Article Library

This archive is a compilation of articles published in our eMagazine since inception. The articles are organized by "Subject". Many thanks to those who have contributed to this archive and continue to help it grow by submitting their thoughts and expertise to the magazine.

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General Industry - Opinions and Advice

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Article Title Author Company eMag Issue Article Synopsis
Surviving in the Home Automation Market Contributed by Gefen, LLC

Dec 2012

 The home automation and control systems market can be a frightening place. Housing starts, devastated by the recession, are experiencing a tepid recovery. Control equipments’ already limited profit margins are being further compromised by direct-to-consumer sales. Independent installers and systems integrators are wary of competition with Apple, Google, Microsoft, Verizon and others large players who are moving into home automation.
Smartphone Purchasing … It’s for More than Just Coffee THE Insider

Dec 2012

 Everyone is so sure that you're going to abandon your billfold/purse and eliminate the need for dirty, evil money that they're standing in line waiting for you.
SSD … More Stuff than You Can Afford to Carry The Insider

Oct 2012

 SSD is ideal when response time (low latency) and performance (IOPs – input/output operations per second) are more important than raw capacity.
The Lowball Audio Video Bid - Are You Really Getting the Best Deal? Josh Christian DSI Entertainment Systems

Jun 2012

 "You get what you paid for". We've all heard that phrase, and that is because it is almost always true. Yet sometimes the tempt of the low price, even when our gut is telling us something is fishy, overrides reason and we wind up making a choice we later regret. DSI Entertainment Systems' Josh Christian explains why the cheapest price is rarely the best value.
Bigger, Better Pixels Make Video a Whole New Game Andy Marken Marken Communications

Jun 2012

 This week's Nvidia GPU Technology Conference gave us yet another peek into why the GPU (Graphic Processor Unit) still matters. Jen-Hsun Huang runs a high tempo aggressive team that is always pushing the envelope and his latest announcement was no exception bringing tears to our son's eyes because he so wanted one of the $1K units but no way! It may be all about gaming power but the pixel processing power took us right back to NAB and how their latest offerings and technology announcements is keeping pace with movie and broadcast producers demands for better quality video content and faster/more comprehensive encoding. And yes you still have to store it all somewhere!!
Content Insider # 217 - Protect Your Own THE Insider

Apr 2012

 While it’s impossible to avoid the cloud with all the web services that are out there, it’s not a place we want to store anything we feel is important or private. Our new home cloud is a 16TB RAID that we hope will be enough storage and backup for a year or so.
Is Windows Media Center Alive? Mark Anderson - Managing Editor HomeToys

Feb 2012

 Windows Media Center is one of the best and most underrated products produced by Microsoft. As a cord-cutter, I use it as my TV guide, DVR and a whole lot more. In the last few months, I’ve attempted to find three key plug-ins. Not one exists. It seems developers interests lie elsewhere these days. So is this a nail in WMC’s coffin. I hope not.
2012 will be the year of Home Automation Mark Anderson HomeToys.com

Feb 2012

 I know what you’re thinking: another “year of X” prediction that has as much chance of coming to fruition as I have of winning the lottery. (I’m still waiting for smell-o-vision.) So, why am I so keen to stake my reputation on this? One reason: the number of entry level systems appearing on the market. We’ll be reviewing some of these over coming months, but for now we’ll just list some of the major contenders. Mark Anderson is a long-time home theater enthusiast and lives on the bleeding edge of Home Automation. He will be covering everything related to Home Automation and AV. He is also a regular contributor to avystemsmag.com, where he covers commercial AV and automation.Please welcome Mark to the HomeToys team.
On Energy Management, Manufacturing and Factory Automation Bob Hetherington HomeToys

Oct 2011

 It's not enough to monitor our energy use. We don't really care about that unless it does something to change our lives or save us money. So, let's put a solar system on the roof. Now that can do both of these things and should attract our attention. But let's take it a step further. With that solar system there is a new variable in the mix --- FREE CLEAN ENERGY. What can and should we do with it.
Outdoor Entertainment Systems Leonardo ENERGY Leonardo Energy

Feb 2011

 A key aspect of outdoor entertainment systems is the wiring that is required for both power and audio distribution.  Outdoor wiring requires a better quality of wire coating and insulation than indoor wiring.  Typically, outdoor wiring is run through conduit, either rigid PVC or metal conduit.  Connections between distribution boxes and conduit that is run on the exterior of the home must be sealed with heavy gaskets to prevent the penetration of dust and moisture into the power distribution box.  Ground fault circuit interrupters should be used in the event that moisture does enter the box and shorts out a connection.
What the heck happened? Bob Hetherington HomeToys.com

Aug 2010

Please designers and marketers, don't focus on mobile devices and therefore limit our future to having fairly good products that do everything. We still want really good products that do specific tasks perfectly. Broadcasters (soon to be renamed Streamers) need to stay with the program too.
Streaming Content - Why and How? Bob Hetherington HomeToys

