Residential Tech Today -- Spring 2021

5 WAYS TO IMPROVE A HOME NETWORK | MADE IN THE SHADE | A NEW VIEW FROM THE FRONT DOOR

MERGING SOUND AND SUSTAINABILITY WITH

ADRIAN GRENIER

Spring 2021

PLUS: Creating a Continuity Plan Turning to Z-Wave Wireless Protocols “I Wish I’d Thought of That!”

Testing the Alarm.com Car Connector

From the Editor An early taste of spring temperatures was forecast for a Saturday in late March. My dad, who lives an hour and a half away, agreed to visit my central Indiana home to help me with an outdoor project while my stepmom visited with my wife and daughters. Dad and I would be rewiring my backyard audio system, which had been damaged by feisty rabbits who apparently did not appreciate speaker wire obstructing their pathway.

While I’m fully capable of terminating and burying speaker wire myself (not to brag), I knew that my dad loves a good DIY project as much as I do, so I invited him to join me for some father/son quality time.

Executive Editor Jeremy Glowacki

The day before our project, I sent Dad a how-to installation video from the manufacturer of the speakers to review.

Wiring a speaker system, as any tech professional will attest, is as much about dexterity with wire strippers as it is about speaker placement. Unfortunately, Dad and I lack that specific agility, so we knew we had to tackle the project cautiously.

The day before, I sent Dad a YouTube link from the manufacturer on how our project should be done. I also I stopped by to visit my friends at Millennium Sounds, who generously supplied 90 feet of four-conductor burial-rated speaker wire and waterproof connector caps for the project.

When my Dad arrived on Saturday morning, we first practiced our wire cutting and wire stripping on a few extra lengths of cable, making sure we had honed our technique as much as possible and burned off our coffee a little. When we finally got down to work, we took extra care with the cuts at each speaker location, pulling the wire strippers in a way that protected the delicate strands of copper in the wire and didn’t require any more connections than necessary.

Our procedure definitely improved as we went along. Like any repetitive task, we gained a certain rhythm each time we stripped the coating off the wire, figuring out just the right amount of cutting pressure and pull strength.

I know that we both felt a sense of accomplishment when everything was hooked up a couple of hours later, and we could hear music floating from all four landscape speakers and the buried subwoofer. There were no pops, no buzzing, and plenty of headroom in the system.

I felt a special satisfaction from having worked so well with my dad, each of us contributing ideas or insights complementary to the other… each of us taking turns with the cutters.

A home tech professional would have completed the project in half the time, but then Dad and I wouldn’t have our shared experience to look back on. It was an early Father’s Day gift to each other, and one I’ll remember every time I’m sitting out on the deck listening to my favorite Spotify station.

2 Residential Tech Today |

Spring 2021

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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 integration.

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Michael Heiss

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4 Residential Tech Today |

Spring 2021

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contents 42 Adrian Grenier’s Special Gift Cover Photo: Courtesy of West Elm (Landon Vonderschmidt)

Departments 10 By the Numbers 12 Quick Bits 14 Health Tech 16 Audio 18 CEDIA Says

20 Security 22 Home Theater 24 Video 62 Product Revolution 64 The Lighter Side

26 Innovator Spotlight Amanda Wildman, TruMedia

28 Networks

5 Ways to Improve a Home Network

30 Issue Focus: Security Turning to Z-Wave Wireless Protocols

32 Creating a Continuity Plan 34 Testing the Alarm.com Car Connector

36 Featured

I Wish I’d Thought of That!

48 Featured Made in the Shade

52 Featured

Connected Living at KBIS

54 Outdoor Tech

Installing Origin Acoustics Bollard Loudspeakers in Arizona

58 Video

The Latest Trends in TVs and Projectors

60 Health Tech The Power of the Nudge

Photo: John Frattasi

6 Residential Tech Today |

Spring 2021

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Contributors Ben Jurow is vice president of sales at Access Networks, but he also has served as sales manager for Savant in Canada and New England and was a Crestron programmer for three different custom integration companies. On p. 28, Jurow offers five ways to improve the performance of a home network.

