PROTECTING SMART HOME NETWORKS | FINDING FELLOW COMMUNITY CINEMA CONNOISSEURS
A MAN OF EVERY TALENT
JAMES GUNN Acclaimed Writer/Director Discusses The Suicide Squad, Life & Music
PLUS: Office, MDU, and Light Commercial Tech Essentials Choosing a TV for Video Games NordicTrack and the iFit App are a Perfect Match Vizio Lets Loose with New TVs and Soundbars
Summer 2021
From the Editor The first two things that jumped out at me when I saw a photo of the XGIMI Halo projector were its relatively compact size and unique industrial design. The XGIMI Halo looked to me more like a family member of a Sonos speaker, with its wraparound silver metal grille “skin,” vertical orientation, and it seemed like it could provide a hassle-free way to watch sporting events and movies under the stars on the back deck of my house. The XGIMI Halo measures about seven inches high by four and half inches wide by five and a half inches deep. Without more than a cursory look over the owner’s manual, I was able to discern that external buttons and controls were kept to a minimum and that most control would come from the supplied remote.
Executive Editor Jeremy Glowacki
To fulfill my goal to use the XGIMI Halo on my back deck, I would need a new projection surface to match up with the projector.
To fulfill my goal to use the XGIMI Halo on my back deck, I would need a new projection surface to match up with the projector. The folks at Elite Screens recommended the Elite ezCinema 2, a free-standing portable projection screen that can be swiftly pulled up or retracted using a “scissor-backed” free-standing mechanism that requires no extra tools, accessories or effort. As marketed, it’s the perfect “projector screen in a box” for portable presentations on the go. Its matte white material has a wide viewing angle and is masked on all four sides for enhanced aesthetics and visual contrast for a 70-inch image. One night earlier this spring, it was such a beautiful night that I felt it was time put the new system to the test. I carried the Elite screen case outside, set it down along a sidewall of my house, pivoted the two feet under the unit perpendicular to the screen, and gently pulled the screen up to its maximum height of about five feet. I powered up the XGIMI Halo just below and about three feet in front of the screen on a small table. I flipped the little stand under the projector to angle the image up toward the screen, and the autofocus feature on the projector projected a test pattern. In about three seconds, the XGIMI Halo focused on the screen, and the 70-inch projected image of the projector’s menu showed up on the screen. I began watching a Yankees baseball game from the MLB At Bat app and enjoyed the fresh air, almost like being at an actual game. The projector could have accommodated a much larger screen, but that would have meant more work for me. Sometimes, you just want a simple way to enjoy relaxing entertainment in a different setting. Thanks to XGIMI and Elite Screens, I was able to make that happen. Check out my full review at www.restechtoday.com.
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4 Residential Tech Today |
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contents 44 James Gunn Dishes on The Suicide Squad, Life, and Music. Cover Photo: Art Streiber
Departments 10 By the Numbers 12 Quick Bits 14 Security 16 Streaming 18 CEDIA Says
20 Connectivity 22 Smart Glass 24 Lighting Control 62 Product Revolution 64 The Lighter Side
26 Innovator Spotlight Anthony Grimani, PMI
30 Featured
Vizio Lets Loose with New TVs and Soundbars
32 Featured
Finding Your Fellow Community Cinema Connoisseurs and Enthusiasts
34 Issue Focus: Commercial Crossover
Tackling Office, MDU, and Light Commercial Integration Tech Opportunities
36 Issue Focus: Powering the Smart Home Power Management Doesn’t Need to be Bulky and Messy
40 Video
What to Know When Purchasing a TV or Monitor for Video Game Play
50 Networks
OTT Video Trends and Competition
54 Review
Cleer Crescent Offers Elegant and Simple Smart Audio Speaker Option
56 Health Tech
Nordictrack and iFit is a Perfect Match
58 Cybersecurity
A List of Things That You Should Know to Make a Smart Home Network Safer
60 Video
Reviewing the LG HU810P CineBeam Projector
6 Residential Tech Today |
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Contributors Sam Cavitt is the founder and CEO of Paradise Theater, a company that provides comprehensive private cinema design, engineering, and project management. He focuses his efforts on maintaining the highest standard of excellence and sharing the pleasures of fine private cinema with the industry and the world. Cavitt is spearheading Cinema Connoisseur, an initiative to create a community of enthusiasts, cinema connoisseurs, both professional and public, to embrace and enhance the world of private cinema and film.
Heather Sidorowicz is a freelance writer, CEDIA volunteer, and president/owner at Southtown Audio Video, in Hamburg, NY. SAV specializes in solutions – in both the commercial and residential markets – making meetings more productive in hybrid conference rooms and expanding your Wi-Fi throughout the home. In this issue, Sidorowicz ventures a bit outside the typical ResTech story with her take on the partnership between Nordictrack and iFit.
Dan Martin has accumulated hands-on experience in digital marketing since 2007. He has been building teams and coaching others to foster innovation and solve real-time problems. In his free time, Martin also enjoys photography and traveling. On p.56, Martin provides a checklist of things to know to make a smart home network safer.
Michael Heiss has been a member of CEDIA since its founding, having served two terms on the CEDIA Board and headed the Technology Council. He was awarded CEDIA’s “Volunteer of the Year” award and is a CEDIA Fellow. As a product and marketing executive at Harman International, he was responsible for many breakthrough audio and video products. On the entertainment side of the business he was a promotion manager at NBC and was key to the development of hotel in-room movies and created the first nationwide movie rental service for Beta and VHS cassettes. In this issue, Heiss discusses the best new TVs specifically catering to the gamer community, and provides updates from Vizio and Apple TV.
Jimmy Paschke has been director of residential sales at SurgeX in Gastonia, NC, since 2014. Prior to that he served as director of CI sales at Core Brands for two years and four and half years at Panamax before that. His residential tech sales career also has included stints at D&M Holdings where he managed a salesforce of 63 reps within 16 independent rep firms and Kaleidescape, where he used established relationships with key target dealers to grow business in the Southeast territory. On p. 34, he provides insights into the latest design features for power management products.
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e NUMB RS
by the
A look at the metrics shaping the technology market — and our lives
Despite the pandemic, the smart home business continues to thrive due, in part, to the investments made by homeowners trapped in their houses during quarantine and the need to improve technologies used to work and socialize remotely. But, what will it take to sustain this growth or win over still-reluctant potential buyers? This month we look at the latest forecasts for the smart home market, incentives to purchase new tech, and homeowner concerns and requirements for remote service.
Preferred Method of Receiving Remote Support in Future U.S. Broadband Households
Forecast Smart Home Market Size Worldwide 2021
Phone call
$99.41
Ability for the technician to remotely access your device or service to fix it themselves
Billion USD
Online chat
Number of Smart Homes Worldwide 2021
258.54
Email Real-time video that allows the technician to see the technology in your home and show you the changes to make
Million
Text
Source: Statista.com
Smart Home Penetration Rate Worldwide 2021
12.2%
Online/in-app videos available any time
Source: Statista.com
Technician on-site but outside the home in a truck, using phone, text, or video call Source: Parks Associates
0%
30%
60%
Smart Home Device Incentives That Would Inspire Non-Owners to Purchase
Top Five Small-to-Medium Sized Business Concerns About Remote Workers
U.S. Broadband Households That Do Not Own and Do Not Intend to Buy a Smart Home Device
Concerned (Rating 5)
Product goes on sale or a lower-priced model is offered Product is cybersecurity certified by an independent testing lab Product offers free 24/7 technical support for first year of ownership Product comes with a service to help setup and configure device Manufacturer offers a support warranty for the product for at least 5 or more years Product offers a fair return or replacement policy Manufacturer simplifies the setup and app configuration process Additional product features that make smart home devices more valuable Product offer pre-purchase technical support to answer my product questions Manufacturer offers to add features through software updates 0%
10
Source: Statista.com
Residential Tech Today | Summer 2021
Very Concerned (Rating 6-7) The security of employees’ home networks to cybersecurity issues
Meeting productivity
Security of company files
Internet bandwidth and reliability for employees at home
The quality and clarity internal communication
10%
20%
Source: Parks Associates
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Source: Parks Associates
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QUICK BITS WE ASK INDUSTRY INSIDERS ONE QUESTION
“Where are you seeing the most opportunity right now to cross over from home installs into light commercial or vice versa?” The network is finally a leading conversation. IT in the office has always had a department, a proposal or at least a line item on every proposal. In residential, many builders and even homeowners have almost always assumed that their local ISP provider would be able to offer them the solutions they need. During the pandemic and people’s time at home, they are learning that is not the case, so we are getting more calls for enterprise-grade networks. – Amanda Wildman, TruMedia, Ada, MI
Executives working from home are requesting better tech, and we find ourselves installing enterprise-grade networks in homes. Another technology that we use from the commercial jobs is 70v audio systems. As outdoor systems get bigger in homes, having the reliability of a 70v system for landscape speakers is priceless. The ability to do very long runs using 70v tech guarantees that the customer will have a pleasant experience with plenty of audio coverage even in a very large outdoor space. – Angel Centeno, Systems Design & Integration, Needham, MA
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Our team is seeing more demand for video walls in media/rec room environments, mostly to incorporate multi-console gaming and sports viewing, yet still with the ability to provide a single, large image when needed. It can be a challenge to locate residential products for these applications, specifically suited for high-quality video, gaming-friendly performance and at a price point most clients find reasonable. – JW Anderson, The Integrated Home, Charlotte, NC We’re seeing a crossover from clients we’ve worked with in the past on home projects to do more automated systems and lighting in commercial spaces that they have like office boardrooms as well as more referrals for restaurants. Generally, these commercial projects are calling for other kinds of technologies, such as 70-volt audio distribution, video walls/video distribution technology, or enterprise-grade networking. – Jan Vitrofsky, HEDSouth, Hollywood, FL We are seeing a big uptick in commercial installs. Particularly, access control and automated features for the office. Employers are wanting to track the comings and goings of their employees by using access control systems. Plus, by using the “right” access control products, you can add to your company’s RMR. Also, with simple programming of many of today’s connected systems, you can automate offices to turn on background music and video content based on a schedule. – Christopher Sterle, Acoustic Design Systems, Las Vegas, NV Whether it’s for residential or commercial clients, robust networks have gone from a tough sell to “can you come tomorrow?” Pre-pandemic, when you quoted a robust network, it was invisible, and the client did not see the overall value. Now that they have been stuck at home video conferencing for the jobs while the kids were in virtual school, they understand the need for uninterrupted service. They are now understanding the difference between a $79 extender and a $1,200 full system. – Heather Sidorowicz, Southtown Audio Video, Hamburg, NY Crossover opportunities right now appear to be huddle spaces and conference rooms. They’re small and very repeatable. By standardizing on a solution like ClickShare or pairing a NUC PC with a killer microphone/camera solution, it’s easy to transpose residential skills into commercial spaces where these systems tend to exist as siloes without getting into the complexity of having to deal with larger commercial IT issues. – Henry Clifford, Livewire, Richmond, VA Control4 automation and power management from WattBox are a couple that have made their way into our commercial jobs. Our clients want more control, remote access, and a better level of protection for their office systems. For example, a client wants to control an electric strike or magnetic lock while providing the receptionist the ability to “welcome” people with use of the two-way voice and one-way video intercom function. – Lamar Gibson, Miestro, Memphis, TN Our primary focus in the light commercial arena has been conference rooms and inter-company communication systems (Teams rooms in multiple buildings). Since the pandemic, we have seen a significant increase in clients wanting to create these spaces in their homes with Zoom rooms or Teams rooms in their home offices so that they can still communicate with their teams without leaving the comfort and safety of their home. The other system that has seen a dramatic change is enterprise-grade networks. – Ron Wanless, Technology Design Associates, Bend, OR
DEPARTMENTS
Security
Introducing the Virtual Doorman
Buzr Pro Replaces Old Building Intercom Systems in Apartments or Condos By Anthony Leo
Buzr, a New York City-based consumer electronics startup, has launched Buzr Pro, a smart home device that integrates into buildings’ existing intercom systems and connects to users’ phones. Once installed and connected to Buzr’s app, a resident will be immediately notified when a package arrives or when someone is at their door. Buzr Pro was designed to replace outdated apartment access systems (buzzers/intercoms) by only requiring the user to install the Buzr Pro smart device hardware into the individual apartment or condo wall unit. Buzr Pro Replaces Legacy Intercoms It is estimated that more than 2.5 million apartments in New York City – and 250 million apartments globally – have building entry intercom systems that were built on 1800s technology. These legacy intercom systems are largely why one in three packages in NYC go undelivered to residents on the first attempt. These old intercom systems lack the safety, support, and control necessary for residents to observe and protect property. The Buzr system is universally compatible with more than 2,000 apartment building intercom systems. Installation can be performed by residents themselves or through the Buzr installer network, alleviating expensive and disruptive setup challenges. Additionally, landlords save thousands of dollars through Buzr’s technology, while giving the original intercoms a modern aesthetic – raising the perceived value of their real estate investments. How the Buzr Pro App Works Along with its easy hardware implementation, Buzr Pro’s app allows users to talk and listen
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through their phone, while also featuring doorbell notifications, virtual keys, service provider integrations, a built-in thermometer, audio log history, and multi-user support. Buzr is able to keep a record of intercom calls, as well as alert the landlord of suspicious activity, such as shoulder surfing. Buzr also logs door opens and virtual keys, something that legacy systems had no way of tracking.
Buzr Pro was designed to replace outdated apartment access systems.
Certain cities like New York set building temperature regulations during colder months. Buzr is able to compare indoor to outdoor temperature with its connected thermometer, alerting tenants if their unit is hotter than the recommended range and alerting landlords if they are overheating their units, saving money on their heating bill and potential fines. “The idea for the Buzr Pro stemmed from a personal pain that I was having as a New Yorker,” commented Buzr CEO and Co-Founder Tony Liebel. “We live in an extremely high-tech, fastpaced, and costly rent environment as New Yorkers, yet we are still dealing with intercom systems from hundreds of years ago that cause a myriad of issues. Buzr Pro was made to simplify life in the big city.”