Jun 2010

 Supposedly now --- life is better. I should be able to stream content including TV, movies, news, music and everything else --- from the internet directly to my entertainment system. I should also be able to do all the old stuff too including listen and watch the movies and music which I purchased and stored on my hard drive. So, since I are an engineer, I'm going to break everything down into point form and see if I can make sense of all of these options --- oh and by the way --- I know you can do all this internet stuff with a phone too but I'm not even going to go there at this point in time :-(
How to handle a defective product Chuck Hinton McIntosh

Jun 2010

SO, you got some new do-dad for your stereo, once you hook it up, you find you have: Hum, buzz, distortion, no power, or some other issue. Here are the best ways to handle the situation and the order in which you should do them:

How to handle a defective product Chuck Hinton McIntosh & Snell Tech Support

Apr 2010

 SO, you got some new do-dad for your stereo, once you hook it up, you find you have: Hum, buzz, distortion, no power, or some other issue. Here are the best ways to handle the situation and the order in which you should do them
Social Media…The Hunted Can Become the Hunter Andy Marken Marken Communications Inc

Aug 2009

 The world of new media – widgets and social applications – looks like a beautiful marketing communications hunting ground.
Many Years In The Ad Agency Trenches Michael Sherman

Aug 2009

 Getting good marketing counsel and work product from an ad agency or consultant has a profound effect on the future of your business.
Is System Design Necessary?

Aug 2009

 Many of us in the AV Integration business have been doing this for a long time, 24 years for me. We are seasoned professionals who have done our fair share of home theaters, distributed audio and video, lighting and sub-system control integration. We know what works for us and what doesn’t. We can walk a house while it’s being framed and just point out the speaker, keypad and TV locations. We don’t need a design; we can assemble a distributed audio system in our sleep while planning the control system over breakfast, right? Wrong!
Marketing vs Tech…Consumers Need Voice G.A. "Andy" Marken

Mar 2009

 On any given day you will find a group of engineers or programmers huddling in the back room, sitting in the corner of the coffee shop, or gathering around the most recently divorced individual's kitchen table to plan the next major new company built on breathtaking technology. The hard fact is…we really don't need more technology. What we do need is better application of the technology we have. In fact, it would be fair to say that we probably have enough sound technology available to last us for the next five to ten years. What we need are people to make the technology usable for the rest of us. Technology is important, but what is needed even more is sound marketing/market understanding, ability and practice. We rush insanely great technology/products to market, we get them reviewed/talked about by bleeding edge media techno-writers and the din of noise fills the media. Print, web, blog, radio, TV all cover the insanely great solution and we forecast fantastic hockey stick sales and insane profits.
Job Site TIPS Grayson Evans

Mar 2009

 I’ve seen so many installation crews waste so much time on the job over the years, that I thought it would be helpful to compile a list of time and frustration elimination suggestions for this month’s TIP. Since I’m so disorganized, I’ve made most of these mistakes myself, even the safety related ones, so I speak from some experience. Hopefully you can pick up a few tips and save yourself some grief. The most important tips I can pass along about the job site concerns safety. The job site is definitely dangerous and almost everyone I know, me included, has had some injury while working on the job, especially during the prewire construction phase. I have had a co-worker seriously injured and many of my friends in the industry have related stories of serious accidents, including deaths. It’s a common problem and I hate to say I don’t see much being done about it. So my number one TIP: BE PREPARED.
What Happened To The Smart Home? Kurt Scherf Parks Associates

Jan 2009

 Ten years ago, the “smart home” was all the rage. Almost every company in our market had a concept center or display house that showed the functionality of the digital home.
Visions for 2009 THE Insider

Jan 2009

 Despite what a lot of "financial experts" say (weren't they the ones who got us into this position?) things aren't real bad -- yeah they're not real great either. But people in the business/consumer computer/entertainment/communications industry have never been short on optomism or ideas. Looking up from what is near the bottom of the valley it is fairly obvious that it will be a long, hard trek back up to the top of the hill. Some firms won't survive by this time next year. Those that focus on developing a strong consumer centric strategy and lead/listen to the marketplace will be light years ahead of the competition when we enter 2010. What's it going to take? What will the the leaders do? We've got a pretty good idea...hope you agree. We know most have what it takes to survive and prosper!
LG Techorator Tips Fall is the Perfect Time to "Tecorate Your Home" Doug Wilson The LD Techorator

Sep 2008

 As the LG Techorator, I know how important it is for your technology to integrate seamlessly into the home and with your lifestyle. With a few easy “techorating” tips, you can make sure your new technology works with the look and feel of your home, rather than overwhelming the space.
e-Health Opportunities for Global Service Providers a Parks Associates white paper Harry Wang Parks Associates

