both receivers’ ability to deliver whole-house entertainment.

The post Marantz NR1609 Receiver Features Amazon Alexa, Dolby Atmos appeared first on Electronic House.

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https://www.electronichouse.com/home-audio/marantz-nr1609-receiver-features-amazon-alexa-dolby-atmos/

Save On Tenergy LED Flood Light Bulbs - CNET

Save On Tenergy LED Flood Light Bulbs

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https://www.cnet.com/deals/save-on-tenergy-led-flood-light-bulbs-6ba49229/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Q Acoustics M2 Soundbase Review

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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/q-acoustics-m2-soundbase-review

What to do when your AC won't cool - CNET

Here's how to keep your cool before calling a repairman.

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https://www.cnet.com/how-to/what-to-do-when-your-ac-wont-cool/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Etekcity Digital Weight Bathroom Scale 400 Pounds - CNET

Etekcity Digital Weight Bathroom Scale 400 Pounds

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https://www.cnet.com/deals/etekcity-digital-weight-bathroom-scale-400-pounds-9aafb8ab/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Yunmai HQ - CNET

Yunmai HQ

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https://www.cnet.com/deals/yunmai-hq-19dcc704/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Thursday, 14 June 2018

Can You Recommend an HDR-Capable HDMI Splitter?

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And the (McIntosh) Movie Is…

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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/and-mcintosh-movie-%E2%80%A6

How often you should change your AC filter - CNET

It's more often than you think.

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https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-often-you-should-change-your-ac-filter/#ftag=CADa08b18a

How to clean a ceiling fan in 60 seconds - CNET

In just one minute, you can clean all the blades on a ceiling fan with this quick tip.

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https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-clean-a-ceiling-fan/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Digital Body Weight Bathroom Scale with Body Tape Measure from NUTRI FIT ,Step-on Technology, Tempered Glass and Large Easy Read Backlit LCD Display 400 Pounds White - CNET

Digital Body Weight Bathroom Scale with Body Tape Measure from NUTRI FIT ,Step-on Technology, Tempered Glass and Large Easy Read Backlit LCD Display 400 Pounds White

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Wednesday, 13 June 2018

McIntosh Goes Hollywood: Can You Name the Film?

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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/mcintosh-goes-hollywood-can-you-name-film

Ring Alarm, a $199 security system, hits presales today - CNET

It's the latest piece of hardware from Ring, which Amazon acquired in April.

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https://www.cnet.com/news/ring-alarm-a-199-security-system-hits-presales-today/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Samsung Teams with Steinway Lyngdorf to Create the ‘Ultimate’ AV Experience

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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/samsung-teams-steinway-lyngdorf-create-%E2%80%98ultimate%E2%80%99-av-experience

Kohree PAR20 7W E26 Dimmable Led Light Bulbs 6 Pack - CNET

Kohree PAR20 7W E26 Dimmable Led Light Bulbs 6 Pack

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Tuesday, 12 June 2018

Google Home can now juggle three queries at once - CNET

The Google Home's multitasking feature now supports an extra command.

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https://www.cnet.com/news/google-home-can-now-juggle-three-queries-at-once/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Outdoor Wi-Fi Home Security Camera Provides 360-Degree View

Guardzilla broke into the home security market with a surveillance camera that could deliver a 360-degree view of a home’s interior. Able to scope out an entire area rather than a small slice, it was a vast improvement over most other home security cameras. Now, the company has applied that same 360-degree field of view to an camera that can also be used outdoors. Guardzilla claims the panoramic view is three times wider than typical Wi-Fi security cameras. This capability is particularly useful to outdoor areas, as an entire backyard can be monitored from one camera rather than several. The camera can capture video 25 feet in every direction.

“Many home security cameras come in three or four packs in order to provide full coverage, to see more than just a wedge of the property,” says Guardzilla chief revenue officer Terry Bader. “By contrast, you only need our single $229 camera to do the job, which will be easier to set up than multiple cameras.” The Guardzilla 360 Outdoor/Indoor camera can be powered by its rechargeable battery or power cord, and offers both a magnetic hanging ball mount and base stand, allowing the camera to be hung from a ceiling, wall or eave, and placed on any flat surface. It is IP65-rated, which means it can withstand extreme cold, heat, and moisture.

The new Wi-Fi camera, which can also be used indoors, features 360-degree motion detection, automatic arming, night vision, a 90-decibel siren and built-in microphone for two-way communication with your smartphone. A companion Guardzilla mobile app (works on iOS and Android devices) provides live, interactive 360-degree video monitoring from a smartphone or tablet. If you want to record and save snapshot, you can do so from the app. If the camera detects motion, an alert is delivered to your phone. From the app the siren can be set up to activate when motion is detected, and video can be automatically recorded at saved to the cloud.

