Tag: Smart home automation

Your Guide to Smart Generators: What to Expect Before You Buy

When storms hit, the last thing you want to worry about is losing power. A smart generator keeps your home running smoothly during outages, but what does it really take to get one installed, and what should you expect in terms of cost, timeline, and capabilities? We sat down with David Hicks, one of our […]

Review: Monitor Audio C3M Creator Series In-Ceiling Speakers

Architectural audio is a fairly mature category. New speakers come out all the time, but the fundamentals of producing sound through in-wall circles and rectangles have stayed pretty much the same for a few decades. I wouldn’t call myself jaded, but I don’t go out of my way to solicit reviews for these products because […]

A Hands-On Review of Control4 X4

Control4 has been around since 2003 and its user experience has been long overdue for a ‘glow up’ since the launch of OS3 over 5 years ago. They sent me a new CORE 1 controller and an 8-inch T8 wireless touch screen to test drive in concert the new X4 user experience. I was really […]

How to Upgrade Your Coastal Source Outdoor Lighting with RGBTW Color

I fell in love with outdoor lighting during the pandemic when Coastal Source sent me a truckload of gear to install around my yard. It took me a while to trench, dig, cut and cajole all the lights in place, but when I did, the end result was well worth the effort. My property stands out after […]

Six Smart Home Essentials

Updating your home automation at all times is a noble idea because it shows that all your system is working at an optimal level. Automating your home with popular home automation devices brings comfort and convenience to your daily life. Let’s dive into six smart home essentials that would make your daily life easier: Install […]

Product Review: The Control4 Halo Touch Remote Control is a Voice-Enabled Time Saver

The Control4 Halo Touch is a time saver and simplifier, so it should be a hit for new systems and upgrades I’ve been pining for a decent voice assistant enabled universal remote control for years. Many gallons of digital ink have been spilled beseeching industry manufacturers to catch up with products that Big Cable made […]

What Will Smart Homes Look Like In 5 Years?

In 5 years, smart homes are expected to have even more advanced technology, offering increased convenience, comfort, and security. Some potential advancements for smart homes in 5 years include: Increased AI Integration Artificial Intelligence (AI) will play an even bigger role in smart homes, allowing for more personalized and intuitive experiences. AI technology will be […]

Control4 vs. Savant: A Home Automation Showdown

Smart homes are becoming increasingly popular, and with so many options out there, it can be difficult to decide which home automation system is best for you. Two of the most popular systems are Control4 and Savant. Both of these systems have a lot to offer, but it’s important to understand the differences between them […]

Product Review: Control4 NEEO Remote

We’ve tested the Control4 NEEO remotes in our Innovative Design Center, and if you don’t have two minutes to spare I’ll spare you the suspense. This remote is super fast, amazingly simple, and constructed using an industrial yet intuitive design reminiscent. After unboxing the remote and connecting it to our WiFi, it immediately found our […]

Smart Outdoor Lighting Guide

Smart lights have drastically changed the way people light up their homes. While the most common solutions are still switches, bulbs, and fixtures inside your house; smart outdoor lighting has seen a huge boost in recent years. Whether you want to accent certain parts of your property, light up pathways, or add another layer of […]