Sep 2008

 An aging population with rising incidence of chronic conditions is a threat to the global healthcare system. Each month, the world's elderly population increases by 795,000. In countries such as Japan, Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, Italy, and Spain, the elderly outnumber the children. Chronic diseases such as diabetes, congestive heart failure, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) unfortunately come with age and can lead to deteriorating quality-of-life standards. These chronic diseases are not only major causes of death but also among the most costly to treat and cure.
It’s NOT all about the chips! Chuck Hinton McIntosh

Jun 2008

 Before you make a buying decision based on a touted technology, design class, a must have connector or a phantom surround mode, remember that none of that stuff is worth is worth a dime with out proper implementation.
Interoperability in Smart Homes Thinagaran Perumal

Jun 2008

 Interoperability will allow devices and application in smart homes to collaborate and provide consumers with greater flexibility in selecting their desired services.
Improving Your Bottom Line in a down Economy Tim Bigoness D-Tools

Apr 2008

 At the end of the day in a tough economic environment you need to go back to the basics and make sure that you have a clear process for not only getting new business, but for following through and delivering on time and to budget.
Content Insider #93 - Mobile Technology -- Everything You Want But a Reliable 3-Min Call THE Insider

Feb 2008

 Like your cell service? Want to try a new one? Not much choice right now as you jump from one walled garden to the next. But there are signs on the horizon that things will be improve and we can do what the ROW does...pick & choose your phone based on features YOU like...pick & choose your service provider based on features like...performance/price. Gee what a revolutionary concept.
Working Within HDMI Protocol Boundries & Words On 1.3 Dave Long Evolution Audio Video Inc.

Dec 2007

 In keeping with our reports and rants on the ‘interesting’ world of HDMI, here are more observations I’ve made along with facts via e-mail and phone calls with Bob Rappaport at PureLink, HDMI tech support and the DTS Pro Audio division. This may help you with any dropped signals you’ve had thus far.
WHY HOME AUTOMATION IS SMART, ECONOMICAL AND SAVES ENERGY John H. Johns Innovative Home Theater

Dec 2007

 Dimming lights by 25% reduces electricity consumption by 20% and quadruples the life of light bulbs.
Letters to the Editor Various Various

Dec 2007

 Let's talk quality of image and most importantly the Audio. Turn off the sound and tell me how many goose bumps you get then.
Keys to Success at CES Andy Marken Marken Communications

Dec 2007

 With a little planning and preparation, you can take advantage of the tremendous opportunities that are available and still enjoy yourself.
Interview - Convergence if IT and A/V Technologies Robin Ford Global Caché

Dec 2007

 Start educating yourself on the new open systems and technologies. Networking, networking, networking. If you can afford it, hire from the IT market to add that knowledge and experience to your business.
CableCARD - Who Needs It? Derek R. Flickinger Interactive Homes, Inc.

Dec 2007

 We have Windows Media Center under Windows Vista receiving high definition premium cable content without CableCARD. It is so simple, it makes us wonder why no one else thought of it.
Home Media Servers: Savior of HD Audio? Mark Waldrep AIX Media Group

Oct 2007

 While the rest of the audiophile community struggles to get the last bit of fidelity out of their vinyl or compact disc collection, those of us that have discovered the benefits of new recordings done in HD can abandon optical discs altogether.
Content Insider #89 - Next Generation DVD – Change at the Speed of Slow THE Insider

Oct 2007

 "You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you're going, because you might not get there." – Yogi Berra, Baseball Hall of Fame Player/Coach
Content Insider #88 - The Home Network/Entertainment Connection Is…Easy THE Insider

Oct 2007

 “Hey Bill, look, do me a favor, give him a chance. He came in here with a little piece of information. I know you worked with him before and had a little trouble, but don't get off on the wrong foot, if you have problems, come to me with them, I'll handle it.” – Walt Simonson, The French Connection, 1971
Magnetic Personality Test Leads Grayson Evans The Training Department

Aug 2007

 The test leads will stick to pipes (for a ground), screws, speaker terminals, tools (to allow the tool to be a test lead), chassis, racks, car bumpers, and other test leads.
Content Insider #87 - DRM…Pirates Helped in Ways They Didn’t Plan THE Insider

Aug 2007

 “I like pigs. Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals.” -- Winston Churchill
Content Insider #86 - Pre-Millennials…The Market Underfoot THE Insider

Aug 2007

 “You could be happy here, I could take care of you. I wouldn’t let anybody hurt you. We could grow up together, E.T.” – Elliot, E.T. the Extra Terrestrial (1982)
Content Insider #85 - Want Data Privacy… Get Off the Computer THE Insider

Aug 2007

 "The ultimate "computer," our own brain, uses only ten watts of power -- one-tenth the energy consumed by a hundred-watt bulb." – Paul Valery
Content Insider #84 - Saving Our Past for the Future THE Insider

Aug 2007

 What about all that talk about screwing up future events, the space-time continuum?" -- Michael J. Fox (Marty McFly) – Back to the Future (1985)
Content Insider #83 - Teachings of the Wii Generation THE Insider