Company History Buzr was co-founded by Liebel and Jeremy Walker who met at Cornell Tech. In May 2020, Buzr was one of four student companies that won the highly competitive Cornell Tech Startup Awards and received $100,000 in preseed funding to pursue their startups after graduation. Along with the funds, the company received a co-working space at Cornell and access to a support team of industry leaders and executives in computer science and engineering. Buzr is currently running a preorder special for 20 percent off the Buzr Pro. The Buzr app will also be available for download from the Apple or Google Play app stores. Buzr Pro’s anticipated shipping date is winter 2022. x
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DEPARTMENTS
Streaming
A New Apple TV at Last Apple TV Features with 4K HDR and Dolby Vision with 60fps/High Frame Rate Playback By Michael Heiss
For those who are Apple TV device fans, the long wait for a great new model is finally over. In the 2021 release of Apple TV, the current Apple TV’s A10X Fusion processor will be replaced with the A12 Bionic for significant improvement in video processing to enable 4K HDR, including Dolby Vision with 60fps/High Frame Rate (HFR) playback. Apple is working with streaming service providers across the globe to release content with HDR/HFR, and iPhone 12 owners will be able to use AirPlay to stream content that they have shot with Dolby Vision at 60fps. For those displaying new flat panel TVs at retail or in showrooms, this gives you an added tool for showing your own custom demo material. Elsewhere on the “inside,” there are two very important upgrades that may well enable the new Apple TV to have a shelf life equaling the close to four-year gap we’ve just bridged. The Wi-Fi has been upgraded to Wi-Fi 6/802.11ax to go along with the Gigabit Ethernet and Bluetooth 5 added with the previous model. Connecting Via HDMI 2.1 Perhaps even more noteworthy, the new Apple TV 4K can output content via an HDMI 2.1 port. Still a rarity among external streaming products, this further insulates the user from any forthcoming changes to content distribution that require the newer, higher level, video connectivity. It will be interesting to see if Apple’s continued expansion of its Apple streaming game service takes advantage of the features of HDMI 2.1 One final new feature made possible by the A14 Bionic chip in combination with the light sensors in many iPhones running iOS 14.5 or later is a color balance process that reads the image on a TV screen and compares what is seen to what are said to be “industry-standard
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Residential Tech Today | Summer 2021
specifications” to adjust the video output for optimal color accuracy and contrast. Keep in mind, however, that this does not eliminate the need for a baseline calibration of the display, itself. The correction is applied within the Apple TV 4K, so it obviously cannot adjust the image from other external or internal sources.
The new Apple TV and remote
A Totally Redesigned Remote Last, but certainly not least, the new Apple TV 4K will come with a new and totally redesigned remote. From an appearance standpoint, the black top face is replaced with the silver color of 100-percent recycled aluminum case. More importantly, it addresses my personal beefs with the current Siri remote. First, it is a bit thicker and that hopefully makes it easier to hold. The button layout is dramatically different. The square touch surface has been replaced with a round shape, outlined with an outer ring circle. That not only helps the user contain their finger more precisely within the sensor area, but it has four directional dots in the cardinal directions and can act as a scroll wheel. Combined, this will make it demonstrably easier to navigate and control. The rest of the buttons on the remote have also been repositioned. A TV power on/off button is
now at the upper right corner, and mute button has also been added. Thanks to the added depth, there is room for the Siri button to be moved to the right side of the remote, making it easy to find and use. Pricing the New Apple TV Those hoping for a less expensive Apple TV will be disappointed. At $179 for the 32GB model and $199 for the 64GB model, something to compete on price with Roku, Fire TV and Chromecast just isn’t in the cards here. That said, particularly for anyone invested in the Apple ecosystem this new product will likely be a “must have”. If you don’t feel the need to replace your current Apple TV but hunger after the new remote, it will be available separately for $59 and will work with the 5th Gen Apple TV 4K and the 4th Gen Apple TV HD. That latter unit will continue to be available with the new Siri remote for $149. x
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DEPARTMENTS
CEDIA Says
With vMPVD, the Stream is Getting Crowded
The Rise of the Virtual Multichannel Video Programming Distributor and What It Means for You By Ed Wenck The acronym “vMPVD” is a bit unwieldy, but what it means – virtual multichannel video programming distributor – is another element of the rapidly changing face of content delivery to the masses. These streaming services and “skinny bundles” are aimed directly at serving the growing number of cord-cutters. As Elizabeth Parks of Parks Associates notes: “We’re watching the great unbundling and re-bundling of content channels.” Paul Erickson, a senior analyst at Parks, noted in a recent online presentation titled, “Evolution of vMVPDs: Finding Success” that, “Subscribers of these services are growing, and by 2023, they’ll be second only to cable. Price is the biggest driver for adoption, but content is the other one: ‘Does this service have what I want to watch?’” Shane Cannon, president of Vidgo, noted that his service (which started by offering shows for the Spanish-speaking/bilingual audience), says that his platform can stay inexpensive. “We rely on advertising dollars, not subscriptions.” And when subscriptions do come into play, a number of providers are doing away with long contracts, including Vidgo. “Our clients can pay cash for the service on a monthly basis,” Cannon noted. It’s a strategy that Nic Wilson, head of customer success at TiVo, endorses: “Find a niche and be the best at it.” (It’s working for Vidgo; they’re currently seeing 700-percent growth every month.) Cannon doesn’t see a service such as Netflix as a competitor. “We rely on a lot of sports content, so a Netflix is going to be more of a complement.” And sports content is facing its own set of disruptions. Elizabeth Parks notes
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Residential Tech Today | Summer 2021
Vidgo is a vMPVD service that started by offering shows for the Spanish-speaking/bilingual audience.
that Amazon’s deal with the NFL is going to throw a wrench in a great many football junkies’ subscription plans. Carolyn Ferreira, head of customer acquisition at Philo, serves a different demographic: no news, no sports. And for that demo, they have a singular focus on Philo’s core competencies. They are, Ferreira says, “Best-in-class tech and the best possible customer service experience.” Every employee at Philo is required to do a “ride along” – answering the phone, walking customers through setup, troubleshooting, offering support, and so on. All of these niche OTT services have done something interesting when it comes to consumer perception. “Suddenly having a cable service has become kind of a scarlet letter. Do you know anyone who openly admits they’re still a cable subscriber if the topic comes up at a party?” asked Michael Ribero, VP of global marketing, for Paramount+/ViacomCBS. But all of these vMPVDs can easily be doomed by reasons unrelated to costs. “They love you until
the game they’re watching starts to buffer, and then they hate you. Don’t give them a reason to leave,” he added. But when they do, it’s not always about the delivery. “We need to rethink the concept of churn (the dropping and adding of customers is called “churn” in this biz) – for our business, it’s pretty high year-over-year. But it’s not always permanent – think about the football fan who returns to a service every August,” Ribero said. As the vMPVD universe expands – with niche services, skinny bundles, and OTT options expanding into the hundreds – it once again points up a concept that CEDIA’s Walt Zerbe and his compadres on the Tech Council (especially folks like Mike Heiss) have been talking about for the last several years: the notion of a “content concierge.” “If you know what they want to watch, the platform that has what they want to watch, and the device they need to watch it, you’ll be a hero,” Heiss said. x
DEPARTMENTS
Connectivity
Zigbee’s Project CHIP is Now ‘Matter’
Matter is an Interoperable, Secure Connectivity Standard for the Future of the Smart Home By Anthony Leo Matter is the new name for the interoperable, secure connectivity standard for the future of the smart home. The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), formerly known as the Zigbee Alliance, recently announced the name change. The proliferation of connected objects continues to change the way we live, work, and play. From homes to offices, factories to hospitals, connected objects enable us to experience our environments in cohesive, interactive ways. Yet, for too long, disconnected platforms and disparate development paths have caused confusion for consumers and complicated processes for developers and innovators. Smart objects should be reliable, secure, and work together – this is the shared vision behind Project Connected Home over IP (CHIP), now known as the new standard, Matter. Connectivity Standards Alliance Comes Together Amazon, Apple, Comcast, Google, SmartThings, and the Connectivity Standards Alliance came together in 2019 to develop and promote this new standard, joined by fellow Alliance board member companies IKEA, Legrand, NXP Semiconductors, Resideo, Schneider Electric, Signify, Silicon Labs, Somfy, and Wulian. Now, there are more than 180 member organizations of all sizes, across a range of business categories, and more than 1,700 member individuals participating in bringing the Matter specification, reference implementations, testing tools, and certification programs to life. Explaining the Matter Protocol Matter is the unified IP-based connectivity protocol built on proven technologies, helping connect and build reliable, secure IoT
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ecosystems. This new technology and royaltyfree connectivity standard enables communications among a wide range of smart devices. Matter is also a seal of approval, assuring that any object built on this standard is reliable by nature, secure by design, and compatible at scale.
The proliferation of connected objects continues to change the way we live, work, and play.
Key Technology Attributes of Matter Matter makes it easier for device manufacturers to build devices and to ensure they are compatible with smart home and voice services such as Amazon’s Alexa, Apple’s HomeKit with Siri, Google’s Assistant, and SmartThings. The first specification release of the Matter protocol will run on existing networking technologies such as Ethernet (802.3), Wi-Fi (802.11), and Thread (802.15.4) and for ease of commissioning, Bluetooth Low Energy. Consumers, Businesses, and Developers Working with Matter Breakthrough connectivity is built on Matter, providing greater benefit and value for developers, and those who live or work in a smart home or business. Consumers get increased choice, compatibility, and more control of their experience. Developers get lower development and operational cost via a single SKU and more time for innovation. Retailers get reduced complexity in-store to create a more simplified purchasing experience, leading to fewer returns for compatibility issues. With Matter, consumers and businesses can choose the brands they want in their smart
home or commercial building and be confident they will work seamlessly. Homeowners, and especially those living in a smart home with multiple devices like smart locks, thermostats, or smart speakers, can easily add new devices with a Matter mark using a simple setup code to connect their home as one. Businesses, particularly those that rely on connectivity, can count on one network to keep their operations running smoothly. Key for developers is that Matter isn’t only a specification; it also offers an open-source reference implementation in parallel. This drives tangible benefits for developers, including faster time to market, reduced reliance on single-vendor stacks, improved quality since they can access multiple use cases to test against, and increased security with full transparency into the community’s ability to identify and commit patches. The project is currently on track to see first devices through certification in late 2021, depending on manufacturer go-to-market plans. Devices targeted for launch include lighting and electrical (e.g., light bulbs, luminaires, controls, plugs, outlets), HVAC controls (e.g., thermostats, AC units), access controls (e.g., door locks, garage doors), safety and security (e.g., sensors, detectors, security systems), window coverings/shades, TVs, access points, bridges, and others. x
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DEPARTMENTS
Smart Glass Art
Bringing Smart Glass Home
Marvin and Halio Collaborate to Make Smart Glass More Available to Consumers By Chynna Pearson Smart glass has been available for a long while but hasn’t taken off the way other smart innovations have. Marvin and Halio hope their collaboration changes that. Marvin, a premium window manufacturer out of Minnesota, and Halio, based in California and known for glazing solutions, are partnering to bring smart glass to residential markets. Their combination mixes high-quality windows with unique and strong glazing. The two companies are like a smart glass power couple. Halio Enables Automatic or OnDemand Glass Tinting Halio, formerly known as Kinestral Technologies Inc., is a technology leader in architectural smart glass. They have created advanced electrochromic technologies with a powerful cloud-based system so consumers can automatically tint or do so on command. The glass can get to its darkest tint in about three minutes and adapt to changes in light with smooth transitions that fit with any aesthetic. Due to its adaptability, Halio products maximize the amount of natural light that can come into a space while keeping out heat and glare. They also achieve high levels of energy efficiency. “Halio has spent years developing the world’s most responsive, intelligent platform for daylight management. We’ve realized a solution that integrates all the necessary attributes to finally go mainstream, and now that we have it, the smart glass market is at a long-awaited inflection point,” said Halio CEO Bruce Sohn. “Marvin is the perfect partner to collaborate with to develop the high-performing products that will introduce residential consumers to the
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Halio is a technology leader in architectural smart glass.
transformational benefits – comfort, natural light, and gorgeous design – of smart glass for the first time.” Marvin is Known for Made-to-Order Windows With over 100 years of experience in the industry, Marvin is known for its made-to-order wood, fiberglass, and aluminum windows and doors. The company creates human-centered designs and aims to improve a homeowner’s well-being by adjusting the light, air, and more in their living spaces. Paul Marvin, CEO of Marvin, said that his company is focused on providing solutions that support happier and healthier living through maximizing light, air, and views in new ways. “This partnership is the newest in a series of product introductions designed for emerging ways of living,” he said. “We’ve long anticipated a complete smart glass solution for the residential market and Halio, the technology leader in architectural smart glass, is delivering
just that. We could not be more excited to partner to bring this advanced technology to architects and building professionals who design for homeowner well-being.” More Solutions for Modernized Living Through their new partnership, Marvin’s technology brings a new aspect into the residential glass application. As a result, homeowners will receive more connection to the outdoors and the fresh air and sunlight. Some of the products created have a peoplefirst focus. Marvin’s smart Awaken Skylight and Skycove, an immersive glass alcove, both are the first of their kind in the U.S. building industry. Adding smart glass to Marvin’s offerings provides more solutions for modernized living. Together, Halio and Marvin are breaking away from the norm and making moves where there haven’t been many. Smart glass will ultimately assist in sustainability and environmental health along with personal well-being. x
Meet the madVR Envy. Finally, 4K HDR in home cinema like never before. TM
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DEPARTMENTS
Lighting Control
Smarter Living Through Orro Orro Smart Living System Moves Beyond Lighting with Alexa Built-in Integration By Walter Joseph
Orro’s Smart Living systems and products are specifically designed for use by professional installers, providing a unified solution that meets the demand for advanced smart home systems at a mainstream price. The system unifies a smart home, automatically implementing lighting control with recallable lighting scenes and room-to-room intercom. By unifying smart living experiences around a home’s lighting control system, Orro provides professionals with a single smart home solution, accessible via touch or voice – without having to install and configure additional hardware. In addition, voice control with Alexa creates a compelling demo for potential buyers, showcasing the convenience and value of the smart home.
onboard application processor enable Orro Switches to offer functions similar to a standalone Alexa device,” said Colin Billings, founder and CEO of Orro. “With our Alexa Built-in integration, professional installers can simply install Orro Switches in the home and their customers will be getting smart light control, integrated control of other devices, and built-in voice control all from a single device. This streamlines the professional’s installation process while providing homeowners with the smart living experiences they want – all without extra cords or countertop clutter.”