Jay Basen retired after 40 years of professional software development, but 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. 32), he writes about the merits of creating a residential continuity plan.

Henry Clifford founded 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. On page 36, Clifford reviews the Car Connector, which is a new add-on to any Alarm.com system.

As a product and marketing executive at Harman International, Michael Heiss was responsible for many breakthrough audio and video products. On the entertainment side of the business he was a promotion manager at NBC and was key to the development of hotel in-room movies and created the first nationwide movie rental service for Beta and VHS cassettes. As part of CEDIA since its founding, he served two terms on the CEDIA Board and headed the Technology Council. He was awarded CEDIA’s “Volunteer of the Year” award and is a CEDIA Fellow. In this issue (p. 38), Heiss shares off-beat observations from CES, including touchless doorbells, air quality monitors, and next-level baby monitors

Charlie Derk, director of product marketing for shading and residential controls at Legrand, has nearly two decades of experience bringing world-class products to market. During this period, he has led software teams, conducted training, worked with end-users, spent time in sales and product management, and has done market development both domestically as well as internationally. His drive and passion for building “nothing but the best” have led to successful products that have turned into market leaders and have seen double digit growth year over year. On p. 44, Derk interviews residential tech professionals about their experiences offering automated shading systems.

Dennis Holzer, executive director of the PowerHouse Alliance, leads his group’s 12 distributor members in dealer communication and industry outreach. With more than 30 years of experience, Holzer has done everything from road warrior salesman to spending over 15 years as president and owner of Hamburg Brothers, an independent wholesale electronics/white goods distributor. With an extensive background in the consumer electronics industry, Holzer brings a wealth of knowledge to the PowerHouse brand and its member companies. On p. 58, he writes about video technology trends to embrace in 2021.

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Spring 2021

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e NUMB RS

by the

A look at the metrics shaping the technology market — and our lives

When security and the smart home cross paths in conversation, cybersecurity is generally the topic that comes to mind. While keeping IoT devices locked down is certainly important, the physical security of the home and possessions and people inside is vital. Luckily, with smart home security devices such as connected cameras and doorbells, smart alarm systems and sensors, it’s more convenient than ever to secure an abode of any size. Let’s dive into the statistics that reflect the growth of smart home security tech and, as a likely cause-and-effect results, the decreasing burglary rates we’ve seen in recent years.

How Do You Monitor the Security of Your Home Today?

60 50

Video Surveillance Market Size 2023

Owner Renter

40 30

$63 Billion 30.84%

28.59%

20 18.8%

18.47%

21.72%

Smart Home Security Segment Revenues

$31 Billion

18.82%

Information Security Technology Market Size 2024

11.32%

10 0

Security & Surveillance Technology

51.39%

Third party Source: Statista.com

$174.7 Billion

Phone/laptop alerts

Have cameras/ watch footage

All figures in U.S. Dollars

Do not have home security

Source: Statista.com

Installation Method for Home Security Systems

Intended Security System Purchase Location Preference

100%

100%

90%

% Specifying

70%

% Specifying Preference

80%

50%

60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

Q4/2014

Q4/2015 Q4/2016

Don’t know, it was there when we moved in

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Residential Tech Today | Spring 2021

Q4/2017 Professional installation

Q4/2018

Q4/2019

Q4/2020

Self-installation Source: Parks Associates

27%

80%

32%

60% 40% 20% 0%

Q4/2019 Online

Q4/2020

From a security dealer

From a store

Source: Parks Associates

Expand your installs inside and outside the home WiFi and Bluetooth

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QUICK BITS WE ASK INDUSTRY INSIDERS ONE QUESTION

“What’s your favorite go-to outdoor AV product or technology?”

