#Surround Sound Setup with In-ceiling Invisible Speakers

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Smart Home Solutions at Palm Beach Audio Visions

At Palm Beach Audio Visions (PBAV), we are passionate about delivering exceptional audio visual, home automation, lighting, and technology integration solutions for residential and commercial projects. From the initial concept to the final system deployment, we are dedicated to ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget while exceeding industry standards for quality. Our team of experienced professionals brings a wealth of expertise in the high-end market and a strong focus on building lasting relationships with our clients. Feel free to visit us!

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In-Ceiling Speakers: Enhancing Audio Experience in Style

 Music has the power to transport us to different worlds, evoke emotions, and create unforgettable memories. To truly appreciate the beauty of sound, having a quality audio system is essential. In-ceiling speakers have gained popularity in recent years due to their unique advantages and ability to blend seamlessly into any environment.

One of the significant advantages of in-ceiling speakers system is their space-saving design. Unlike traditional floor-standing or bookshelf speakers, in-ceiling speakers are mounted flush with the ceiling, eliminating the need for additional floor or shelf space. This makes them an excellent choice for those who want to maximize their living or entertainment areas without sacrificing audio quality.

Another benefit is the aesthetics they offer. In-ceiling speakers are discreet and virtually invisible, allowing the focus to remain on the room's décor. They create a clean, clutter-free environment and eliminate the need for unsightly cables and speaker stands. Whether you have a minimalist interior or a more traditional style, in-ceiling speakers seamlessly integrate into any room, enhancing both the audio experience and the overall visual appeal.

In-ceiling speakers also provide excellent sound distribution throughout the space. Their strategic placement ensures a wide sound dispersion, filling the room with immersive audio. Whether you're hosting a party, watching a movie, or simply enjoying your favorite tunes, the sound will envelop you from every corner, creating a captivating listening experience for everyone present.

Moreover, in-ceiling speakers offer flexibility in terms of installation. They can be easily installed in new constructions or retrofitted into existing ceilings, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. Whether it's a home theater, living room, bedroom, or even outdoor spaces, in-ceiling speakers can be customized to meet specific requirements, providing high-quality sound wherever you desire.

Lastly, in-ceiling speakers are a great space-saving option for those who want to enjoy a surround sound experience. By installing multiple speakers strategically in the ceiling, you can create a multi-channel audio setup without the need for additional floor or wall-mounted speakers. This ensures an immersive surround sound experience while maintaining a clean and uncluttered room.

In-ceiling speakers offer a blend of style, functionality, and versatility, making them an attractive choice for audio enthusiasts and interior design enthusiasts alike. With their discreet presence and high-quality sound reproduction, they elevate the audio experience without compromising on aesthetics. So, whether you're looking to upgrade your home theater or simply enhance the ambiance of your living space, in-ceiling speakers are a worthy investment that will elevate your audio experience to new heights.

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Have Unbridled Fun With the Waterproof Speakers

Why should you consider purchasing these speakers?

Undoubtedly, the outside environment poses a whole lot of danger to speakers. In the event you decide to utilize general speakers, then you will have to shield them well against its worst enemy that's water. Covering the speakers may solve the problem. But you will have to compromise greatly on the audio output.

Thus, going for ordinary speakers isn't a desirable alternative whatsoever.

- Perfect for each outside event

The waterproof speakers ensure that you get maximum sound output in each outdoor atmosphere. Whether you're likely to own a poolside party, beach party or even a rain dance, these speakers will surely keep up your enthusiasm - come rain or sunshine.

- Use all these speakers indoors as well

Music lovers love to follow their favourite music anywhere. Would you want to enjoy listening to the songs even when you go for a relaxing bath?

Well, these speakers are simply perfect for you. It is possible to unwind without worrying about the water damaging the speakers.

You may also get these speakers in your sauna area.

- waterproof speakers are not just water proof

Though these speakers have been specially designed to be immune to water, they are also capable of staying unaffected when they are exposed to chlorine, heat, and dust. Therefore, your friends and you can enjoy outdoor parties in almost any weather condition.

These types of speakers that are set up in the cars are made in the way that they don't interfere with the radio waves. Thus, it is simple to listen to your favourite FM music station without disturbing the telephone signals.

Kinds of waterproof speakers:

- In-wall and in-ceiling speakers

Usually, round in shape, the speakers fit beautifully into the ceilings and walls.

