HOME SECURITY OPTIONS GROW | BUILDING TRUST IN THE SMART HOME Volume 4 / Issue 2 TobinBecca Former Glee Actress, Author, and Influencer Enhances Her Austin Home Taking Control Roku OS 11 Interface and Soundbar Enhancements Fitting Together the Streaming Video Puzzle Level Up Automation Elevates Smart Home Tech Sustainability and Connectivity at Colorado’s Sterling Ranch +
IssueCoverDoubleSpecial
Chang K.Park Leads URC by Blending CommunicationTechnologiesStrategiesTraditionalwithNewandTools REVIEW: TRACKING A GROUP ZOOM | A LIGHTHEARTED LOOK BACK AT SUMMER BLOCKBUSTERS
Inspire Customers, Speed Installations and Increase Profitability…all with URC Certified Voice Control Integration Advanced Features like Personalization, Geofencing and Notifications Perfect for Residential and Commercial ExcellentApplicationsSound Quality with URC’s High-Definition Audio (HDA) Distribution Including 70V Join URC’s Elite, Exclusive Dealer Group Powerful Products, Reliable Systems and Highly Profitable Faster to Program, Easier to Install and Intuitive to Use Elegantly Designed Products with Customized Graphics Consistent, Scalable Systems Across Environments
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2 Residential Tech Today | Vol. 4 / Issue 2 PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Charles cwarner@goipw.comWarner CREATIVE DIRECTOR Shane shane@goipw.comBrisson EXECUTIVE EDITOR Jeremy jglowacki@goipw.comGlowacki MANAGING EDITORS Patricia Miller Corey Noles CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Michael Heiss CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jay MarkBasenOwen Burson Henry AnthonyCliffordElioJessicaGuyonMichaelHeissWalterJosephAnthonyLeoElizabethParksHeatherSidorowicz CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Mary Roche V.P. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Steven Higgins WEB DEV/SYS ADMIN Donard Ytienza VIDEO/PODCAST PRODUCER Alan Tuszynski SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Crystal Segovia Gomez SENIOR DIRECTOR, DEVELOPMENT David Marble DISTRIBUTION CMG PRINTING Publication Printers Published INNOVATIVEby:PROPERTIES WORLDWIDE, INC 1750 Wewatta Street, #1821 Denver CO 80202 | (720) 476-4920 www.restechtoday.com | info@restechtoday.com RESIDENTIAL TECH TODAY – Volume 4, Issue 2 is published bi-monthly for $24.95 per year by Innovative Properties Worldwide, 1750 Wewatta Street, #1821, Denver CO 80202 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to RESIDENTIAL TECH TODAY, 1750 WEWATTA STREET, #1821, DENVER CO 80202 For print or digital subscriptions, visit restechtoday.com, or find us on popular digital newsstands and readers. All trademarks, service marks, photos, and logos contained within this publication are the property of their respective owners, and may not be individually identified. Automated.Educated.Integrated. SPECIAL THANKS TO: Melissa Andresko, Carol Campbell, Ashley Collazo, Sarah Cox, Veronica Esbona, Maureen Jensen, Kimberly Lancaster, Brittany Loeffler, Caleigh McDaniel, Lucette Nicoll, Elizabeth Parks, Jess Passananti, Ron Pence, Peter Schuyler, Matt D. Scott, Micah Sheveloff, Laura Shubel, Payton St. Lawrence, Cat Toomey, Alan Tuszynski, Rosimely Ulpino This publication is dedicated to the dreamers, the innovators, the collaborators, and the doers – who can’t be bothered by those saying it can’t be done. Nicholas and Aria, the future is yours! Looking for high-quality, in-depth coverage of emerging trends in home automation? With inspiring innovator profiles, exclusive interviews, new product spotlights, and expert career and educational training, Residential Tech Today is your essential resource for smart home Subscribeintegration.nowfor exclusive insights into this rapidly growing field with the industry’s most comprehensive residential tech publication. @restechtoday @restechtoday @restechtoday Residential Tech Today Advertising inquiries, please contact Steven Higgins, email shiggins@innotechtoday.com or call 727-771-5998. Scan the QR Code to subscribe today! Residential Tech Today is part of the PrintReleaf program helping to sustain and grow our global forestry system.
The Original Custom-Width Soundbar Leon’s Horizon soundbars provide an unrivaled listening experience, bringing all your music, movies, and TV to life with stunning authenticity. And because they’re custom built to match the width of any TV, they provide a discreet aesthetic that blends seamlessly, beautifully into any room. WWW.LEONSPEAKERS.COM | @ LEONSPEAKERS
Millennium co-owner Bill Lehman told me that his company always turns to Snap One’s SunbriteTV brand for its outdoor mounts, so I confirmed with him my preference for an articulating model and scheduled the installation.
From the
For me, watching the Indy 500 live, without having to spend five hours stuck indoors on a beautiful Spring day was perfect. So was the crystal clear 4K performance of the TV.
EditorThis
Executive Editor Jeremy Glowacki
After unboxing the mount and TV, Millennium’s tech team worked with me on my preferred TV placement right between my patio door and kitchen window. Because the installation took place in November in the Midwest, there wasn’t much time to enjoy any outdoor movies, unless I wanted to really bundle up. The major unveiling, therefore, finally took place in late May, when I was able to stream the live running of the Indy 500.
For me, watching the Indy 500 live, without having to spend five hours stuck indoors on a beautiful Spring day was perfect.
4 Residential Tech Today | Vol. 4 / Issue 2
As soon as the 65-inch TV arrived, I emailed my local custom integrator, Millennium Sounds to ask them for help with the installation. I’m pretty handy, but I also know my limitations.
past fall, I had the opportunity to blend my passion for maintaining the plants, flowers, and lawn around my home with my day job writing about home tech. I was offered a Samsung Terrace outdoor TV for review, which, when added to my Origin Acoustics outdoor speaker system, would help me take my outdoor entertainment system to the next level.
But, then, a “funny thing” happened to my Shangri La backyard living oasis. First, a terrible heatwave and draught hit, starting in late June and carrying over deep into July. My lush, green lawn dried up and turned brown, each day the cracks in the ground getting bigger. Then, when the rain finally arrived, just the other day, it was in the form of a violent middle-of-the night thunderstorm. Lightning hit one of my backyard trees, splitting it right down the middle, and leaving a huge mess. Fortunately, no one was hurt, and no major property damage was incurred. It seems silly to say it, but all of my outdoor tech also was spared.
There was no way that I was going trust my skills at hanging that especially heavy-duty beast on the exterior brick of my house.
The moral of the story is that you can try to bring modern tech conveniences into the natural world, but oftentimes Mother Nature is going to find a way to take back what belongs to her.
Subsequently, I’ve spent many afternoons and evenings watching portions of Yankees baseball games while having an adult beverage or hitting tennis balls to my dog. The sound quality from the Terrace TV is so good that I’ve never considered adding a soundbar, and the brightness setting for daytime viewing makes the TV vibrant and visible from even the deepest corners of my lawn.
We’re having the mess cleaned up right now, and my lawn is starting to green back up. Eventually, once I’ve (temporarily) tamed my little section of the outdoors again, I will once again turn on my Terrace TV, tune in favorite baseball team, and listen to the birds chirp while a summer breeze blows around me. It’ll be pretty close to perfect.
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contents 10 By the Numbers 12 Quick Bits 14 Window Shades 16 Design 18 CEDIA Says 20 Video 22 Lighting 24 Control 66 Product Revolution 72 The Lighter Side26DepartmentsInnovatorSpotlight Jennifer Mallett, Level Up Automation, Northborough, MA 30 Streaming TV The world of streaming video content, services, and devices is, to say the least, a moving target right now for consumers. 32 Streaming TV: Roku OS 11 enhances user interface and streambar sound modes with the third update to its main operating system in the past 12 months. 36 Health Tech The Oura Ring can monitor your heart rate, temperature, sleep, and when you need to pull back. 38 Issue Focus: Security How SimpliSafe measures up to a traditional security system. 42 Green Tech Sterling Ranch is a sustainable development in near Denver that includes connectivity for every home and business. TobinBecca46 Former Glee Actress, Author, and Influencer on How She Took ‘Control’ of Her Austin ClaireCoverHomephoto:Leahy 54 Featured URC CEO Chang K. Park leads by blending new technologies and communication tools with traditional strategies. 58 Issue Focus: Security Demand for smart home security is on the rise for DIY and professional installation. 62 Featured Home investments, connected devices, and building trust with the smart home category 64 Review How the Shelly Plug US measures up to the competition. 65 Review: The Vaddio IntelliSHOT camera promises to automatically size its field of view for group videoconferences. 65 Vaddio IntelliSHOT camera review 6 Residential Tech Today | Vol. 4 / Issue 2
• UL Certified Relays • Uses standard Wi-Fi networking • Compatible with all major voice assistants, hubs, and premium control systems • Licensed drivers available from Blackwire Designs, Intrinsic Group, Chowmain Software and Innovo • North American distribution through Blackwire and Innovo Shelly sensors and UL certified relays give you unsurpassed flexibility to measure and act on environmental and power consumption data. Control everything. Measure everything. Introducing the new URC full line integration for Shelly products usa.shelly.cloud Shelly shellytech Allterco Robotics info@allterco.com NowURCinavailableyourdealerportal
Jay Basen is retired from his 40-year career in professional software development, but he still keeps his tech skills sharp with special projects and product reviews. During his career, the Silver Certified Crestron programmer specialized in the design, development, and installation of automation, building management, and energy management systems for residential and commercial buildings. In this issue (p. 38), he explores how mass marketed SimpliSafe measures up to a traditional security system and, on p. 64, he explores how the Shelly Plug US measures up to the competition.
Mark Owen Burson is a veteran marketer with two decades of progressive marketing and leadership experience and joined Nice North America in 2019. In this role, he is responsible for marketing of all North American commercial brands (Nortek Control & commercial brands, HySecurity, Nice Canada, FIBARO USA, and abode), as well as associated divisions and product offerings. On p. 58 of this issue, Burson explains how the demand for smart home security is growing for both DIY and professional installation.
8 Residential Tech Today | Vol. 4 / Issue 2
Heiss is a former product and marketing executive at Harman International, who was responsible for many breakthrough audio and video products. He also 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. Heiss served two terms on the CEDIA Board and led their Technology Council. He is also a CEDIA Fellow, recipient of CEDIA’s Lifetime Achievement Award, a member of the TV Academy, the Society of Broadcast Engineers, and is a Life Member of both IEEE and SMPTE. On p. 30 of this issue, Heiss reports on the state of video streaming and provides his take on Roku OS 11 on p. 32.
Henry Clifford founded Richmond, VA-based Livewire in 2001 to meet the growing demand for technologically integrated homes and businesses. In January 2018, he co-founded Parasol, a remote service support company, and has served on the CEDIA Board of Directors. His most recent venture was the recent launch of IntegrateU, a professional on-boarding service for the custom integration industry. On p. 65, Clifford reviews the Vaddio IntelliSHOT videoconference camera.
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 room and expanding your Wi-Fi throughout the home. In this issue (p. 36), Sidorowicz reviews the the Oura Ring wearable health monitor.
ContributorsMichael
Versatile Smart Home Control ...and an Intelligent Lighting System Orro brings together the best of both worlds with its robust home control capabilities and automated lighting system to provide you with a truly seamless smart home experience. COMPATIBLE BRANDS
Source: FBI Burglars said that if they encountered an alarm or home security system, they would not attack the home.
10 Residential Tech Today | Vol. 4 / Issue 2 by theNUMBeRS
115%70.1%in3outof18.2% 16.2% 8.1% 6.8% 3.8% report owning a video doorbell,camera,orboth have a securitymonitoredprofessionallyhomesystem own a systemself-monitored use a smart lock answered “Other” 30% Source:Security.org Demand Growing For Smart Home Security Systems Forecast revenue growth of the U.S. smart home security sector* *Includes smart locks, cameras, hazard notifications, emergency calls, etc. Source: Statista Digital Market Outlook 2020 $4.1b $5.0b $5.8b $6.6b $7.4b $8.2b 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Smart Homes and the Promise of Safety Approximate household penetration in smart home security products worldwide (in %)* *Data for 2023 and 2026 based on modeling, own and third-party market data and indicators, trend analysis and expert interviews. Source: Statista Digital Market Outlook 0.7 2.0 4.3 7.1 5.4 1.7 3.2 1.0 0.5 1.4 0.6 Smart security cameras Smart locks Motion detectors 0.2 2017 2020 2023 2026 OF THOSE RESPONDING: Only 30% of U.S. households have security systems How many Americans use home security products? Source: YouGov iStockphoto.comImages:
Despite the increasing popularity of doorbell cameras, smart locks, and DIY security systems, the percentage of U.S. homes that report having an installed security system of any kind remains at a relatively low 30-38%, depending on the source. These days, however, due to perceived threats or actual increases in community crime, many homeowners are considering security products for their smart homes. From a simple video doorbell and corresponding app, to DIY security cameras and motion sensors, and monitored intrusion prevention systems, here’s what the numbers say about the current state and future of home security tech.
The percentage, according to Parks Associates, of multi-dwelling unit (MDU) owners/operators who report having a secure access system in common areas that include IoT devices they can access and control remotely. A similar percentage have connected access solutions for individual units. One-third of MDU property managers report that their residents are demanding the ability to enable remote access to apartment units.
9 109 10
Source: Cinch Home Services
our
A look at the metrics shaping the technology market — and lives
Homes without a security system will fall victim to a burglary as compared to 1 in 250 homes that do have a security system.
Source: Electronic Security Association of baby boomers say they appreciated the security aspects of smart home technology, and 62.6% of millennials echo the sentiment.
Speakers, speakers, and more speakers. We have seen not just an increase in outdoor audio requests but the sheer size of the systems being requested have surprised us. We recently completed a project that utilized 16 satellite speakers and four buried subwoofers by James Loudspeaker to provide concert-level sound in their amazing backyard transformation. — Lamar Gibson, Miestro, Memphis, TN I think one area we’ve seen a lot of traction in is outdoor lighting. With the integration of lighting control and the ability to change colors, creating a dynamic and impactful outdoor space has never been easier or more interactive. Customer requests for outdoor TVs cannot go unmentioned. End users no longer seem to accept that an indoor display is a “good enough” solution and they begin to see their outdoor area as a true entertainment space and additional “room” in their house. — Kat Wheeler, Snap One, Columbus, OH
QUESTIONINSIDERSINDUSTRYONE
Our clients love the concept of outdoor living and want to do many of the same things they do indoors when they’re outside — watch a movie, host a football viewing party, jam out to their favorite album. Utilizing TVs designed for sun and shade and made to withstand heat and moisture, the entertaining square footage can double. Landscape audio systems can be designed so the homeowner can crank it up without disturbing the neighborhood. Landscape lighting solutions tied into a whole-home automation system make decorating for holidays and special events convenient and fun. — Lee Travis, Wipliance, Washington, AZ
12 Residential Tech Today | Vol. 4 / Issue 2 QUICK BITS WE ASK
Great quality landscape speakers have been a game changer with regards to drastically improving outdoor audio and being able to “hide” the speakers.