The creators of Orro are now offering Alexa Built-in integration for their Orro Switch. Available via wireless update for Orro owners, the upgrade allows homeowners to directly access Alexa through their Orro Switches, providing Alexa capabilities including checking the weather or news, setting timers and reminders – and even controlling other smart home devices. Once activated, users simply say “Alexa”, and the Orro Switch wakes to listen for a command, while Orro’s implementation of Alexa’s ESP (Echo Spatial Perception) ensures that the switch closest to the person speaking responds back. Orro Switch with Alexa Built In “Our far-field microphone array, speaker, and
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The Orro Smart Living System is now offering Alexa Built-in integration for the Orro Switch.
smartphone-like swipe and touch interaction. It also integrates motion, sound, and light sensors to enable advanced automation and security Orro also can control and access thermostats, door locks, doorbells, and speakers. Energy saving is available through an Eco Mode, as well.
Interact Via Color Touch Screen Homeowners with an Orro Smart Living System can now interact with their home via a color touch screen or through voice. The system features a vibrant color display with intuitive
The Orro Smart Living System Works works with existing light bulbs, making any light smart. The system is modular and expandable, upgradable to meet evolving standards and provide new functionality. Set up of the Orro system can be done directly from a mobile phone. x
innovator spotlight
Engineering the Room
Anthony Grimani Explains His Role as a Home Cinema Consultant/Designer for Performance Media Industries
By Jeremy Glowacki Anthony Grimani designs home cinema rooms for a living, but that’s far from all he does. Not content to run one company that takes him around the world coordinating and calibrating, he also owns MSR Acoustics, an acoustical materials manufacturer, and home theater loudspeaker brand, Grimani Systems. Somehow, in the midst of juggling three companies, he has also served as a prolificate tech columnist and CEDIA trainer. Earlier in his career he built his bona fides working at both Dolby and Lucasfilm THX (at the legendary George Lucas-owned Skywalker Ranch). But, it is in his long-time role as a home theater consultant/designer at Performance Media Industries (PMI) where Grimani has done the most to promote and influence proper room design for enjoying proper cinematic-quality movies in the home. He infuses his vast knowledge of acoustical engineering with real-world experience with a passion for surround sound and HD video performance to help custom integrators, architects, builders, and interior designers create some of the most impressive home cinemas in the world. Here’s an excerpted portion of what we learned from our conversation with Grimani that took place during a visit to the home of his parents-in-laws in Buenos Aires, Argentina. You can listen to the full conversation on the Residential Tech Talks podcast. This portion of the interview has been edited for clarity. Residential Tech Today: What inspired you to create PMI after almost 10 years at THX? Anthony Grimani: I was very happy there, but I kept noticing that expensive home cinemas/ private screening rooms/home theaters (I call them home cinemas) were often designed without much acoustical design guidance, even though we did our training. I was always like,
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man, I wish there was somebody out there as a consultant that could help these guys do a better job. I would be in touch with dealers and I would steer them to this acoustical company or that acoustical company. I noticed that a lot of projects got done with good equipment, but not very good acoustical or optical design for the rooms. Why? Because it’s complicated. Why? Because the architect didn’t want to or because the interior designer had a say in it. I was like, wow, you know, somebody should start a company that really specializes in doing this. RT Today: But you very specifically decided not to call it Home Theater Design Specialists or similar. Why go with Performance Media Industries? AG: I went with PMI because it is all about offering a system or service to design media environments for high-performance use, including home cinemas, but also recording studios and a bunch of other things related to the engineering of acoustics and optics in media spaces. I started PMI in 1999, and now 22 years into it, we’ve done a thousand projects all over the world. We’ve designed a complete film postproduction facility in Mongolia in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. I’ve worked on projects in Israel, in Russia, in France, and England and you know, a few in the USA, too [laughs]. RT Today: You have a ton of respect for the quality of projects being done around the world. What are some of your observations from that experience? AG: Yes, working on projects in Mexico, in England, and in Australia, I’ve been blown away, not just impressed, by the caliber of the designers and integrators in those countries. There’s sort of an assumption that, you know, the U.S. is where the sophisticated stuff happens, but that is not so. It’s sort of low end and it’s not so. People in those
Anthony Grimani has been a home cinema consultant/designer at Performance Media Industries (PMI) for 22 years, doing so much to help promote and influence proper room design for enjoying cinematic-quality movies in the home.
foreign countries that I’m working with are often electrical and mechanical engineers that work for integration firms and are often extremely creative and meticulous about what they do. It is very gratifying to see CEDIA expanding as an international operation and having people from foreign countries on the board in top committees. Like right now, I’m working on two very important committees that are doing important engineering work and standards work. One of them is run by an Englishman, who has spent a lot of time working in the Middle East and now works for an Italian company. And it’s great just having that international input. And, yes, it’s cool that people in Australia know how to design and build a really good theater, but when you go to other places, you see different ways to go about solutions. And there’s a great learning from looking at how they built stuff in other countries.
because there’s a meticulousness about the engineering that’s hard to get until you do it enough. Ultimately the idea is that we kind of want to make sure that you build this only once. We just want to make sure it’s properly thought through built, and then it works right. RT Today: How much do you influence the interior design aesthetics? AG: I’d say that in about 20% of our projects, we do the interior design, including what the interior looks like, the fabric, the colors. The other 80% of the time the project has an interior designer already assigned. In those cases, we’re working as an advisory resource to the interior designer to make sure that what they’re putting in place will allow good picture and sound. At that point where we’re influencing the designer to make sure they understand why we need fabric here. Where do you put wood? Where do you put metal? Where do you put lights? Where do you put different colors in the room so that everything ends up right, optically and visually? RT Today: When you’re working on a home cinema project, where does your role begin and end versus what the integrator, interior designer, or builder does? AG: On the typical project, we’re brought in by the integrator as a resource to help engineer the room and produce a set of plans. Our role is usually very early in the design of a residence or a commercial space when things are still in the basic architectural planning stage. There’s an area on the plans that says, “This is where the home cinema, the theater is going to be.” We look at that and talk with all the stakeholders, asking, “How many seats do you want? How loud do you want it? How big of a screen are you looking at?” And then we engineer the room to figure out what kind of speakers they need, where the seats need to be, what the riser heights need to be. How do you design the ventilation system… the electrical system? How do you design the wall structures so that there’s proper sound isolation from rooms above, rooms below, and rooms laterally? And then we design the internal acoustics, so that the sound that’s leaving the speakers is properly supported by the room and not echoed in an uncontrolled way in the room. We’ve got this 45-page spreadsheet that we use to figure out all of the numbers. We put that on a plan set, and usually
RT Today: I know that a big part of PMI’s work involves two or three days calibrating the home cinema audio, particularly if it’s a full Dolby Atmos system. Now you’re also installing Grimani Systems loudspeakers. How has that changed the way you have been able to calibrate during the pandemic?
our plan sets 40 or 50 pages of every detail. So, this wall has to be built this way, and every wall structure has maybe two or three pages showing all the different views of how you build it. Where do the screws go? Where do the isolators go? How do you put the sealant caulk here? RT Today: Then you work with the construction design to make sure it gets built correctly?
AG: You’re right. Usually I travel to the location with two suitcases full of test equipment, including an analyzer, multiplexer, and microphones. Well, from this room in Buenos Aires, Argentina, I calibrated a full Grimani Systems Dolby Atmos 9.4.4 system theater in Brussels by remote control in about seven hours. I was here at my computer, remote controlling the full system in Brussels. There is a technician on the other side listening, moving the microphone, confirming what I’m seeing and hearing. We’re looking at each other on a conference call, and I’m driving by remote control, the application that sets up the whole thing. In the end, the technician is like, “This sounds amazing.” So, there is a way to make this easier and technologically advanced to where we can leverage the power of the internet, the internet of things. And there’s a way for me to be, you know, at my parents-in-law, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, calibrating a theater in Brussels. x
AG: Yes, we go onsite and verify that they’re following the plans correctly and modify the plans if there’s any unforeseen changes, and then work with the integrator to put the systems in, and then tune them. RT Today: How long do these projects usually take for you? AG: Very often the projects are between 100 and 200 hundred hours of work. We’re very involved as an engineering resource to make sure the room comes out well. To be fair, you could go without hiring us and, if you’re lucky, you could put all this stuff in the right places. And, if everything falls into place, you could actually win the lottery. And, there’s a one in a million chance (or less) that you’ll win the lottery. Or, you hire somebody like us, or some of our colleagues who do this type of work,
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Summer 2021 | Residential Tech Today
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Giving the Market What It Wants Vizio Lets Loose with New TVs and Soundbars for 2021 By Michael Heiss Based on Vizio’s plans for new TV and soundbar products for 2021, it is clear that their new line is well aware of what the market wants. Time will tell, but this has all the earmarks of what will help keep the company at the top of the market share heap. On the TV side of things, Vizio is on top of the “must-have” features. All of the new sets cater to the growing demand for TVs that will deliver great images with the latest gaming consoles, and all have full-array backlighting. All 4K models, which are the bulk of the new line up, include the full range of major HDR formats: Dolby Vision, HDR-10+, and HLG. Connectivity includes at least three HDMI 2.1 inputs with eARC, dual-band Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.0 LE. Vizio’s SmartCast Streaming App Updated Perhaps at the top of the list is an update to Vizio’s SmartCast streaming app and user interface ecosystem platform. Available on all Vizio TVs, it now features faster loading time and performance and a redesigned electronic program guide (EPG). Many of the latest streaming services have been added to the roster, such as the CW, Paramount+, and FOX Now, joining the all but mandatory Netflix, Apple TV, Disney+, Hulu, Prime Video, and YouTube TV. Along with subscription services, there is a wide range of free, ad-supported apps. Equally important, with the inclusion of Chromecast and Apple AirPlay 2, service apps not included within SmartCast may be streamed to the TV. Even with pandemic restrictions loosening, work from home (WFH) and the use
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Vizio’s recently revealed plans for new TVs, soundbars, and handheld remotes for 2021.
of virtual meetings for personal, as well as business, activities, these two links are critical for being able to throw videos, business presentations, family meetings, and educational video calls to the screen. Voice Control on All Models Along with standard navigation on models with handheld remotes, all models also may be controlled with voice to initiate search requests and issue commands using Vizio’s free SmartCast Mobile iOS and Android apps. On 4K models, the new Vizio Voice remote makes voice search as well as control of Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit devices even easier. Vizio D-Series TVs Getting down to the actual sets, things start with the “D-Series”, of which the D4 Series are Full HD (FHD)/1080p and D Series where there are both FHD models and two HD/720P models. Their relatively small sizes and
affordable pricing give tribute to Vizio’s stake in the lower price ranges. While some might look down at FHD sets, their appearance in 24- and 32-inch screen sizes, as well as the 40- and 43-inch sizes in the D-Series, make them perfect for gamers. Particularly with the D4 Series adding AMD FreeSync, these may be perfect for budgetminded gamers and as computer monitors. The only downside is the HDMI 1.4 inputs. Prices range from $139.99 to $229.99, depending on the Series version and screen size. Some models are available now, with others coming in August. V5 and V6 Series The V5 and V6 Series set the midpoint of the new line and, as with all new 4K sets, they include the new Vizio Voice Remote. Both series have three HDMI 2.1 inputs (4K/60) with eArc and Dual-Band Wi-Fi. The
FEATURED And more importantly is the first range of the new line to offer local area dimming, ranging from 16 to 32 zones, again dependent on the screen size. Similarly, brightness is improved, up to 700 nits peak brightness for the MQ7 models above 65 inches. Color space is also 84% of Rec.2020 for all MQ7 models. Pricing ranges from $749.99 to $1,399.99 – all with July availability.
mode. It should be mentioned, however, that the new models include a very wide range of color and picture adjustments or processing modes that may be turned off or calibrated. Similarly, there are no 8K sets from Vizio at this time, though given their history it is a safe bet that when they feel the market is right, they will be there. Finally, while the current OLED models remain in the line, there are no new sets featuring that technology. Vizio’s Latest Soundbars While many associate Vizio with video, the company also has become a very potent force in the soundbar market. The 5.1.4-channel Elevate, with built in Dolby Atmos and DTS:X along with upmixer and traditional digital audio modes, remains unchanged at the top of the line. With Chromecast built in, two HDMI inputs with eARC, and a host of other key features, it is a benchmark product at $999.99.
PQ Models Vizio’s “PQ Quantum” models have always set a high mark for price/performance, and this year’s new PQ sets push that legacy to new heights. Both the PQ9 and PQX Series offer four HDMI 2.1 inputs, but two of the four are capable of 4K/120.
V5 Series has the widest array of screen sizes, with models ranging from 43 inches all the way up to 75 inches. The V6 Series are only available in 70- and 75-inch sizes, but they, too, add AMD FreeSync and 120Hz refresh. Those additions make them a very viable option for budgetconscious viewers who enjoy both games and entertainment on a big screen. Pricing for the V5 series ranges from $339.99 for the 43-inch model to $899.99 for the 75inch version. All V5 models are available now. The V6 models will be available later this month at $749.99 for the 70-inch and $919.99 for the 75-inch. MQ Series The fun really begins with the MQ Series, which adds both Quantum Color to the V6’s AMD FreeSync and 120Hz refresh. The MQ6 adds Vizio’s ProGaming Engine and claims 75% of Rec. 2020 color and will be available in 43-, 50-, 55-, and 65-inch sizes between now and August, at pricing ranging from $399.99 for the 43-inch model to $999.99 for the 75-inch model. The MQ7 models add an additional HDMI 2.1 (4K/60) input, bringing the total to four.
Moving down through the line is the M-Series, all of which also include the two models of object-based audio systems and wireless subwoofers. The selection includes 5.1.2, 5.1, and 2.1 models, all with eARC wireless subwoofers and a host of other features that vary with channel configuration. M-Series models range in price from $299.99 to $499.99, with availability this month, except for the 2.1 M215a, which has not received an intro date as of yet.
The Dynamic Motion Rate is doubled to 240Hz, and the FreeSync is upgraded to FreeSync Premium. Also, for ultimate gaming performance, the PQ9 Quantum models up the ante on brightness to 1200 peak nits, with the 65-inch model priced at $1,399,99 and able to control 144 local dimming zones, while the 75inch model at $2,199.99 has 210 zones. Both models also upgrade the Wi-FI connectivity to Wi-Fi 5 (802.111ac) and will be available in July. Pricing and availability for the top-of-the-line PQX model is still to be announced, but we can report that the 85-inch set will have 792 local dimming zones, slightly higher color gamut at 85% of Rec.2020 and an astounding 3000 nits of peak brightness. Those items, combined with all the other video game-centric, streaming service, and connectivity features will make it a formidable competitor when it arrives.