Cloud storage ranges from $4.99 a month to $8.99 a month, depending on how long you want to save video footage. The camera is available at Best Buy nationwide. To see a live demonstration of the Guardzilla camera, text “360” to 833-360-3366.

The post Outdoor Wi-Fi Home Security Camera Provides 360-Degree View appeared first on Electronic House.

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https://www.electronichouse.com/home-security/outdoor-wi-fi-home-security-camera-provides-360-degree-view/

HiFiMan Targets Smartphone Listening with New Planar Headphones

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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/hifiman-targets-smartphone-listening-new-planar-headphones

Albrillo Dimmable LED Bulbs E12 Light - CNET

Albrillo Dimmable LED Bulbs E12 Light

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https://www.cnet.com/deals/albrillo-dimmable-led-bulbs-e12-light-95f36565/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Monday, 11 June 2018

New Salamander Cabinets Made for UST Projectors

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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/new-salamander-cabinets-made-ust-projectors

Find Your Circadian Rhythm with Philips Hue and Other Smart Lighting

By Justin Schwartz, CEO of SAGE AV

We all have an ‘inner clock’ that our body uses to regulate itself. This process of adjusting to the time of day is called the circadian rhythm, and it involves a whole lot more than simply remembering to go to sleep every night. The circadian rhythm is a biological process that helps our bodies naturally adapt to the 24-hour-day cycle, letting us know when to wake up, eat, sleep, etc. Disruption of these natural rhythms can lead to health problems, weaken our immune systems and increase our risk of disease.

Your Body—Driven by Light

Researchers Jeffrey Hall, Michael Rosbash, and Michael Young discovered the secrets of how the body does this, for which they received the 2017 Nobel Prize. By looking at fruit flies, they were able to understand how a specific gene makes the circadian rhythm tick. They found that the “circadian gene” encodes a protein that gradually increases on the cells towards the end of the day, and then starts to decrease at daytime. It turns out that other plants, animals, and humans all use this same basic principle to regulate themselves. This means the cells in your body are working on a molecular level to make a record of the daily life-cycle based on available external cues, primarily driven by light.

Sync Up With the Sun

Because we face so much artificial light and spend more and more time indoors these days, it’s easy for our body to get confused, ultimately leading to us to not optimally function. Studies have shown that adjusting the amount and type of interior light in a home can help synchronize and stabilize the body’s internal bio-clock. Excitingly, technology has finally caught up with the circadian rhythm, and advances in smart home automation now make it possible to better regulate circadian rhythms indoors.

Healthy, Smart Lighting Options

Lighting manufacturers now have the ability to create a light source that works with your circadian rhythm. Saffron makes a bulb named the Drift, which has a sunlight and moonlight mode. Notwithstanding the fact they appear to be more focused on brightness levels then color temperature, the sunlight mode will gradually dim towards the evening, and the moonlight mode emits a small amount of light.

But, there’s more. Specialized smart home lighting solutions can now be customized accurately depending on your body clock and are able to adjust to a regular rhythm. It’s not as simple as having the lights go on or off at the right time or even adjusting lighting levels though. The temperature of the light is just as important as our bodies are sensitive to it.

Through their strong marketing, one may be more familiar with the Philips Hue. This product is a little more sophisticated in that it mimics sunlight by adjusting the temperature and color of the light from sunrise to sunset. The lighting can either be controlled manually or through an app called Sleep Cycle. Although the temperature range is slightly limited compared to others, some customers may find the price point more palatable. The lights created by Lighting Science are even more advanced and contains several different light bulbs that mimic sunlight, according to the time of day. In fact, this light is used by NASA in space applications for astronauts.

Another company leading the way into natural-light simulations is Ketra Lighting (recently acquired by Lutron). In my opinion, they have developed the most advanced lighting system. Ketra LEDs dynamically shift throughout the day, providing the full range of sunlight, crisp and bright during the day then soft and warm at night. Their lights appear to provide the wellness benefits of Natural Light indoors, synchronizing their circadian rhythms to support better health and rest. With Ketra’s tunable lighting, you can even program the lighting to imitate the intensity, brightness, and temperatures of daylight of your geographic region. They also do a fantastic job of recreating various color temperatures, have the ability to add vibrancy to colors and have an excellent dimming range.

Ultimately, this new, circadian method of smart home controlled lighting has shown to promote overall wellness, improve mood, productivity, and sleep. Although much work and research are still to be done, innovations in lighting and controls are continuing to advance our daily experiences. I don’t think it will be long before this technology makes its way into every home.

The post Find Your Circadian Rhythm with Philips Hue and Other Smart Lighting appeared first on Electronic House.

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https://www.electronichouse.com/home-lighting/find-your-circadian-rhythm-with-philips-hue-and-other-smart-lighting/