Aug 2007

 “I want you all to consider what I am about to suggest to you. You people seem to want what we've got. Well, we have room for you. We have room for you and about 30 of your friends. You would be students of course, but you'd also be teachers. ” – Walter (Brian Dennehy) – Cocoon (1985)
Back This Up Suckah!!! Andy Marken Marken Communications

Aug 2007

 Andy Marken, Jon Peddie Trade Points, Counterpoints; Barbs, Jabs On the Proposed Disc/Content Backup Ban
Why Game Consoles Aren’t Just For Kids Anymore Brando GizmoCafe Blogger

Jun 2007

 Sure, stand-alone DVD, HD and even Digital Video Recorder devices represent phenomenal advances in technology. However, they’re also limited in their scope and sheer features, unlike today’s newest gaming consoles.
Off-Air Antennas and an Alignment Grayson Evans The Training Department

Jun 2007

 It was usually acceptable to align an off-air antenna for NTSC analog signals by simply looking at the screen while someone moved the antenna for best picture and minimum “ghosting”. Unfortunately, this technique will not work for DTV.
Content Insider #80 - Death By Phone THE Insider

Jun 2007

 Somehow we don’t believe the perfect everything for everyone mobile phone is possible, practical, in demand. But it may be the perfect way to murder entertainment as we know it.
Content Insider #81 - The New Matrix THE Insider

Jun 2007

 Virtual worlds like There.com and SecondLife aren’t being used by these firms as online retail outlets but rather business locations that can lead to real world sales or to quickly solve real world problems.
Digital Hell John Barrett Parks Associates

Apr 2007

 There are lots of theories about how and why new products achieve mass-market success. I’d like to offer my own little rule of thumb. No product will ever achieve mass-market success unless it inspires envy. People must look at the early adopters and want to become one.
Content Insider - #78 Blue is Here to Stay…That’s Not Pulp Fiction! THE Insider

Apr 2007

 “Jules, did you ever hear the philosophy that once a man admits he's wrong, then he's automatically forgiven of that wrongdoing?” – Vincent (John Travolta), Pulp Fiction, 1994
Content Insider #79 - The Undersea Internet World THE Insider

Apr 2007

 “The natives over there are cannibals. They eat liars with the same enthusiasm as they eat honest men.” – Captain Nemo (James Mason) – 20000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954)
Content Insider #76 - – DRM – Keeping the Treasure Hidden or Opening the Mountain THE Insider

Apr 2007

 “Conscience. What a thing. If you believe you got a conscience it’ll pester you to death. But if you don’t believe you got one, what could it do t’ya? Makes me sick, all this talking and fussing about nonsense.” -- Dobbs (Humphrey Bogart) – The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)
Adjust Your Brand’s Halo and Let it Shine EVOK Advertising EVOK Advertising

Apr 2007

 “To cut through the clutter in today’s overcommunicated society, place your marketing dollars on your best horse. Then let that product or service serve as a halo effect for the rest of the line.”
Educating the Average Consumer Scott Ceretti The Home Theater Learning Center

Feb 2007

 If the customer truly has a better understanding of technology and of the products available, it can only make the job of people in the industry easier. And don’t we all want our work life to be just a little easier?
Content Insider - #75 - Everything, Everywhere Home Network THE Insider

Feb 2007

 People are suddenly going to change over and join the video on demand (VoD) and pay-for-view society. What is even better for the PC/CE industry is the fact that they will build out their home networks so they can watch their content anywhere in the house.
Content Insider #74 - In the DRM, CA Equation, Someone Has to Protect the Consumer THE Insider

Feb 2007

 For thousands of years people looked the other way as folks made copies of other people’s work – by hand, by printing press, by copier, by disc.
Content Insider #73 - The Swiss Army Phone…Is Good Enough for Everything Good Enough? THE Insider

Feb 2007

 Sometimes our kids - and the community at large - make us feel like Tom Hanks in the 2004 The Terminal. We simply go from gate to gate trying to get on the next technology plane to fly to our destination…optimum personal and business productivity.
Change and Rearrange: Keeping Your Brand Relevant EVOK Advertising EVOK Advertising

Feb 2007

 If you’re not creating a culture, and therefore a market for your brand like Apple does (although you should be), make sure that you’re hyper-alert to technological advances, anticipate their impact on consumers and immediately adapt accordingly.
The Digital Home – Something’s Gotta Give THE Insider

Dec 2006

 “Can I email it to ya when I figure it out?” Harry Sanborn (Jack Nicholson), Something’s Gotta Give (2003)
Insider #72 - Video Gaming THE Insider

Dec 2006

 Short Game, Long Game, No Game…Gone in 60 Sec.
Insider #71 - Content Battles…Galadriel Holds Middle Earth THE Insider

Dec 2006

 “So I imagine this is just a …ceremonial possession? I mean they don’t actually expect me to do any fighting…Do they?” – Pippin, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
Insider #69 - Shrinking Storage…Keeping Data Safe, Close At Hand THE Insider