My favorite outdoor technology to install is a large outdoor theater experience. We put a 200-inch outdoor screen in our backyard, and it was the focal point of our outdoor COVID-safe entertainment area last summer. With all of the outstanding streaming content available, all you need is a good Wi-Fi connection, a projector, streaming box, electrical plug, and popcorn, and you can turn almost any backyard into an outdoor movie theater.

– Gordon van Zuiden, cyberManor, Los Gatos, CA

My favorite outdoor product is a satellite/ subwoofer landscape audio system. With multiple satellites and subwoofers throughout an outdoor space, you can get consistent sound quality and volume levels in all areas. Plus, with larger subwoofers and friendly neighbors, you can have a Las Vegas pool party in your own backyard.

– Christopher Sterle, Acoustic Design Systems, Las Vegas, NV

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Residential Tech Today | Spring 2021

“We have seen a significant increase in interest in outdoor audio products with an architectural lighting-like aesthetic, such as James Loudspeaker and Sonance’s outdoor audio products. We have also seen a jump in outdoor TV requests.

When I tell our clients that they can hose off their outdoor TVs, it usually seals the deal.

– George Harrison, Harrison Home Systems, Golden, CO I love installing high-performance 70-volt audio systems like the Sonance SLS because it totally blows people away with its performance. Most people have only heard outdoor audio via a couple of surface-mounted speakers or some rocks, but when you surround them with multiple speakers and in-ground subwoofers that virtually disappear, they are always totally blown away by how great the experience can be!

– John Sciacca, Custom Theater and Audio, Myrtle Beach, SC My favorite product to install around outdoor areas for our client homes is landscape lighting. Landscape lighting provides an ambiance and brings you out of the dark and creates a space a client never had in the evening time. You can also get creative and do color changing landscape lighting for that over-the-top experience. When combined with landscape audio, lighting creates an outdoor oasis.

– Alexandra Centeno, Systems Design & Integration, Needham, MA We absolutely love implementing landscape audio systems for the outdoor areas at our clients’ homes. Sitting by the pool, grill fired up, a cold drink in hand, and great music playing through a high-performance outdoor audio system… I can’t think of anything better!

– JW Anderson, The Integrated Home, Charlotte, NC

The outdoors is an extension of one’s home sanctuary. While music is the quick answer (as it adds a layer of happiness to your outdoor life) after the last year I would have to say enhanced Wi-Fi has become the most important outdoor tech. Being able to access your Sonos App, your email when working from home, or even a streaming app on your smartphone or outdoor TV only works if you have a good connection. It is the foundation of today’s backyard fun.

– Heather Sidorowicz, Southtown Audio Video, Hamburg, NY High-performance outdoor audio systems based on California Audio Technology solutions provide clean, powerful, robust, and dual-purpose outdoor audio, serving as an extension of the house audio as well as live playback for a DJ or a live band. This is a great solution for live entertainment, as everything is designed into the landscaping, and the backyard remains intact. CAT refers to this concept as “Band Ready” audio.

– Greg Margolis, HomeTronics, Dallas, TX These days, you want to invest in outdoor experiences, which are becoming all the more important in today’s world as we put more importance into our health and wellbeing. For the best quality in outdoor audio and lighting, I recommend Coastal Source, complemented with outdoor TV sets from Samsung or Seura.

– Jan Vitrofsky, HEDSouth, Hollywood, FL

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DEPARTMENTS

Health & Tech

A Smarter Lamp for Safety

Domalys Aladin Smart Lamp was Designed to Anticipate and Prevent Falls in Assisted Living Homes

By Chynna Pearson

During virtual CES 2021 earlier this year, Domalys, a French leader in health technology, premiered the Aladin smart lamp, which is designed to anticipate and prevent falls for assisted living residents and dependents.

Domalys Founder Arnaud Brillaud explained that the Aladin smart lamp has proven to reduce the risk of falls by providing automatic lighting to help ensure safety for residents, then also detecting if a fall does occur and immediately alerting caregivers with the built-in fall detection.