The hot spot for soundbars is in the lower price range, and that is clearly where Vizio continues to pay close attention. All of the V-Series models offer DTS Virtual:X, DTS Digital Surround, and Dolby Audio to provide immersive sound on a budget. At $199.99, the V51x-J is a 5.1 product with wireless subwoofer and a backlit LCD design remote. The four other new V-Series models are $149.99 for 2.1 systems with wireless subwoofers while the new 2.0 models clock in at $99.99 – perfect for “second room” or budget conscious installations.
Those familiar with my new product introduction reports know that along with all of the great new stuff, I also believe that it is important to point out what the new lines do not have. Please keep in mind that these are not necessarily negatives, but just helpful to know about.
Vizio has indeed grown from a scrappy startup to a major consumer electronics powerhouse. With all of these new video/audio products and an even stronger focus on services, apps, and content distribution than ever before, Vizio is putting forth a new range of products that are centered on maintaining and expanding their market reach. x
What We Don’t Get from New Vizio TVs Among the features not present in Vizio’s 2021 TV line are miniLED backlighting, any sets with ATSC 3.0/NextGen TV tuners, or Filmmaker
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FEATURED
Romancing the Cinema Finding Your Fellow Community Cinema Connoisseurs and Enthusiasts By Sam Cavitt
I
have been going about this all wrong. Sure, I have been sharing all the great things happening in the private cinema world – the technological advancements, the best practices, the great projects. We are able to create private cinemas now that are better than ever before, in fact, better than just about any movie theater that most people will ever experience. Month after month, year after year, I am able to share that message thanks to publications like this one, and business is good. But I struggle with the knowledge that the word is still not reaching our ultimate audience: the public that we want to serve. There is a story being told, a message sent. But it is not the right message. I thought I was above it all. My focus had been to avoid getting too technical and focusing on the importance and value of delivering quality and performance. Experience nonpareil. To be sure, I have been careful to eschew the typical tech talk of loudspeakers, formats, pricepoints, and budgets in favor of what I call the “attributes of excellence” – the things that private cinema professionals and enthusiasts should be considering. It was with this smug confidence that I shared my company’s new website with a business associate, explaining that it would be a good place for him to start familiarizing himself with private cinema. From the mouths of neophytes: “Impressive,” they said. “Clearly you have a lot of knowledge about designing great theaters, and your portfolio is full of beautiful work. But, where’s the romance?” I love the movies because great ones cause me to drop everything and just get lost in them. Like a romance, I can think of nothing else. I’m obsessed, and I like it! It seems that you would have talked about that.”
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He’s right. We’ve been going about this all wrong. Remembering the Passion of Movie Fans If we in the industry want our audience to seek us out, if we would enjoy an audience that is happily obsessed and insisting on our best, we need to provide a better reason. Romance. Specifications and performance pale in comparison to passion. Life is already full of necessities and requirements. Private cinema is a sanctuary, a special place for escape in today’s trying times. But it remains a pleasure unappreciated. Why is that? Those of you who we hope to serve already enjoy sundry pursuits – fine automobiles, wine and dining, mega yachts, vacations, and adventures, exquisite art, jewelry, and fashion. What is it about these diversions that render them undeniable? Possibly a more important question is, what is it about these pursuits that motivates you, the aficionados, to discuss, share and pursue these passions within a community of like-minded enthusiasts? Communities of enthusiasts thrive for many classes of prestigious pursuits. Rather than trade and professional organizations, these are fraternities of passion. The Classic Car Club of Manhattan, with the motto “We Travel the World. We Race. We Wrench. We Drive. We Rock. We Roll. We Do It Together” is not selling anything. Likewise, the Automobile Club of Monaco, with the mission “to exhibit the most exceptional antique and vintage cars, as well as to make sure that they parade in front of a public of enthusiasts” is all about exhibiting their love of fine antique automobiles and sharing that passion!
Some groups do originate from their respective industries. The world of fine art, for instance, is well represented by interest groups. Ranging from networks of enthusiasts (ARTNET is an online resource for the international art market, and the destination to buy, sell, and research art online) to museumsponsored groups such as Société des Amis des Musées d’Orsay and de l’Orangerie (Society of Friends of the Museums d’Orsay and the I’Orangerie) to one striking example which is Fine Art Connoisseur. Fine Art Connoisseur serves art collectors and enthusiasts with innovative articles about representational paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints – both historical and contemporary, American and European. Founded and published by artists and art enthusiasts, the magazine is a great example of what could be. Film itself is considered by many a singularly rich and important contemporary art form. A notably rich medium, film comprises genre, setting, storytelling, drama, characterization, imagery, theme, sound, music, cinematography and more. But the unique aspect is its effect on us, the audience. Roger Ebert said “For me, the movies are like a machine that generates empathy.” Renzo Piano says, “Moviemaking is the most complete, truly contemporary art form. It brings narrative, acting, scenery, lighting, sound, and music together into the most marvelous machine for emotion.” The movies change us. Like romance. Private Cinemas Can Create Moments Why then, does private cinema, this incredible personal amenity that has the capacity to draw us in and immerse us in this marvelous machine for emotion like no other, have no community? Don’t such powerful moments, shared with
This is a private cinema designed and engineered by Paradise Theater to satisfy a lover of film, music, and high performance. Interior Design – Kendall Wilkinson Design, Theater Construction – Cinergy Construction, Integration – RCA Electric, Technology Consultants – Marchand Wright Associates
friends and family, time after time, stack up favorably to fast cars, big boats, and fancy watches? They do. Please don’t misunderstand, I love fast cars, big boats, and fancy watches, but moments with loved ones cannot be replaced. Private cinemas, though, can make more moments possible. We in the industry have failed to ask you, the audience, to share those moments with others, up to now. A grassroots initiative is currently being launched. It is called Cinema Connoisseur, and it is an initiative that has been created to
facilitate and support a community of enthusiasts, cinema connoisseurs, both professional and public, to embrace and enhance the world of private cinema and film and celebrate the romance of private cinema. Those moments that take your breath away.
mutual purpose is to continuously improve the awareness of private cinema and maintain the highest standards of excellence in the industry. Our efforts will be directed to activities that will promote a community of those who appreciate private cinemas and the arts they so fabulously
On the professional side, we create these spaces out of a passion for film, music, entertainment, sight, sound, and aesthetics. Our mission is to bring these life-enriching pursuits to others. Our patrons are enthusiasts of private cinemas and the arts experienced in them. Our
express. Do join us. x For updates on Cinema Connoisseur, sign up at https://www.cinema-connoisseur.com/
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Summer 2021 | Residential Tech Today
ISSUE FOCUS
Crossover Potential Tackling Office, MDU, and Light Commercial Integration Tech Opportunities By Jeremy Glowacki The commercial technology integration market is not back to what it was pre-pandemic and might never be the same, but there are some great opportunities available for residential companies wanting to crossover into commercial. When companies come back into their offices and figure out a new plan for completely in person, or hybrid work, there will be plenty of openings for tech professional expertise. And, the construction industry’s continued focus on building new multi-dwelling unit (MDU) housing is also creating commercial crossover potential. CEDIA’s senior director of strategic partnerships, Ian Bryant, has a lot of experience balancing residential and commercial AV in his prior career as a custom integrator. These days, in his role with the leading residential tech trade association, he still keeps a close eye on the market opportunities and challenges facing his former peers. Bryant has noticed commercial projects ramping back up with many new opportunities. “Hands-free automated systems in conference rooms, huddle spaces, and meeting rooms are the hot trend, and companies that had these spaces with no tech are having to add it in,” he noted. “With the reported average of one in four people working remotely or in a hybrid environment, the reliance on tech to connect the workforce is greater than ever before.” That being said, residential tech integrators venturing into commercial for the first time will want to keep in mind both business and technology differences between the markets. For example, it is very common in the commercial space to bid on projects with other integrators, and also to base bids/proposals on a predetermined system design or request for proposal (RFP) document. Bryant says that integrators should document everything
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internally for reference, have a process for providing change orders, and track the locations and time on site of all employees. When it comes to tech differences between residential and commercial, 70v speaker systems are one area that may require new knowledge for home-centric integrators facing these wiring configurations and power tap settings for the first time. But the biggest difference, Bryant believes, involves learning about audio and video conferencing systems. “Most conference rooms, boardrooms, meeting rooms, and huddle spaces will have some level of video conferencing and sound processing systems,” he said. “The larger the space the more complex these become. I recommend getting some foundational training on conferencing system design and then attend manufacturer product specific training.” Bryant added that in most medium/large and some small commercial environments, integrators won’t have control over the network. That’s why having the ability to work directly with an IT department and understanding these complex networks is essential. “Even though you won’t be configuring the network, I recommend having someone on staff that has more advanced training to be able to speak intelligently with the IT department,” Bryant added. “I also always recommend having meetings with the IT team well in advance to coming on site to commission a system. Lastly, don’t assume you can setup a wireless network inside a commercial environment on your own, you might need to get permission.” As for actual tech available for commercial crossover, here is just a sampling of some of the products that you might want to consider for these types of projects. Ready to take that MDU project to the next
level? The Auton Dream Machine is the only lift solution that can hide a flat panel as large as 80 inches discreetly under a bed. After the display glides out from beneath the bed, select Dream Machine models can fully swivel 360 degrees for viewing anywhere in the room. It works for almost any size bedroom and bed frame.
An ideal solution for MDU installs, the Beale Street Audio Sonic Vortex is a patented technology designed to ensure that music is completely contained within the speaker enclosure and brought in the room. There is no resonance bleed from the back of the speaker. Available in single- and dual-monitor configurations, Chief Koncīs Series monitor arm mounts combine sleek aesthetics with advanced functionality to ensure optimal productivity in the home or commercial office.
They are packed with features for simple network expansion and management, while offering high performance with fast switching capacities of 104 Gbps, 128 Gbps, and 176 Gbps, respectively. For effortless monitor tilting, the units feature patented Centris Extreme Tilt technology with +65 degrees to -10 degrees of fingertip tilt adjustment. Hunter Douglas PowerView Automation provides the same motorized window shades flexibility in the residential and commercial environments with the option to control through a remote, the PowerViewApp or as part of an overall integrated system. These solutions can be applied across spaces from homes to professional offices and everything in between.
The Just Add Power VBS-HDIP-737POE 3G Warp Engine Transmitter/Receiver allows any video wall to be warped at any angle from 0 to 359.9 degrees in designs with mixed and matched display models mounted at any given angle. This capability is brought to any Just Add Power Ultra HD over IP system via a simple 1-RU add-on device in the rack. The Luxul 48 PoE+ SW-510-48P-F; 24 PoE+ SW-610-24P-R; and 48 PoE+ SW-610-48P-F are three new additions to the company’s portfolio of managed L2/L3 Gigabit switches for large residential and commercial networks.
The Middle Atlantic BGR Series floorstanding equipment enclosure is designed specifically to solve AV integration and servicing challenges. Its patented design provides more strength without extra weight, resulting in a UL-certified solution that can be loaded with up to 3,000lbs of equipment.
The performance and aesthetics bar in commercial audio has been so low for so long, but it doesn’t have to be, thanks to Theory Audio Design. Theory’s mission is to bring high-end sound into high-end commercial spaces, with a small selection of highly capable products. Those who want it can finally have big, dynamic, high-quality sound from sleek enclosures, whether it’s in-wall, in-ceiling, onwall, or pendant mounted – indoors and out.
Available in 9-inch and 17-inch form factors, On-Q dual-purpose In-Wall Enclosures can be used to house cable boxes, streaming players, and more behind a TV, or as a Wi-Fi transparent enclosure for structured wiring, providing a centralized area to store video, voice, and data components.
The Yamaha Unified Communications Enterprise ESB-1090 sound bar solves common challenges and limitations in sound output to create a rich, premium audio experience for remote conferencing, classrooms, and hotel guest rooms, lobbies, or meeting rooms. Optimizing the audio for each of these environments, the ESB-1090 features three modes, allowing users to opt between Conference, Education, and Hotel. x
The Planar HB Series Huddle Board features a highly responsive touch performance to recognize up to 20 simultaneous touch points from multiple users and an included stylus to accurately capture even the smallest of characters. It also includes embedded tools tailored to in-room and remote unified communication.
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ISSUE FOCUS
Good Things… Small Packages The Next Generation of Power Management Doesn’t Need to be Bulky and Messy By Jimmy Paschke
Design and functionality are in demand for residential technology installations, and that’s no surprise as homeowners continue to seek seamless, smart, and stylish home systems. With this demand, manufacturers are faced with the challenge of creating functional, reliable, and interoperable products that fit into any room, without compromising a home’s design. In a market often judged by looks and praised for performance, there is no longer space for unmanaged cables and boxy backup devices. The power environment is one of the few foundational elements on which all installations rely on. Unfortunately, power management devices often fall victim to scrutinous looks as clunky, loud, and wire-messy UPS units and diagnostic tools can stick out like a sore thumb. However, they are perhaps the most important part of an install. As homeowners invest in systems to make their homes more attractive, functional, and comfortable, they often do not
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realize that the devices and systems that make their home unique must be protected from power problems caused by existing conditions, both direct from the grid and from other powerdrawing technology like HVAC, appliances, and lighting. Power anomalies threaten more than just continuity; spikes, sags, surges, and other distortions in the power environment can cause permanent damage, gradual degradation, and recurring disturbances of electronic equipment. For an integrator, this can turn into extra service calls, equipment requiring premature replacement, and loss of trust from clients. Home technology professionals need to prioritize power management that protects, monitors, and manages across a variety of electronic environments. To ensure smooth installations and successful growth, integrators should establish a power foundation for homeowner clients to protect
against these anomalies. The style of solution typically needed to protect residential installs is one that will measure and report on electrical parameters, including voltage, current, power, frequency, power factor, and crest factor, while also providing advanced surge protection and power conditioning in an appropriately sized form factor. A variety of these products exist, but with the current design demands, integrators will want to be sure that the device not only offers this deluxe protection, but also pleases the eye of design-conscious clients. Remote monitoring and reporting are also integral pieces of the power management puzzle that shouldn’t be omitted. If the integrator has enabled remote monitoring of the homeowners’ power infrastructure and equipment, they will be able to identify the issue in no time, in many cases before the homeowners themselves even realize anything is wrong.
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ISSUE FOCUS
Good Things… Small Packages
The latest in power management devices offer a combination of the most in-demand technologies for monitoring, protection, battery backup in a single unobtrusive device.