Dec 2006

 “Distrust and caution are the parents of security,” – Benjamin Franklin
Insider #68 - Web 2.0 – Thunder…Lightning…Rain THE Insider

Dec 2006

 Ok, there’s a lot of Web 2.0 noise – thunder and lightning. But which locations – photo/video sites, music sites, social sites, podcasts, blogs – will be blessed with an abundance of rain (user and advertiser payments)?
In-the-Trenches Tradeshow Tactics EVOK Advertising EVOK Advertising

Dec 2006

 Just keep in mind that the Las Vegas Convention Center is filled with exhibitors who recognize opportunity when they see it – and when it sees them. You’re in the right place at the right time – so do it up right.
System Test and Integration Procedures Part 3 - Equipment Setup and Testing George Wilkinson

Dec 2006

 The purpose of SETUP is to make sure that all equipment is wired correctly and functioning properly and to complete as much of the initial equipment setup as possible prior to systems integration.
Which is more important for a great home theater - the picture or the sound? John Mickelson Audio Video Design

Oct 2006

 When the sound system is carefully chosen and installed, the true magic of home theater shines through.
Training and Certification… Is it really THAT important? Scott Ceretti Sencore

Oct 2006

 Regularly seek out new and existing training programs to stay on top of your business through training and certification, it truly could lead to being the best in your area and keep the customers coming.
System Test and Integration Procedures - Part 2b: Cable Test and Verification George Wilkinson

Oct 2006

 The primary objective of cable and test verification at this time of the installation is to determine if all the cable required to complete the installation has been installed, is installed correctly and that no significant damage has been incurred by the installers or other trades at the construction site prior making all terminations.
Increase Sales by Cashing in on the Other Half Cheryl Kerr Home Controls Inc.

Oct 2006

 Overcoming Basic Female Objections to Audio System Designs
HD-DVD vs. Blu-Ray - Sitting Out the Format War Ramin Ekhtiar OPPO Digital, Inc.

Oct 2006

 With a high-quality up-converting DVD player and a properly calibrated HDTV, an educated consumer is well positioned to sit out the HD-DVD vs. Blu-Ray format war.
System Test and Integration Procedures - Part 2a: Cable Test and Verification George Wilkinson

Aug 2006

 This article will guide you in preparing for and completing procedures that will systematically and methodically take you through a sequence of tasks purposed to insure the integrity of the wiring prior to a complete systems test and integration process.
Smart Home Security Maxim Kostyukov Tiegra Ltd

Aug 2006

 Smart home system owners are advised to request a level of service in which security issues are all adequately addressed.
DVD Insider # 62 - The Million Dollar Baby THE Insider

Aug 2006

 It’s the magic of risking everything for a dream that nobody sees but you.
Building Business with E-mail Newsletters EVOK Advertising EVOK Advertising

Aug 2006

 For approximately one-third the cost of producing a traditional printed newsletter, your business can work with an agency specializing in interactive media to create and distribute a dynamic e-mail newsletter that reaches an unlimited number of current and potential customers.
System Checkout and Integration Procedures - Part 1 - Proper Planning George Wilkinson

Jun 2006

 Without proper documentation, installation or wiring errors result. This potentially can slow down the entire process significantly. Another important issue is that errors created during the first phases of an installation are subject to what is termed compounding. Compounding results when an issue that exists earlier in the project is not discovered or a resolution is postponed until later.
Editorial Comments Bob Hetherington HomeToys

Jun 2006

 With a world full of blogs, commentaries, forums and discussion groups it appears that everybody has something to say about everything. So ... I may as well join the throng and put forth some opinions about topics that are relevant to my two passions ... Technology (HomeToys) and Alternative Energy (Earthtoys).
Advertising, Marketing and PR Tips EVOK Advertising EVOK Advertising

Jun 2006

 #Embrace Your Brand: The Basics of Establishing Brand Identity # Cutting-Edge Collateral # Maximizing Your Trade Show Experience
IS China 2006 Bob Hetherington

Apr 2006

 All in all ... I can only say that we all need to open our eyes to the reality of the global marketplace and seek partnerships with Chinese business. I have never felt more welcome as a foreigner in any country that I have previously visited. China is undoubtedly becoming one of the most powerful economic forces on the globe. Do you want to be a partner or a competitor? It's your choice!
HDCP—Is Doom Upon Us? Evolution Audio Video Evolution Audio Video

Apr 2006

 You know, it’s a shame a minority of knot-headed pirates have to spoil the recording concept for us all but I have to wonder if things would really be all that different if those guys just didn’t exist. I suspect not. Resistance, is futile… or perhaps more accurately, a matter of time.
HD DVD vs Blu-ray, Battle Lines Blur Wayde Robson Home Theater Focus

