Innehållsförteckning för January/February 2020 från Residential Tech Today

I knew this would happen. I waited forever to finally upgrade my family TV, and now there’s a setting on many of this year’s models that I really wish I could have. Called “Filmmaker Mode,” the setting effectively disables post processing such as motion smoothing and aims to give consumers the opportunity to view content in the way that the filmmakers intended, including with the original aspect ratio, color, and frame rates. The reason I hesitated for so long to replace my plasma TV (yes, it’s ancient; and it’s still an excellent option for a bedroom TV) was that I always hated the hyper-real, “soap opera effect” video images that I’d often see on so many newer TVs in the homes of family and friends (and even at trade shows…

As we utilize and depend on our residential networks in more and more areas of our life, network security has become very important. We recommend enterprise-level networking components to improve general network performance and coverage, as well as providing proper network security from “uninvited” sources. These security measures include provision and implementation of full featured routers/firewall appliances that can be configured to block unwanted access, along with managed Ethernet switches to provide controlled access and the option of multiple VLANs. – Barry Reiner, InnerSpace Electronics, Mt. Kisco, NY We always start with high-quality networking hardware from companies like Luxul or Pakedge. From there we recommend using robust passwords for accessing any network hardware as well as getting on the home’s Wi-Fi and then creating a separate guest Wi-Fi network to…

Over the course of last summer, CEDIA headquarters in Indianapolis hosted the inaugural CEDIA Electronic Systems Integration Technician Training program, an immersive occupational skills training program that stretched over 12 weeks. The students – recruited from trade schools, vocational, and community colleges, and a variety of other sources – are new to the industry. The pilot program is an integral part of CEDIA’s strategic commitment to workforce development. Jeff Gardner, a longtime CEDIA volunteer and primary instructor for this program, summed up the issue that integration firms are facing: “These smaller companies have people that are qualified to move up and take on more responsibilities and become designers, engineers, lead technicians. But you can’t move them up unless you’ve got somebody to replace them. So, we need people with some…

Ring has become one of the most recognized brands in the smart home business since launching its app-controlled, camera-assisted smart doorbell in 2014. Since then, Jamie Siminoff’s company has expanded its alarm and camera offerings to fulfill a mission of making neighborhoods safer. Very few smart home brands cut across different channels – retail, pro installation, and online – as well as Ring. Now, the company is introducing an X Line of products that promises to further solidify its support of the professional installers and their customers (called “neighbors” in the parlance of Ring). Prior to the X Line, Ring’s more upscale offerings were its sleeker (thanks to the lack of battery pack) Pro and Elite models. The X Line takes those models (and other products) and adds in a…

The 2010s was an incredible decade of innovations, with everything from smartphones and gaming to streaming and wearables seeing massive leaps forward. These major improvements have led many to believe that dependency on technology has led to a less social society, which thankfully gives us all more time to spend with our well-designed devices. With that in mind, we should be appreciative of the many ideas that make modern tech what it has become. Now that the 2020s are off to an official start, let’s look at the tech moments that made the past ten years unforgettable. 2010 Marmaduke live-action film pushes the boundaries of CGI technology. 2011 Upon eliminating the threat of the Rebellion, Jeff Bezos is named Supreme Chancellor. 2012 Tinder launches. 2013 Nation regrets downloading Tinder. 2014…

Darryl Wilkinson is a veteran freelance writer in the consumer electronics industry, which includes work as editor-at-large for Sound & Vision. He’s written for Audio, Home Theater, Wirecutter, Home Theater Review, and others. This month Wilkinson explains why invisible speakers are the best option for homeowners and designers that want music without a single hole in the ceiling or wall. At St. Louis-based Integration Controls, Jamie Briesemeister leads sales and marketing and is actively involved in business development, including industry outreach and education. She speaks nationally about the smart, connected home at several events. This month, Briesemeister explains why the term “AV” confines the home technology industry because it binds its professionals to a particular slice of an extraordinarily large (and diverse) home technology pie. Henry Clifford founded Livewire in…