Remote monitoring saves the time of scouring the system for errors while also allowing technicians to service systems without having to physically assess the equipment. In addition, being able to monitor and log power metrics over time will ensure the system is always running at peak performance, providing peace of mind for homeowners and integrators alike. To shield users from the most pressing power challenges, from inconvenient blackouts to lockups to full blown destruction, and to protect installers’ reputations, the right power conditioning and management equipment is critical. But remember that home technology installations require a combination of design and functionality, and that homeowners often take power for granted and assume if you plug a device into the wall, it will just work without error or risk. Integrators need options that will keep them competitive in an aesthetic-focused market. When it comes to competing for looks with sleek TVs, regal window treatments, concealed speakers, and more, how can pros protect installs from boxy, wire-riddled eyesores? Not every power management device can blend all these features into a neat little box. Delivering on the promise of the best of both worlds – functionality and design-friendliness – the latest
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in power management devices offer a combination of the most in-demand technologies for monitoring, protection, and battery backup in a single unobtrusive device. SurgeX Squid is one example of this: It allows integrators to say goodbye to clunky wall warts without compromising on remote monitoring and power management. The small but robust device brings valuable visibility into the assessment of power quality of each installation. It adds more install flexibility than traditional monitoring and management tools, as its compact form factor can mount to the rear of an AV rack – hidden away but just as powerful. Removing messy wires and dongles from the equation, it has an integrated network connection. And if dealers can utilize the connectivity, Squid will provide protection and reboot control for over four AC outlets and two banks of DC for a range of voltage leads – removing the clutter from the equation. When it comes to developing a smarter home, the convergence of design and technology adds pressure to spec the right products for the job.
No longer does power management need to be a carbuncle; the protective, insightful gusto that an integrator needs can now be installed in one compact device. When tucked away, homeowners and integrators alike can adopt a newfound confidence that their systems will remain online and running, complete with management just a quick, remote checkup away. And, most importantly, homeowners can enjoy their investment in their technology. Whether it’s in a gaming lair, a home theater, a home office, or a family room, the only thing that remains in sight are the design-centric selections that clients have made for their home, while power management works behind the scenes to guarantee electronic devices have a longer, uninterrupted lifespan. x
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Displays for Gaming What to Know When Purchasing a TV or Monitor for Video Game Play By Michael Heiss Along with toilet paper, laptops, webcams, and all sorts of other things that one might never have thought would have shortages at the start of the pandemic, add video game consoles to the list. In hindsight, it makes sense. People stuck inside and unable to congregate found video games to be a great way to release the tension and boredom, as well as use the “chat” features to converse with others. At this point, anyone who is interested in console or PC gaming will likely know more about the comparisons between Xbox Series X and PS5, as well as the benefits of the latest PC graphics cards such as the highly sought after Nvidia RTX series. However, at the end of the day, the source has to be connected to a sink. Once the only option for that was an RF connection to a TV, later surpassed by baseband video. On the console side, however, it used to be “VGA or nothing.” Now, with the exception of specialized applications where you might see DisplayPort or Thunderbolt on a source device, everything is HDMI. Great, that matches up to both consumer displays, be they direct view or projection or monitors. Where that leaves us is that games are just another input source, which means that to some viewers everything is easy and great. However, for the growing number of game aficionados, it’s more than that. As you look at the new TVs being introduced now and going through the “holiday selling season,” you’ll see a “game mode” featured in one form or another. The fact that manufacturers are pushing this means that there is interest, so what is it all about and what do you need to know when purchasing a TV for yourself or specifying one for a client installation? Let’s Start with HDMI HDMI is the “pipe” that makes it possible to deliver high frame rate, high resolution, and better color. All of those things, as they are added together, require more bits that
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Most contemporary sets, such as the TCL 85R745 have the ability to label an input for video games. TCL’s new 85-inch set will combine virtually everything one needs for gaming and entertainment.
accumulate into a data package that HDMI 2.0 just can’t handle. At the top level, the easiest way to understand this is to remember that the upper limit for HDMI 2.0 is 18 Gbps, or a bit less when you take into consideration some headroom. That is acceptable for most of the current 4K frame rate, bit depth, color sampling combinations that you will encounter today. At least for now, almost every movie or entertainment content combination won’t go over that speed limit. Gaming, however, is a different story. As time moves forward, you will see more games with 10- or perhaps even 12-bit color. Frame rates will climb from the everyday 60fps to 120fps and, for PC gaming, even higher. Add in dynamic HDR systems such as Dolby Vision at high frame rates and the coming 8K native games, or existing games upconverted to 8K, and you’ll quickly find that you are well over the speed limit. No, you won’t get a ticket for that type of speeding, but things will slow down or just not look as good.
HDMI 2.1 provides up to 48Gbps, but as is the case with most of the other parts of today’s puzzle, the end result speed is not specified or mandated. As always, it is a good idea to futureproof. Maybe not today, but within the set’s life cycle it may be presented with format combinations such as 4K/120fps/12 bit/4:4:4 color or 8K/60p/12-bit color. To have a chance to move that through the HDMI pipe, you will definitely need to look for not only a display, but an AVR with full 48Gbps and cables that can handle the load. There are many data rate charts available online and it is worth taking a look at one to see what will be needed and use that as a guideline for display selection. HDMI 2.1 is Almost a Must Although a display with HDMI 2.1 is almost a must for gaming, it isn’t as simple as that because “2.1” isn’t a single thing. Instead, HDMI 2.1 is a collection of features from which the manufacturer may choose. They can have some or all, but if they have only one it is still kosher to use the HDMI 2.1 designation.
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end, then make certain that the TV set or monitor has the compatible format. Some have both. Some have one or the other. ALLM and QFT Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Quick Frame Transport (QFT) are two more HDMI 2.1 features of importance to gamers. Like VRR, ALLM also helps present a smooth, lag-free image and Quick Frame Transport (QFT) is another technique that helps to decrease “display latency.” These features may still be rare, or at the very least, hidden from market-facing view. All are worthwhile, but you are well advised to see if their advantage makes a difference to you, or the gamer, and then see if it is part of a set that you would otherwise want to specify or buy. Dynamic HDR Between HDMI 2.1’s advancements for gaming that enable a true end-to-end path for high bit rate-dependent features, gamers should look for other things when tailoring the choice of a set to their needs.
Both Samsung (top) and LG recognize the need for gamers to look at different information and settings than one would for entertainment viewing. The goal for any game mode is to keep your eyes squarely centered on the screen.
HDR is certainly one of those things, as an increasing number of games have it. Under the hood, the constantly changing scenes from light to dark during game play means that a display with a dynamic HDR system such as Dolby Vision or HDR-10+, as opposed to a more static HDR-10 system, will make it easier for a player to see more of what is going on in the game. After all, isn’t that what it is all about? You can’t shoot ’em if you can’t see ’em.
The HDMI 2.1 feature most frequently seen is Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC). That is key for making certain that any audio from a game or app that is native to the TV, or for any source device such as a game, is sent to an AVR, soundbar, or surround processor with full multichannel, uncompressed, bitstream transmission. This is also essential if the content includes Dolby Atmos or DTS:X encoding. Remember of course, that every product in the chain also has to have HDMI 2.1 with eARC.
Unfortunately, as we begin to blend the benefits of all these features together, one may sometimes be looking for a combination that may not yet be widely available. A good example is Dolby Vision at 120Hz. As we go to press, LG just announced that they will push an upgrade for that to select premium sets. This is a good example of the constantly changing state of consumer video, even within a model year. Regardless of what set you focus on, look for the availability of gamecentric updates that may not be mentioned on the packaging or spec sheets.
The Importance of VRR Another important HDMI 2.1 feature that is fundamental to gaming is Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). Particularly with PC games, but also for the 5th generation consoles, the video may
often change refresh rate faster than the set can render it. This causes a number of annoying artifacts, such as stuttering, that will drive a gamer crazy. VRR does a good job of mitigating that so that you see a smooth image. VRR also appears in sets and monitors in other forms. VRR, or similar technology that may use a different brand-specific name, is often part of the “Game Mode” feature set of many sets. Check to see that the TV set or monitor you are considering offers a VRR-like setting. For PC games, in particular, you need to be aware of AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync. These are also what you might call an “adaptive sync technology that is part of the respective company’s video cards. If that is on the source
Most current model year sets have their brand’s own “game mode,” which you’ll recognize, but which will have a different name from brand to brand, such as “Pro Gaming Engine,” “Game Optimizer,” and the like. They
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higher for the exact feature needed, but for a game it is almost always worth the price. Curved Screens Might Make Sense Here’s one more thing to consider, but you have to promise that you won’t laugh: curved screens. Although a failure for consumer TVs, curved screens have their place when it comes to tabletop gaming and business monitors.
Samsung’s 49-inch G9 curved screen gaming monitor may not be something for movie viewing, but for gaming and business applications it is one pf the largest dedicated screens for this purpose.
For close-in game play, a game-centric monitor, such as this one from Viewsonic, may have higher spec features than a comparably sized consumer TV set.
offer different levels of picture control and adjustment, and for some brands they even have game-centric on-screen displays. Here, too, it isn’t as much a matter of which one I would recommend. Rather, check what your game wants and, if possible, “try it on” with demos of web animations. You wouldn’t buy a suit, dress, pants, or most other articles of clothing without seeing that it fits first. You certainly would not
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buy a vehicle without a test drive. The same rubric holds true here. Keep in mind that even within the same brand, “game mode features” will differ as you move up or down the line. Good examples of this are frame rate, brightness, and HDR format. Don’t assume that something such 120Hz is available in all of a brand’s “game mode” packages. Look carefully, as the price may be
Particularly with a push during pandemic times for “work from home” situations, many have gravitated to a single monitor rather than the more traditional two-screen set up. The single monitor, often up to 32 inches or larger, focuses the user’s attention to the screen. A curved screen makes the viewing experience even more immersive and you don’t have to move your eyes, and certainly not your head to stay in the center of the action while having decent peripheral awareness to know if the aliens are sneaking up behind you to the left or right. Again, more for dedicated monitors than large screen entertainment applications, but definitely a solution to consider. As an added benefit, dedicated gaming monitors, while smaller than traditional TVs, tend to have considerably faster response time. Where a consumer set may have a response time, which is to say the ability to switch from black to white and then back to white again, of around 10 milliseconds (ms), gaming monitors may be as fast as 1ms. That, my friends, is fast! At the end of the day, it is certainly possible to connect a video game console to almost any flat panel display manufactured in the past few years and play a respectable game. However, as the gamer and the gaming gets more serious, one needs better gear, as it is with any sport of competition. By first looking at the kind of games being played, the demands of the gamer it will be much easier to look at the various brands, their model lines and the specs within those lines. This type of careful look cannot guarantee that the gamer will win more races or kill more aliens but will certainly make game play more enjoyable and perhaps help them move to the top of the leaderboard. Oh, and in 99-percent of the cases, when the gamer needs to take a break and rest their eyes and brain, entertainment content will look better, as well! x
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COVER STORY James Gunn has done it all. He’s been a musician, comic book artist, author, actor, writer, director, and producer. Gunn has produced several blockbuster films in his career, including Avengers: Endgame, Avengers: Infinity War, and The Belko Experiment. He got his start making movies for famed B-movie studios Troma Entertainment, has written
A Man of Every Talent and directed cult classic films such as Slither and Super and has produced several
blockbuster films including Avengers: Infinity Wars and
Avengers: Endgame. He also wrote and directed one of
Marvel’s most memorable film
franchises, Guardians of the Galaxy (including Vol. 3
coming in January 2023.) Gunn has also written/ directed/produced the
James Gunn Dishes on The Suicide Squad, Life, and Music By Charles Warner and Corey Noles Photo Art Streiber
upcoming television series
Peacemaker, a show about a
DC superhero so dedicated to world peace he’s ready to use violence to get it.
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COVER STORY
(L-R) Idris Elba and writer/director James Gunn on the set of Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure The Suicide Squad.
Most recently, though, he’s the man behind The Suicide Squad — set for an August 6, 2021, release in the U.S. The new flick serves as a standalone installment following the 2016 Suicide Squad feature. Filmed in the style of a 1970s B-movie, the movie tells the tale of a task force of convicts from Belle Reve penitentiary sent to destroy a Nazi-era prison and laboratory. The film has a stellar cast, including Margot Robbie (returning as the deranged Harley Quinn), Idris Elba, John Cena, Joel Kinnaman, and Sylvester Stallone. Residential Tech Today recently chatted with Gunn about life, films, and his passion for music.
Photo by Jessica Miglio/™ & © DC Comics
RT Today: When I think of you, and I think this is true for many fans, not only do we think of your movies, but music. You have a really personal relationship with the music you put in your films. What is your influence when it comes to blending the music with scenes in a movie?
academia. Other families put their value on playing sports and athletics. And our family, all we ever cared about was telling stories and making each other laugh around the kitchen table like it was a competition. When you have six kids in your family within seven years, you don’t see much of your parents. They’re off dealing with something. Whatever else is going on at that time. And we were really left to our own devices, so we sort of created this little imaginative world of play and making movies and doing all these things that kept us happy.
JG: Well, yeah. I mean, I have a pretty OCD relationship to music. I listen to a lot of music, and I listen to it intently. I sort of collect and categorize it in my head at all times. I have hundreds and hundreds of playlists on both Spotify and iTunes. RT Today: I follow yours on Spotify. It’s awesome. JG: Oh, and those are just my public ones. There are hundreds more that are not public. I keep everything categorized. Like, it’s a thing I do. And it really is just about having, and for me, it is always, part of it’s listening to music because I love listening to music. Part of it is listening to music so that I can be like, “Where could this ever go in a story? How would this fit? Would this be something that would contrast with what I saw on screen or something that would go along with what I see on the screen?” And so, the music is organically embedded in anything I do.
JG: Well, I think it was each other. You know, it’s not only Sean but my brother, Patrick. He’s in the business side of the film industry, my brother Brian is a screenwriter, and my brother Matt is a writer on Real Time with Bill Maher and has been for many years. So, all of my brothers are in the entertainment industry. And I think it was, other families, they sort of put a high worth on
From the set of The Suicide Squad (2021) John Cena as Peacemaker with David Dastmalchian as Polka-Dot Man, Joel Kinnaman as Colonel Rich Flag and King Shark
Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures/™ & © DC Comics
Residential Tech Today: Growing up in St. Louis, what were some of the early influences that moved you and your brother Sean into music and film?