Apr 2006

 The story between the lines seems to be which manufacturers aren’t taking sides at all. Conditions indicate a great possibility of a unified product sooner than we might have first suspected.
DVD Insider #54 - Bell, Sarnoff Together at Last THE Insider

Apr 2006

 If they had spent more time together and merged their respective laboratories in Murray Hill and Princeton we wouldn't have two content transport systems fighting over who is going to service our home today.
DVD Insider #53 - The War of the Roses THE Insider

Apr 2006

 Next generation DVD was going to be a beautiful marriage that produced some beautiful, brilliant kids. It has also turned out to be a dysfunctional relationship.
DVD Insider #52 - Alice In Wonderland THE Insider

Apr 2006

 Well the cat happens to be in the storage business and he knows there is a content explosion and hardware of all types need to be fed content. Then once the hardware gets the content it needs to be stored…somewhere, somehow.
Technology in Architecture Jon Cavin CMCA, Inc.

Feb 2006

 Whether it be a simple surround sound system or a whole house control system, the most important thing to remember is when to start planning. As an architect or builder, you will find that if you involve a qualified low voltage contractor early in the planning stages, they can make your job easier, less stressful and provide a finished project.
Knowing Your Market Paul Fida

Feb 2006

 There are few certainties in the market place, but losing customers to confusion is one of those. Another has to do with customer frustration and how it usually precedes the demise of customer trust. Ultimately, the fall-out always directly impacts the consumer, who end-up without industry support and products that are anything but "do it yourself".
The Delicate Signal and the Future Michael Green Michael Green Audio

Dec 2005

 Technology has taken a turn and we are taking that turn with it whether we think we are or not. We have finally realized how delicate the single path really is and we are beginning to see better and better results the smaller we get.
Giving the Customers Control Scott Combs

Dec 2005

 We have a responsibility to our customers and co-workers to not make their lives harder. By giving them control of these systems, in a manner they can easily understand, we can make long term customers, and long time friends.
To backup or not to backup Dr.Taleb Hammad Genie-soft

Oct 2005

 At home, even something as small as the family's digital photos can be irreplaceable. Think of all those memories lost and unrepeatable events in your life stored in your digital photos.
The Art of the Video Demo Jim McGall Vidikron

Oct 2005

 Get your customers smiling and excited about their impending purchase. Once you’ve mastered the “Art of the Video Demo” you’ll be smiling all the way to the bank!
Getting Started in the Hobby of Audio Michael Green Michael Green Audio

Oct 2005

 Simplicity is the key to good sound. Many times, when you install a system that is too complicated for a given room, you end up with poor sound reproduction.
Top Ten Home Technology Mistakes Tori L. Harris Palmetto Home Cinema

Aug 2005

 With purchases often running well into the thousands of dollars, avoiding some of the more common mistakes can save time, money, and frustration.
Serving Your Customers Marlene Fawkes Lift-Tech

Aug 2005

 The purpose of this piece is to talk about customer service and what it means in the field of technology.
Converge My Gadgets – Please! Denise Harrison rAVe

Aug 2005

 What the industry needs is a meeting among Crestron, Archos, and Motorola. An alliance of these three for creating the definitive portable, wireless personal media device would be an absolute killer product.
Selling Solutions Marlene Fawkes LIFT-TECH

Jun 2005

 If you’re in the audio-video field as an installer, designer, dealer, or manufacturer, your job is selling solutions. Sure you’re working with a bricks and mortar product, but that product is there to serve your client by solving his AV problem.
Artist Meets Engineer -- Part II (The In-home Concert) Michael Green Michael Green Audio

Jun 2005

 Yes, the worlds of the engineer and the artist are growing closer together than you can imagine and your dream systems are more within your reach than ever before. Finally the mass produced world has matured to the point of delivering a truly great product and, together with learning how to get the most out of your system, you can truly experience the in-home concert.
HomeToys Interview Stephen Street StreetFire Labs

Apr 2005

 The open source movement is a revolution of technology populism that finally wrests control from companies and returns it to consumers. That’s pretty cool! The key to fully enjoying rich digital content is open architecture consumer electronics like ours. It rocks.
The World’s Newspaper Michael Green Michael Green Audio

Feb 2005

 The map of the future of the internet and how industries will rise and fall will be based on our ability to adopt the ideals that made our knowledge sources follow the examples and templates that have been laid before us. The interaction of human beings can be an amazing and beautiful process to see in action. Our world is becoming one big neighborhood.
Rules of Thumb for selling Remote Controls Pete Baker Remote Technologies Incorporated (RTI)

Feb 2005

 While categorized as an “accessory,” there’s not a consumer out there who doesn’t consider remote control a necessity. If they have trouble using it, you could end up losing future business. Make sure you’re familiar with the variety of product choices in the marketplace and their capabilities. Recommend what makes sense.
Need for an Electrical Design Eugene Kowch P.I.D. Consultants Inc.