Without question it is landscape audio. Many of our clients still believe the only outdoor audio solution is a couple soffit-mounted speakers. So, when we demonstrate for them the audio quality and flexibility a landscape audio system provides, they are blown away. I believe that our industry is still at the “early adopter” phase of landscape audio systems and, as more people experience it, we will start seeing a far higher attach rate. — Eric Crawford, The Loop, Boise, ID Our clients have been investing in three major categories for the outdoor environment: discrete outdoor audio, such as the Sonance SLS system, outdoor televisions from Samsung, and outdoor motorized screens for bugs and sun protection from SI. — Navot Shorish, Spire Integrated Systems, Troy, MI
— Patrick Hartman, Diversified Systems International, Carson City, NV
What outdoor tech trend, product, or product family seems to resonate most with your homeowners as so many of them have invested in the outdoor environment around their residences in the past couple of years?
The trend we are most excited about is outdoor lighting. Lighting enhances the investments made in both the interior and exterior spaces. For outdoor, I really like the flexibility of the accents and wall washers by WAC, which have adjustable beam angles and brightness. As a landscape continues to grow and change, having the option to make adjustments right in the fixture itself gives our clients confidence that their home will look great for years to come. — Kristin Reinitz, Admit One, Edina, MN
Being in Michigan, our clients want to do anything they can to maximize their time and entertainment in the outdoors … especially when we have nice weather! Technology can play a huge part in making that a reality. Outdoor and landscape speaker systems are a must have, and we are seeing a lot of requests for motorized screens for porches and patios. It’s like you get a whole additional room for your house! — Amanda Wildman, TruMedia, Ada, MI Even in Northern Ohio, where we only have a handful of really comfortable months of weather to enjoy, I have clients investing crazy amounts of money to create an outdoor entertainment system that rivals what I used to install only inside the home. — Tony Fabrick, Xtend Technologies, Broadview Heights, OH
The other outdoor trend that has been growing over the past five years is outdoor shading. Integrators are getting more creative in offering solutions for direct sun patios/decks so that our clients can use them for longer periods of time in the summer months.
Learn more at www.elkproducts.com/m1 THE SMART CONTROL SOLUTION Focused SecurityOnCOMPREHENSIVEDETECTIONAND REPORTING capabilities for intrusion, medical emergencies, water leaks, high/low temperatures, and more. SECURE CONNECTIVITY AND COMMUNICATIONS with multi-level authentication and superior encryption. INTELLIGENT CONTROL AND AUTOMATION including lights, thermostats, integrated locks, overhead doors, fans, pumps, irrigation, water valves, and more.
By Walter Joseph Window shades are a classic choice in a smart home, providing elegance and functionality in any room. Now, with the combination of an expansive fabric collection and decorative brackets and hembar endcaps, Legrand Shading Systems dealers can further customize the details of their customers’ shading solutions.Available in a wide range of finishes to match any residential or commercial space’s unique style, Legrand’s Designer Series brackets and endcaps can help elevate the style of any window more easily.The decorative brackets, which are designed to fit 2.6-inch and 3.3-inch universal and open-roll adjustable brackets, slide on easily to completely conceal mounting brackets from the outside without interfering with the mounting surface. They hide mounting hardware from view, resulting in a cohesive shading design. Likewise, the Designer Series hembar endcaps offer a redesigned, modern shape to complete the look and provide a consistent finish.
x Legrand Shading Systems’ Designer Series of decorative brackets and hembar endcaps are now shipping.
Dealers can easily showcase all 15 finishes to their customers with the convenient new Decorative Endcap DemoLegrandcase.Shading Systems’ Designer Series of decorative brackets and hembar endcaps are now shipping.
Legrand’s Designer Series Shading Brackets and Hembar Endcaps are Offered in a Wide Range of Finishes
Elevating a Window’s Style
The first of these is the Legrand Shading Systems Designer Series of decorative brackets and hembar endcaps.
14 Residential Tech Today | Vol. 4 / Issue 2 Window Shades DEPARTMENTS
To match the aesthetics of any space, Designer Series decorative brackets and hembar endcaps are available in 15 new finish styles across three collections: Premium, Glass, and adorne. Premium finishes offer clean lines and are colormatched to Legrand’s wiring devices, while adorne finishes complement switches and outlets from Legrand’s adorne Collection. Glass finishes are inspired by the Vantage EasyTouch Glass keypad and offer a reflective, mirror-like surface.
At the beginning of the year, Legrand’s Building Control Systems (BCS) division unveiled Legrand Shading Systems as the new name for its QMotion brand of shading solutions. The new brand streamlines Legrand’s product offering by bringing the company’s commercial and residential shading solutions together under one roof, providing dealers with a one-stop shop and greater access to new products.
POWER IS FOUNDATIONTHE POWER IS FOUNDATIONTHE ™ that today’s homes and businesses are built on. With the emergence of more and more sensors and processors that control and monitor all or parts of the entire home or business, if that foundation is weak, the entire building suffers the Yourconsequences.clientsshouldn’t be subjected to erratic power and the inconveniences that arise from it. RoseWater is at the forefront of designing the most complete, highest quality residential/commercial energy management and storage system in the industry. Our product, the SB20, is the only product that provides: • Perfect power always with zero transfer time between input power sources • Militar y-grade protection against lightning • Large scale battery backup to 86 kWh with extra storage available • Renewable integration with up to 10 kW of solar power • Panel level protection that typically backs up a 200-amp panel • Significant redundancy to protect against any potential failures • Complete peace of mind for your clients THE ROSEWATER SB20 ENERGY AND STORAGE HUB THESIMPLYBEST CALL: 954.467.8050 OR EMAIL INFO@ROSEWATERENERGY.COM FOR MORE INFO WWW.ROSEWATERENERGY.COM
“Using a virtual smart home environment is a great idea to inform end-users on the benefits of URC’s Total Control automation and control system,” stated Ryan Rumer, sales and design at World Wide Stereo Sales. “We plan to stream on our showroom iPads and share with our clients.”
“From geofencing and notifications as you approach the virtual home to the party on the patio, URC created a winning digital tool to help our clients dream big. It’s control and automation on a new level,” added Lowell Kaps, owner, Lowell/Edwards Home Integration Inc. x URC launched its Virtual Home tool as an alternative to physical showrooms.
URC launched its inspirational Virtual Home, with the technical expertise of Dave Chace and his team at Cogent360, as an alternative to the high costs of a physical showroom and reluctance of future clients to visit in-person experiences.
While photography-based virtual tours have become a popular choice, URC pursued a more dynamic and diverse experience. This led to the design of a highly detailed, expansive 360-degree virtual residence as the foundation for the smart home tour. This approach provided a significantly greater wealth of options to simulate URC system capabilities like changing light settings, adjusting shades and drapes, accessing high-definition audio, streaming video content, adjusting climate control, and illustrating different scenes.
Selling the Smart Home … Virtually
URC’s Virtual Inspiration Home offers a guided tour complete with virtual host or the ability to create a self-guided tour by selecting the preferred room or scene. Creation of Scenes is a primary benefit of URC’s Total Control system, and this virtual home includes the opportunity to experience a variety of scenes: Welcome Home, Home Office, Movie Time, Dinner Party, Outdoor Entertainment, and Good Night. Available at URC’s website, visitors are invited to engage in the virtual smart home. URC certified dealers have been encouraged to join and share the virtual experience via customized landing page and hotlink.
URC Creates Virtual Showroom for Experiencing Residential Tech of Today and Tomorrow
URC Automation, the manufacturer of smart home automation and control technology, has launched a virtual showroom that enables users to interact within an ultrarealistic virtual home, learn (and even simulate) a variety of control options, and explore the benefits of a URC Total Control system.
By Anthony Leo Smart home industry experts generally agree that the best method to understand their technology is through “experience.” For instance, living in the space gives a current or future homeowner the feeling of streaming their favorite video content, listening to highdefinition audio, automating shades and light according to circadian rhythms, or creating scenes that inspire parties or facilitate relaxation.
URC previewed its Virtual Inspiration Home with dealers throughout the United States. The new, virtual experience received rave reviews from the tech-savvy community.
16 Residential Tech Today | Vol. 4 / Issue 2 Design DEPARTMENTS
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The research shows the number of projects for integrators is increasing each year, and consumers have a newfound understanding of what it takes to get what they want.
Integrators’ Competition Technology integrators’ ability to adapt with the onset of each new technology does not mean they lack competition. Most notably, the DIY segment has provided an alternative way for consumers to access smart home technology. But what sets integrators apart is their ability to build upon existing knowledge to create an entirely new experience. It’s also what keeps this industry so exciting.
One integrator commented, “There has been a lot of growth in the mid-market that many integrators serve. In fact, the benefit of DIY devices is that integrators have more choices and the ability to scale systems to meet a range of budgets. Dealers and integrators need to be at the top of their game to keep up with trends in categories like wellness, lighting, and shading. However, these changes need to be backed by professionalEstablishingdevelopment.”astafftraining budget each year is vital to an integrator’s long-term success. This industry is anything but stagnant, and wellinstalled technology is the reason consumers have the desire to continue adding more of it to their homes.
Investing Where It Counts
When asked about changes that they see coming over the next few years, one integrator noted, “More and more homeowners will ‘cut the cord’ and go subscriptions,streaming-onlytosuch as YouTube TV, Hulu TV, etc., as opposed to cable TV and doingthistechnologycatastrophic.installers,subscriptions.”satelliteForcableandsatellitethissoundsForintegrators,isjustanewwayofbusiness.
18 Residential Tech Today | Vol. 4 / Issue 2 CEDIA Says DEPARTMENTS
Professional integrators need to be at the top of their game to keep up with trends in categories like wellness, lighting, and shading, but these changes need to be backed by professional development.
As CEDIA Technology Advisory Council member Gordon van Zuiden puts it, “Technology integrators are like general practitioners.” In other words, their skillset is extremely versatile, and their work touches nearly every room of the home. It also means they have a lot of work to do behind the scenes to keep up with trends, best practices, standards, brands, and more across multiple categories.
One integrator foresees a rise in “the willingness of consumers to accept the cost of a properly designed and installed home network.”
The Evolution of the Integrator
Most integrators will tell you they didn’t start off with the laundry list of services they offer now. Likely, they broke into the industry through one or a few specialized categories (often AV) and gradually added from there based on resources, consumer demand, and currentLuckilytrends.forintegrators, the home technology industry is the sum of many parts — AV, lighting, security, shading, home theater, and more — so, even when one category may be experiencing a slower rate of growth, there are a multitude of others that are thriving. The same cannot be said for installers of singular form of technology.
It’s Time to Recognize the Role the Integrator Plays in Ensuring the Home Technology Industry Thrives
By Jessica Guyon Each year, CEDIA conducts an Integrated Home Market Analysis of the residential electronic systems industry to quantify, segment, characterize, and forecast the market at large. The 2022 results, published in partnership with leading market research firm Ancrage Consulting LLC, consist of 65 pages of research indicating the home technology industry is strong, and not only that, it’s growing.Theupward momentum from the past two years has been largely attributed to the COVID19 pandemic and the stay-at-home orders that forced people to reestablish their work and social lives from home. While that has certainly played a large part, the historical data proves the residential technology market had been growing steadily even before the pandemic — so steadily that from 2012-2018 the annual market size grew almost consistently by $2 billion per year. Some might say that technology has become more present in our everyday lives than it was even five years ago. But technology has always been there, it’s just evolving, as are the people who install it.
Photo: Hunter Douglas
By matching a consumer’s investment in their home with an investment in themselves, integrators can be certain that they will be prepared for the next phase of evolution. x
The Integrator Life Cycle
Epson’s most advanced video processing technology to date, the proprietary 36-bit Epson ZX Picture Processor handles real-time color, contrast, HDR, 2 frame interpolation and resolution enhancement to faithfully reproduce the source material the way it was intended to be shown.Truemulti-array laser diodes produce what Epson says is an ideal light source to power the 3-Chip 3LCD Projector Engine for quick turn-on, incredible picture brightness, black contrast, and color accuracy.
Epson’s Pro Cinema LS12000 4K Projector Incorporates an All-New Laser Array Light Source
Advanced 3LCD technology uses three individual LCD chips to continuously display 100% of the RGB color signal for every frame. This allows for an outstanding color gamut while maintaining excellent brightness without any rainbowing or color brightness issues seen with other projection technologies.
Home Theater ProjectorProgress
20 Residential Tech Today | Vol. 4 / Issue 2 Video DEPARTMENTS
By Walter Joseph Home theater enthusiasts are always looking to what’s next in video technology. In response, Epson has introduced its most advanced projector to date. The Epson Pro Cinema LS12000 4K PRO-UHD Laser Projector incorporates an all-new Laser Array Light Source, next-generation image enhancement and processing algorithms, expanded HDR10+2 and HDMI 2.1 support, and real-time scene adaptive correction. The result: a full 8.3 million pixels on screen with zero compromise in color andDrivenbrightness.byaproprietary
The Epson Pro Cinema LS12000
Epson ZX Picture Processor and new precision shift glass plate technology, the Pro Cinema LS12000 delivers an exceptionally sharp and clear 4K picture with 2,700 lumens of both color and white brightness.Toachieve 4K PRO-UHD status, advanced pixel-shifting technology works in parallel with three individual high-definition LCD chips to produce a 4K picture without sacrificing picture brightness. In addition, digitally controlled Precision Shift Glass Plate refracts pixel-light to display a 3840 x 2160, 8.29-million-pixel image.
The LS12000 boasts 2,700 lumens of color and 2,700 lumens of white brightness for a brilliant picture in virtually any theater environment, even in rooms with ambient light.
The LS12000 features refresh rates up to 120 Hz, allowing for smoother motion for supported content while providing the option for impressive Frame Interpolation for content below 120 Hz. Gamers will appreciate up to 4K resolution at 120 frames per second, along with input lag times below 20 ms, allowing for serious gamers to take full advantage of the latest generation of gaming consoles and even higher-end gaming PCs. The LS12000 (MSRP $4,999) is now available through the Epson online store, as well as Magnolia and CEDIA dealers. The projector includes ISF-certified calibration tools and an anamorphic lens option. The new projector comes with Epson’s world-class warranty and support, including a standard three-year limited warranty with two-business-day full unit replacement, including free shipping, and free lifetime technical phone support. x
Full 10-bit HDR2 color processing accepts 100% of the HDR source information to faithfully reproduce HDR, HDR10+ and HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) content. A real-time HDR curve adjustment allows for 16 steps of control to fine-tune the HDR performance regardless of the content.
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Every home entertainment environment deserves to feel larger than life. All of the best content comes to the big screen with the ultra-large 100" BRAVIA XR92 4K Full Array LED TV. everything they watch into an even more immersive experience with detailed, true-to-life 4K HDR, powered by the all-new Cognitive Processor XR.™ The energy of the stadium and the excitement of the biggest moments come to life with Full Array LED and XR Contrast Booster 5.1 sonypremiumhome.com is the perceptible contrast level expanded by XR Contrast Booster technology, which is a unique figure calculated for the contrast that users actually feel and experience compared to conventional TVs without local dimming. Sony Electronics Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Sony, BRAVIA, BRAVIA XR, Cognitive Processor XR, XR Triluminos Pro, XR Motion Clarity, and the Sony logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners. Features and specifications are subject to change without notice. Screen images simulated.