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COVER STORY / A Man of Every Talent RT Today: What are some of the production technologies that make you, as a storyteller, most excited? I’m sure many things have changed and new technologies are coming out, allowing you to do more things.
Photo by Jessica Miglio/™ & © DC Comics
JG: Yeah. The biggest thing on Suicide Squad, one of the most exciting things, is we used a rig called a Stabileye on Guardians 2. We were the first movie to use it. And the Stabileye was a bigger rig, two people operate it, and it moves the camera in a way that is both very alive and very visceral. You can move it fast, but that also doesn’t give you a handheld feeling that makes you sick. The same guy who invented Stabileye invented, for me, a rig called the Nano. It was created especially for The Suicide Squad, especially for me and how I want to shoot. Because I realized there are always these shots I’m designing that are not physically possible. I want to be able to move very quickly in and around faces, between people, and through people. There’s never been a rig that could do that. So today, with the really small size of the red cameras, combined with this tiny little rig that we have, we were able to shoot The Suicide Squad in a way that is ultra, incredibly alive, incredibly visceral, incredibly fast-moving, but also in a way that doesn’t make the audience sick to their stomachs. It’s a magnificent thing to see on a big screen, and it’s a completely new way of filming that was created for this movie by me, Henry Brimm, and the Nano and Stabileye teams.
Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures/™ & © DC Comics
(Top) James Gunn and cast on the set of Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure The Suicide Squad. (Middle, from left) King Shark, Daniela Melchior as Ratcatcher 2, Joel Kinnaman Col. Rich Flag, Idris Elba as Bloodsport, and Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn. (Bottom) David Dastmalchian as Polka Dot Man, Cena, Elba, and Melchior.
RT Today: What do you like watching when you’re not working? Are there particular shows that really impress you? What do you dig? JG: Right now, I’m watching Gangs of London, which I think is pretty fun. It’s Gareth Evans’ show. He’s the guy who did The Raid movies. I’m a big action movie fan. So, I like a lot of that stuff. The way that my partner, Jen and I, relax is by watching TV and movies. I just finished Schitt’s Creek. I thought that was a blast. I think I watch a lot of Asian cinemas. So, a lot of things that maybe other people aren’t watching. A lot of South Korean movies and Japanese films. So, there’s a lot. I have an eclectic taste. RT Today: What kind of a setup do you have for your home theater? Is there any particular gear that you really like?
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Photo by Jessica Miglio/™ & © DC Comics
JG: Well, right now, I’m a nomad. So, I’ve been moving around. The only home I own is in Georgia, so I’m a Georgia resident. But I never fully moved in, in the way of moving all my home theater equipment. I’ve been here in Vancouver. Before that, I was renting a house in Los Angeles. So, in terms of the newest stuff, I’m just not there. I will say I love my computer setup. I have the new big monitor for my apple that I love. Their new ultra high-def monitor is fantastic. RT Today: I think everybody’s really excited for The Suicide Squad.
JG: I feel great about it. I mean, it’s like, I think it’s the most fun movie I’ve ever made. I set out to do something completely unhinged, something without limits, making it a type of superhero movie that nobody’s ever seen before. But, they’re not really superheroes; they’re supervillains. And to really be true about the comics and sort of reinvigorate the old war caper films I loved growing up, watching the late-60s war caper films on Saturday afternoons out on the local TV stations. Whether it’s The Dirty Dozen or Where Eagles Dare, Kelly’s Heroes, the old war adventure films. And that’s what
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COVER STORY / A Man of Every Talent [The Suicide Squad] is at its essence, just with a bunch of shitty supervillains.
have one more to shoot. Fred Anderson is directing this one, and I’ll direct the last one.
RT Today: Can you tell me a little bit about The Peacemaker?
What’s so fun about doing a TV show, which I’ve never done before, is that I love my characters. In a movie, basically, you have to be like, “Oh, this scene goes to the next scene, this scene goes to the next scene, this scene …” Even in movies that seem sort of languid, that’s still the general structure of them. But with a TV show, you really can focus on the characters. You can get into the intricacies of their relationships and their personalities and get to know those people. So, this show is both more comedy and more drama than I’ve ever done before because you have the room for all of those things. It’s been a complete blast making the show. And it’s hard to have a blast when you’re sitting in plexiglass booths with masks on your face.
JG: Yeah. I mean, that’s truly a result of [COVID-19]. So, we were fortunate to finish shooting The Suicide Squad right before the pandemic really took hold in the United States. So, I finished shooting that, went into quarantine in this house we were renting in Los Angeles, edited the movie from home over the internet with my editors, Fred and Chris. And that was great. Then I was stuck with nothing to do because I still had quite a few months before we started shooting Guardians Vol. 3. And so, being stuck, I just started writing this TV series. I wrote eight episodes of the TV series in two months. And now, I’ve got the greatest cast around me with a bunch of fantastic people, and we’re shooting it. We’re on the seventh episode of eight. Then, we
RT Today: You’re obviously talented at what you do. But, still, you also get to work with some really incredible people who, it
seems like, are super hard workers, too. John Cena, Dave Bautista — you’ve really been blessed. JG: Yeah. I think that if I have one gift, it’s that I’m able to pick good people to be around me. And we’re very careful. I don’t choose haphazardly. Every once in a while, I’ll make a mistake and choose the wrong person. But, for the most part, I’m really careful about who I put around me. Life is way too short, and I don’t need the headaches. I don’t care how famous somebody is if they’re an asshole or difficult or pushy or controlling, I just don’t want them in my projects. So, I worked very, very hard to put the right people in there and people that will treat the crews with respect. It’s very important that we have a healthy atmosphere on set and a supportive atmosphere so that every person working on the project is proud of what we’re creating and feels like a part of it, whether they’re a PA or number one on the call sheet. I think of those people you mentioned, Dave Bautista, Chris Pratt, and Zoe Saldana. They are those people. RT Today: It’s the same thing in business. You can have someone with all the talent in the world, but if they’re a pain in the ass, it’s not worth it. They’re poison.
Courtesy of Marvel Studios/Chuck Zlotnick
JG: How much worse is this movie because that star is in it? I’m thinking of specific people, but I won’t say.
Courtesy of Marvel Studios/Chuck Zlotnick
Courtesy of Marvel Studios/Jay Maidment
RT Today: Well, given the popularity of cinematic universes, are there any mashups you would like to see? For example, would it be cool to see DC and Marvel in a movie like Alien vs. Predator?
(Top) Zoe Saldana as Gamora,Chris Pratt as Star-Lord/Peter Quill, and writer/director James Gunn. (Left) Writer/director James Gunn on the set with actor Sean Gunn perfecting a Rocket Raccoon motion capture scene. (Right) James Gunn with Michael Rooker as Yondu.
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JG: Not only would it be cool, I have already volunteered to do it. So, I brought it up. I’ve honestly brought it up, and I was not told no. So, I think it’s unlikely that it’s going to happen in the near future, but I would never say never. Like Marvel vs. DC, Marvel and DC, or whatever way you want to look at it. I think there is a possibility of doing that. And I think that would be just a blast to do that if the structure was right. At the end of the day, what matters to me the most is that the story is good, and the story is exciting. I don’t care if you have Alien meets Scooby-Doo. Yes, I love the idea of Alien and Scooby-Doo, but if it’s not a good story, then who cares. ■
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NETWORKS
OTT Video Trends and Competition Netflix Leads Wide Variety of Subscription-Based Video Services By Steve Nason The U.S. OTT video services market continues to evolve, with a continued explosion of new, large services from big brands joining an already crowded market and consumers adding multiple services beyond the Big 3 players: Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu. Several overarching trends that have shaped the OTT video service market over the past year or so have affected providers across the entire ecosystem. These trends include unprecedented consumer consumption, the growing divide between OTT and pay-TV, and the evolution of content windowing. OTT consumption has increased across a variety of business models. While subscriptionbased services (SVODs) such as Netflix are the primary method of consuming OTT video, consumers use a wide variety of methods to access and consume content including free adbased services, TV Everywhere apps available via a pay-TV service, and pirated content. Additionally, “freemium” services that offer a tier of free content with the option to upgrade to a subscription tier for exclusive content, video content purchased previously via a marketplace or store such iTunes and Google Play Store and transactional services (TVODs) which offer the purchase or rental of single titles and episodes. (Figure 1) Parks Associates research reveals that more than half of households report using a subscription-based OTT service in the past 30 days, more than double the rate of other service business models. The launch of high-profile mega services just before and during COVID19 such as Disney+, Apple TV+, HBO Max, and Peacock, have helped keep usage high. OTT viewers also continue to gravitate to free adsupported services that are either standalone or
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part of hybrid “freemium” services. Adsupported services are extremely appealing during COVID-19 as no-cost video options with access to a deep and broad catalog of content in a “lean-back” environment. Fasttracking of new theatrical titles to VOD platforms such as Trolls World Tour, Frozen 2, and Onward towards the beginning of the pandemic also accelerated use of transactional OTT services. As the pandemic moved into fall 2020, some leveling off of OTT video consumption was seen as past 30-day use of subscription services was flat and ad-based OTT dropped five percentage points in Q3 2020 compared to Q1 2020. This result is not all that surprising as this follows typical consumer behavior. When video consumers were faced with the unprecedented nature of the beginning stages of COVID-19, they reacted by subscribing to and accessing many OTT video services. However, as the crisis continued, consumers have had ample (Figure 1)
opportunity to properly evaluate which service offerings to keep and which ones to cancel. This prolonged period of exposure to a variety of service offerings across OTT video has led to a certain plateauing and slight decline in consumption that likely will continue in the near-term. The unprecedented OTT video service consumption brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic is the trend that has touched all corners of the ecosystem and spurred all other trends in the space that has catapulted streaming video into its next phase. The pieces were in place prior to the pandemic for OTT video to take this major leap already. However, the COVID-19 crisis added the accelerant to the fire that has pushed trends that were expected to take many years to fully form and progressed them significantly in a short 12-month period. Disney+ and Apple TV+, which launched in November 2019, quickly gained market share in the highly competitive subscription OTT space.
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OTT Video Trends and Competition price for a service tier with less programming, and a subscription price hold as key incentives that would have kept them from canceling. Other retention options that would compel consumers to retain a service include: a free upgrade to a higher tier, better customer support, and the ability to stream the service concurrently on more connected devices.
Both were further boosted by unprecedented consumption during the pandemic. As of Q3 2020, both services moved up quickly in the SVOD hierarchy with Disney+ reaching more than three in 10 U.S. broadband households and Apple TV+ reaching one in 10.
significantly year-over-year. Among all subscription OTT services, the rate is down to 38% in Q3 2020 from 46% a year ago. Virtual MVPDs, a subset of OTT subscription services that offer bundles of live channels, also saw a significant YOY drop in churn from 84 to 49%.
Newer entrants such as HBO Max and Peacock, which fully launched in mid-2020, saw immediate significant uptake in the market. Though most likely overestimated due to confusion among the different HBO-related streaming brands, HBO Max still quickly rose up the ranks of biggest subscription-based services. Peacock, a hybrid ad-based/ subscription service, saw initial uptake of its paid subscription Peacock Premium tiers place it among other major SVOD offerings. CBS All Access continued to see substantial growth with nearly one in 10 subscribing to the service in Q3 2020, positioning itself well for a further ascent up the SVOD hierarchy as it transitioned into Paramount+ in Spring 2021.
These types of services are particularly susceptible to high churn due to higher price points and more uniform content offerings across providers than standalone SVOD services. As a result, any decreases in the churn rate are a welcome sight for these services especially with such significant decreases as seen recently. However, despite the good news, OTT service providers of all business models have to continually be proactive in effectively engaging and retaining customers in order to effectively combat churn.