Feb 2005

 An electrical design will gather all switching requirements for the home. Determine what level of control is acceptable and propose an electrical control system to meet these needs.
Give the Customers What They Want Chris Miller Pelham Sloane

Feb 2005

 It’s not unusual for installers and system designers to avoid using computers or to fail to recognize the cost-saving benefits for setting up a LAN or local area network. Each LAN is unique because homeowners invariably want different capabilities from their home networks.
New era of building management Anu Kätkä Lonix Oy

Dec 2004

 The foundation of the concept is the building operating system, named as COBA (Connected Open Building Automation). COBA definitions were created in a standardization project of companies representing various industries, from telecommunications to construction and services.
Big Broadband: Public Infrastructure or Private Monopolies Wayne Caswell CAZITech Consulting

Dec 2004

 I recently returned from an Economic Summit in Loudoun, VA, where I was invited because of a paper I wrote earlier this year, “Reviving the FORGOTTEN Information Superhighway.” The summit expanded my thinking about the role of government in telecommunications policy and led to an invitation to speak at Austin InnoTech, a regional conference and exhibition with focus on the mutual relationship between technologies and innovation. This newer paper summarizes and expands on that presentation, which was called “Fiber, Wireless and Bandwidth for TeleWork.”
HTI+ and CEDIA Exam Guide Bob Hetherington

Oct 2004

 870 pages of well organized, comprehensive information that I'm sure will become the industry standard for those who wish to pursue a career in Home Technology ... whether it be to design, install or commission systems and equipment.
Project Communication David Teel Avenida Network

Apr 2004

 Homeowners and residential technology integrators should maintain open communication lines, sharing concerns, progress and hurdles during all phases of integration.
Lesson Learned ... and Shared Mark Veen AutoValue, Inc.

Apr 2004

 Hopefully this tale of frustration and humiliation can be of service to other entry level HTI's!
Broadband Lessons Learned Sandy Teger Broadband Home Central

Apr 2004

 As you may have experienced in your own projects, start-up was the hardest part. Once the “plumbing” was in place, the applications we wanted to demonstrate, ranging from video entertainment to music services to showing digital photos on your big screen and much more worked like a charm.
The Market For Ultra-Wideband Solutions Kurt Sherf Parks Associates

Oct 2003

 We readily acknowledge the challenges inherent in forecasting a networking solution as broadly-positioned as UWB. However, we simultaneously would caution against the over-hype that has been associated with previous "revolutionary" technologies.
Home Automation for the Technologically Challenged Michael R. Taylor

Apr 2003

 The best part is that my family now expects lights to come on in certain areas when it’s dark and they enter. They now expect that the fan will come on when it’s needed. They now expect that the temperature is set properly when they leave or come home.
Remote Home Networking Support David Teel Avenida Network

Dec 2002

 Residential LANs are still designed separately from the automation network, but custom A-V integrators are starting to install small home networks, connecting 2-3 PCs, a printer and a DSL or cable modem. Dealers continue to expand their home networking knowledge base through training and the acquisition of networking savvy technicians, and the demand for home networking continues to push custom integrators beyond the limits of early entertainment applications and into the new generation of residential information technology.
HomeToys Interview David Hyman CEO of Gracenote

Dec 2002

 We see digital music continuing to make its way into the mainstream. Once people experience the benefits that digital music offers, there is no going back. On the hardware side, hard drives will be everywhere - in your stereo cabinet, in your set-top box, in the car, and of course in portable devices.
So ... Who Designed Your System? David Teel Avenida Network

Aug 2002

 If the system designer is not an expert with regards to every aspect of the system, he or she should look for outside design resources, including other system designers, programmers, consultants or even the manufacturers. Making the system work will win you friends and future business. Making a poor system design will cause your phone to ring endlessly . . . and mine too.
Simple Interfaces - Part II Jack Goldberg Westco Electrical

Aug 2002

 Close coordination between contractors is a must, and you must be able to 'work well with others'. There is a lot of planning involved, both before the project starts and during the installation. Again, a well-designed system is one in which the only time the homeowner calls, is to invite you to dinner.
New Face of Home Automation Dan Quigley Premise Systems, Inc.

Aug 2002

 It's exciting to see so many appliance, computer and entertainment suppliers join the home automation fray. It's also a bit scary because forces this powerful can have a profound effect on any market. Over on the demand side, meanwhile, consumers already leery of living in electronic mazes are looking for somebody to make it all work and make it all safe, simple and secure.
Getting a Grip on all the Gear Chris Grace Conceptual Coding Software Company

Aug 2002

 Applying computer technology to home theater, home automation, and security, is the key to making control of these systems not only simple, but also fun. The technology to do everything stated in the article is here now, or very close. As PC integrated solutions become more widely used and refined, they will rapidly simplify the complexity of our electronics systems, making their operation a pleasure for everyone.
Clear Thinking about Home Automation Andy Jackson