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22 Residential Tech Today | Vol. 4 / Issue 2 Lighting DEPARTMENTS
The M-Series boasts new trim colors in bronze, warm, and cool diffused with white flange trims to match more design aesthetics. Plus, DMF has trim options to meet different lighting needs, whether customers want a diffused glow or a narrow spotlight, an eye-catching trim, or one that disappears.
“DMF offers a wide range of lighting applications that continue to be optimized for the residential lighting sector, with customization unmatched in the industry,” Libman added. “They complement and enhance how a room looks and feels without sacrificing energy efficiency.”
DMF Lighting’s DID M-Series Fixtures Launch with New Trim Colors and Easier Installation
The redesigned housings are now offered for Round New Construction in both Fire-Rated and Standard models, as well as Chicago Plenum. Remodel housings are also available in both Square and Round versions to enable installations without tearing open the ceiling.
x DMF DID M-Series fixtures provide more installation options.
Seamless IntegrationLighting
By Anthony Leo DMF Lighting, a manufacturer in modular downlighting in the custom integration channel, has launched new DID M-Series fixtures that provide more installation options for the CI channel. They feature a new flangeless option for wood ceiling applications, new trim colors, and redesigned housings that make them even easier to install.“The flangeless wood application takes seamless ceiling light integration to a new level,” said Mike Libman, DMF’s national sales director, residential systems. “The installation process is both precise and easy with DMF’s patented housing and trim technology. Combined, these create a clean, uninterrupted wood plane while still providing accessibility for any future changes and serviceability.”
Premium Listeningand Control
Intended as a true-stereo 2.1 channel system, the AVA Streaming Audio System (U.S. MSRP $3,200) consists of two AVA Speakers and one AVA B1 Bass Module. The AVA A1 Speaker features a full-range driver and all the other required components, including the streamer, premium DAC and DSP, and two digital stereo amplifers contained within the ultra-compact enclosure.TheB1connects to the A1 via Kleer, a wireless high-end audio protocol with zero latency. AVA’s goal was to seamlessly combine the simplicity and versatility of connected speakers with the sound quality of true high-end speakers.
The B1 is a unique and critical part of the full AVA system. Within the AVA 2.1 Streaming Audio System, all controls such as gain, phase, and the frequency crossover point are handled dynamically. In realtime, the DSP controls which audio frequencies are sent to the connected components within the system and adjusts playback depending on what is called for by the source audio. Done this way, the AVA B1 Bass Module becomes a homogeneous extension of the AVA Streaming Audio System, delivering a dynamic, vibrant listening experience.Thecomplimentary AVA Remote (U.S. MSRP $1,299) is powered by a quad-core, 2 GHz processor. It is an Androidbased touchscreen remote control and the world’s first Google Certified remote control, according to the company. This certification unlocks the full power of the Google Play Store, enabling the download and use of native Android Apps to control smart home systems and device control directly from the AVA Remote. The AVA Remote can integrate Control4, Savant, Crestron, Sonos, and Lutron devices, as well.
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A high-density touchscreen provides smooth and rapid response for actions and the AVA Remote includes an integrated speaker and microphone supporting voice control via Google Assistant or intercom use. The AVA Remote also features Bluetooth, NFC, an accelerometer, an integrated rear-panel fingerprint sensor, and GPS.
The AVA 2.1 Streaming Audio System and AVA Remotes
The AVA Speaker (available as an active model or passive version) leverages the same full-range driver for identical acoustic performance. The goal of AVA’s real-time DSP within the A1 speaker is to ensure flawless, high-end audio performance regardless of genre.
AVA is on a mission to put true stereo back into people’s homes, while providing all the advantages of today’s most popular connected speakers.AVA,aSwiss-American manufacturer of connected home products, is launching and shipping the company’s first products, the AVA 2.1 Streaming Audio System and the AVA Remote, selling their premium products exclusively through the professional installation channel.TheAVA Streaming Audio System was developed in collaboration with legendary Swiss audio company, Revox, who have built some of the industry’s most influential studio audio equipment.ForAVACEO and co-founder Raphael Oberholzer, the focus on “true stereo” is all about “how music is recorded,” and also “the best way to reproduce the experience intended by the artist and the sound engineers.”
24 Residential Tech Today | Vol. 4 / Issue 2 Control DEPARTMENTS
AVA is a New Streaming Speaker and Remote Control Brand from Former NEEO and Control4 Executives
By Jeremy Glowacki
26 Residential Tech Today | Vol. 4 / Issue 2 innovator spotlight
RT Today: What did your role at Bose entail? For eight years, I ran the installation business unit for 135 Bose retail stores in the U.S. and Canada. When somebody would buy from a Bose store and needed products installed — televisions, audio systems, indoor or outdoor — that was my business. We had about 100 integrators that were part of my business unit, as well as design consultants in all of our major U.S. markets, and a call center. During those eight years, I learned a lot about the CEDIA channel. I went to my first CEDIA shows and was completely taken aback with how cool and entrepreneurial the industry is. I really fell in love with the industry as a whole.
By Jeremy Glowacki Jennifer Mallett has one of those names that just keeps popping up around professional residential tech circles. Whether serving on an expert panel, speaking on a podcast, or posting on social media, the CEO of Northborough, Massachusetts-based custom integration firm Level Up Automation has already had a busyMallett2022.acknowledges that while running a business alone can be enough of a daily challenge, her “extracurricular” activities help drive her company’s mission to serve as a trusted advisor on smart home tech wherever they go, “framing the conversation,” and elevating what’s possible for the still relatively unknown custom integration industry. Growing up, Mallett was always fascinated with computers (her father was employed by one of the first computer manufacturers in the 80s). Then, at the age of 14, she began working for her family’s IT consulting firm. Although she chose marketing over a tech-related major at Bentley University, she never lost her passion for it, even while working for the Reebok shoe company after graduating. Her next stop, however, brought her marketing and tech interests together. During her 15-year tenure with the audio manufacturer Bose, she learned first-hand about the “experiential” audio/video retail and installation business, forming the underpinnings of how she runs her own company
Level Up Automation’s Jennifer Mallett Raises the Bar for What’s Possible in Smart Homes
Here’s what else we learned from Mallett on the Residential Tech Talks podcast. This portion of the interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Residential Tech Today: How did your experience at Bose help prepare you for owning your own custom integration business?
Elevating Smart Home Tech
Jen Mallett: I couldn’t have really landed in a better place in terms of an entrepreneurial environment. For me, Bose was a great manufacturer that understood marketing and also really took great care of their employees and their business partners. I have a lot of gratitude for my time there. It was such a phenomenal springboard to start my own company. I took a lot of the learning and a lot of the foundational insights that Dr. Bose brought to his company and applied them to Level Up.
Foundedtoday.sixyears ago, Level Up has companyowned locations in the Boston area and Arizona, as well as owner-operated branches in Florida, Louisiana, and Ohio. The company’s focus broadened out wider than the typical high-end AV firm, catering to more middle market customers and even into developing categories like smart energy and air and water filtration. Working in smart home tech and owning her own company is a dream come true for Mallett, who continues to learn and evolve in this everchanging industry.
RT Today: What led to your decision to start your own company? I always wanted to have my own business since I was really, really young and had a lemonade stand. Also, I think, working for my father’s company and his partners, beginning in high school, really gave me an understanding of what a startup environment was like; I loved the energy of it. In many ways, we kind of run Level Up like that now. We could almost be a different company every three months because our industry changes so much. I think that one of the benefits we have is that I got to run a similar business for Bose but at a national level. I already understood some of the challenges that integrators had in terms of time management and scheduling the operational backend. Also, some of the advice that I have received over the Jennifer Mallett is the CEO of Level Up Automation, based in Northborough, Massachusetts.
Vol. 4 / Issue 2 | Residential Tech Today 27 years from my mentors has been so helpful. For instance, one thing my dad told me was, “You’ll never sleep the same way again.” He was completely right, but I also come to work excited because we get to do really amazing things and help a lot of people with technology. It’s worth it.
RT Today: What was your process of branching out beyond a single location? When we launched the business, I worked with a number of the integrators that were part of my Bose family. We ended up having about 20 to 25 of them sign on to subcontract installation work for us. The exception of that is Arizona, which is a Level Up location run by my brother. For about a year or so, that was great for our integrator partners because they might not have installed a smart lock or smart garage door before, and we were giving them exposure and training as they were starting to add those products into their business. Over time, they moved from really just AV companies to providing automation and other categories that, previously, they had left to other companies to handle. Along the way, we also started working with iRobot on a project that they had for a lawnmower robot called Terra, where we were hired to install them in a couple different markets in the United States. That’s when a light bulb went off in my head that while we had those trusted integrators in different markets that I’d known for 10 years… by then, they were finding more profitable things to work on, and the had their own projects to juggle. I started kind of looking at how to expand my business in different markets in a way that is controllable and smart. I ended up reaching out to a couple Founded six years ago, Level Up Automation has company-owned locations in the Boston area and Arizona, as well as owner-operated branches in Florida, Louisiana, and Ohio.
Starting with energy, we install and program EV chargers. These residential units can be installed in a garage or outside the home, and the customer can schedule their charge during off-peak times. As far as smart water goes, we have leak prevention/detection, but we also have water filtration systems; we partner with plumbers to put those in. Air quality and water quality are of utmost importance, especially with some of our younger clients. There are a lot more children with asthma nowadays. But, whether or not clients are interested in smart air quality, smart water quality, and energy right now, we’re still educating them to let them know that those are things that can be added down the road. While it’s not 50% of our business right now, it helps us diversify our product line and provides more value and also the product lines are ones that we find meaningful and that we care about.
28 Residential Tech Today | Vol. 4 / Issue 2 colleagues from Bose who ran pretty sizable retail businesses. We ended up launching in Orlando this past February. The same thing in Louisiana. So, now, we have [owner-operated] locations in Orlando and Tampa, FL; New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, LA; and Cincinnati, OH, along with Arizona and the Boston-area company-owned operations.
RT Today: Along with familiar brands such as Control4, Ring Pro X, and Sonos, you also promote some “developing” categories like smart energy, smart air, and smart water tech. How much work have you done with these areas?
RT Today: Along with your expanded tech focus, you also broaden your target customer to the middle market, which is different from the way many integrators hone in on the high-end. What’s the thinking there? We’re looking at 20 to 25% compound annual growth rate for smart home tech over the next five years, and not all of that is going to be DIY or high-end. There’s going be business in the middle, too. We want to be prepared to service people in multiple markets and to help educate people and be their trusted advisor as all of these technologies develop. Automation is not just for the rich and famous anymore. It’s for people with special needs and special abilities to be able to live in a different way. We’re really focused on that mid-market because we think it needs to be serviced. We really see it as a place where we can provide a lot of value. x
innovator spotlight
Elevating Smart Home Tech
The World of Streaming Video Content, Services, and Devices is, to Say the Least, a Moving
The new venture between Comcast and Charter may well expand their current Flex product to more devices. (Image credit: Comcast)
By Michael Heiss If someone asked you to think of one word that best describes both the changes and conduct of the total world of entertainment in the past few years, what would your answer be? If you asked me, the answer would be obvious: streaming.Thinkabout it. Even though many of us still have cable or satellite as a main source of entertainment content, the number of homes using over-the-air (OTA) as their conduit for video content is increasing every day. And, with literally tens of billions of dollars spent by streaming services to create original program content, it has become apparent that streaming is becoming the dominant outlet. Look no further than all the Academy Awards where the Best Picture winner, CODA, was distributed by Apple TV+, not one of the legacy studios. Whether you are a technology enthusiast or someone who makes their living wrangling residential tech for the rest of us, keeping up with the ever-evolving world of streaming is a challenge. Look no further than early this past spring when CNN+ came and went, and it was revealed that a number of favorite programs and studio movies would be switching from one service to another. Perhaps the most important “future determinant” announcement was the unveiling of a major new joint venture between the two largest cable companies that might well be a model for more of what we will see down theStreamingroad. without content that subscribers want is the first hinge point in the state of streaming. Perhaps even more challenging is that consumers are starting to suffer from “subscription fatigue,” with streaming services being changed or cancelled in what the industry calls “churn.” Few, if any, of the streaming services have defined contract terms, as traditional cable and satellite providers do. Unlike traditional pay content, streaming has made it possible for viewers to find a favorite program, subscribe to the service, consume all of its episodes in a weekend binge, and then cancel the subscription until the next hit show on that service comes along. For that reason, expect a gradual move from “all at once” program drops to the more traditional “one episode each week” release pattern. That way the subscriber (hopefully) gets hooked on the series and has to stay subscribed at least for the duration of the run rather than subscribe, binge, and then cancel.
30 Residential Tech Today | Vol. 4 / Issue 2 STREAMING TV
Target Right Now
The shift in which leagues and teams will be available and where will also be affected by the rise of what the industry calls “DTC,” or direct to consumer. That means you pay them directly, rather than find the sports you are looking for within an aggregated service such as ESPN. More than a few major college sports conferences such as the Pac12 already have a DTC app for those who have cut the cable or satellite cord. Going forward, expect more apps and services as the RSNs (regional sports networks), such as Bally Sports (formerly the collection of Fox Sports’ regional offerings), go the DTC route. On the other hand, industry consolidation, such as the creation of Discovery+ after the purchase of the former Warner Media assets — including TBS and TNT — means that sports now available from one aggregated app may shift to another. Whether they will be free or paid remains to be seen. What does this mean for you in the real world of your collection of services and the devices you use to receive them? Hold that thought.
Another change picking up steam involves the winning bids from major services to carry sports. After all, sporting events are probably the most regularly watched entertainment content for both traditional and streaming media outlets. In some cases, this will be added content to current subscription-based services such as Apple TV+ or Amazon Prime Video.
The State of Streaming
Vol. 4 / Issue 2 | Residential Tech Today 31 STREAMING TV
Hulu and Peacock have already done this, Disney+ has announced that they will offer an ad-supported tier before the end of this year, and industry pundits predict that HBO Max and Netflix may add that path before the end of the year. Next, as services merge, combine, change which licensed content they offer, and expand one has to be very careful to make certain that the devices in the home, whether a smart TV or external streaming device is able to receive the content you want. Yes, all of the major services are on almost every device, but when you begin to drill down, the picture changes.
With literally tens of billions of dollars spent by streaming services to create original program content, streaming is becoming the dominant video content outlet.
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Photo: iStockphoto.com/IAM-photography
As you can see, the world of streaming video content, services and devices is, to say the least, a moving target. There are quite a few moving parts to all of this. Some may go unnoticed, but others can really throw a wrench into the cogs. It’s nice to know all of this, but it is perhaps even more important to realize that many of those puzzle pieces are out of your control. What is, however, is how they all fit together.
Here’s one more thing to understand from all of this. Remember the mention above about the joint service to come from Comcast and Charter? Comcast already has their Flex service, currently delivered via an external device for Comcast broadband subscribers. Flex offers their own XUMO AVOD along with “all your favorite apps.” After reading this article, you can probably do the math as to who those are and will likely be expanded to include. The big question, however, is whether or not Flex will develop their own streamer for general sale to compete with the likes of Roku and Fire TV? There are currently Flex-powered “XClass” TVs sold at Walmart in Comcast service areas, but will this new mash up of the two largest U.S. cable companies see it in other branded sets to compete with the many smart TVs powered by Roku as well as Amazon’s own Omni series sets and the Toshiba and Pioneer sets that are based on the Fire TV OS? This is one to watch both from the perspective of a TV viewer and content consumer as well as for the business and stock market implications.