As all the wires and other components hide in the walls and ceilings, these kinds of speakers are very popular in bathrooms, kitchens, and saunas. Combine them together with the surroundings by painting them in the shade of the ceiling or the walls.

Since the rear of these speakers is available, the quality of audio will hugely count on the space that's present between the guts of the ceiling and the speaker. You're able to adjust the audio to your liking by simply covering the back with a box or a pad.

- Floating and underwater speakers

If you'd like your music to float with you, then buying a floating waterproof speaker is a fantastic idea. These waterproof speakers are all wireless. Thus, they may float up to a particular distance and still give an impeccable surround sound. Due to its plug and play feature, you won't need to waste any time in installation of their speakers.

Underwater speakers are installed into the walls of the swimming pool at the time of its construction. They are fitted and could barely be discerned.

In the event, you already have a pool and would like to get underwater speakers set up in it, then choose from a variety of colorful speakers, which coincide with the base of the pool. The installation is quite simple and fast. The speaker could be dumped to the water in order that it rests at the bottom of the pool floor.

- Box speakers

As its name implies, box speakers are formed like boxes. Choose them when you do not wish to shell out money and effort in their setup. They can be mounted to a wall or some post conveniently.

- Garden or Patio speakers

You're able to remain near the nature and enjoy listening to the audio together with speakers that are invisible.

Yes, most garden speakers have been created in the form of rocks and garden animals. The speakers are installed through underground wiring and are impossible to tell apart from other elements of the garden.

Water evidence and Water-resistant is not the same

Do not be tempted to choose water-resistant speakers instead of waterproof ones. Remember, only waterproof speakers sustain entire submersion in water. On the flip side, water- resistant speakers can only sustain light contact with water.

Waterproof speakers to match your personality:

These speakers come in a variety of shapes, colours, and sizes. In the event you prefer to showcase your own speakers, then you should go for those, which look like the regular ones. Complete with all the net and the woofers showing, your guests will know from where the impressive and solid beats are all coming.

If you wish to be indiscreet in your ways of appreciating good music, you should decide on those speakers that are customized to fit in the surroundings. For your poolside java party, you'll have these cans in the form of artifacts or lamps.

These cans are manufactured with a view to improve the attractiveness of the room as well.

Things to consider when you buy waterproof speakers

First, you should only purchase these speakers out of a reputed company only. Doing a web research concerning the maker will provide you an insight into their reputation.

Do not forget to focus on the comments left by the buyers. You could also join forums and ask people for references.

Secondly, in the time of purchasing these speakers, you should read the manufacturer's manual correctly. Many manufacturers make tall claims to the packaging of their speakers. It's a marketing gimmick. You should always read the disclaimer and asterisk things to understand how competent these speakers are in managing continuous touch with water.

Third, expensive does not always indicate that the product is worthy of purchasing. The technology is becoming more affordable. Therefore, before purchasing, it is more difficult to compare the costs which are supplied by different manufacturers.

Purchasing waterproof speakers

As soon as you know what type of speakers you want, you can purchase them online very easily. The online shopping sites have tutorials, videos and a huge variety of such speakers that you pick. A number of the websites have discount offers on waterproof speakers. The delivery of these items is quickly. Find out more information click https://audioplusdepot.com/category/brands/klipsch-speakers

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Installing the AV and Invisible Spealers

If you think of sound systems as an add-on at the end of a project, think again. Should you want good quality audio for music and entertainment, then you’ll need to work with an experienced team early on in your scheme to determine how to achieve the best acoustics, speaker tech and locations, cabling infrastructure etc.

On the Build It House, we’re taking audio seriously, so we’ve partnered with Amina UK to install their innovative invisible speakers, hidden in the walls and ceilings behind a plaster skim.

What are invisible speakers?

Amina’s design replaces the standard cone used in most loudspeakers with a flush-fitting flat panel that uses smaller vibrations to generate sound. The tech delivers 180° audio, avoiding the directionality conventional products suffer from. With Amina’s range, the sound is just as good whether you’re stood next to a speaker or at the other end of a room.

One of the Moss Technical crew (Leigh Ivins from Rockfield Smart Homes) installs the back box for a hidden speaker in the hallway

And the quality truly is fantastic, as I discovered when I met with Amina director Babs Moore at one of their partner showrooms, Redline in Essex . Babs ran me through how the panels work and put the tech through its paces with a series of film clips and music.