On the other side of the customer journey from uptake and consumption is the related issue that plagues all service providers in the OTT space no matter their business model, size, stature, and resources: customer churn. As demonstrated in the churn rate for SVODs that Parks Associates regularly tracks, however, there is some good news. Churn, which is an annual figure calculated as the rate of subscribers cancelling an OTT service in the past 12 months as a percentage of the current subscriber base, has dropped
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Retention strategies must include an appealing content offering, comprehensive user experience, and a price point that is properly aligned with the perceived value of the service, else providers risk losing users and the recurring monthly revenue, ad impressions, and transactional revenue that are the lifeblood providers. OTT service providers have a lot of potential customer retention tools at their disposal to effectively engage and keep their customers. As demonstrated from Parks Associates data in Q3 2020, roughly one in 5 U.S. broadband households who canceled an OTT service in the past 12 months cited retention strategies such as the ability to put a subscription on hold, a lower
Some key subscription-based service providers have employed strategies they hope will continually engage and retain their respective customer bases. WarnerMedia announced it will offer a lower-priced adsupported tier of its marquee SVOD service HBO Max in June 2021. This tier will include advertising on select content and will not include some key programming assets such as the new 2021 Warner Brothers movies available on the higher-priced ad-free tier. WarnerMedia hopes that this new lowerpriced tier will be a significant customer acquisition and retention driver for those more price-sensitive video consumers who do not mind ads as part of the viewing experience. In addition, the tier will allow HBO Max subscribers the flexibility to toggle between the ad-free and ad-supported tier depending on their needs and value expectations, thus allowing WarnerMedia to have a better chance of retaining customers within its walled service garden. Disney, on the other hand, has been very successful in using service bundling as a key retention strategy. The “Disney bundle” of Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ has allowed the media giant to acquire, engage, and retain customers very effectively by providing three services that cater to different distinct audience targets. The breadth and depth of content across the bundle provides Disney the ability to engage and retain different members of a household on a continuous basis, thus reducing the probability of that household churning away from any of the three services. The significant jumps in the subscriber bases of all three services, with Disney+ recently surpassing 100 million global subscribers as an example, is proof positive that the service bundle strategy has been very effective for Disney in not only retaining its customer base but growing it significantly. x
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REVIEW
A Sculpture That Plays Music Cleer Crescent Offers Elegant and Simple Smart Audio Speaker Option By Jeremy Glowacki Right out of the box, the Cleer Crescent smart audio speaker blew me away with its solidly built crescent shape, all-metal control panel, stainless steel mesh grille, and rubberized foundation. At its widest, the speaker is 26 inches across the top and about 13 inches at the narrowest location at its base, so it’s not tiny, but it also does not dominate the room. The speaker’s champagne color, which is currently the only finish option, is elegant, unique, and neutral enough to blend into most rooms. My first thought was, “This is a sculpture that happens to play music.” Cleer Crescent looked great, obviously, but how complicated would it be to set up, and, most importantly how good would it sound? Setting up Cleer Crescent Cleer Crescent is not a “portable” speaker, so there is no battery to charge, just an AC power cable and power adapter to connect and plug in the wall. Once connected, Crescent powered on automatically and the four LED indicator lights on the front of the speaker lit up. Although the Crescent is a Bluetooth speaker, its user manual recommends the installation of the Google Home app on a smartphone to link the speaker to your Wi-Fi network and to enable voice control. While every device these days has its own app, for some reason the fact that I would need to renew my “relationship” with Google Home to get the most out of my Crescent speaker came as an unwelcome surprise. There was once a time when Google Home and Amazon Alexa co-existed in my home. I’m not a huge fan of either service, but it was
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quickly clear that Alexa’s development had such a head start over Google Home that there was no reason to keep both devices connected. Then my family doubled down on Alexa, creating a multi-room doorbell alert and paging system throughout the house. Now, thanks to Cleer, I would be re-introducing Google Home, and I worried that, like before, she just wouldn’t be as helpful as Alexa. I was wrong. Right out of the gate, Google Home proved that it had come a long way in the two years (or more) since I last used the app. I was curious why Cleer picked Google Home over Alexa, so that’s the first thing I asked Cleer’s Vice President of Marketing, Aaron Levine, in a follow-up call. He reminded me that his relatively young company already
offers Alexa-integrated speakers in its small line of speakers, but for Crescent’s price ($699 MSRP), Google Home offered feature differentiation from other competitors in its price range. There was also the issue of retailers not especially liking the idea of selling an Alexa product, which directly supported a potential competitor in Amazon. Levine also noted that Google Home was the best option for Crescent’s linear speaker array, with the app’s wide variety of streaming content as well as better implementation of Cleer’s software. Getting It Up and Running Once the app was installed and Wi-Fi connected, I said, “Hey Google, play Taylor
REVIEW
Swift, Evermore album,” and Google replied, “Playing Taylor Swift Evermore on Spotify,” and that beautiful first track, “Willow,” began to fill the room. It sounded glorious, like the audio equivalent of a beautiful sunrise. Crescent also enables playback from Chromecast, AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth, as well as an external playback device via an AUX, optical audio, or Ethernet cable. During playback, it is easy to locate the volume up and volume down buttons, which are separated by the play/pause button in the middle of the control panel on top of the speaker. By pressing the mic on/off button, you can mute or unmute the built-in microphone. A mic LED light will indicate that the microphone is muted. In addition to the unique industrial design, build quality, and audio performance of Crescent, I really enjoyed toggling through the three available audio modes that were created within the speaker’s software. By pressing the audio mode button on the control panel, an LED indicates each audio mode with a different color. For immersive stereo music, the blue LED represents Stereo Widening Mode, which is described in the user manual as a “well-defined, wide stereo soundstage that expands well beyond the speaker’s physical placement.” The red LED is for TV/movies or gaming. I asked Levine if this was a soundbar mode, but he clarified that without an HDMI input on the Crescent speaker, lip sync delays could occur from a TV or movie and that there were no adjustments available to fix them. Instead, he explained, 3D Mode is for people who enjoy streaming their music from YouTube or other music services on their TV. In this mode, Crescent surrounds the listener in threedimensional, high-definition audio regardless of wall locations or reflected acoustics. My personal favorite audio mode on Crescent is Room Fill Mode (a green LED), which was designed for party or casual listening. It is described as “for occasions with multiple listeners… [featuring] an ultra-wide sweet spot that engages listeners equally in every corner of the room.” What’s Inside Crescent Aesthetics are only part of the reason that
Crescent surrounds the listener in three-dimensional, high-definition audio regardless of wall locations or reflected acoustics.
Crescent is shaped like a crescent. Inside the speaker is an eight-speaker linear array featuring 40mm full-range drivers. Cleer built the speaker in an array because they wanted to create a compact integrated speaker that would perform like a larger 2-channel or more traditional speaker. By building the linear array and putting some beam-forming technology into it, they were able to get the speakers inside to work in conjunction and to provide a more expansive linear sound that you wouldn’t be able to get if you had just two or four speakers.
aluminum, adding to the speaker’s rigidity and higher end appearance. The goal behind the design of Cleer Crescent, according to Levine, was to simplify the listening experience and provide a new engaging way to listen. The company, he said, wanted to create a speaker with a voice assistant that’s “absolutely stunning to look at where everybody in the house is going to be happy that you have a speaker out on display.” That’s exactly what happened in my house. My wife saw the speaker and said, “That can go in my office!”
The exterior is built from a single stainlesssteel bent rail that is handmade at Cleer’s factory. The top control panel is made from
Not so fast… x
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HEALTH TECH
NordicTrack and iFit is a Perfect Match
Thanks to a New Tech Fitness Partnership, I’m Working Out More Than Ever and Enjoying It By Heather L. Sidorowicz We purchased our NordicTrack on Black Friday. Not because there was a great deal, but we were home and could finally make the leap. Five weeks later, it was delivered to our garage, and we lugged it down to our basement. As the Buffalo, NY, snow began to fly and the steely grey days set in, I decided to trick my brain by only training in beautiful places. You see, NordicTrack comes with a one-year subscription to iFit, an interactive app that takes you around the globe. Here I thought I never wanted a “TV” on my treadmill, but this is no ordinary TV. This monitor connects to the app on your phone, where you can choose to complete a series or search by duration, trainer, environment, workout type, and more. Select it as a favorite on the app, and it appears on your treadmill the next time you climb on. If you’re working on a series, the next workout in the series shows on the home screen. I went for a hike in Hawaii and a run at Inspiration Point in Bryce Canyon during the first week. A few weeks later, I climbed the Matterhorn in Switzerland, and it was incredible. It was certainly more fun than one would expect to have on a piece of exercise equipment. I have learned the proper way to breathe, discovered my target heart rate, and found how my foot should hit the ground. My experience has been more personalized than it ever was at the gym or on the pavement. Here is the craziest part, I find myself looking forward to these runs. This truth was a moment for me. You see, I was not a runner. As a matter of fact, I had never considered myself to be athletic. I never played an organized sport in high school. In my 30s, after I brought two kids into this world within
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17 months, I did start a yoga practice (because my husband said I was often cranky). Then about two years ago, on a dare, I went to an Orangetheory class and continued there for about a year. Then the pandemic started. And the world shut down. As my concern for my company grew, and we were forced to pause our business (we are in New York State, and our rules have been strict), and I was working from home, I needed a release. One chilly morning in March, I strapped on my sneakers and ran (and walked) down the street. I kept this up about once a week through the spring, summer, and fall, but as the weather began to change and I knew winter was coming, I considered the purchase of a treadmill for the first time in my life. A few months into our treadmill experience, NordicTrack released their own heart rate monitor and an update to the machine called Active Plus. The $99 added device connects via Bluetooth to truly give you a personalized workout. If your coach does not want your heart rate over 77 percent during your recovery run, a pop-up on the screen will say, “Your heart rate is a little high, so I’m going to slow you down,” and it will. It will also adjust your incline as needed. It is game-changing. Ifit also has live classes streaming from their headquarters in Logan, UT. They’ve recently taken to presenting some of the adventures live. I did a hike on Everest, where the coach took live questions from across the globe. The recorded workouts include walking tours, hiking, running, and even mindfulness, removing any barrier to enter into the world of fitness. Your device changes incline with the
Nordictrack comes with a one-year subscription to iFit an interactive app that takes you around to globe.
terrain, and the speed changes with the trainer, giving you an impressively immersive experience with the small screen that is part of our system. In all honesty, had I understood how much I would enjoy “traveling” while working out, I would have purchased a higher end model. While “how” the videos are created remains a secret, I did learn that each shoot has an entire production crew of 12-15 people, and each production book is between 75-100 pages long! Each video shoot utilizes terrain, topography, and even education components from geography to anatomy and beyond. Anyone can subscribe to iFit for $15 a person or $39 for a family of up to five, but you’ll have to push your own buttons on your machine. The treadmill itself comes with a 10-year warranty. Six months later, I’m working out more than ever before and oddly enjoying it. Without the interactive component, I would have been bored long ago. This tech gets two thumbs up, well played NordicTrack and iFit. Well played. x
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CYBERSECURITY
Image: Gerd Altmann/Pixabay
Creating a Cybersecurity Checklist A List of Things That You Should Know to Make a Smart Home Network Safer By Dan Martin Cybersecurity technology has experienced a tremendous surge in consumer interest in 2021 that has shown no signs of slowing down. The trend is largely because developers are introducing numerous innovations in this realm, at a pace that meets market demand. Just think: the things we thought we would only see in sci-fi movies are quickly turning into reality. Remember Iron Man and his smart home? Evaluating the fictional character Tony Stark, from his 1960s incarnation to the present, reveals how smart home concepts truly progressed. In our modern era, we can pinpoint smart home technology’s emergence from society’s current reliance on high-tech gadgetry and the internet. The Internet of Things (IoT) is the mechanism that currently powers smart homes. All programmable devices, smart appliances, and devices in contemporary smart homes are connected to the internet. Think back 20 years ago at the thought of remotely changing the thermostat while not at home or watching your kids through security cameras. These capabilities are now not only possible, but more and more commonplace.
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While useful tools, smart devices can also pose tremendous risks as their connection to the internet invites cyberattacks. This is where cybersecurity enters the picture. Lack of significant cybersecurity in smart homes has been a concern since high-profile cyberattacks started occurring earlier this year. Often, the IoT lacks significant protective measures for consumer-grade structures. The IoT does not have the same security that mobile devices and computers use either. That’s why the system is at risk for malicious attacks. Smart Home Cyberattacks Cyberattacks are vicious attempts to breach another individual’s information system. These attacks are largely preventable if you practice basic device security measures, i.e., securing smart devices, sophisticated password creations, using SSL proxy or device updates and the like. SSL proxy encrypts your smart connections by providing high security and anonymity. These proxies will prevent cybercriminals from accessing your data. Indeed, encryption is the key to adding an extra layer of security. With these types of cybersecurity practices in place, why do smart home cyberattacks happen?
Most people are unaware that smart home devices do not have the security updates that other devices regularly get. Some smart appliances lack system hardening, while some have passwords without encryption. If your smart device is compromised, it is easy for hackers to gain your data. Moreover, it makes your home exceptionally vulnerable. Below are a few possible scenarios that could occur if your smart home system is compromised. These can include, but are not limited to: Compromised smart home speaker: Hackers can listen to your conversations as a way to gain access to your passwords or user data. Accessed smart home thermostat: Hackers will have an idea when you might not be home. Compromised smart device or home network: Hackers can use it to launch a DDoS attack against a remote device. Despite the threats of cyberattacks, 40.8 percent (comfyliving.net) of smart homes have at least one device that is vulnerable to cyber threats. More than 69 percent of these devices are at risk due to weak access credentials.
Meanwhile, 31.4 percent are at risk because of unpatched software vulnerabilities. The only way to safeguard against a potential threat is to become more mindful of the smart home devices being installed. Whether a home has a full-fledged smart home system or simply a collection of smart devices, you have to size up product security. Here’s a list of the things you should know and follow to ensure you are making a smart home safe. Practice Smart Home Cybersecurity Choose the Right Device It can be quite a challenge to determine whether the device you choose is truly secure from cyber attacks. The first thing to evaluate is the smart device’s, security features to see if the item even has any. You can likewise learn more about the product’s manufacturer, whether they secure their devices and how they dealt with problems in this regard. Change Default Router Names Change the default name of your router before you install or use it. Rename it with a unique alphanumeric code, where applicable, that is not associated with any personal information. Any name assigned by the manufacturer gives hackers information that can help them infiltrate your network. Create Strong Passwords, Enable TwoFactor Authentication Would you lock your luggage or safe with a predictable code? Surely not! Why would you do so with a smart home-related device? The best thing you can do here is create strong passwords for each device. Generate random numbers, letters, or special characters and use a password manager to remember it all. A password manager helps generate and store random passwords that are difficult to crack. Use different passwords for each device or
account, so when one account is compromised, the others are safe. Don’t worry; password managers are difficult to attack. Moreover, the manager keeps track of how often you change your password. Changing passwords frequently keeps hackers at bay.
always secure, especially when using them to access IoT devices remotely. Hackers can monitor unencrypted traffic and may see a vulnerable device. If there is a need to access smart home devices remotely, use a cellular plan or VPN.
As cyberattacks have become a hot topic, twofactor authentication has been integrated into most platforms. When you enable two-factor authentication, you will receive a notification of suspicious activities. With this safeguard in place, a hacker cannot get into your account without the unique code from the two-factor system.
Regularly Update Devices Outdated devices are vulnerable to hackers. Even though a smart home router and home network have increased protection, outdated devices can be security holes. Online criminals can gain access and easily exploit your data. A few things you can do to prevent this are: • Update devices to the most recent software. • Apply the latest security patches. • Install antivirus or anti-malware security software to the devices connected to the home network. These steps help ensure that there is no security hole left for malicious hacks.
Increase Network Security with SSL Proxy SSL proxy ensures a higher degree of privacy and security. Use proxy to increase network security, filter malicious activities, and help monitor internal internet usage. SSL encryption also protects a device and the outside server it is linked to. Thus, if a traffic connection is intercepted, the hacker cannot read the information they obtain.
Final Thoughts Utilizing smart devices and safely incorporating them into a home network can be tricky. When investing and installing them, bear in mind that any device connected to the internet is a possible gateway for cybercriminals. In the future, following the above cybersecurity checklist can protect you and keep your smart home safe. x
Do Not Use Public Wi-Fi for Remote Access You may sometimes find yourself using public Wi-Fi connections at a cafe or restaurant. While generally safe, public Wi-Fi networks are not
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Summer 2021 | Residential Tech Today
VIDEO
Video Like the Filmmaker Intended Reviewing the LG HU810P CineBeam Projector By Jeremy Glowacki I’ll cut right to the chase. I love the picture quality of the LG HU810P 4K UHD Laser Smart Home Theater CineBeam Projector so much that it makes me sad that I’ll have to send it back after completing this review. The combination of the projector’s dual laser light source and much-heralded Filmmaker Mode (thank you Tom Cruise) is everything that I’d hoped for from a premium 4K laser projector (MSRP $2,999). You really can’t beat the efficiency, lifespan (20,000 hours), and color accuracy of a laser light source. The 2,700 ANSI lumens brightness output and 2,000,000:1 contrast of the HU810P was the first indicator that I was experiencing a step up in video performance. It’s also a firm reminder of how much video technology has improved in the relatively short seven years since I bought my current projector. But brightness, alone, is not the entire story, of course. The accuracy of colors and picture quality has to be there, too. Because I have a dedicated, light-controlled home theater, I was able to experience the HU810P in both a darkened room, where image brightness could be toned down a bit, as well as with full-on overhead lights to test the ability of the projector to adjust. Through the HU810P’s Iris Mode, brightness and black level are optimized to the lighting levels in the room. In bright rooms, since lighting prevents deep blacks, the iris widens to increase the range of brightness. In dark rooms, since excessive brightness can hurt the eyes, the iris narrows to decrease the range of brightness without ruining the screen brightness. The projector’s Adaptive Contrast capability also works to optimize brightness and black levels according to the image brightness.