“Throughout the western world, the so-called ‘baby boomer’ generation is aging, at risk of losing their independence altogether,” Brillaud said. “Aladin is ideal for securing nighttime activity and increasing autonomy for seniors, alleviating stress for residents and caregivers.”

Multiple Sensors The fully customizable smart lamp is equipped with multiple motion sensors for fall detection and allows caregivers to monitor from a distance.

This gives dependents a greater sense of autonomy. Caregivers are alerted to any problems through Domalys’ online software which records “nighttime activity and notifies of

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Residential Tech Today | Spring 2021

any potential hazards that may occur within the room.”

The smart lamp also does not need to be connected to Wi-Fi. The Domalys system will deploy its own system directly into the wall where the Aladin smart lamp is installed, keeping them connected to a cloud without need for any networking know-how on dependents or caregivers.

Aladin smart lamp has proven to reduce the risk of falls by providing automatic lighting to help ensure safety for residents, then also detecting if a fall does occur.

Also, Aladin differs from the competitors with three major features: anticipation, prevention, and fall detection.

By anticipating the future action of residents, Aladin can warn caregivers if “something uncharacteristic occurs.” Aladin can monitor baseline activity and understand typical movements made by constituents through machine learning.

Preventative Performance Prevention happens when Aladin senses that there is not enough light in the room to safely

move around. By lighting any path automatically, according to Domalys, falls can be reduced by up to 75 percent.

If a fall happens, the fall detection monitors notify all contacts or any caregivers nearby as soon as it occurs. The built-in cloud system makes for faster notifications. The client and their family members will each need to download the company’s Ensemble app to utilize its messaging capabilities.

Domalys has deployed more than 100,000 Aladin lamps to clients in Europe. It was named the best fall detection service in the EU market and it is now available within the United States. x

DEPARTMENTS

Audio

A Partnership for Performance

Origin Acoustics and Crestron Craft New Speakers for the DM NAX Audio-over-IP Amplifier

By Anthony Leo In partnership with Origin Acoustics, Crestron is launching a new line of residential in-wall, in-ceiling, and landscape speakers crafted specifically to handle the highperformance audio output of the new Crestron DM NAX Audio-over-IP amplifier.

The DM NAX matrix/amplifier and streaming music player was designed for highperformance audio-over-IP and native integration with Crestron Home.

“The residential line of architectural and landscape speakers and high-performance audio distribution system offer a nocompromise solution that scales across project sizes to deliver an unmatched home entertainment experience,” said John Clancy, VP of Residential, Crestron. “By partnering with Origin Acoustics, we were able combine our expertise to fill an exceptional need in the market with an extraordinary new series of audio products.”

Crestron Speakers Made by Origin Acoustics in Two Tiers The new line of Crestron Speakers made by Origin Acoustics fall within two distinct performance tiers: Reference and Ultimate.

Speakers from the baseline-level Reference tier, made up of in-ceiling, in-wall, and landscape models, feature Origin’s patented silk tweeters, known for their smooth sound, and glass fiber drivers designed to produce very low distortion.

Speakers from the luxury Ultimate tier, made up of in-ceiling, in-wall, marine-grade, and landscape models, are designed to offer users the best available performance and feature carbon-fiber components and ceramic-coated aluminum tweeters that

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Residential Tech Today | Spring 2021

optimize sound accuracy.

Crestron Residential Speakers are made with premium components to support the high output and resolution capacity of the DM NAX amplifier. Built for optimal performance right out of the box, each speaker model is architecturally constructed to disappear into a home’s design without ever sacrificing audio quality.

“Origin Acoustics is excited about the potential that the Crestron architectural speaker line and the partnership unlock for us as a brand,” said Nick Berry, CEO of Origin Acoustics. “Our goal, since the inception of Origin Acoustics, was to build the world’s finest architectural loudspeakers. The new alliance is complementary.”

Crestron DM NAX Audio-over-IP Distribution Solution Identifying a gap in the market for an audio solution that could fully integrate into a smart home platform and provide both highresolution and high-output audio for even the most discerning audiophile, Crestron’s new DM NAX matrix/amplifier line provides improved connectivity with native audio streaming from today’s music services.