One test pinged sounds around the different speakers, underlining why they call the setup ‘invisible’. The panels seamlessly integrate into the walls and ceilings, and the omnidirectional sound means you simply can’t tell where they are in a room.

I’m a fairly techy person, and have always loved listening to music, but I can’t claim to be anything close to an expert when it comes to audio setups.

The zone’s iQ3 panel in position, flush with the face of the plasterboard

Thankfully, Babs has a knack for explaining even the most technical concepts in a way that pretty much everyone can understand. She was also hugely enthusiastic about what we’re trying to do with the Education House – and I very much had the sense she puts just as much care and energy into every project.

In all honesty, the sound quality blew me away. Within seconds, I was certain we had to demonstrate this tech in the Education House. It needs to be heard to be believed. The invisible speakers are one of our bigger luxuries, along with features such as the statement staircase, but this is by no means the most expensive sound system out there. And it will give our finished home cutting-edge wow factor.

The benefits go beyond sound quality, too. One of the big attractions of another relative newcomer to our homes, underfloor heating, is that you can save valuable floor space compared to using conventional radiators.

It’s a similar story with invisible speakers. By integrating these panels into walls and ceilings, you avoid the need for hulking great floorstanding models and escape the alternative of, as Babs describes it, “ceiling acne with visible overhead speakers.”

Specifying our setup

Initially, we’d envisaged a 5.1 surround sound media room in the basement, with no other audio. But talking it through with Babs and Moss Technical, our smart home installer, we decided to go further to future-proof the house and fulfil our remit as an Education House.

In the basement, we’re fitting Amina’s ALF120 subwoofer. This is the only part of the installation that won’t be completely hidden: a small grill will be left open at the bottom of the unit

So in the basement, we’ve fitted seven of Amina’s entry-level iQ3 speakers (great bang for your buck) and its ALF120 passive subwoofer. These are in a 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos configuration, with five wall speakers, two in the ceiling and the sub to give an immersive, 3D audio experience. We’ll be installing a projector later in the build.

The black box for an Amina iQ3 speaker installed. We’ve chosen pink cabling for all our audio to make it easy for all our trades to identify.

We’re playing with different configurations on the ground floor, so you can experience a range of options and compare quality. Accompanying the lounge TV is a pair of Amina’s high-performance Mobius 7 ceiling speakers, along with both an ALF40 and an ALF80 subwoofer to demo different levels of bass. Naturally, in a conventional home you’d just have a single sub.

The iQ3 flat panel installed into the back box. Note the slight gap all around the speaker: this will be filled with a jointing compound.

 There are also two rival (visible) in-ceiling speakers so you can experience the difference in sound transmission. In addition, there’s an iQ3 in the dining room and another in the hall for a quick comparison.

SONOS amps will drive everything, while Moss has based the TV distribution on a 4K matrix to deliver yet more future-proofing – although initially we’ll just use standard smart TVs. The audio links back intelligently to the house’s central Niko control hub. So, for example, when somebody presses the video entry doorbell, the music will pause and notify you.

The fully plastered basement walls. If you look closely, you can still just spot the outline of the speakers. Once the decorating is done, they’ll be totally invisible.

Installing the hidden speakers

Our Mobius 7 and iQ3 speakers are plaster-over designs (although the Mobius can be finished with a range of materials, from wood through to leather). We’re installing them into standard 12.5mm plasterboard on our stud walls and joisted ceilings. In the basement, we’ve battened out beneath the beam and block floor to create a recessed ceiling feature, so it’s a similar story here.

It’s important to get the centres right between timbers to allow enough space for the speakers. That’s easy with stud walls, as by the time you get onto this first-fix work you’re likely to have made many of your fit-out decisions.

We’re installing two Amina subwoofers in the lounge, to demonstrate the different levels of performance available

But floor joists get designed and installed very early on, so if you want discrete in-ceiling speakers, you need to make sure this is factored in early to avoid any need to notch out.

By this point, all the first fix cabling infrastructure was in place – including the wiring for the AV, which was pulled through the plasterboard where required. The speaker installation is done between the tacking and skim stages. A suitably sized hole is left in the plasterboard (Amina provides templates) and a back box fitted between the studs or joists. This is fixed only to the plasterboard (not the timber).

CHALLENGES ON SITE: THERE’S ALWAYS A SOLUTION

Ideally, you’d always get the invisible speakers in before the plaster skim is done, as it’s simpler to ensure a smooth finish.