SnapAV’s Neeo is a sleek remote control for the Control4 Smart Home OS 3, giving homeowners fast access to the things they use most – their favorite streaming services, most-watched TV stations, playlists, and room-level or household-level smart home scenes. Neeo is the first Control4 handheld remote to combine the benefits of hard buttons and a touchscreen. “The modern smart home needs simple interfaces to start a movie, select a playlist, or lock a door. Neeo was expertly designed to be beautiful, and with Control4 OS 3, it’s also the easiest way for a family to enjoy entertainment in their homes,” said Charlie Kindel, SnapAV chief product and technology officer. “Neeo is a reflection of our obsession for creating the most elegant and simple interfaces for the refined smart home.”…

For more than 35 years Jan Vitrofsky has worked to simplify and personalize potentially complex home technology innovations for his clients. With the drive and experience he acquired while working in the electronics industry since 1975, he launched his company, HEDsouth, in 1984. Jan and his company built a portfolio of solutions for local, national, and international clients. Clients such as ABC, CBS, Sony, Disney, and the White House have benefited from profound understanding and seamless execution of technology, people, and design. Like three pieces of an interlocking puzzle, Jan Vitrofsky (HEDsouth), Ofer Abutbul (Powerfull Electric), and Shalom Illouz (Powerfull Systems) joined forces to create a unique electronics integration company that can provide the entertainment, lighting, shading, climate, control, and integrated design and then perform turnkey electronics prewire, wiring, installation,…

Set on 12 elevated acres with sweeping valley views, an 18-year-old Park City, UT, mountain lodge was recently renovated by its new owners to create a more contemporary and efficient family home. A key aspect of the project was replacing the existing LiteTouch lighting system, as the product line was discontinued in 2015. The homeowners’ requirements for the new system included adaptive phase dimming, sleek Modern Touch Pads for control, and integration with other equipment, such as shading. To meet these needs at a cost that wouldn’t break the bank, they called on integrator Vaun Bethers. “When it comes to upgrading LiteTouch systems, Vantage Controls’ InFusion is my solution of choice for a number of reasons,” Bethers said. “The company has excellent online tools for planning an upgrade and helps…

The ever-present threat of hackers has been on the rise for years now. Anyone reading this likely knows the pain of trying to evade these attacks, often with the simple annoyance of creating thousands of different passwords and constantly smudging up your smartphone with your thumbprint. This new decade looks to bring with it many new security threats, so let’s take stock on where we stand on cybersecurity in 2020.…

The design of a home or building has traditionally focused on aesthetics. However, today’s occupants expect more from their spaces, especially as the trend toward designing healthier lifestyle spaces gains traction. But, in addition, the attention paid toward human-centric lighting and air and water filtration, at least one group is beginning to promote the idea of acoustic designs and acoustic doors to help create quieter, more tranquil indoor spaces. Steve Orlowski, senior director of standards and technical activities at the Windows and Doors Manufacturers Association (WDMA), pointed to the WELL Building Standard, from the International WELL Building Institute, as the initial motivator behind his group’s initiative. WELL accredits buildings based on how well they improve occupants’ comfort, health, and wellness. This endeavor, Orlowski contends, should also involve creating a “nice,…

March/April Becoming a Cinema Sommelier. The high-end private cinema industry finds itself in a unique position as the multi-purpose entertainment room remains a more preferred option for homeowners. What opportunities are still available for skilled home cinema designers and integrators as they work with clients to raise the bar on these projects? May/June Outdoor Tech: Improving the smart home experience around the pool and yard requires a thorough understanding of weather-proof speakers, TVs, lighting, and extended network connections. July/August Faster Mobile Internet: 5G technology is the next generation of wireless communications. It is expected to provide internet connections that are least 40 times faster than 4G LTE. The introduction of 5G holds many promises in the world of technology, particularly related to to self-driving vehicles. Find out how it will…