Jun 2002

 "System Integration" speaks to the need for intelligent cooperation between the electronic systems in your home. It could be a matter as small as controlling different lighting zones by time or circumstance, or it may go so far as interfacing audio/video, security, lighting, heating & a/c, sprinkler systems, & oh-gosh-so-many -other-things. Remember the key idea: Integration of systems.
Touch Panel Design: Warming Up Technology David Teel Avenida Network

Apr 2002

 Whether you design your touch panel pages internally or outsource to a professional design team, the key to touch panel design success is planning and communication with your customers. Knowing in the beginning what functionality can be achieved will make designing pages an easier task. Dedicating the right amount of time will enable you to produce eye-pleasing page designs and help you introduce a little “technology warmth” in the home.
Simple Interfaces Jack Goldberg Westco Electrical

Apr 2002

 It should be every installer's objective to install their systems so that the home owners entire family including their children, and the occasional houseguest can operate the lights with no questions, let alone manuals. This includes putting lights on and off in their bedrooms, dining room and living room, exterior lights, scenes, path lights, etc. One shouldn't have to press a button, and wait to see what happens, and where.
Online Washing Machines? Randall Anzalone

Apr 2002

 Networking hardware manufacturers would benefit from digging deeper into the residential homeowners' psyche before developing confusing, expensive products and services to a disinterested population.
Flexibility in Design Colette Stresak Applied Digital, Inc.

Apr 2002

 My first reaction to seeing some of the products in the marketplace was "you're not putting that in my house", or, "where can we hide it". To me, initially, some of the interfaces seemed unwieldy and incongruous; especially considering they were placed in a room where the homeowner had spent hours agonizing over the perfect lamp shade to highlight the artwork which was selected with even more painstaking care.
Easy Use Products Michael Jennison Greyfox Systems

Apr 2002

 The home networking market is not aiming to be a market of gadgetry, but rather a utility that is routinely included in homes. The less customers have to rely on outside help to maintain the system -- and the more customer friendly and flexible those systems are -- the more likely it is that home networking will see an increased rate of adoption.
Controllers Need to Look Nice Robyn Gabel Jandy Electronics

Apr 2002

 For a satisfying automation experience, incorporate aesthetically pleasing, intuitively simple control interfaces into your home. Throughout your search, just keep in mind that if you don't really want to live with it, you won't really use it.
Futureproof Your Home Wayne Caswell

Feb 2000

 New types of devices have helped to change the thinking of home networking experts. Six years ago they said to put bedroom phone outlets by the bed and TV outlets across the room. But they didn't anticipate interactive program guides or NetTV devices that require both a phone and TV outlet. So today they put a phone outlet by every TV outlet. Still, no one can fully anticipate future wiring needs, and that's the message of this article.
Let's Play Ball! Brian Baker Smart Corporation

Dec 1999

 The next time you have an opportunity to observe a group of individuals demonstrating precision and harmony, be it on a sports field or on stage in an orchestra or play, remember that it takes both talent, teamwork and many hours of practice to achieve this level of performance. Remember to expect that same level of performance from the products you use to populate your home network.
There is only ONE way and it's Two way Brian Baker

Feb 1999

 There is a time and a season for everything, and indeed, even in a two-way system there is a time to "speak" and a time to refrain from "speaking". So the focus of the issue before us is whether a system can support two-way communication and not when and how this capability is used.
HA in the UK Mark McCall and Keith Doxey

Dec 1998

 Ask 100 people on the streets of the UK what X-10 is and I reckon the two top answers would be: 1. It’s a sci-fi movie. or 2. It’s that cream for hemorrhoids isn’t it? Up until very recently X-10 had only been available from a couple of mail order specialists. Then, about 12 months ago, products finally became available ‘over the counter’ in Maplin stores (something like your Radio Shack) across the country. Despite recent price cuts, modules are still very expensive. A lamp module, for example, is around 30.00 UK Pounds (the equivalent of just under $50!!). You can imagine how sick we feel when we see US units advertised at around $10. But at last X-10 is slowly starting to get exposure in the UK.
Where is the Positive Message? Joe Comerci

Aug 1998

 "Good products, dealers, and manufacturers must be profiled, and happy customers must be displayed for all the world to see. We cannot quietly sit back and watch as various uninformed reporters continuously ridicule our products and services. A few more negative stories could kill the industry."
Automated Lifestyle Doug Moses

Dec 1997

 "When you think of the future and all it's endless possibilities, imagine the ideas that living an Automated Lifestyle can bring. The comforts of the future are available today. The idea of a home being intelligent is no longer just a vision. These systems are available today and are very affordable."
When Will Automation Get Easy? Tony Stewart Automation University

Aug 1997
Home Plug and Play Plugfest Brian Baker

Aug 1997
Home Plug and Play Plugfest Brian Baker

Aug 1997
The World's Best Kept Secret Joe Comerci

Jun 1997
Lucky Lindy meets my Grandmother Phil Kingery Advanced Control Technologies, Inc.

Feb 1997

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