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The LG HU810P 4K UHD Laser Smart Home Theater CineBeam Projector from all angles
According to LG, this gives deeper blacks in addition to brightness range for each iris mode. With Adaptive Picture Pro (Iris Mode and Adaptive Contrast), it physically adapts to the display’s brightness and darkness range, while Dynamic Tone Mapping optimizes the image for that range. Depending on the lighting in the viewing environment, a user can change the iris mode. Dark Room (Standard) mode is recommended for optimized images with balanced brightness and black level, while Bright Room mode is recommended for bright environment viewing with the projector’s iris fully open. This capability is unique to LG projectors. In what I can imagine would be a perfect use case for a bright room, I found live sports video in Bright Room mode was not washed out yet was bright enough to come closer to the experience of watching a large TV. Conversely, the Dark Room mode in a dimly lit room provided the high contrast ratio and black levels required of a more subtly lit cinematic movie.
The way that LG’s Adaptive Contrast has been explained to me is that it gives more depth to an image by adaptively adjusting the laser output to the image, creating a high contrast ratio. Bright scenes appear brighter, while dark scenes remain detailed with deep blacks and shade detail. The best endorsement that I can give for this feature is that at no time was I distracted by the image quality on the screen nor was I frustrated by a dark movie scene appearing too dark or a bright scene washing out or looking unrealistically “sharp.” Clearly my experience was aided not only by the features I just described (and the dual laser light source), but also the projector’s 3840 x 2160 (2160p) resolution with 8.3 million discrete pixels projected with XPR (Expanded Pixel Resolution) video processing. LG says that this combination provides a picture that is four times denser and more detailed, which was obvious with my 110-inch diagonal, anamorphic screen.
Even on 1080P content, the upscaling provided by the HU810P offered a noticeable step up from the picture quality that I’m used to from my 1080p 3LCD projector. I noticed no jaggies or other picture anomalies when in the proper calibration setting for the style of content that I was watching. I’m not a calibration professional, so rather than muck things up in Expert Mode, I trusted the pre-calibrated setting for my review. My favorite setting for most content was Filmmaker Mode, which eliminates the frame-rate goofiness and brightness that leads to the dreaded hyperreal “soap-opera effect” (despised most by the aforementioned Mr. Cruise). Filmmaker Mode turns off motion smoothing and other video processing settings with an eye toward approximating what the content creator sees in the final grading suite. Choosing this setting essentially turns off Motion Interpolation, Sharpness Enhance, and Noise Reduction. There were times, however, when a brighter image was required. In these instances, I found that either Cinema or the Cinema Home setting was preferred. Depending on the content, Cinema tended to be the brighter and less “sepia” of the two. Expert Bright Room and Expert Dark Room were also effective picture settings for their respective applications. I would lean toward Expert Bright Room for live sports, and Expert Dark Room as a nice alternative to Filmmaker Mode for movies. Interestingly, there were times when the HDR game mode created by HGiG (an HDR gaming consortium) for Xbox and Play Station’s HDR games worked great for live sports, depending on the quality of the source. I’m not a gamer, but I could see where the setting could really draw out the details in artificial gaming action. The example that LG provided in their literature was a road racing game where details in the upcoming curve in the track were much more defined than without the mode. For live sports, it seemed to provide the correct balance of brightness and image detail without skin tone discoloration or sparkly edges. For access to streaming material, I connected the HU810P to my Wi-Fi network via the projector’s webOS 5.0 and logged into my
Amazon Prime account directly through the projector (other apps included YouTube and Disney Plus.) I also connected my Roku streaming device to one of the HDMI inputs, to access additional content. Switching sources was easy to find in the projector’s menu, which was very familiar to me from my experience owning an LG smart TV.
ergonomically agreeable. Its rectangular matte white plastic case provides a modern aesthetic, which is particularly useful when placing the projector on a table in the middle of a room or mounting it overhead. To fit my 110-inch anamorphic screen, I placed the HU810P approximately 13 feet from the screen, which is about seven feet closer than my back-of-theroom mounted 3LCD projector). Fortunately, the fan noise of the HU810P was minimal, which is important to consider when sitting relatively close to it.
You may also choose to stream or share video, photos, or music from your iOS device via AirPlay2, without the need to buy an Apple TV. In fact, LG CineBeam projectors like the HU810P are the only projectors with Airplay casting and mirroring that are certified by Apple.
I particularly appreciated the focus and zoom levers placed just below the projector’s lens, which is overset to the left front of the box. Rather than fingertip “serrated-edge” dials that one might find on other projectors with mechanical zoom or focus controls, the levers on these dials were much more conducive to finer tuning, particularly when focusing the image. Likewise, the pan and tilt dials on the left side of the projector are seated one inside the other, eliminating the need to fish around in the dark to find the one you’re looking for. The lens can shift +/-24 percent horizontally or +/-60 percent vertically and zoom x1.6.
Speaking of HDMI, the HU810P supports eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), which is the next generation of ARC. eARC delivers up to 32 channels of audio, including 8-channel, 24-bit/192KHz uncompressed data stream at speeds of up to 38Mbps. The projector displays high-resolution and highinformation images via the HDMI 2.1 connection and can output 10-bit images with 444RGB specifications. The HU810P is also Dolby Atmos compatible and supports Miracast and Bluetooth, as well as WiSA for reliable low-latency uncompressed surround-sound.
I’d be happy to own an LG HU810P 4K UHD CineBeam for my next projector. I’d also recommend it highly to anyone, whether they have a dedicated home theater or not. With a 20,000-hour laser light source and 4K resolution, it should serve you well for many years to come. x
Having covered most of the technical capabilities of the HU810P, it’s important to note that the external look of the projector is elegant, and its dials are well disguised and
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PRODUCT REVOLUTION Crestron Flex Phones are the new portfolio of Microsoft Teams certified desk phones for organizations seeking a dedicated collaboration experience for their employees. The Crestron Flex Phones bring high-quality audio and video conferencing capabilities, one-touch connectivity, and enterprise-grade security, along with a host of additional features to help users maximize productivity, whether deployed in a home or office, at a rotating “hot desk” station popular in hybrid workplaces, or in a conference room.
The Reserve Series from Polk Audio is a versatile loudspeaker line designed to deliver serious performance for music, movies, and gaming. The line is well suited for an array of applications, including immersive multichannel home theater systems and classic stereo listening. The series consists of nine models, including three floor standing models, three center channels, two bookshelf speakers, and a wall- and speaker-mountable height module, all designed to give listeners flexibility in terms of configuration by incorporating matching transducers and consistent voicing.
The Hisense L5F Laser Cinema ultra-short throw TV features a 4K color range, a new 120-inch ambient light rejecting screen, built-in speakers with dbx-tv cinematic sound, and an Android TV platform. Through the L5F Laser Cinema’s Android TV platform, viewers can choose from more than 5,000 apps and games. Android TV also comes with built-in Google Assistant. The L5F’s Laser Engine features a blue laser light source that produces a sharp, precise, natural viewing experience, while avoiding unwanted light dispersion. The L5 can reach nearly 2,700 lumens and span over a billion colors.
The JBL 4309 loudspeakers from HARMAN’s Luxury Audio Group were modeled on the award-winning JBL 4349s. They are equipped with a 2410H-2 1-inch compression driver mated to the latest High-Definition Imaging horn and feature a 6.5-inch, cast frame pure-pulp cone woofer. The retro-styled 4309 is a smaller bookshelf version of the recently released 4349 12-inch two-way monitor loudspeakers and features many of the same patented JBL acoustic technologies. While compact in size, the 4309 packs the signature power, dynamics, and accuracy.
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PRODUCT REVOLUTION The RTI VX44-18G-Kit, VX88-18G, and VRX70-18G add to the expanding company portfolio of video distribution solutions to support the HDBaseT 18Gbps standard. RTI is now shipping these new HDMI 2.0 full-bandwidth video matrix solutions. Built on the latest HDBaseT 18Gbps standard – and featuring advanced color space conversion (CSC) technology – the 4x4 VX44-18G-Kit, 8x8 VX88-18G, and matching VRX70-18G receiver integrate with the RTI control system for faster installations and enhanced user management.
The On-Q Dual-Purpose In-Wall Enclosures from Legrand-AV are now available in 9-inch (ENP0900-NA) and 17-inch (ENP1700-NA) form factors. They can be used for AV storage behind a TV or as enclosures for structured wiring. When placed behind a TV, the Dual-Purpose In-Wall Enclosures are designed to house cable boxes and streaming players. The 17-inch solution is also compatible with the 4K and 8K Samsung One-Connect Box, while its split cover was designed for use with split-rail TV mounts, allowing integrators to access components after the TV mount is installed.
Nooie has released a new Doorbell Camera and Base Station with Chime. The 5G capable Doorbell cam packs advanced motion detection, 2K resolution with wide angle view, and 2-way audio. It is also Alexa and Google Home enabled. It is battery powered with a 10,000mAh battery for wire-free installation and extended use. The Base Station enables a chime feature while also extending the connectivity range by being a Wi-Fi extender for the system.
The URC TKP-8600 in-wall touch screen builds off the popularity of the company’s TRC-1480 Amazon Alexa integration but adds new privacy features that were previously unavailable. Unlike its predecessor, the TKP-8600 clearly indicates if its microphone is activated. It also allows the consumer to choose whether to initiate voice commands via push-to-talk or through a wake word. The TKP-8600 features an 8-inch high-resolution LCD screen, which is sized an inch larger from the previous model but under the company’s largest 10-inch offering.
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RELAX
The Lighter Side
The Songs of Summer: A Retrospective By Anthony Elio Summertime. So many memories. Dad taking me to the dog track. Dad taking me to the horse track. Good times. But, as a musician who has been called everything from “derivative” to “hardly a musician,” the popular songs of the summer have always resonated with me. The summer song has been a long-time tradition dating back to the 1930s, with hits such as I Met My Baby in an Iron Lung and Never Stop Partyin’ (ft. Benny Goodman). With this yearly phenomenon in mind, let’s take a look at the summertime hits we’ve all been bumping throughout the years.
Baby Got Back by Sir Mix-a-Lot (1992) Lyrical Highlight: “A lot of simps
MMMBop by Hanson (1997) Lyrical Highlight: “In an mmmbop they’re not there/until you lose your hair, oh” Hanson was undoubtedly one of the breakthrough summer bands of the 90s, hitting the mainstream with MMMbop in 1997. The group derived its name from Hansen’s Disease, an infectious skin ailment each member reportedly suffers from.
won’t like this song” Penned by Sir Mix-A-Lot (born Tony Lorenzo Mix-a-Lot), 1992’s Baby Got Back introduced a generation to a new genre of fastpaced lyrics honoring rear ends, one that will hopefully see a resurgence in the coming years. The hit has the singer waxing poetically about booties, combining a catchy beat with introspective lyrics to immerse the listener.
Hanson’s popularity has remained in the years since their major hit, with their 2021 tour featuring stops at the Winslow Mall in Arizona and the Eureka Springs Pie Festival in Arkansas.
Sadly, Mix-A-Lot was notoriously stripped of his knighthood when anti-booty comments from his past surfaced.
Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO Lyrical Highlight: “Party Rock/Yeah/ Woo/Let’s Go” An uncle and nephew wrote this song and now have a net worth of $8 million.
Big Girls Don’t Cry by Fergie (2004) Lyrical Highlight: “We’ll play jacks and Uno cards.” Big Girls Don’t Cry was the 2004 hit that brought emotion to the dance floor. The song was written and performed by Fergie, known for her other hits Fergalicious, Ferganometry, and Incurable Fergal Infection. While I enjoy the song as much as anyone else, I personally find the title and theme to be inaccurate, as my own mother just cried last week when I showed off my new nipple piercings to her book club.
Savage by Megan Thee Stallion (2020) Lyrical Highlight: “Classy, bougie, ratchet, yeah.” In a year where it was illegal to leave your house, have parties, or dance, 2020’s Savage faced some stiff competition for song of the summer. Along with Megan Thee Stallion, the song features contributions from Carissa Thee Thoroughbred, Charlotte Thee Clydesdale, and Anna Thee Horse. While the original song was popular, it was the summer remix featuring someone named Beyoncé that put it over the top. Must be a newcomer to the scene.
Anthony Elio is a writer and Cutco sales rep located in Denver, CO. He currently plays drums in the band Television Generation, which has as many as 20 Spotify streams at the time of this writing. His other interests include dining at 7/11. Elio’s further editorial work can be found on PigeonSushi.com.
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DM NAXTM AUDIO-OVER-IP DISTRIBUTION + CRESTRON RESIDENTIAL SPEAKERS BY ORIGIN ACOUSTICS
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Visit crestron.com/resiaudio All brand names, product names, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Certain trademarks, registered trademarks, and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Crestron disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others. Crestron is not responsible for errors in typography or photography. ©2021 Crestron Electronics, Inc.
VPL-VW325ES PROJECTOR
See the big picture in true 4K HDR Big scenes are even bigger with the VW325ES 4K HDR Home Theater Projector (available in black or white). Bring lifelike 4K HDR resolution to any room at screen sizes up to 200" with the X1™ processor for projector.1 1,500 lumens of brightness light up the action with Motionflow™ and Advanced Reality Creation technologies, creating a crisp, sharp picture in every scene. X1™ processor for projector is an innovative technology that uses advanced algorithms to cut noise and boost detail with high-precision frame analysis. 1
4096 x 2160 resolution.
© 2021 Sony Electronics Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Features and specifications are subject to change without notice. All screen images simulated. Sony, SXRD, and Motionflow are trademarks of Sony Corporation. HDMI is a trademark of HDMI Licensing LLC. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.