A good example is the Spectrum app, which I use at home with Roku and Apple TV products to avoid paying extra for cable boxes. The Spectrum app is not available on Fire TV, Android TV, or Google TV products. So, even though I love the quality of my Android-based Nvidia Shield, for this app I need a different device. The same goes for the increasing trend on the part of local TV stations to put their newscasts on streaming apps. Here in Los Angeles, the local ABC station has apps for Roku, Fire TV, Android TV, and Apple TV, but the NBC station is on Roku, Apple TV, and Fire TV only. The moral of the story: If you have an Android TV, you’ll need a different external streamer if one of your favorite stations isn’t in theTherepertoire.samething has happened when new services are introduced. Each TV’s OS, such as Samsung’s Tizen, LG’s webOS, and Vizio’s SmartCast will have to make a deal to carry the new service’s app, just as the external device brands must do. Remember when HBO Max, Peacock, and some of the other new services took longer to show up on some devices than the others? The story behind that is worthy of a separate business press article, but the bottom line is to remember that that just because a service is announced, it will not automatically appear on all devices.
Known as “AVOD,” for Advertiser-Supported Video on Demand, or “FAST” for Free Advertiser Supported Television, these services are providing linear grids of a wide range of content from old TV to movies, news, and specialty content. While most of the content is repurposed (e.g. “old stuff”) some is also increasingly new and made for these services. A good example is the fact that Judge Judy switched from years of syndicated broadcast distribution to her Judy Justice show on Amazon’s Freevee. Similarly, MSNBC’s Meet the Press Daily is switching from the paid MSNBC service to the free NBC News Now streaming service. Of course, you have to look for it within the main NBC News app. Along with the examples shown above, a major recent announcement is that Comcast and Charter are joining forces to create a nationwide streaming service. Given that Comcast is the parent company of NBC, Universal, and Sky News, as well as their namesake cable service, one can speculate as to where some of the content may come from. Will this take the form of new services or will this be a rebranding of their existing services such as Peacock, NBC Sports, NBC News Now and all the rest? Time will tell. An easy conclusion is to say that we will all be dealing with an increasing number of services to get the programs, news, and events that we want. Some will be free, some will be subscription-based, and others will be a hybrid. A growing trend is where a subscription service adds a limited number of ads in exchange for lower pricing.
While many of us tend to view programming through the lens of subscription services, led by Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon and the rest, don’t ignore ad-supported services such as Pluto, Tubi, the Roku Channel, Amazon’s Freevee (formerly IMDB TV), and many more.
What You Get from the Latest Roku Update
32 Residential Tech Today | Vol. 4 / Issue 2 STREAMING TV
In addition, OS 11’s AV Sync feature will let supported Roku players and audio products use a simple calibration tool — soon be part of the Roku mobile app — to better sync audio with on-screen action. Many users will find this tool valuable, particularly considering the video-toaudio delay that is sometimes an inevitable consequence caused by compression and transmission issues on streaming services.
The latter present new, specially tailored, Dialogue, Movie, Music and Night modes along with the current “Standard” mode.
Roku OS 11 Enhances User Interface and Streambar Sound Modes in the Third Update to the Main Operating System in the Past 12 Months
The Roku app is part of yet more OS 11 upgrades. The user interface, or “visual experience” will be refreshed to provide more information about movie and video streaming content. This will also include highlights of free channel content as well as which services the user is already subscribed to. You’ll also be able to save movies and shows on the go so that you may pick them up and continue streaming when you return home. With regard to the main, in-home menu screens, OS 11 is adding a “What to Watch” menu item as a new destination to lead you to streaming content you frequently interact with. This will include both new and trending content. There will also be an addition to the
By Michael Heiss
The Roku app is a key part of some of the advancements delivered by OS 11. Just as many use a personal photo for the main splash page on your phone, tablet, or computer, OS 11’s new “Photo Stream” feature will allow you to upload photos using the mobile app or your PC to serve as your own personalized screen saver and digital photo frame. A Roku user will even be able to create a shared album so that everyone in a group may add photos and use them.
To be clear, OS 11 isn’t a totally new user interface and presentation, but it does do some things that one suspects customers may have been requesting, as well as a few nuggets to keep up the pressure on Roku’s competitors.
Perhaps the most visible, or should I say audible, improvements are in the way Roku devices deal with audio when used with Roku’s Wireless Speakers, Streambar, or Streambar Pro. When connecting these products, users will find new Automatic Speech Clarity and Sound Modes. The former is said to dynamically identify and amplify dialogue so that it doesn’t get lost under the rest of the sound mix.
One of the biggest benefits of external streaming devices or TVs built around a third-party operating system is that they can typically receive more significant feature and technology updates than smart TVs with proprietary OS baked into the product.Suchis the case for Roku, which announced the latest version of their operating system, known as OS 11, earlier this week. This is the third update to the main Roku OS in the past 12 months and the first major update since the announcement of OS 10 last May.
“I’m impressed with how HTSN is thinking about education. And not just training their own teams and dealers, but spreading the word about our industry to help recruit new talent.”
Greg Simmons
Vol. 4 / Issue 1 | Residential Tech Today 33
Educating integrators across the country on the latest technology and business best practices. We’re more than just a buying group.
Want to learn more? Contact Hank Alexander, director of HTSN, at hank.alexander@nationwidegroup.org.
HTSNGroup.org
Last, but not least, Roku’s Voice Enabled Keyboard will expand language support from English to Spanish, German, and Portuguese in the U.S. and supported countries. The ability of using voice commands to simplify device and channel setup and login with voice, rather than on-screen entry for the email addresses, passwords, and PIN information rather than the often laborious and error-prone manual entry is a great benefit of voice remotes.Intotal,
34 Residential Tech Today | Vol. 4 / Issue 2 STREAMING TV What You Get from the Latest Roku Update
While it hasn’t yet appeared on the various Roku products in my home, the one that I am really waiting to see it in is the combination of Roku’s Streambar Pro, Wireless Speakers, and Wireless Subwoofer. I am testing them for a forthcoming review, and some of these improvements answer questions that I have noted about that device ecosystem.
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“Live TV” menu on the home screen.
OS-embedded TVs and soundbars shows how they are looking to retain and expand their market share in a world where virtually every TV is a smart TV. Roku’s OS 11 will start rolling out over the next few weeks.
As soon as OS 11 rolls out, I’ll take a look and complete the review on what already has proven to be an interesting alternative to traditional soundbars. Keep reading here and hopefully it will pop up in your inbox soon.
First added in January, it will now provide viewing recommendations to free live and linear content from both the Roku Channel and a variety of “cable alternatives” such as Hulu, Philo, Sling, fuboTV, and YouTube TV.
you may say that there is nothing revolutionary in OS 11, but perhaps that is not the point. The flexibility of streaming devices makers such as Roku, as well as their
Email prochannel@ring.com to learn more and get started.
36 Residential Tech Today | Vol. 4 / Issue 2 HEALTH TECH Nudging
The first part of your Oura adventure starts with a ring sizing kit. While you might know your standard ring size, the inside of the ring has three tiny bumps that help the sensors get accurate readings. Your day is rated with three scores to help guide your sleep, activity, and readiness. The companion app updates every time you open it throughout the day. This wearable’s battery will last you about a week and seems to take just over an hour to charge. I love that part. Oura leads you toward a healthier lifestyle and has nothing to do with helping you get your text messages faster. You do not compete with friends. You are just gently nudged to be a better you.
BecomingTowardaBetter You
By Heather L. Sidorowicz
The Oura ring is the only wearable that tells you to rest. It continuously monitors your heart rate, temperature, and sleep and knows, sometimes before you do, when you need to pull back. It has been just over two months since I first put the ring on, and my brain still fights the idea that I need to slow down, and that is even after a bout with COVID-19 in February.
The Oura Ring Monitors Heart Rate, Temperature, Sleep, and When You Need to Pull Back
Sleep: Did you go to bed early last night but still feel groggy? Now you can learn why. Oura measures your total sleep, efficiency, restfulness, REM sleep, deep sleep, latency, and timing. You’ll even see how much you moved and how many times you woke up. Oura will tell you your heart’s average beats per minute and lowest heart rate the previous night. If you are not in the mood to jump down that rabbit hole, you can look at your sleep score to see how you did.
Activity: Your ring measures activity in two different ways. First is your goal, “a target number of calories burned by activity tracked with your ring or imported from external sources, measured by tracking activity and estimating calories burned during the day.” It took me weeks to realize this The Oura ring is the only wearable that tells you to rest.
At the end of my sophomore year in high school, I woke up with a fire in my throat and the inability to swallow. That night I had a dress rehearsal for our year-end dance concert. My mother took me to the doctor, where I was tested for strep throat and mononucleosis, and I had the latter. Not wanting to let my class down, I sat a few chairs away with a spray that numbed my throat for the next two days, and I danced in that concert. I pushed through. Of course, I ended up getting really sick for pretty much the entire summer.“Pushthrough” has always been a part of me. My mission has always been to hustle. Then the pandemic hit, and everything changed.
Readiness: Readiness uses your resting heart rate, heart rate variability, balance, body temperature, recovery index, sleep, sleep balance, previous day’s activity, and activity balance. Pushing every day will give you a worse score, not a better one. While more leisurely days can positively affect your readiness level, challenging your body now and then helps maintain and develop your physical capacity in the long run. But wait, there is more… Also found on the app is an “Explore” tab. This area brings you to a space on the app to help you meditate, breathe, sleep, and learn. There are about 20 meditation tracks ranging from a few minutes to under a half-hour. You can also find breathing exercises, sleep meditations, and stories. After the ring’s six-month complimentary membership ($5.99 afterward) expires, I can see this area growing to keep users connected — a reason to keep paying. Last month, the second month with my ring, I went to a conference and then to Disney and ended up with COVID-19 a week later. While my temporal scan thermometer did not register a fever, the ring showed a spike in my temperature, and my readiness score dropped to 39! This was all before a positive test result. While the old me may have pushed through, the app suggests I turn on “rest mode,” which means you have no activity goal to reach. Instead, you concentrate on recovery.Thatafternoon I went for my test, which turned out positive. While I have always felt pretty in tune with my body, the ring has given me greater clarity and understanding of what makes me tick and when I need to take it easy. The virus killed my endurance, and instead of pushing through, I am slowly getting back to where I was with the assistance of my precious ring (you must read that last sentence in a Gollum voice). The Oura ring helps you optimize your health for longevity based on your daily body signals. It is the latest development in wearables, and I look forward to what comes next. x
Vol. 4 / Issue 2 | Residential Tech Today 37 HEALTH TECH number changes based on your readiness score. So, your goal will be lower on a day when you need to rest.
The Oura ring leads you toward a healthier lifestyle and has nothing to do with helping you get your text messages faster.
The second way that activity is measured is your activity score. This, like your sleep score, is on a scale of 100 and is based on the activity contributors. Today my activity goal was 300. I went for a 30-minute run this morning and still did not reach my goal until the end of my workday. Today my score was 95.
SimpliSafe created one of the first full-featured alarm systems designed to be easily installed, configured, and maintained by a homeowner.
SecurityHomeSimplifyingSimplifyingHomeSecurity
The first thing SimpliSafe did to accomplish this was to create an alarm system that is entirely wireless. There are no wires required to connect any of the components of the system to each other.Second, SimpliSafe developed a user-friendly smart phone app that guides the user through the process of installing the system, provides an easy-to-use interface for configuring all the different alarm system’s settings, and provides a user-friendly interface for operating the alarm system on a day-to-day basis
38 Residential Tech Today | Vol. 4 / Issue 2 ISSUE FOCUS
SimpliSafe’s “Essentials Kit” is their most popular alarm system. It consists of a base station, one keypad, three entry sensors, and oneThesensor.base station is the brains of the SimpliSafe system. It communicates wirelessly with up to 100 SimpliSafe motion sensors, SimpliSafe entry sensors, and the other security sensors/ accessories that SimpliSafe offers. It also connects to the home’s network through Wi-Fi and includes a cellular radio for communication with SimpliSafe’s professional monitoring centers.
How SimpliSafe Measures Up to a Traditional Security System
By Jay Basen SimpliSafe is a smart home security leader paving the way to provide more accessible home security options for homeowners who want many of the features of a traditional alarm system without the cost of professional installation.Earlyalarm systems required professional installation. Miles of wire were used to connect an alarm panel to each door and window in a home. Then, hidden push buttons or magnetic contact sensors were installed on doors and windows to trigger the alarm system when the door/window was opened. Strips of foil were glued on windowpanes to trigger the alarm system if the glass broke. The development of wireless alarm systems eliminated the need for the majority of this wiring. Today, these “traditional” alarm systems typically use a mix of wired and wireless sensors.
However, even when just using wireless sensors, traditional alarm systems are designed to only be installed by professional alarm installers as the process of setting up and configuring these systems is still quite complicated. In addition, a relationship between the homeowner and the company that installed the alarm system is required so that the home can be monitored, and emergency services can be contacted in case of a fire or break in.
Similar to a traditional alarm system, a SimpliSafe system includes keypads that are placed near exterior doors in the home and are used to arm/disarm the system. When the homeowner uses a keypad to arm the system in “away” mode, there is an exit delay to allow everyone to leave the home before the system is armed. When someone enters the home while the system is armed in away mode, the keypad beeps and provides time for the disarm code to be entered before the siren is sounded. Keypads can also be used to arm the system in “home” mode. In home mode, the sensors that guard the perimeter of the home are active but internal motion sensors are ignored.
The SimpliSafe motion sensor is pet friendly, meaning that it won’t be triggered by small- to medium-sized pets left in the home.
SimpliSafe’s full alarm system kit
According to SimpliSafe, a sensor can be placed up to 800 feet from the base station.
Finally, the keypad can be used to configure the system and make adjustments to system settings, including adding new sensors to the system or adjusting the exit delay time setting.
Just like a traditional alarm system, SimpliSafe’s motion sensors provide a backup to sensing an intruder who has somehow managed to get past the entry sensors in a home — possibly through a window that was left open.
Similar to a traditional alarm system, the base station includes rechargeable batteries that provide up to 24 hours of battery backup operation in the event of a power outage. And, while a traditional alarm panel is typically hidden in a basement or closet to keep it from being tampered with by an intruder, the SimpliSafe base station is designed to be “smash-safe.” In other words, it will resist an intruder’s attempts to break the unit to stop the built-in siren and to keep the unit from reporting an emergency.
Just like a traditional alarm system, SimpliSafe entry sensors come in two parts. The first part contains a simple magnet housed in a plastic enclosure. The second part consists of the sensor that detects the presence of the magnet and the electronics to report events to the base station. One part is mounted on a door or window, and the second part is mounted on the door/window’s frame. Both parts are held in place with double-sided tape or screws.
When the door or window is opened, the magnet moves away from the second part of the entry sensor, and the event is reported to the base station using a 433MHz radio signal. These radio signals are designed to penetrate standard walls in a home to maximize the distance a sensor can be located from the base station.