This is what happened in the basement at the Build It House – but time pressures meant that we had to do it a little differently on the ground floor. We needed to get our floor tiles down to avoid delaying other follow-on trades, but you don’t want to do that before the ceiling is skimmed.

Working with Amina’s sales engineer, John Cattani, and the Moss team, we figured out a solution that worked for everyone. We marked out a 100mm tolerance around the speaker locations so that the crew could crack on with plastering most of the ceiling – feathering in around the tolerance area.

These speakers are now in and commissioned, and finishing them off should be a simple job.

Technically, the back boxes aren’t essential – so they can be omitted if the joists are tight and there’s not enough room. But they act as a mount for the speaker, optimise sound quality and minimise unwanted noise transfer. The tricky bit is ensuring they’re perfectly in position, so when the speaker panels are screwed in, they finish flush with the plasterboard. The setup is then tested prior to the skim, while the speakers are still accessible.

Finally, the speakers and joints are taped with scrim and the plasterers can do their skim (which must be 2mm thick max to get the correct sound performance). The process isn’t rocket science, and Babs tells me some DIYers have installed the speakers themselves. But for peace of mind and to ensure the best possible sound quality, we never questioned getting them fitted professionally (plus using a qualified installer will give you access to Amina’s 10-year guarantee).

I can’t wait to hear them in action!

The post Installing the AV and Invisible Spealers appeared first on Build It.

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Home entertainment setup: A guide

Music is an integral part of everyone's lives. It is also a big part of our entertainment system. A good home entertainment system is incomplete without various speakers to play out the music. Let us see how to setup your own home entertainment system. 

Variety of home speakers

Depending on the room type and space, there are a variety of speakers to choose from a big lure of brands. Think about the purpose and the utility of the room in your house before setting up the speakers. Sometimes, you may find excellent solutions for your main speakers and your center channel but won’t get the same in the surround sound speakers type you need for your particular room. In these situations, you can mix different brands to suit your needs. Make sure that your main speakers and the center channel are of the same brand and you are good to go. Home audio store. 

Consider the in-wall and in-ceiling speaker systems when planning your home entertainment setup. These speakers form excellent solutions for clutter free living room or entertainment room. They take up no space in your room and are concealed in the walls or ceilings literally speaking. They are matched to your wall decor, by making them invisible. An in-ceiling speaker is best for background music, say in the kitchen, bathroom or on the covered porch where you relax. Choose a moisture-resistant variety which is best suited for these rooms. The in-wall speaker can provide that extra effect while watching a movie in your home theater or entertaining guests in your living room. 

The placements of these speakers are important, as is the number of speakers for a room. Depending on the size of the room, you can place the in-wall or in-ceiling speakers one or two feet away from each other for best hearing. 

Buying home speaker system

Armed with the basic information about the different types of speakers, you may now ask where to buy them from. Well, there are numerous online shopping electronics store to buy these products from. You may want to research, compare the prices for each product from different review sites or online home audio products stores before considering to buy. Speaker system for home.

Make a note of where exactly you want to install the speakers, use placeholders to mark and visualize your home entertainment system coming up. Gather all the required tools to install and brace yourself for some interesting DIY. Some brand speakers may have to be placed deeper in the wall as compared to other brands, make a note of all this before starting out. Use expert advice or look up online for similar experiences if you are lost mid-way in this DIY. 

Setting up a Home entertainment system is not difficult or overwhelming with a little bit of planning and patience. Make a list of your tastes and requirements and do a thorough research before starting out. Use the best deals to grab your desired products and enjoy the entertainment!

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Best Contemporary Smart Home, Silver and Bronze Winners, More Than $150,000

Silver Winner: Ultra-Modern Amenities Artfully Enhance NYC Residence

For this project that Rich AV Design outfitted on New York City’s Upper West Side, the owner had purchased three units for renovation into one and wanted a Savant system solution similar to the one in family’s existing home, only with some extra technology. The integrator collaborated with the client’s interior designer, Nick Deramo of Ingro Inc., through the Highline Construction Company, to execute their vision.

“We focused on combining technology and style. This meant working with some untraditional partners and unique installation techniques for a sleek, modern look,” says Rich AV Design owner Josh Rich.