With Crestron Home integration, homeowners will gain full visibility and control of their home audio from mobile devices, touch screens, remotes, keypads, and voice-activated devices.

“In the 30 years I’ve been associated with Crestron, I’ve never been more excited about an audio product line. I can’t wait to get these products into customers’ hands,” Clancy added. x

In partnership with Origin Acoustics, Crestron launches a new line of residential architectural and landscape speakers crafted specifically to handle the high-performance audio output of the new Crestron DM NAX Audio-over-IP amplifier.

IN-CEILING - IN-WALL - MARINE - HOME CINEMA - COMMERICAL - SUBWOOFERS - AMPLIFIERS - ORIGINACOUSTICS.COM Origin Acoustics offers the most comprehensive line of landscape loudspeakers available to professional integrators today. From simple rocks to the stunning Bollard, there’s a model for everyone.

DEPARTMENTS

CEDIA Says

Using VR as a Sales Tool

UK Custom Integrator Earns Multiple Six-Figure Projects with the Aid of a Virtual Showroom

By Ed Wenck In a recent conversation, Tony Edwards, the owner of UK custom integration company, Jooced Custom Sound and Vision, was asked about how he is using virtual reality technology in his business. Although many look forward to the entertainment potential of VR, business owners like Edwards are first seeing the benefits of the tech in virtual showrooms and interactive room design mockups. Here’s what else we learned from Edwards, from his office in Wombourne, England.

technology – it makes them feel unbalanced.

C: That leads to the next question: Are clients ever reticent to use the technology?

TE: I do find sometimes people are a little shy when it comes to putting on the headgear but once they are immersed in the environment, they almost forget the wider world around them and fully focus on the decisions that need to be made.

CEDIA: First, how are you using VR in your business?

Tony Edwards: We use VR for mockups of our cinema rooms to help engage the client and give an accurate representation of the design and space.

This allows our clients to make informed design decisions before moving forward. We also used VR for the design and implementation of our showroom in Rugby (England). This ensured the various trades involved could see our vision and execute it without any guesswork. It was a massive help.

Photo: iStockphoto.com/katleho Seisa

C: Are you planning on sticking with this process?

TE: Yes. Going back to just overhead drawings at this stage feels like a step back into the Stone Age. C: What problems, if any, have you encountered with the technology?

TE: We have found if you are too heavily reliant on the virtual reality system it can mean the guesswork on the project can translate to the dimensions. This is why we ensure we have detailed plan and elevation drawings to supplement the VR representation. Additionally, some people find it difficult to accept the

18

Residential Tech Today | Spring 2021

C: How has the tech developed or advanced in the time you’ve been using it and how?

TE: I have found the speed that a VR render can now be created is far quicker than it was when we first adopted the technology.

C: How successful has this strategy been?

TE: We have won several six-figure projects with the aid of the VR showroom. It just helps people imagine themselves in the space. Once people have experienced the tech at our showroom and then seen their room firsthand, it’s much easier to close the deal.

C: What advances would you like to see next?

TE: Live alterations in real time. For instance, we could change room colors and equipment to meet the client’s request then and there. This likely exists – or is in development – I just haven’t come across it yet.

C: Let’s zoom out a little. What other applications can this tech be used for – gaming and entertainment, obviously, but what about education/training, for example?

You mentioned how helpful it was in sharing the vision for your showroom with other tradespeople.

TE: I think this technology will become far more prevalent in manual and risk-based professions for training in a safe environment prior to real world experience.

Take my background in the electrical industry, for instance.

Live work training could be performed in VR or AR. It has the potential to save lives and cut down on work-based injuries during the training process.

C: How important will audio be in any of these other applications?

TE: Audio is massively important to complete the immersive experience.

C: And how important will haptics be as this tech develops?

TE: As with audio haptics help immerse the user in the experience. With training for instance, it will vastly help the user feel the connections being made in the experience.