If the SimpliSafe alarm system is armed when it receives a signal from an entry or motion sensor and the disarm code is not entered on a keypad, then the base station’s 95 dB siren will sound the alarm, the event will be sent to the SimpliSafe app on your smart phone, and, if the homeowner has subscribed to SimpliSafe’s professional monitoring service, the event will be sent to a SimpliSafe monitoring center so they can notify emergency services in the town where the home is located. Like a traditional alarm system, SimpliSafe offers additional accessories that can be added to a homeowner’s SimpliSafe system, such as glass break sensors, temperature sensors, water sensors, carbon monoxide detectors, smoke alarms, and more. Again, SimpliSafe alarm system installation is simplified because all sensors and accessories are battery powered and communicate wirelessly with the SimpliSafe base station. There are no wires to run in a home. The entry sensor and water sensor have a battery life of five to 10 years. The motion sensor, glass break sensor, temperature sensor, smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector, have a battery life of three to five years. The keypad has a battery life of eight to 12 months. When a battery in a sensor gets low, a lowbattery warning will be shown in the SimpliSafe app’s timeline and smart alerts, if enabled. In addition, homeowners can check the status of all components in the device section of the SimpliSafe app. The smoke detector has the added benefit of a visual warning. When the smoke detector has a low battery, the light on the device will flash yellow and the device will chirp once per minute.Professional monitoring is a standard part of traditional alarm systems. However, many firsttime alarm system buyers are confused by what value professional monitoring offers them.
Vol. 4 / Issue 2 | Residential Tech Today 39 ISSUE FOCUS
x Up to 100 SimpliSafe motion sensors can communicate wirelessly with the base station. The system includes keypads that are placed near exterior doors in the home and are used to arm/disarm the system.
If, for example, your SimpliSafe alarm system detects an intruder, then the SimpliSafe base station will contact SimpliSafe’s monitoring center using a built-in cellular radio. This assures that the emergency is reported in a timely manner and that an internet outage doesn’t impact the system’s ability to report the emergency.Inaddition,
The interactive monitoring tier ($24.99/ month) offers everything included in standard monitoring, with a few important additions. If your SimpliSafe system includes SimpliSafe cameras, them the people at the SimpliSafe monitoring center can optionally view the video from the cameras to validate if, for example, there is an intruder in the house. If there is an intruder, then SimpliSafe will inform emergency services that there is a burglary in progress and the response will be much faster than a generic call to them that an alarm system has reported an intruder, which historically has a reasonable probability of being a false alarm.
SimpliSafe has six monitoring centers. So, if one of the centers is having technical issues, there are plenty of backups to handle the emergency.
In addition, standard monitoring includes the ability to define a “duress code” for your SimpliSafe alarm. Entry of that code into a keypad sends a silent alert to the monitoring center that the homeowner is, for example, being forced by an intruder to disarm the alarm system and needs immediate assistance. Again, the monitoring center will contact emergency services to send help to the home.
Professional monitoring is actually reasonably simple and works as follows.
Additional benefits of interactive monitoring are expanded control over and access to the SimpliSafe App, third-party integrations (Amazon Alexa, Apple Watch, and August Smart Lock), and unlimited recording storage for up to 10 SimpliSafe cameras.
When an incident is reported to the monitoring center by your SimpliSafe alarm system, the monitoring center will first call the emergency contact numbers listed with your account to see if, for example, you came home and accidentally triggered your alarm system. If you don’t answer the call, or you answer and tell the monitoring center that nobody is home, then the monitoring center will contact the police so they can respond to the incident at yourSimpliSafehome. offers three different tiers of professional monitoring – standard, interactive, and self-monitoring with camera recording. With standard monitoring ($14.99/month), your SimpliSafe alarm system is monitored 24/7 by SimpliSafe. Emergency services (police, fire, medical) will be automatically dispatched depending on the type of alarm event that is reported. SimpliSafe will always attempt to contact you before sending emergency services to your home.
With SimpliSafe’s self-monitoring with camera recordings option ($9.99/month), the homeowner will be notified through the SimpliSafe app when their SimpliSafe alarm system detects an emergency in their home. The homeowner is then responsible for contacting emergency services. Video from SimpliSafe indoor/outdoor cameras and SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro in the home will be recorded and available for Self-monitoringviewing.isan alternative to each of the above plans. In this case, the SimpliSafe system will send a notification to the homeowners’ smart phones whenever it detects an intruder, fire, etc. at their home. It is then up to the homeowners to call emergency services in their town so that they can respond to the incident at theSimpliSafehouse. offers a great deal of the same functionality provided by a traditional alarm system. In addition, SimpliSafe offers direct integration with the SimpliSafe Smart Lock, SimpliSafe indoor/outdoor cameras, and the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro. You won’t need additional equipment and separate apps to leverage these products.
40 Residential Tech Today | Vol. 4 / Issue 2 ISSUE FOCUS Simplifying Home Security
A SimpliSafe alarm system is very easy to both install and use. In addition, SimpliSafe offers sensors, accessories, and monitoring plans that will meet the needs of the majority of homeowners.However,people who own smart homes may need more functionality. Smart home owners specifically need integration between the SimpliSafe system and their smart home processor/hub so that actions can be taken based on both the alarm state of the SimpliSafe system and events that are detected by the SimpliSafe system’s sensors. This integration is fundamental to leveraging the other systems in the smart home (smart lighting, smart thermostats, smart shades, etc.) to provide added safety for homeowners and their families. Smart home integrations should become a part of every SimpliSafe system and not require a paid subscription. The adoption of the new Matter smart home protocol by SimpliSafe could be the best solution to this issue.
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Ranch is a modern model for a smart city. It is a sustainable development that starts with the infrastructure but includes connectivity for every home and business. Siemens USA, a global leader in intelligent infrastructure and the technology partner for Sterling Ranch, is focused on identifying and evaluating technologies from best-in-class organizations that help people improve everyday life.
SMART CITY. A 20 Year Vision.
42 Residential Tech Today | Vol. 4 / Issue 2 GREEN TECH
One By Mitchell Klein
Sterling Ranch is a
EveryConnectivityDevelopmentSustainableNearDenverThatIncludesforHomeandBusiness
12,000 Homes.
Sterling Ranch is a large-scale urban development in northwest Douglas County, in metro Denver, Colorado. When fully built out, it will include 12,000 single and multi-family homes and more than 2-million square feet of commercial development, with 37% of land being dedicated to open Sterlingspace.
Sterling Ranch has been thoughtfully designed with Z-Wave technology at the core of every home in the community thanks to the ingenuity of Siemens. How Siemens Brought Z-Wave to Sterling Ranch
Even though each iteration has been slightly different, homeowners still have a consistent experience across each home no matter the builder.”
There are more devices connected to the internet than there are people in the world; a staggering 10 billion devices connect every day. Reports indicate there were 35.82 billion IoT devices installed worldwide at the end of 2021 and 75.44 billion by 2025. For a building to be futureproof, it needs to have an expandable fiber optic network, and the devices in the home need to bring interoperability that connects forward and backward, without abandoning legacy devices at the advent of new technologies.
From designing the fiber-optic network for the entire city to engineering the custom Steward platform that was developed specifically in cooperation with Sterling Ranch, Siemens has been involved in every aspect of the planning for this techforward project. Steward is an exclusive home automation and security system platform built to communicate and control both Wi-Fi and Z-Wavecertified devices. With Siemens’ custom-designed Steward platform, Sterling Ranch is going far beyond the basics of the standard smart home by connecting and unifying devices all managed in a singular interface. When the technology team at Siemens thought about how to design a system that could be easily handed off to a homeowner, scaled, and upgraded with DIY or professional service and support options, the Z-Wave ecosystem provided a solution that checked all of the boxes.“Z-Wave was a natural solution as we looked at designing a home automation system that could be replicated across the entire community and provided both DIY and professional service and support options,” said Christopher Stovall, engineering specialist, Siemens Smart Infrastructure. “This development is being built in phases, and homeowners have the option to work with nine different builders who all offer different designs and floorplans. We are currently in the third phase of our technology package.
Siemens created a custom automation program for Sterling Ranch called STEWARD that comes standard with every home. From their phone or tablet, home- owners can perform basic smart home functions like turning off lights in another room or checking that doors are locked.
Vol. 4 / Issue 2 | Residential Tech Today 43 GREEN TECH
How an Idea Came to Life
While some builders have long touted that they include a smart door lock or doorbell camera as part of their “smart home package,” the commitment to innovation goes much deeper for Sterling Ranch.
Sterling Ranch developers wanted to ensure that residents could connect, not just to the various aspects of their smart home or the fiber optic Internet, but with each other, as well. To empower residents to connect, Siemens designed the Steward platform to include a community section that links residents to ongoing community news, announcements, and events like trivia nights at the Sterling Center or reminders that Food Truck Friday is coming up.
Each Sterling Ranch home comes standard with Steward plus an integrated suite of Z-Wave certified devices, including the HomeSeer HomeTroller Hub, DSC security system, Z-Wave light switches, Honeywell smart thermostats, Dome water sensors and shut off valves, Rachio smart sprinkler control, and choice of compatible smart door lock. Homeowners can choose to further customize their home by adding optional upgrades, including smart shading, garage door openers, a Ring Video Doorbell, in-home entertainment systems, EV chargers, and solar panels.
“Siemens is responsible for the commissioning of the technology package, and when it comes to move-in time, we hand off the system to Lumiere’s white-glove service that walks the homeowner through their home’s various features,” Stovall said. “They show them the very basics of how to connect to their internet all the way to monitoring their energy and how to access the system when they are away from home.”
44 Residential Tech Today | Vol. 4 / Issue 2 GREEN TECH One Smart City Steward is an all-in-one home automation, home security, and utilities monitoring app that is exclusive to Sterling Ranch. Steward connects homeowners to their home security system, smart home controls, and real-time utility usage information from one seamless user interface. Additionally, Steward supports a wide variety of devices, including door and window sensors, lighting control, door locks, garage door control, smart thermostats, smoke detectors, smart irrigation control, and audio and video systems. Steward offers in-home voice control and an easy-to-use mobile app for simplicity and convenience for every family member.
Community Connection Beyond the intelligent technology within their home, the entire Sterling Ranch Community has a smart infrastructure that showcases the way technology can be used to enhance the safety, security, and overall efficiency to be a truly smart city.
Sterling Ranch has been designed with a sharp eye on water conservation based on the arid region it is located in. Houses have rainwater harvesting, tiered indoor and outdoor water budgets, irrigation controllers, and low-water landscaped front yards, resulting in just over half the water demand of a typical house.Residents can monitor their water consumption in their Steward platform thanks to the connection of the Siemens-powered dual-water meter system within the home, which accounts separately for outdoor and indoor usage. The smart infrastructure at Sterling Ranch includes community-wide water collection from rainwater, storm drainage systems, and rooftops.
Additionally, as part of Dark Sky Initiative which seeks to reduce light pollution, Sterling Ranch streetlighting comes on fully at dusk and, at 10:00 p.m., reduces automatically by 50%.
Water is kept in underground storage tanks or retention ponds and is recycled for lawns, gardens, and open space at the community.
The smart streetlights that have been installed throughout the community may look like standard streetlights to visitors, but they serve dual purposes across the community. Smart streetlights are topped with multi-colored beacons that are switched on in case of emergencies. Each color has a different meaning, such as fire or tornado or lost child.
Vol. 4 / Issue 2 | Residential Tech Today 45 GREEN TECH
In the Steward App, homeowners can enjoy deeper control by creating custom scenes.
A Vision for the Future
“With the advent of Z-Wave Long Range, we are excited to see how we may use this new feature implementation across the community to offer better connections amongst our various infrastructure initiatives,” said Brent Olsen, senior project manager, Siemens Smart Infrastructure.
This is only the beginning for Sterling Ranch, as the community will continue to grow over the next 20 years. Siemens has committed to evolve their smart home package with each new phase of development for thisWithproject.Siemens’ future-forward approach to the infrastructure, Sterling Ranch is prepared for the next phase of technology from 5G networks and beyond and with Z-Wave serving as the interoperable technology standard of the smart home, the possibilities for growth are endless. x
COVER STORY Takes Control of Her Austin Smart Home By Eric Gross 46 Residential Tech Today | Vol. 4 / Issue 2 TobinBeccaBeccaTobin SuperstarMultimediaMultimediaSuperstar Photo: Claire Leahy
“Living in L.A. was great, but even in a multimillion-dollar property, our space was limited,” said Tobin. “So, when we moved into this fourbedroom, five-bathroom home in Austin, it was really important that we have everything we need to enjoy spending a lot of time here, including hosting friends and working remotely. We were excited to try out the multi-room audio system with in-ceiling speakers in a few rooms, but then we quickly started to wonder what else we could upgrade.”
“Like most of our customers, Becca and Zach came to us with a lot of questions, a few ideas, and zero experience using a true smart home system,” Asbach said. “After a few demos and a walkthrough of their home, the picture became COVER STORY
Vol. 4 / Issue 2 | Residential Tech Today 47
“This home is almost brand new, mixing a beautiful Mediterranean-style exterior with a more modern interior adorned with high ceilings, exposed beams and lots of natural light and windows,” explained Tobin. “I worked with an interior designer to make sure any items we add to the home have a complementary aesthetic, while Zach got a bit more excited about other technologies that we could add to simplify our daily lives. To be honest, I like technology as much as the average person, but I don’t want it to stick out in my living room or kitchen.”Recognizing this project would require professional experience and insight, they contacted the local experts at Macauley Technologies to help them explore the full range of possibilities and determine what would best fit their needs and lifestyle. According to the company’s Design & Project Manager, Craig Asbach, everything the couple wanted to do with technology was achievable through a Control4 system and complementary solutions from Snap One brands.
It started when Becca and her husband, real estate developer Zach Martin, moved from Los Angeles to Austin, TX, in late 2020, where their excitement for the new city and house quickly grew into a desire to maximize their home enjoyment with a professionally integrated smart home system.
A fter starring in the hit TV show Glee, writing a New York Times bestseller, and hosting the popular LadyGang podcast, actress and influencer Becca Tobin is adding a new, unexpected achievement to her biography: Control4 smart home owner.
An Invisible Experience Like a lot of homeowners, Becca and Zach had different priorities for integrating technology into their new home. At first, while Zach fawned over futuristic remote control capabilities and a high-quality audio system, Becca worried about filling the home with black boxes and wires. Then came a lightbulb moment: the in-ceiling speakers already in the home blended in perfectly, so maybe a professionally installed system would actually allow them to eliminate cable boxes and speaker wires completely.
Photos: Austin Marti Becca Tobin and her husband Zach had different priorities for integrating technology into their Austin home. Top photo, Tobin hosting her popular podcast.
Photos: Austin Marti
Entertainment
“Now that we can set custom lighting levels, play ambient music, and use our phones to control everything, our house has become the go-to among our friend group. We can create an ‘out to dinner’ vibe right in our living room or kitchen, which just wasn’t possible with standard lighting and more basic music and TV systems.”Beccawas
According to Tobin, this is the first home in which she’s been able to operate on wireless internet, where all previous homes required her to use an Ethernet cable connection to ensure consistent connection and quality.
Reliable, Remotely Becca’s Ladygang podcast, which she hosts with two other actresses/entrepreneurs, has accumulated numerous award nominations and more than 100 million downloads since 2015, making it one of the world’s most popular podcasts for women.
“Whether I’m doing some work in the bedroom or Zach is making a call downstairs, or we’re hosting a party outside and want to change up the music, it really just has to work, and it does.”