For example, a Ketra lighting system was a high priority. Ketra automatically adjusts color temperature according to outside light to regulate the family’s circadian rhythm, Rich explains, like blue hues enabling natural relaxation; also, Ketra brings stylistic benefits, like the 2,000 color-changing LEDs that create art in the grand foyer.

  Decorative mounts for Savant sunshades and Lutron blackout shades with in-wall recessed side channels combine form and function for automated window treatments accessing the Manhattan skyline. Aesthetic matters also included using Trufig for all keypads, outlets and iPorts to create sleek control framework, Rich notes.

Stealth Acoustics Invisible speakers tap into the Savant multiroom audio system, while TruAudio soundbars add to the setups for surround sound in the living and family rooms. The living room has a 75-inch TV within marble framing while the family room has an 85-inch TV in a custom A/V cabinet.

Systems & Equipment

Savant controls

Lutron lighting control

Ketra, DMX, Dali fixtures

Savant, Lutron shades

Stealth Acoustics, TruAudio speakers

Sony, LG TVs

Access Networks, Ruckus network

SurgeX UPS

  Bronze Winner: Installation Tricks Hide Treasure Trove of A/V Riches

photography by Benjamin Edelstein

Where does one’s jaw begin to drop after entering this 11,000-square-foot modern marvel of a residence overlooking the intercoastal waters of Miami? Integrator MAXICON outfitted seven bedrooms, family room, dining room, living room, dedicated theater, gym, and outdoor pool, terrace and cabana.

For starters, automation and security touches begin with the gate and door intercom remotely accessible and controllable from a smartphone as part of the Savant control system. The first floor offers several highlights and ways Lutron shades take on importance.

In the home theater — which includes Sony projector, Seymour screen, Klipsch speakers and Kaleidescape server — the drapery gray blackout fabric shades ensure the darkest viewing environment. Elsewhere, individually controllable blackouts and sheers allow sunlight when desired. They’re key in the family room, which offers dual viewing options — the new Samsung Frame TV, as well as a concealed projection system prepped to drop from the ceiling at the touch of a button.

The second floor takes guests into another media room, featuring a Leon Speakers soundbar and 65-inch TV. The master suite includes a 75-inch ceiling-stowed TV, and Origin Acoustics in-ceiling speakers and Sony TV in the master bath. An outdoor seating area pipes music into Sonance outdoor speakers.

Finally, there’s the high-tech gym. “Once you enter into this modernistic space the only thing left is a great workout with the Peloton Bikes while watching the latest sports news on the 55-inch flushed-mounted TV,” says MAXICON’s Jessica Persyko.

Systems & Equipment

Savant controls

Lutron lighting/shade controls

Sony TVs, projector

Samsung Frame TV

Screen Innovations screen

Klipsch, Stealth Acoustics, Sonance, Leon, Origin Acoustics speakers

AudioControl electronics

Future Automation mounts/lifts

Oppo Blu-ray player

Araknis network

The post Best Contemporary Smart Home, Silver and Bronze Winners, More Than $150,000 appeared first on Electronic House.

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Enhance Your Home with Lutron Smart Window Electric Shades

In the era of smart homes, window treatments have evolved far beyond traditional curtains and blinds. Lutron, a leader in smart home technology, offers a revolutionary solution with its Smart Window Electric Shades. These innovative shades combine advanced technology, elegant design, and user-friendly features to provide unparalleled convenience and comfort. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of Lutron Smart Window Electric Shades, how they work, and why they are a perfect addition to any modern home.

What Are Lutron Smart Window Electric Shades?

Automated window coverings, Lutron Smart Window Electric Shades, can be operated from a distance via voice commands, a tablet, or a smartphone. Thanks to the quiet and effective motors that drive these shades, smooth and accurate adjustments are possible. Lutron shades, which come in various designs, materials, and hues, may blend in with any interior design while offering practical advantages like light control, privacy, and energy efficiency.

Benefits of Lutron Smart Window Electric Shades

Convenience and Control: With Lutron Smart Window Electric Shades, you can easily control the amount of natural light entering your home. Using the Lutron app, you can raise, lower, or adjust your shades with a simple tap on your smartphone or tablet. Additionally, these shades can be integrated with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, allowing you to control them using voice commands.

Energy Efficiency: Lutron shades can significantly enhance your home’s energy efficiency. They automatically adjust based on the time of day and help regulate indoor temperatures. During the summer, the shades can be lowered to block out heat, reducing the need for air conditioning. In the winter, they can let in natural sunlight, helping warm your home and reduce heating costs.