C: What are the dangers inherent in this technology?

TE: Addiction, especially in gaming, is a real concern but I think the positives vastly override the dangers. x

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DEPARTMENTS

Security

A New View from the Front Door

Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 Features 3D Motion Detection and Bird’s Eye View

By Jeremy Glowacki

Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is a new advanced video doorbell complete with 3D Motion Detection.

Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is a new advanced video doorbell complete with 3D Motion Detection with radar, enhanced audio capabilities with an array microphone, and customizable privacy features. Combined with new Head to Toe video, 3D Motion Detection and Bird’s Eye View, the new device gives homeowners more context about what is happening at their front door.

Motion Detection with Radar Technology and Distance Thresholds Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 ($249.99 MSRP) uses radar to better detect objects. Homeowners can customize which areas of their property they want to monitor by selecting distance thresholds. The radar sensor determines when an object crosses the distance threshold by measuring its specific distance from the camera.

The camera only starts recording once that threshold is crossed and sends homeowners a motion alert. Unique to Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2, 3D Motion Detection gives you more control to record video only when and where someone steps onto your property.

3D Motion Detection also powers a new Bird’s Eye View feature, which provides an aerial view of the homeowner’s property and a map of

20

Residential Tech Today | Spring 2021

where a motion event starts to give historical context to the nature of the event. Together, 3D Motion Detection and Bird’s Eye View are the newest way for homeowners to get more control and context about what’s happening in front of their door.

“3D Motion Detection and Bird’s Eye View are the natural next steps in home security and will set a new standard in motion detection,” said Jamie Siminoff, Ring’s founder and chief inventor. “With the introduction of these radarbased features, we’re reinventing what our devices can do to give our customers a more precise picture of what is happening at home.

We’re excited to add this technology to our most popular product – the doorbell, and to offer customers even more choices for their home security systems.”

Premium Features and Convenience Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is Ring’s most advanced wired doorbell that lets homeowners check in on their front door no matter where they are. In addition to 3D Motion Detection and Bird’s Eye View, advanced features include Head to Toe video, 1536p HD video, and an array microphone that limits sound distortion for clearer audio and video of what’s happening

at the door.

Also new are Smart Responses, two new features that make the Pro 2 doorbell and other cameras even more helpful. First, a new Quick Replies feature is available for all homeowners with Pro 2, with preset replies that act as an answering machine for the front door. Second, Ring Protect Plan subscribers can also turn on Alexa Greetings, a new feature that enables Alexa to automatically greet visitors, take messages, and provide instructions on where to leave packages when the doorbell is pressed.

Designed with Privacy and Security in Mind from the Ground Up Like all Ring products, Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is built from the ground up with privacy and security in mind. The Ring app makes it easy to tailor specific privacy and security settings.

Homeowners can set 3D Motion Detection thresholds and Customizable Motion Zones that trigger recordings, and Privacy Zones can exclude areas in the camera field of view from video recording for added privacy. And for advanced security options, Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 will support Ring’s video End-to-End Encryption, currently in technical preview. x

DEPARTMENTS

Home Theater

Embracing THX Certified Dominus Technology

PerListen Audio S7t Tower Speaker and D212s Subwoofer Provide Undiluted Home Theater Audio at THX Reference-Level Volumes

By Walter Joseph PerListen Audio, a new audio company founded by an all-star team of industry professionals, is developing a full line of THX Certified Dominus loudspeakers. Dominus is the newest and the largest performance class of THX certification meant to bridge the gap between large home theater speakers and those used in commercial movie theaters and exhibits.

PerListen Audio is the first audio company to include THX Certified Dominus in its product line, both in the U.S. and around the globe, bringing a truly cinematic experience to the home.

“From distortion-free sonics to overall impact, Dominus is a remarkable engineering achievement,” said Dan Roemer, CEO of PerListen Audio. “It’s truly a privilege to work with THX on its home theater technology.