Outdoor Ambiance Macauley Technologies outfitted the backyard area with Triad satellite speakers and a subwoofer to offer premium audio for outdoor activities, including the jacuzzi the couple
excited to gain new levels of home enjoyment while maintaining the design aesthetic she wanted, and before long the technology started to affect how she used her home.“Iusually
Knowing that Control4 and other Snap One brands could satisfy all of their needs, Craig and his team outfitted the home with professionalgrade solutions that allow Becca and Zach to fully control their environment through the Control4 mobile app, Neeo remote controls for TVs, and custom-engraved lighting keypads in each room.
48 Residential Tech Today | Vol. 4 / Issue 2 COVER STORY / Multimedia Superstar Becca Tobin
wouldn’t turn on music at home, but now it’s so easy to choose music on my phone and have it play in the bathroom or bedroom or wherever I want it, I use it all the time and it elevates my experience of just existing at home,” she noted. “Honestly all these technologies are just part of my day now, and it’s not like I needed training or anything. It’s pretty cool when Zach or I close up for the night by hitting the ‘Goodnight’ button and all the lights, TVs and everything turn off without us having to walk around and physically switch them off. That simplicity is crucial when our families visit, and now we don’t need to help them do anything, even when we aren’t home.”
Elevated
Since the podcast is recorded online, and especially now that Becca lives in Austin while her cohorts are in California, her number one need for the home was a professional-strength wireless network. To that end, the integrators installed Access Networks and Araknis equipment to provide a foolproof wireless internet connection that extends to every inch of the home, including outdoors.
“This is the first time we’ve had extra space, or had rooms big enough to serve dual purposes, and of course we need reliable internet connection wherever we are,” Tobin said.
“Like most people, we spent a lot of time at home over the past two years, and we’ve realized we like being home and having friends over, and we’re actually kind of home bodies,” Tobin said.
clear: they wanted remote control of the lights, music, TV, climate, security, surveillance, and motorized window shades in as many rooms as possible. Most of all, they needed every light, TV, and component to be easy enough for any family member or guest to use.”
Secured Space Beyond the daily conveniences of instant control of lights, climate and entertainment, the couple also added security and surveillance to provide peace of mind. A mixture of existing cameras and new models from Luma provide full coverage of the home’s exterior, which is easily viewable in the Control4 app or on any TV in the home. A Luma NVR records in case the footage is needed.
Photos: Austin Marti
For even greater convenience and security, a Control4 Chime Video Doorbell provides an instant view of anyone who rings the doorbell and enables two-way intercom communication through the Control4 app from anywhere in the world. This is yet another feature they can tap into when they aren’t home, allowing them to see when packages are delivered or monitor workers scheduled to be on the property.“Wealways make sure our clients’ homes are as reliable and foolproof as they can be, so we installed WattBox power products to protect all Becca’s equipment against surges or power issues,” Asbach added. “With its OvrC remote system management functions, the WattBox gear also gives us remote control to reset some of the rack components and receive diagnostic reports in case something malfunctions. That’s one of the biggest advantages of using a professional versus buying a bunch of different systems themselves — we can make everything work together, make sure it works every day, and fix it quickly if something does go wrong.”
50 Residential Tech Today | Vol. 4 / Issue 2 sometimes uses while enjoying their first morning coffee.“Wealways try to be respectful of people’s space, so one thing we really appreciated was that Craig and the installers specifically set up our outdoor audio, so it’s directed inside the yard, and not at our neighbors’ houses,” Tobin continued. “Having directional speakers allows us to use them in the early morning without bothering anyone, and just shows the value of working with professionals. There’s no way we would have known how to do that if we had just bought our own speakers.”
For now, Becca and Zach are quite content with their high-tech paradise, and due to their busy schedules sometimes it even feels like being home is a vacation.
“I travel a ton and I’m often in hotel rooms for weeks on end, so now when I come home it feels like I’m walking into a luxury resort designed just for me,” Tobin said. “I never knew what I was missing before we tried Control4, but now that I do, I can’t imagine going back.”
x COVER STORY / Multimedia Superstar Becca Tobin
High Performance Audio Experience Venue Series www.wetsounds.comToday OUTDOOR CONCERT EXPERIENCE VENUE CREATINGSERIESTHATLIVE
In the performing arts, a triple threat is a person who can excel as an actor, singer, and dancer.
RTT: What led to the opportunity on Glee?
Becca Tobin is all of those things, but she also has managed to add New York Times best-selling author, television talk show host, and successful podcaster to her list of talents. That being said, at her core Tobin is still an actor, and she continues to balance all of her pursuits with television roles on Disney+, where she is currently portraying the role of Brooke Mailer on the reboot of Turner & Hooch and in Love at First Dance. And after a brief break from streaming services, Glee has also reappeared on Disney+ and Hulu.
Becca Tobin: It was the “preparation meets timing” thing for me. I moved to New York when I was 18 and attended a small conservatory there for two years. During that time, I started to audition for professional jobs in theater. In my final year, I auditioned five days a week, waking up at 8:00 AM, then standing in freezing cold outside waiting to be seen as a non-union performer. I think I was just more stubborn and a little more resilient. I stuck it out long enough to finally get those big moments.
BT: I never planned on being in on television. I never took any on-camera classes. It was all just singing, dancing, acting. But then when [Show Runner] Ryan [Murphy] was looking to cast Season Four of Glee — the new characters — they wanted performers from New York because that role that I was playing really heavily involved dance. I had my screen test and didn’t even know who Ryan Murphy was. I think it was an “ignorance is bliss” situation because my expectations were super low.
BT: It was kind of a similar feeling of being the new kid of the show. It was this hit series with people at the top of their field, but it was a much bigger stage. On my first couple of weeks working on Glee, it was like being in school, but not telling anybody that I didn’t know what I was doing. I had to just watch other people and see that, for instance, they put tape on the floor for your “mark” where you have to go and stand because they’ve lit the scene for you to be there. There’s no way of really learning these little details until you’re there or if you went to a school for it specifically. It was a very humbling experience. Everybody from the cast was wonderful and the crew was great, but it was very intimidating at first. Also, when I onwentthe show, there was a ton of attention about how Glee was still a hit show, but that we were bringing on new characters. A lot of the fans of the show had fallen in love with these six characters, and some people were up in arms and didn’t want new people. We were under a microscope pretty quickly in the beginning. I was a lot different knowing that there were people talking about us, and I was not this random, obscure, dancer on Broadway anymore. x
BT: Terrifying [laughs]. I wish I could say that all that practice had had groomed me for the moment, but I think when you have wanted to be on Broadway since you were 10 years old, when you get there, it’s a ton of pressure. It’s a pinch-me moment, but it’s also a panic moment. I went into that show as a swing after the show had already been running for a while. As a swing, I was the first replacement if someone couldn’t perform. Because of that, I didn’t get the experience of learning the show with everybody else in the cast. They all had been doing it for at least six months when I joined, and I only had a few times of being able to plug myself into those different roles and learn the choreography. It was like boot camp for theater. I had to go on three or four times before I was able to really relish in the moment and give my best performance. I definitely needed to get my feet wet a couple of times before I felt comfortable.
Glowacki COVER STORY / More to Know 52 Residential Tech Today | Vol. 4 / Issue 2
Follow @Becca on Instagram
Residential Tech Today: You were a stage actor before joining the Glee cast. Your first professional job was in Cats in a regional theater production in Houston, followed by a Rock of Ages on Broadway, then a role in the Trans-Siberian Orchestra touring cast. To what do you credit getting such massive opportunities so early in your career?
RTT: Did you find that it was harder or easier to join a cast of an iconic show like that in its fourth season?
It is Tobin’s Season 4 addition to Glee as cheerleader, Kitty, where she gained worldwide notice. We wanted to learn more about her path to getting that role and some of her memories of that iconic show. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
By Jeremy
Photo: Claire Leahy
RTT: What was it like being on a Broadway stage for the first time?
Becca Tobin’s Path to Glee
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Lighting affects everything. Your well-being. Mood. Concentration. Creativity. Now, with native integration of our new LED lighting fixtures and select third-party fixtures, the Crestron Home® platform puts the power to control it in your hand. Control the color, intensity, and amount of light, whether synchronizing with your natural circadian rhythm or using our SolarSync™ sensor to match the color temperature of the natural light outside. So, any time, any room, you’re always in the right light. Learn more at crestron.com/ledfixtures
Chang K. Park Leads URC by Blending Traditional Strategies with New Technologies and Communication Tools
TransformationLeading
54 Residential Tech Today | Vol. 4 / Issue 2 FEATURED
As CEDIA 2022 fast approaches, we decided to profile an industry leader and his company that have been successful for decades… literally more than 30 years. With careful thought and proven intuition, this leader evolved and thrived no matter the headwinds and with a loyal core team that defied the transitional workplace.
In the 1990s, Chang K. Park, CEO of URC, predicted America’s leap into home theater and changed the course of control by expanding beyond producing remote controls for subscription broadcast providers and many of the world’s most recognized brands to developing sophisticated advanced remote controls and home automation products. Park has led the organization through economic challenges, technological evolutions, supply chain disruptions, and proliferation of competitive actions. When the internet bubble burst in 2000, URC’s SL-series remote controls drove control sales. During the 2007 recession, URC helped dealers sustain their businesses with the affordable and practical MX-series. Later, with the expansion of DIY (Do-ItYourself) electronics and sub-systems, Park recognized the need to expand beyond the home theater category. In 2010, URC introduced the first generation of Total Control, a new automation system. Despite significant issues with automation complexity, Park and URC resolved each issue, learned a great deal, and launched successful versions of the Total Control system (now, in its third generation).
The same steady pace and laser focus helps URC continue to improve user lives while providing opportunities for dealers to grow their businesses.
“From the beginning, I have appreciated the efforts of our community of dealers, my team members, and my supply chain partners,” Park said. “Their efforts have allowed me to lead a business in our industry that I value greatly and helped us to drive innovation and trends in our industry.”Aprivately owned manufacturer, one of the few in the industry, URC sets the business health of its dealers as a top priority. And, with his perspective as an inventor and engineer, Park guides URC, not by spreadsheet or investor whim, but with a laser focus on growing URC’s dealer community and the custom installation industry.Witha steady stream of integrations and new products, URC continues to advance technology by thinking from a user’s perspective while providing industry-leading dealer profit and technical training. URC’s HDA (HighDefinition Audio), launched recently, is very popular among dealers and their customers due to its superior residential audio capabilities and advanced features like ducking and paging for the commercial market. The company’s new lighting platform (URC Lighting) offers designer fit and finish and advanced features for residential and commercial deployments.
URC’s Total Control Portfolio
• With technology advances, URC is announcing additions to the Complete Control product line, a favorite with users, with the launch of two, new handheld remotes: MX-490 and MX-1400.
URC’s Comcast Xfinity Integration
Given the noise and product proliferation in the industry, Park remains committed to core capabilities of control and automation. URC continues to innovate in these core, key product categories. For example:
• Valuable Variety: Total Control Lite, designed for up to four rooms and available
• URC launches the first certified voice and IP integration with Comcast Xfinity, the largest cable provider in the U.S. With voice or simple touch control, this native integration brings Xfinity’s world of entertainment into URC’s Total Control system.
• After working through the pandemic, URC is officially launching a certified Apple TV voice and IP integration that is native within the Total Control system.
With hundreds of integrations already established, URC’s 2022 announcements include Vantage Lighting, Carrier Infinity Climate Control, Just Add Power Amp-VLAN, Phillips Hue Sync Box and Hue V2, Luxor Lighting, FX Luminaire, Hayward OmniLogic, DBX ZonePro, ZeeVee, and Autonomic Mirage.
• URC is launching a certified integration with Nest Climate Control, to help homeowners monitor and minimize energy costs.
• User-Inspired Design: Products built on research that deliver sleek design which users like to hold, easy operation, right-sized digital or/and physical keys, engaging UI graphic design, and extensive customization
This year, URC is adding more new products and features to enhance its portfolio. URC brings to CEDIA 2022 new global brand integrations and advanced technology.
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56 Residential Tech Today | Vol. 4 / Issue 2 via distribution to whole home and office systems via a certified dealer network are all designed to fit user environments.
Like many industry experts, Park sees the residential sector continuing to grow but at a slower pace. Despite slowing consumer discretionary spending and other supply chains being stretched, 67% of URC dealers project growth in the residential sector during 2022 and into 2023. URC continues to make controllers, handheld remotes, touch screens and associated products without extensive price increases (only one increase in the last 10 years) and that arrive when needed. In fact, URC avoids the extensive delays and out-of-stock issues prevalent throughout the industry, while offering its dealers profit well above the industry. As an industry pioneer in training, URC speeds dealers through the learning curve with oneday and self-paced courses. Park likes to say that a new dealer can finish his/her first residential installation soon after from becoming a certified dealer.
Diversification Through ‘Resi-mercial’ This not-so-new buzz word in the industry is an important indicator of where the industry is headed and where opportunities are growing. Diversification of customer base is not a new concept, but an important one. Dealers who can balance the demands of single-family, multi-family, and MDU (multiple dwelling unit) installations can successfully ride the wave of demographic shifts, reach new customers, and leverage new trends like the boom of home office and work-from-home spaces. The opportunity to drive awareness to a new apartment dweller, transition with them to a condo and then through their first and second homes provides valuable awareness, cheaper conversion costs, and easier repeat purchase decisions. In fact, the typical firsttime homebuyer is pegged at 33 years old, while the typical repeat home buyer is at a
Leading
• Building Complete Dealer Solutions: Recognizing opportunity, URC continues to design and launch new platforms, like amplified audio distribution in HDA (High-Definition Audio), upscale URC Lighting and solutions with best-in-class partner brands.
Residential Expansion
Complete Control offers single-room solutions with IR/RF reliability.
• Best-In-Class, Accelerated Training: URC continues to innovate around training offerings to shorten the learning curve with live, virtual, and self-paced Withoptions.opportunities and obstacles changing the face of the custom installation industry, Park and URC are helping dealers chart a successful course in rough seas. URC’s roots in residential systems continue to be strong while the light commercial business is rebounding rapidly. Park’s team continues to deliver to dealers the knowledge and tools to expand their businesses with a trusted partner.
• Advanced Experience: Voice Control and simple, one-touch user interaction continue to be the innovation priority for URC with new products planned for release.
URC’s Remote with Voice Control
FEATURED Transformation
TRC-1480
– Ilan Zacher, Carr Properties
“Commercial applications require very simple and intuitive interfaces so that anyone can use them without formal training. Across commercial or MDU environments, URC affords us the opportunity to easily program and install, no matter how large or small our jobs are. Whether it’s a single room, huddle space, or a large building, we can do it all using a URC processor with Total Control.”
Engaging End-Users
Projected Growth in Commercial After taking a hit during the pandemic, commercial businesses are experiencing a cautious but real return to occupancy. Consumer desires for in-person meeting spaces, restaurant choices and right-sized living environments are fueling a return to growth. More than half of URC’s dealers are projecting growth in commercial installations and augmenting their business strategies to include this vital channel. Park and his team continue to advise and help dealers add commercial to their existing residential capabilities.
URC’s thousands of dealers and their customers are benefiting from these tools.
