Pyng, the newest addition to Crestron home controls, now allows you to make program scheduling changes yourself without waiting for your programmer! The newest addition to the Crestron line allows adjustments to lighting, shades, climate, and security right from your iPad. Having a party and want a scene specifically for the one night? No problem, Pyng it! Feel like your house could be a little more cozy now that it’s colder outside? Pyng it! Pyng…
Audio Impact won Home of the Year again, making 4 wins total from Electronic House Magazine. This year’s winning system is an amazing Mission Beach boardwalk home with spectacular custom lighting, made simple by our expert team of technicians. Our goal is to create systems that complement lifestyles. For the owners of this beachfront estate, their goal was to illuminate the artistic details of their home, while keeping control simple, yet still fully customizable. Using…
With today’s on-the-go lifestyle, mobile technology is changing what you should expect from a home security system. With the right installation, securing your home and family is as simple as clicking an app on your mobile device. Mobile-ready security systems are amazing for homeowners who want to know their home is secure while they are away at work, or on vacation. Here are 6 amazing ways that smart phones are changing home security: 1) Watch…
You can stop leaving your key under the doormat because the days of making copies of your keys are over. Electronic locks or smart locks are becoming more and more popular in the home. Electronic locks have been used in commercial buildings for years. For Americans, it’s all about convenience and gadgets, and now homeowners are discovering the benefits of using electronic locks in the home. With electronic locks, you can do away with the…
6 Most Important Pieces of Info to Share with Your Tech Installer Tidbits about your lifestyle, family and home can net a well-designed A/V and automation system. August 19, 2013 by Lisa Montgomery A realtor wouldn’t dream of selling you a house without understanding your needs and wants (or “must-haves” as they’re known these days). The same goes for the professional who designs and installs A/V and automation systems into homes. In order to provide…
At Electronic House we are lucky to be exposed to the best new technology and most impressive. In the spirit of Julie Andrews’ rendition of “My Favorite Things” (or Carrie Underwood if you prefer) from The Sound of Music, we bring you our favorite things from 2013. LISA MONTGOMERY: Homes Sophisticated Library Includes Hidden Lighting Controls I love it when custom electronics professionals get creative, and the book spine that was fitted with buttons for…
Many home theater enthusiasts, especially DIYers (and I’m including myself here) tend to fuss all about the big picture and sound-in-the-round speaker approach, while neglecting many important details. Sometimes installers are guilty of the same thing (though usually it’s the client’s taste or budget that’s to blame). A home theater is more than a room and more than a collection of electronics all tethered together. When done right, a home theater is a total experience….
Grab a handful of AV magazines and you’re sure to see some pictures of AV rack installs. Every week I’m sure to see articles about a rocking rack in my inbox, and each year at the CEDIA Electronic Lifestyles banquet an award is given for the best rack. Maybe us industry people get so excited about racks because we spend so much time with them—terminating, testing, and troubleshooting; we know that it is the brain,…
It never fails. The moment you finally get comfortable under your covers is the moment you realize that you haven’t turned down the thermostat. Rather than choose between a toe-stubbing trek through darkened halls or sweating through the night, check out Honeywell’s new voice-activated thermostat. You stay snuggled safely in bed and save energy—win, meet win. The Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat with Voice Control builds on the the company’s Smart Thermostat line that debuted in April…
When looking for ways to save money, you might not think to look into home automation. In the past, the term “smart home” conjured up images of expensive home improvements and high-tech gadgets that were only found in celebrity mansions or grand estates. However, with the emergence of new wireless technology and more companies providing these products, these systems are now more affordable than ever. Additionally, they do not require any major renovations to your…