Enhanced Privacy and Security: Lutron Smart Window Electric Shades offer increased privacy and security. You can schedule the shades to close at specific times, ensuring your home remains private, especially during the evening. Additionally, while you’re away, you can program your shades to open and close at different times to give the appearance that someone is home, deterring potential intruders.

Aesthetic Appeal: With many different materials, colors, and patterns, you may personalize these shades to complement your interior decor perfectly. Lutron offers solutions that can improve the visual appeal of any room, whether you prefer the sleek appearance of roller shades or the elegance of draperies.

Smart Integration: Lutron Smart Window Electric Shades integrate seamlessly with other smart home systems. This means you can create custom scenes that involve multiple smart devices. For example, you can create a “Movie Night” scene where the shades are lower, the lights dim, and your home theater system is turned on, all with a single command.

How Lutron Smart Window Electric Shades Work

Lutron shades operate using advanced motorized technology that ensures smooth and quiet operation. Here’s a brief overview of how they work:

Installation: Professional installation is recommended for Lutron Smart Window Electric Shades to ensure they are correctly fitted and integrated with your home’s electrical system. A certified installer will measure your windows, help you choose the right shades, and set up the system.

Control: Once installed, you can control the shades using the Lutron app, a wall-mounted keypad, or voice commands. The app allows you to set schedules, create scenes, and easily adjust individual shades or groups of shades.

Automation: Lutron shades can be programmed to operate automatically based on your preferences. You can set them to open in the morning to let in natural light and close in the evening for privacy. To maximize energy efficiency, sensors can also change the shades according to how much sunshine enters the space.

Why Choose Lutron Smart Window Electric Shades?

Lutron has pioneered smart home technology for decades and is known for its high-quality products and innovative solutions. Choosing Lutron Smart Window Electric Shades means investing in a reliable, durable, and stylish solution for your home. These shades enhance your comfort and convenience and add value to your property.

Lutron Smart Window Electric Shades are a fantastic addition to any home, offering a blend of modern technology and elegant design. With benefits ranging from improved energy efficiency to enhanced privacy and seamless integration with other smart devices, these shades provide a comprehensive solution for today’s smart home needs. Transform your home with Lutron Smart Window Electric Shades from Palm Beach Audio Visions! Experience unmatched convenience, energy efficiency, and elegant design. Control your shades with ease using your smartphone or voice commands. Schedule your consultation today and elevate your living space with cutting-edge bright window solutions!

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Top Smart Home Stories of 2016

You never know what type of article will hit a chord with your readers. Will it be a clever piece about the pitfalls of shouting voice commands to smart devices that will click with visitors to Electronichouse.com? Or maybe a story about how a homeowner transformed his unused basement into a top-caliber home cinema will capture readers’ attention. Over the past year, it’s proven to be a mixed back of articles that have generated biggest buzz among our readers. Here are some of the Top 10 Electronic House articles for 2016. We’ve included the abridged version of each story; if you’d like to read an article in entirety just click on the link.

1.          Is The Home Theater Receiver Dead? In the battle of simplicity vs complexity, who wins? The home theater receiver or the soundbar?

http://ift.tt/2hNEvTntheater/is-the-home-theater-receiver-dead/

Originally posted January 13, 2016

By Grant Clauser

The SONOS PlayBar, and other similar products from companies like Samsung and Polk, can do a lot: provide music from many different streaming services; playback files from a smartphone or computer; connect to a TV to deliver audio from TV programs, video games and Blu-ray discs; act as part and processor of a 5.1 surround sound system and probably do something else important I’ve forgotten. All of this is accomplished without a traditional AV receiver

I asked Sonos product manager Tom Cullen what he thought about the future of the home theater receiver, and he replied very bluntly, “the receiver business is history.” Cullen went on to explain his point, saying that the AV receiver is too complicated, uses too much power, is poorly designed and costs too much money (remember, the Sonos PlayBar costs $700). Why does he say this? Because the PlayBar “plays everything, is easy to control,” and sounds great (paraphrased). The guiding principle of the digital age, he says, is simplicity managing abundance.