“As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve and grow in applications, we are carefully considering how this trend and computer learning can help URC deliver elevated, affordable smart living experiences of the future. As we plan for the future, our focus continues to be squarely on aiding our dealers in growing and evolving their businesses in the changing market,” ParkURCsaid.continues to transform in its fourth decade. The impact is clear within the company and the industry. Under Park’s leadership, which is a blend of traditional strategies combined with new technologies and communication tools, URC’s future is looking brighter than ever.
Control system. Video marketing with how-to tutorials are another valuable tool. Social media, led by LinkedIn, and digital marketing, led by www.urc-automation.com, provide valuable communication to existing, new, and prospective dealers.
“Over the past 15 years, Starpower’s relationship with URC has grown and strengthened. URC has become a trusted vendor. Through the ups and downs, URC has always been there with new products, sales support, and technical expertise. They truly care about their dealers.”
– David Pigeon, Starpower
FEATURED
URC’s TDC-9100 Touch Screen
So, what trends are impacting Park’s strategic planning?
– Ricardo Grant, Ultra AV record high of 56 years old. That’s a lifetime of control and automation opportunities with built-in loyalty. So, a dealer just expanded from single-family home theater systems to automation systems for apartments to condos to MDUs. To Park and his team, that’s a promise of continued growth.
– John Carroll, Nard’s Inc.
“URC provides us with ease of implementation and integration within existing or brand-new commercial environments. If we have a conference room that needs audio/video automation, URC helps us integrate new equipment and systems quickly and easily.”
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Consumer comprehension of the custom installation industry is an important factor to delivering growth. DIY permeates the lower end of the market with numerous entries in the smaller, sub-system sector. Park recognizes and addresses this trend by blending traditional and new communication tools. Communicating with and through dealers is the primary focus to inform and engage consumers. New communication tools like URC’s Virtual Home usersVirtualHome/index.htm),(https://urcportal.com:9000/whichallowstoexperienceawhole-homeTotal
“Choosing a product is never easy, choosing a product that works makes life easy. URC’s Total Control has given us the ability to achieve seamless integration in today’s demanding world by integrating across popular audio/video, home theater, security, lighting, shades & climate brands. Total Control helps us create a luxury experience which exceeds our client’s high expectations.”
Top among dealer comments are the tenets of Park’s strategy… advanced product technology, programming ease, price stability, high dealer profit, and available product. Not every manufacturer can claim the same supply chain reliability. Park continues to maintain a supply chain that he created decades ago and delivers products when other manufacturers cannot.
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Spending so much time in the home forever impacted the way consumers think about their spaces, leading millions to invest in smart home and security products. This trend is further supported by the increasing penetration of broadband internet and interoperability among smart device manufacturers. With the most rapid technological advances in history, smart home and security devices, whether DIY or professionally installed, have taken our homes by storm. Products using artificial intelligence, consumer data, and homeowner behavior to improve the smart home experience are becoming more enticing.
In March 2022, market research and consulting firm Parks Associates announced that 50% of all security system sales in the past year were DIY solutions, and if consumer intentions hold, DIY systems will soon Some products, such as the Abode Cam 2, offer the ability to monitor property in real-time without a subscription or commitment.
Working (and Watching) From Home
A whole new segment of the population has now received at least a cursory introduction to smart security solutions through doorbell cameras and smart locks — literally opening the door to even greater levels of future device adoption.Whileboth DIY and professional install options have their place, they provide two completely different experiences for homeowners, and professional install products have been in the game a lot longer than DIY options. With absolutely no tech savvy skills required on the homeowners’ part, pros ensure that systems are set up properly and optimize them for the best performance.
Conversely, DIY smart home devices offer homeowners lower cost options, and enable the flexibility to move devices or adjust settings themselves without having to call a pro and schedule an appointment for help. There’s also a middle area where pros might install a base system that consumers can expand via DIY addons or vice versa.
Opening the Door toSecurity Tech
By Mark Owen Burson
Demand for Smart Home Security is on the Rise for DIY and Professional Installation
The last two years have seen massive changes in home technology trends and purchasing decisions that influence them. Even as families have started to resume activities outside the home, the house is still on their minds.
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Installers must know the why before they can get to the “how can we help.” Professional Install: More Than Meets the Eye
It can be said that the DIY solutions of today wouldn’t exist without professional install options and wireless technology. While an increasing number of new smart home consumers are starting with their own off-theshelf solutions, they should be aware that an installer can take their ideas to the next level. By utilizing a trained professional, they can integrate solutions to provide a whole-home experience. Piecemeal
Vol. 4 / Issue 2 | Residential Tech Today 59 ISSUE FOCUS constitute the majority of the market. Cameras and video doorbells are the top two devices security system owners report adding to their systems, followed by smart door locks and additional motion sensors. DIY is often the first entry point into smart home and security offerings due to low barriers all around. Affordability, ease of install and simple setup are often cited as benefits of DIY.
Even consumers who do not have — or require — a professional security system can use a WiFi-connected camera to monitor deliveries outside, or to keep an eye on children engaging in remote learning during the workday. The value proposition of these products is simple and easy for users to understand, and these devices make for a natural entry point into the smart home ecosystem.
DIY could end up putting consumers further away from the vision of a seamlessly connected home and create frustration. Professionals strive to ensure reliability and seamless integration to ease those feelings. Each product is vigorously tested to provide greater interoperability throughout the ecosystem and product’s lifespan. Identifying compatibility between products, systems, apps, installation, setup, pairing, provisioning, and connecting disparate devices is a major challenge, and one that is near impossible on a DIY level without a high degree of technical know-how.Professionals have the right tools and possess the knowledge to make it possible to integrate multiple components from different systems. More advanced features, such as 24/7 monitoring and video lookback, are available on the Abode Cam 2 for a nominal monthly fee and still do not lock consumers into contracts.
But DIY options aren’t without issue, of course. Many people still struggle to get their DIY systems up and running, and interoperability due to fragmentation in the market proves to be a challenge. Technical issues and the risk of obsolescence or rapid technical advancements rendering devices outdated or incompatible may arise after purchase, especially if a company opts to shut down or goes out of business. However, compatibility across brands and devices has been improving and will increase as industry standards, like Matter, are adopted and deployed. Consumers are empowered like never before to choose their systems and monitoring options without being locked into long-term contracts. Some products, such as my company’s Abode Cam 2, offer the ability to monitor property in real-time without a subscription or commitment. More advanced features, such as 24/7 monitoring and video lookback, are available for a nominal monthly fee and still do not lock consumers into contracts. Asconsumers increasingly choose to take care of the simple projects themselves, pro installers have even more opportunity to add value and offer more intricate, whole-home ecosystems. It is crucial to have a good understanding of why a consumer may opt to go the DIY-route first.
Indoor and outdoor security cameras? With multiple security zones, it can be a big ask. But pro install security products simplifiy that process. No toolbelt necessary.
60 Residential Tech Today | Vol. 4 / Issue 2 ISSUE FOCUS Opening the Door to Security Tech
An Advisor is the Shortcut to Success Pro installers who are seeing long-term success are taking on an entirely different role. Consumers no longer need an in-and-out salesperson — they need to be guided by a trusted advisor to a system based on their unique needs. The savvy consumer might say that choosing a professional installer is a shortcut to the smart home they expect. The new role of the installer is a much more consultative approach. At the top of the funnel they act as influencers, but as the consumer gets closer to purchasing, the installer becomes their advisor. Tofillthis role, installers can help homeowners determine the true scope of their project. Beginning the conversation by asking why they want or what event or issue made them want a smart home security system will ensure that installers are providing the best array of products and services to satisfy unique needs and give consumers ultimately what they are looking for: peace of mind. Taking Charge of Tech Trends The bottom line is that even home technology enthusiasts don’t want to deal with a complicated installation process. However, there are opportunities for both in the home if DIY devices are simple, straightforward, and easy to install – ultimately providing an overall value different than or supplementing professional systems. Professionally installed systems can enable more features and functions, such as automations, programming, and scenes that provide added benefits of smart home control in addition to security. Consumers absolutely have a choice between the two, and sometimes a blend of both, but it’s up to each homeowner to determine their tradeoffs and needs between cost and value. x
A home technology professional understands various systems and designs a solution that works for the homeowner and follows up by serving the system as needed.
Piecemeal DIY could end up putting consumers further away from the vision of a easeseamlessensureProfessionalscreateconnectedseamlesslyhomeandfrustration.strivetoreliabilityandintegrationtothosefeelings.
The 2GIG EDGE automation and security panel, for example, has facial recognition to enable fast, touchless disarming and entry. Pro install products like this can leave homeowners feeling assured that their private information is safe and secure, too, by storing data on the panel (edge) and not in the cloud. Looking to add sensors to every door and window in a home?
Pro install options also have additional features that simply cannot be found in the DIY realm.
In the face of this downward pressure on price, companies are taking a variety of strategies to offer value-tier security products and services. Industry players are offering a range of devices at different price points. Amazon Ring, who remains a big player in the video doorbell market, now offers a model that does the basics for $60 and a top-of-the-line $250 model with HD video, 3D motion detection, and built-in Alexa Greetings that answer the door for the user.
By Elizabeth Parks, President & CMO, Parks Associates
Photo: iStockphoto.com/Capuski
The past two years have been hard for most industries, but the smart home business has grown steadily. Through health crises, social strife, and economic volatility, consumers continue buying connected products for their homes. Parks Associates research finds that as of Q4 2021, 37% of U.S. internet households are actively shopping for a smart home device.
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Wyze forgoes the premium line and instead offers a whole portfolio of value-tier products really staking its brand on making affordable consumer tech from cameras and lighting to weight scales and headphones. On the services side, Canary announced professional monitoring of its all-in-one security solution for just $9.99/month, which is among the most affordable on market for self-install solutions, matching Ring’s $10/month price point and lower than SimpliSafe’s $17.99/ month and ADT’s $20/month.
Growing Interest inthe Smart Home Home Investments, Connected Devices, and Building Trust with the Category
Consumer and business interest in smart home applications and solutions accelerated during the pandemic. Multi-dwelling unit (MDU) residents are a fast-growing segment of the market. Parks Associates’ new research study, Smart Home Opportunities in Multifamily Properties, finds that 27% of MDU residents have a smart device provided by their landlord or property owner, and the overwhelming majority value the safety and security benefits of these solutions. Of those with propertyprovided smart home devices, 64% value the notifications that they receive about safety issues, and 62% find value in the ability to monitor activity outside their door.
The firm’s research of multifamily builders shows that 83% of multifamily builders report the ability to integrate smart home technology with property management software as “very important,” and 65% report that smart home technology differentiates properties and adds value.Another driver of growth is the decline in product and service prices in recent years, which is necessary to attract a more mainstream buyer. For example, Parks Associates saw the average price of video doorbells decline by more than $50 since 2017, helping drive adoption of these products.
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Going forward, in addition to price point decisions, smart home players will need to decide which of these groups to cater to when designing the user experience or face the very difficult challenge of appealing to both.
x 10%15%20%25%30%35%40%45%50%5%0% Q4/2016 Q4/2017 Q4/2018 Q4/2019 Q4/2020 Q4/2021 Industry Performance Indicators Own ConnectedAny Device High Purchase Intent Own Core Smart Home 12PurchasedDeviceinLastMonths 29%37%43%47% Photo: iStockphoto.com/RossHelen
The past several years has seen not only a growth in adoption across device categories but also an increase in the average number of devices per household. Consumers have continued to add devices as they learned of new benefits, features, and potential use cases in their smart home. Twenty-seven percent of smart home device owners now own three or more devices, and consumers who own devices continue to buy more. However, the growing complexity of the smart home device collections can create challenges for the consumer who is attempting to navigate the various app, ecosystem, and standards their devices use.
In addition to the user experience issue of control, the growing collection of smart home devices increases the stakes on data privacy and thus trust. Who do consumers trust to control their home? Who do they trust with all of the potentially sensitive data that passes through their smart products? There are plenty of companies vying for this spot. Security system providers, internet service providers, retail energy providers, manufacturers of smart home products, and of course the tech giants are all trying to convince consumers that they can be trusted stewards.WhenParks Associates asked consumers who they trust, the response indicates that security providers and ISPs have a lead in the game. However, no one can give up in this race. Earning and keeping consumer trust is fundamental in this market, so all players must make a focus.
Parks Associates will present consumer research and address key trends affecting the smart home industry during its flagship event, Connections: The Premier Connected Home Conference in May. In its 26th year, Connections is the only connected home event to focus on the use cases and emerging business models that successfully engage consumers and grow revenues in the converging smart home, connected entertainment, and mobile ecosystems.
With all these devices in a single home, there is naturally a strong demand for unified control. About nine out of 10 smart home device owners said they want unified control of all of their connected home products through a single app. However, within that group, device owners are divided evenly on the experience. About half say that they want to feel like an expert. They want to be able to customize their experience, really control how their smart home works for them. The other half say that they want to set it and forget it; they want automation.
The Shelly Plug US can be remotely controlled through the Shelly smart phone app, integrated with the actions of other Shelly devices through the Shelly cloud, or controlled by a smart home processor/hub.
By Jay Basen Shelly, the smart home brand of Allterco Robotics, offers a wide range of IoT devices that solve a wealth of problems in a smart home. The new Shelly Plug US is a well designed and constructed smart plug that offers a wealth of features that make it very competitive in the marketplace — especially for the price. In addition, its integration with a large number of both consumer and professional smart home platforms makes it very attractive to both smart home hobbyists and professional smart home integrators.
Smart Plug Potential
The Shelly Plug US, which operates through either Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, also supports built-in, custom schedules to turn the Shelly Plug US on/off at predetermined times including sunrise andForsunset.added safety, the Shelly Plug US includes a temperature sensor. If an unsafe temperature is detected, or there is a rapid rise in temperature detected, the device will turn off the connected appliance and send a notification. The Shelly Plug US also includes overpower and over voltage protections. If the device senses an overpower, or over-voltage condition, then the connected appliance will again be turned off and a notification
The Shelly Plug US integrates with a wide range of consumer smart home platforms including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, MQTT, HomeSeer, openHAB, Home Assistant, Domoticz, iBroker, RESTful API, Hubitat, Hoobs, Symcon, Homey, andForNymea.professional smart home integrators there is integration with Crestron SimplWindows programs using the Shelly-Crestron driver that I’ve written, Crestron Home using a driver written by WMS, URC, Elan integration with a drivers written by Innovo and Intrinsic, and integration with Control4 using drivers written by Chowmain Software and Blackwire.TheShelly Plug US is very easy to use. Installation of the device is done using the Shelly app on your iOS or Android smart phone. Once connected to your network, you can use the Shelly app to configure all the device’s settings and features that are described above. In addition, like all Shelly devices, the Shelly Smart Plug US has an internal web server. Going to the device’s IP address in a browser provides you with an alternate way of controlling the device as well as configuring all of its settings and features. My only complaint is that the REST API doesn’t provide a way for the Shelly Plug US to report the power being used by a connected appliance without the smart home processor/ hub polling for that information. I have suggested to Shelly that they update their API to support the ability for the Shelly Plug to report power without polling. Hopefully they will add this capability in the near future. x
There are more smart plugs available than can be counted. Shelly, however, has worked hard to differentiate its new plug from the crowd. Among its features, the Shelly Plug US includes power monitoring. You can obtain the power used by the appliance plugged into the Shelly Plug US through either the Shelly App on your smart phone or through the Shelly API when integrating the device into a smart home ecosystem. You can also set a power limit and the plug will automatically turn off the device when this limit is exceeded.