That last thought—managing abundance, is important. While inputs have been steadily growing on AV receivers over the last several years, an even greater emphasis has grown in the area of built-in services and wireless connections. A home theater receiver is still the place you plug everything in, but it’s also becoming the place with everything already built-in: internet radio, streaming movie services, Wi-Fi connections, AirPlay and more. Managing that abundance of content is the receiver’s biggest challenge, and often a receiver’s biggest failure.

2.          Building a Network for Your Smart Home: Tips for better wired and wireless home networking.

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Originally posted February 2, 2016

By Robert Silver

Most home networks today are usually comprised of an Internet connection to the house, which links to a wireless router with which everything else—smartphones, smart light switches, surveillance cameras—communicates. This setup functions adequately when the only products connected to the router are laptops and Xbox gaming systems. Today, in many households these legacy devices have been joined by a new generation of connected devices, including media streamers, home automation hubs, cloud storage services, security systems, and other products which the industry has come to refer to as the “Internet of Things,” or “IoT.” As the number of IoT devices on a home network increases, it becomes increasingly more difficult for the network to function well. Problems such as buffering in video streams, latency in music streams, and signals that don’t reach their intended destinations can result. Thankfully, there are solutions:

3.          Invisible Speakers for Home Audio that’s Heard, Not Seen: Invisible speakers are speakers that get installed in walls and ceilings, then are covered with joint compound and painted or papered over, and yes, they can sound great.

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Originally posted January 6, 2016

By Grant Clauser

If you ask an interior decorator about loudspeakers, he or she will tell you they should be heard and not seen. Maybe some home theater enthusiasts and audiophiles would disagree, but a lot of people hold the opinion that speakers in an audio system should be as hidden as possible. Imagine if we could actually have invisible speakers?

That’s no Harry Potter trick anymore. Speakers can be invisible, at least in the strictest sense, meaning they’re in the room, you just don’t see them.

There are two main ways to make a speaker actually invisible, and both involve putting it behind something else.

The first, and most ingenious way, is with a kind of in-wall speaker that actually sits completely flush against the drywall (or other wall material), and then gets plastered over and painted so the speaker becomes 100 percent a part of the wall—-no visible grille.

4.          9 Smart Ways to Light Your Home Theater: Good lighting can make all the difference between a good movie viewing experience and a great one.  Here’s how.

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Originally posted August 2, 2016

By Lisa Montgomery

No matter what you happen to be watching on the TV in your media room—a movie, sitcom, ballgame, even the news—the picture always looks brighter and clearer when the room lights are off. This is one of the main reasons home systems integrators always suggest incorporating some form of lighting control into a media room or home theater. You can tap a button on your smartphone, a keypad on the wall, or a handheld remote to instruct the lights to turn off. This is the most basic form of lighting control and costs a couple hundred dollars to add. If you have a significantly larger budget, you can buy a more sophisticated sort of lighting control system and get a lot fancier with the way the lights in your media room function to make the entertainment experience even more engaging. Here are 9 great recommendations:

5.          How to Protect Your Home with Surveillance Cameras: Blink recommends using more than one camera for enhanced home security.

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Originally posted July 28, 2016

By Lisa Montgomery

If you’ve ever thought about adding a surveillance camera to your home, you might want to consider broadening your scope by having multiple cameras installed. You’ll be able to getting a better perspective of what’s happening in the house—not just the back yard or the front porch—but the entire property, both inside and outside.

Blink, a manufacturer of battery-powered wire-free smart HD home monitoring and alert systems, says that multi-camera systems are the new norm in home monitoring. Based US Census reports, the multi-camera approach makes sense, given that 72% of homes have five or more rooms and 62% of homes have two or more floors.

6.          World Water Day 2016: Home Tech that Helps Conserve and Control: Blossom offers special $99 for smart irrigation controller; new leak detectors prevent water damage and conserve.

http://ift.tt/2hNAwGiconserve-and-control/

Originally posted March 21, 2016

By Lisa Montgomery

In observance of World Water Day tomorrow, Blossom is one company that’s celebrating with the release of its eight-zone Blossom 8 Smart Watering Controller. It’s just one of many smart, connected devices to help homeowners take control of their water usage, save money, and protect their residences from unforeseen damage due to leaks and flooding. The Blossom controller focuses on smarter, more efficient lawn irrigation by linking its product to the cloud and utilizing data that triggers the system to irrigate only when necessary, not simply when a timer goes off. Tapping into the power of cloud computing, the Blossom 8 self-programs existing sprinklers based on the local forecast and daily data from thousands of weather stations and satellites—combined with user feedback—to create the ideal watering schedule.