Additionally,sent.the Shelly Plug US includes built-in timers to optionally turn the connected appliance off after it has been on for a specific time period or turn it on after it has been off for a specific time period. For example, you can plug an iron into a Shelly Plug US and never have to worry about whether you remembered to turn the iron off after using it.
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How the Shelly Plug US Measures Up to the Competition
The sexily named Vaddio Deployment Tool setup ran without a hitch, and I was soon scanning the network for the Vaddio IntelliSHOT Auto-Tracking Camera. It popped up in a few seconds, and I continued to follow along in the guide as it prompted me to size the room, choose a tracking speed, along with a few other options. All of this took me less than 10 minutes.Previous entrants into the auto-grouping space have fallen short, failing to capture meeting participants who were sitting still or who stopped moving around for too long. The Vaddio IntelliSHOT Auto-Tracking Camera approaches this challenge using an analytics engine to detect faces and map the room. I finally sat down at my NUC computer and opened up a Google Meet session. My ugly mug stared back at me, and I stood up and walked around the room. Nothing happened at first but after a few seconds the camera started to pan over to where I stood. My pulse quickened. I love technology, especially when it works. The lack of instant panning later struck me as an intentional design element, given the propensity of people in a meeting to move around frequently, and I suppose the camera waits a beat or two before settling on any changes. I moved around a bit more and each time the camera faithfully followed me around the room.
The Vaddio IntelliSHOT Auto-Tracking Camera retails at $2,183. This places it squarely in the $2,000-$4,000 range that most of its competitors live in. It’s a simple setup, incredibly configurable, and will laser in for decent closeups with a 30x zoom. We’ll be adding the Vaddio IntelliSHOT AutoTracking Camera to our line up and look forward to seeing more innovations from them down the road.
The Vaddio IntelliSHOT Auto-Tracking Camera
Vaddio IntelliSHOT Final Assessment
Tracking a Group Zoom
By Henry Clifford I’ve been obsessed with video conferencing cameras ever since the beginning of the pandemic. So much of our communications now take place virtually, and the camera is becoming the lens (forgive the pun) through which we see each other. It feels like the video conferencing experience for individuals is pretty clean. Most new computers have built-in cameras and microphones. We sit down in front of one, fire up Zoom, and boom! We get instant video conferencing that’s fairly easy to use with decent sound and video. What about groups of people? That’s a whole different kettle of fish. Group video conferencing, for the most part, leaves a great deal to be desired. There are, however, a few companies out there trying to change that and Vaddio is one of them. Their new IntelliSHOT Auto-Tracking Camera promises to automatically size its field of view to capture the entire group in the room. How would it perform? I started unpacking boxes and settled in to find out. Unboxing the Vaddio IntelliSHOT My sample unit from Vaddio arrived packaged in brown cardboard and closed cell foam. Nothing exciting to report from this obvious demo unit other than it’s early days for this new camera model and I was excited to get my hands on one. Installation I laid everything out and started making connections. The Vaddio IntelliSHOT AutoTracking Camera has USB, HDMI, and ethernet connections on the back, and I connected via USB to a Windows NUC computer while simultaneously putting it on the network via ethernet connection. The included user manual prompted me to download their configuration software on an Apple or Windows computer (I deducted a few points for not having a pure play browser configuration or app). I zipped over to my iMac and began the installation.
The only issue I noticed had to do with its field of view. The Vaddio IntelliSHOT Auto-Tracking Camera has a fairly narrow 70.2-degree range that makes it a great fit for skinny rooms but not so hot for wider applications. I asked a few colleagues to join me, and the camera faithfully panned wider to frame all participants perfectly.
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The Vaddio IntelliSHOT Camera Promises to Automatically Size its Field of View for Group Videoconferences
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66 Residential Tech Today | Vol. 4 / Issue 2 PRODUCT REVOLUTION
The Audyssey ACM1-X calibrated microphone is a companion accessory to its MultEQ-X room-correction software. The microphone enables measurements to be corrected to a near-perfect match to those of a “type 1” reference microphone. Each Audyssey ACM1-X microphone is individually measured at Audyssey’s laboratory in Los Angeles, CA. Once calibrated, a serial number is assigned, and a unique calibration file is created. MultEQ-X brings users greater control over calibration parameters and more detailed information about their room acoustics.
Senseon is a commercial-grade cabinet locking system from Accuride designed for seamless integration into any fixture, including those in a home. Designed for cabinet doors, drawers, and closets, Senseon Systems bolster home security to increase your peace of mind. The system fills the gap left by traditional home security, offering userfriendly access control for cabinets, drawers, and display cases. It also eliminates traditional lock and keys with a wireless “wave-and-lock” system with auto relock and customizable access permissions.
Access Networks is now integrating a Sophos nextgeneration firewall/router to strengthen the cybersecurity capabilities of its custom Core Systems.
The XGS Series from Sophos delivers a new level of performance and protection to home networks against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Given the steady increase in work- and learn-from-home environments, the addition of an advanced firewall comes at an opportune time. Systems integrators can now offer households the same degree of visibility, protection, and performance as corporations.
Crestron’s new LED Light Fixtures are fully tunable to add real-time personalized lighting control into the Crestron Home operating system. Homeowners can have full control of the color of their lights, including hue, saturation, color temperature, and intensity of light, or they can opt to synchronize Crestron’s LED Light Fixtures with their natural circadian rhythm or utilize a Crestron Solar Sync sensor to match the natural light outside. The Solar Sync sensor is an outdoor sensor that communicates the outside color temperature to Crestron Home in real time.
The Denon DHT-S217 full-range Dolby Atmos sound bar was designed to deliver crystal-clear dialogue with authoritative bass response from two onboard subwoofers. The DHT-S217 also incorporates Dolby Atmos 3D audio technology for a lifelike, cinematic surround sound experience. At a scant 2 inches in height, the Denon DHT-S217 can be placed in front of the TV without obstructing the bottom edge of the display or it can be wall mounted. The DHT-S217 offers a choice of four sound modes (Movie, Night, Music, and Pure), enabling listeners to choose the perfect mode for any occasion.
JVC is reaching a broader audience with the introduction of two new entry-level models. Both are lamp light source models with support for 4K120p input and are compatible with HDR10+ content. Equally important, the new Procision Series DLA-NP5 and Reference Series DLA-RS1100 ($6,999. 95 each, MSRP) feature JVC’s acclaimed D-ILA technology for impressive black level and native contrast. The new models feature dual 48Gbps inputs with HDCP 2.3.
The Nice Era Inn Edge S Li-ion is a new battery-powered sunshade motor that gives builders and contractors the freedom and flexibility to integrate smart shading solutions during any stage of the building process. The shades line features a lithium-ion battery and a tubular motor that is completely independent of inwall wiring for power. The line features uniform hembar alignment performance via on-board RF technology issued from the Nice remote or a smartphone app.
With the new MODEL 40n, Marantz wants to provide listeners with rich and satisfying sound in an elegantly designed single unit device. Listening to music is effortless thanks to built-in access to music streaming from Spotify Connect, Apple Music via Airplay, Pandora, Tidal, and many more services. The MODEL 40n also provides access to high resolution personal file libraries, up to PCM 192 kHz / 24 bit as well as DSD up to 5.6 MHz. Wireless connectivity options include Apple Airplay, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi with HEOS.
Vol. 4 / Issue 2 | Residential Tech Today 67 PRODUCT REVOLUTION
68 Residential Tech Today | Vol. 4 / Issue 2
Screen Innovations Nano 2 is a new and improved motorized shading cassette that embodies a suite of new features, while maintaining the same modern aesthetic that has made the Nano line a favorite among integrators, designers, and end-users. Nano 2’s removable front cover provides easy access to the motors, technology, and shading fabric inside the cassette. Leveling adjustments, maintenance, and fabric swaps during a remodel, for example, are handled easily, without detaching the cassette from the window.
Savant is now offering advanced integration with industry leaders across the inverter and battery storage market, including Schneider Electric, Fortress Power, Sol-Ark, and HomeGrid - powered by Lithion. This product integration and availability ensure that Savant can deliver scalable energy management solutions for projects up to 800AMPs, with both single and three-phase options. Scalability starts with what the company says is “incredible performance” and intelligent battery storage from 7kW/11kWh to 500kW/1100kWh.
Theory Audio Design has begun shipping the DLC-250.4 distribution loudspeaker controller, which offers four channels of intelligent power, a full DSP matrix, and is TCP/IP controlled through a wired connection or directly via its on-board Wi-Fi access point. Theory’s product ecosystem is unique in that it offers many of the performance qualities of professional audio products – effortless dynamics, high efficiency, and rugged durability –but with the sonic delicacy, detail, and resolution of the best high-end, high-fidelity products.
RTI has completed a major update to its Integration Designer control application software. The new Integration Designer 11 enables technology integrators to achieve faster, more efficient installations with all the advanced customization for which RTI is known. It adds time saving tools and features an all-new template, new icons and background libraries, and custom sliders to personalize residential and commercial projects.
LEARN Expansive education program with solutions-oriented presentations & workshops from UAS CONNECTthought-leaders Facilitated networking, matchmaking, and focused roundtables, with drone industry professionals from around the globe Cutting-edgeEXPERIENCEUASsolutionsproviders, live outdoor flying demonstrations & exclusive training isRegistrationopen! Use code SAVE100 for $100 off a Full Conference Pass or a FREE Exhibit Hall Pass. expouav.com VERTICAL FOCUS. GLOBAL REACH. SEP. 6-8, 2022 CAESARS FORUM / LAS VEGAS THE COMMERCIAL UAV EVENT FOR: Construction &EnergyUtilities Forestry & Agriculture Infrastructure & Transportation Public Safety & Emergency Services Security &SurveyingMappingMining & AggregatesDeliveryDrone Produced by Diversified Communications
new CORE Series of Control4 Controllers offer a “generational refresh” of the hardware that runs each customer’s system and provides access to the full set of features available from the Control4 Intelligent Platform. The corresponding platform update (OS 3.3.0) includes new timesaving shortcuts in Composer Pro, support for Apple Watch, full integration of color and color temperature into the Control4 Platform with user interface controls, color selection and ramping available to lighting scenes, and easier integration into personalized automated scenes for effortless highlights.
The new SunBrite Veranda 3 line of full-shade outdoor LED TVs from Snap One offer 4K UHD resolution, 1,000-nit brightness, Wi-Fi, dual 10W speakers, quantum dot technology, a native 120Hz refresh rate, IP55 protection against the elements, a weatherproof remote, and Android TV smart platform. The TVs feature quantum dot technology that generates 1 billion colors, 72 local dimming zones to improve contrast, Google assistant voice control, and Google Chromecast integration that enables simple streaming from mobile devices.
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70 Residential Tech Today | Vol. 4 / Issue 2
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The Russound XTS7 (SRP: $499) is a seven-inch Android touchscreen that is powered by the Russound app and features a high-resolution display and quad core processor. In addition, it offers access to the Google Play store, allowing users to install any Android application. Mounting is tailored to a portrait mode installation in either single-gang, double-gang, and 60mm Euro boxes, with a low profile that easily blends with any décor.
cediaexpo.comefuture is BIG Big inking. Big Future. It all happens at CEDIA Expo, the only show dedicated to residential tech. Together, let’s revolutionize the connected home of the future. It’s time to think BIG! Expo: Sept 29 - Oct 1, 2022 SeptConference:28-Sept 30, 2022 dallas, tx Registration opens May 17. Save with Super Saver Rates when you register by June 3! Scan the QR code to learn more and register.
A Look Back at the Biggest Summer Blockbusters of All Time
Plot: A teenager with magical powers blows up his father’s place of business with the help of a space pirate and his dog.
Fun fact: In the original script, protagonist Luke Skywalker suffered from contact dermatitis and ultimately wanted to board the Death Star in search of a cold compress and some soothing balm. However, director George Lucas ultimately decided to omit the subplot in the final cut of the film.
Plot: Twenty one films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe culminate in an epic finale to the Infinity Saga. However, I only saw Iron Man 2 and Guardians of the Galaxy, and the version of Iron Man 2 I saw was in Dutch, so I’m not quite sure what was going on in this movie.
Plot: A civilian and off-duty police officer with no prior mass transit training commandeer a crowded Los Angeles bus without using the brakes.
Fun Fact: With overall box office numbers eclipsing the $2.7 billion mark, Avengers: Endgame outperformed both 2001’s Legally Blonde and its sequel, 2003’s Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde
Photo: iStockphoto.com/Elen11 Photo: iStockphoto.com/neilkendall Photo: iStockphoto.com/mihailomilovanovic Photo: iStockphoto.com/BrendanHunter Photo: iStockphoto.com
Star Wars (1977)
Fun fact: Director Steven Spielberg was inspired to make the film after realizing that there were no dinosaurs on the planet anymore. “I went to the zoo with my children and noticed there were no dinosaurs to be seen. And I thought that was interesting,” Spielberg said in a 1996 interview.
Fun Fact: In order to prepare for her role in the film, actress Sandra Bullock attempted to use public transportation in Los Angeles. However, she ultimately decided to exit the bus after two stops, calling it the most grueling experience of her career.
Plot: A billionaire dresses up like a giant bat and fights with a clown in what’s considered one of the greatest films of all time.
Memorable Quote: “I’m just hoping that the Empire doesn’t strike back.” — Han Solo Jurassic Park (1993)
Memorable Quote: “I’m only Captain of the continental U.S. That means that Alaska and Hawaii are on their own.” — Captain America
Fun Fact: In a particularly memorable scene, The Joker sets off a detonator, resulting in the full detonation of a Gotham City hospital. Director Christopher Nolan ultimately decided against using an actual hospital for the filming of the scene, as he believed that it might harm the people inside.
Plot: One of the greatest scientific advancements of all time is seen as a bad thing because of a small handful of casualties.
By Anthony Elio Summertime is here! And that means soaking up the sun, running the underground betting market for my nephew’s Little League games, and checking out all the big summer blockbusters. But, for the purposes of this article, let’s just focus on that last one. Here’s a look back at some of the top summer blockbusters of all time.
Memorable Quote: “I’m gonna be dino-sore tomorrow!” — Dr. Alan Grant Speed (1994)
Memorable Quote: “Oh no! This bus is going too fast!” — Bus Passenger #3 The Dark Knight (2008)
Memorable Quote: “That’s the funny thing about our society, Batman. They tell you that you have the freedom to pick your friends. They tell you that you have the freedom to pick your nose. But the second you pick your friend’s nose? Anarchy.” — The Joker
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
72 Residential Tech Today | Vol. 4 / Issue 2 The Lighter Side RELAX
Compatibility with industry-leading Electrical Panels, Energy Generation and Storage Solutions All brand names, product names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Savant Systems disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of third-party partners. ©2022 Savant Systems Inc. The Savant Power System delivers complete energy management for the home, revenue-grade energy monitoring and circuit level control all inside the standard panel. • Personalized Energy Scenes • Time-of-Use Mitigation • Energy Production and Consumption History • Notifications & Energy Insights • Generator Flexibility, Solar Energy Efficiency, Longer Battery Life GIVING YOU THE POWER TO MAKE EVERY ELECTRICAL PANEL SMART Learn more at www.savant.com/power
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