 7.          3 Smartest Homes on the Planet: Smart systems rule the roost at these stunning, high-tech households where the living is easy and always ready for a fun time.

http://ift.tt/2hNAv55.com/homes-of-the-year/3-smartest-homes-planet/

Originally posted August 22, 2016

By Lisa Montgomery

Each year the editorial staff at Electronic House reviews hundreds of submissions to its Home of the Year contest. The entries submitted by home systems integrators represent some of the smartest, most innovative home tech projects on the planet. Here, you’ll see our picks for the Best Smart Homes, $150,000 and over.

Smart Home of the Year 150,000+, GOLD Winner

Warm to the Touch: Automated fireplaces, snow melting system, and 96 window shades prep 8,000-square-foot mountain home for fabulous family retreats — with a touch of a button.

Tucked within a grove of evergreen trees stands a home so smart, the family that visits there occasionally for long ski weekends barely needs to lift a finger to ready their mountainside dwelling for their arrival. Well, maybe they lift a finger, pressing it to the screen of their smartphone — but that’s about as difficult as it gets. There’s no snow to shovel off the driveway, no thermostats to adjust to crank up the heat, no window shades to open, or lights to turn on. It all happens automatically during their hour-long flight from the San Francisco Bay Area to Lake Tahoe. Or, as is the case with the start-up of the hydronic heating system that warms the 8,000-square-foot home slowly yet efficiently from below the floor, the finger tap happens a few days before their departure.

8.          DISH Network Hopper 3 DVR Comes Packing 16 Tuners: The DVR features options for 4K TVs, split-screen functionality, and remote viewing.

https://www.electronichouse.com/home-theater/dish-network-hopper-3-dvr-comes-packing-16-tuners/

Originally posted January 12, 2016

By Rachel Cericola

Another CES, another insanely cool announcement from the people at DISH Network.

Since the Hopper whole-house HD DVR: first debuted back in 2012, it seems like the company has: come out with innovative: enhancements on an annual basis. Despite the fact that we’re still waiting on the Joey for 4K TVs, they have plenty of new announcements to keep us interested—and pretty entertained as well.

This year, we’re going to see the Hopper 3 (pictured above), the latest and craziest version of the set-top box yet. That’s because this DVR has a whopping 16 tuners, which will allow users to watch shows in multiple rooms, view live programs remotely via DISH Anywhere, and set multiple recordings simultaneously, without any sort of conflicts. At least, we hope there are no conflicts; you’ll have 16 tuners!

9.          Toucan Home Security Cameras Fit into Existing Light Fixtures: These outdoor home security cameras can deliver 720p images and two-way audio.

http://ift.tt/2iyTjUytoucan-home-security-cameras-fit-into-existing-light-fixtures/

Originally posted February 2016

By Rachel Cericola

We’re always trying to figure out new: spots to put: home security cameras: in the Electronic House.: After all, you don’t want to just leave all of them out in the open, right? VuPoint Solutions has come up with a unique, interesting location for its new Toucan—and it’s outdoors.

Toucan home security cameras: are weatherproof, so they can capture any action outside, whether it’s a potential intruder or a package delivery. However, it’s not the tough exterior that makes this product a standout. It’s that these compact cameras are made to be covert. In fact, each one is designed to: fit: into any existing outdoor light fixture. That’s right; this setup can: easily attach a 720p HD camera with two-way audio to the light you currently have outside.

10.  3D Audio Installation Tips: How to add Dolby Atmos to a home theater.

http://ift.tt/2hNB2E8audio-installation-tips/

Originally posted February 11, 2016

By Lisa Montgomery

The big buzz in home theater audio is a relatively new type of “objected-oriented” system that enables sound effects from a movie to move seamlessly throughout the space–even overhead–to create a more realistic, engaging listening experience. During a scene that features a rainstorm, for example, the audio seemingly “rains” down from above. The extra height channels that make up these types of systems, which include Dolby Atmos, Auro 3-D, and DTS:X, provide an extra dimension of audio that might have you rethinking your home theater plans. Should you stick with a traditional surround-sound system? Should you invest in additional overhead speakers? Should you install these speakers now? Is there a way to upgrade to Atmos (or some other 3-D sound system) later, even after your home theater is finished?

The post Top Smart Home Stories of 2016 appeared first on Electronic House.

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