PerListen Audio is the first company to offer the demonstrable benefits of Dominus to demanding music and movie lovers across the globe.”

Certified Dominus performance class to fill even the most extensive home theaters with sound. Since we’re THX, these new speakers need to be more than just loud. During our rigorous testing process, we pay special attention to distortion levels at high volumes.

With Dominus, we push this to the extreme to ensure the best output for hearing content as close as possible to the original creation.”

When Dominus Makes Sense in Home Theaters Home theater owners with rooms up to 6500 cubic feet of space and up to a 20-foot viewing distance can fill their entertainment space with the level of audio quality that they expect from THX Certified products. This translates to quieter whispers, bigger booms, and everything in between – at a greater distance – for the enjoyment of premium content in the comfort of home.

Testing Requirements for THX Dominus Speakers Specifically for THX Dominus testing, these speakers are subjected to 120 dB sound pressure levels where they must keep distortion to a minimum. Dominus speakers must also be sensitive enough to reach the cinematic THX Reference Level with THX Certified Dominus, and certain THX Certified Ultra power amplifiers. The 92 dB sensitivity requirement for THX Certified Dominus loudspeakers is the most sensitive of any THX loudspeaker category.

“We are thrilled to partner with PerListen, the pioneer in this space, to bring cinematic audio to home theaters,” said Peter Vasay, general manager and senior vice president, THX home theater division. “We developed the THX

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PerListen Audio is the first audio company to include THX Certified Dominus in its product line, bringing a truly cinematic experience to the home.

Residential Tech Today | Spring 2021

PerListen Audio debuted THX Certified Dominus technology in its two CES 2021 introductions – the flagship tower speaker, S7t,

and D212s subwoofer, and an additional eight models that will be introduced to the North American market in Q2 ’21. x

Email prochannel@ring.com to learn more and get started.

DEPARTMENTS

Video

Smart TV Pictures

Sony Bravia XR Video Processing Combines AI with ‘Cognitive Intelligence’

By Jeremy Glowacki

The LCD and OLED TVs in Sony’s new Bravia XR line-up include what the company calls Cognitive Processor XR, which was created to more accurately mimic how the human brain detects and analyzes visual and auditory information.

The new processor is at the core of how Sony is differentiating its A90J, X95J, X90J, A80J, and Z9J TVs from other models that primarily rely on artificial intelligence to detect and analyze video elements like color, contrast, and detail.

According to Sony, its new processor incorporates “cognitive intelligence,” which the company describes as the way a person’s brain receives information from his or her eyes and ears. Conventional TV processors that depend entirely on artificial intelligence can only detect and analyze elements like color, contrast, and detail individually. Sony’s Cognitive Processor XR, on the other hand, was designed to crossanalyze every element at once, just as our brains do.

For the custom integration channel, the topof-line OLED A90J will be available in 55-, 65-, and 83-inch screen sizes, featuring audio projected from the acoustic glass screen. The X95J full-array LED model also features acoustic glass in 65-, 75-, and 85-inch screen sizes. The X90J is the entry model in the premium line. It features full-array LED in 50-,

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55-, 65-, 75-, and eventually 100-inch models.

Closer to Reality To create a closer-to-reality image, Cognitive Processor XR divides the screen into hundreds of zones to better recognize individual objects.

In just one second, the processor cross-analyzes a few hundred thousand different elements that make up a picture, similar to how our brains work.

Sony says this is an improvement over traditional AI video processing, where the different elements that make up a TV picture are looked at individually and all elements adjusted to the same level. AI-only processing, the company says, can make the video look artificial and take the viewer out of the experience. With cross-analysis from the Cognitive Processor XR, each element is adjusted to its best final outcome, in conjunction with each other, for a more natural video image.

The new processor helps improve the viewer’s natural focal point on the screen, making facial features and skin tones appear more authentic and reproducing the depth, texture, and vividness of the natural world. BRAVIA XR TVs are designed to detect the main focal point in a scene and, by enhancing each detail in the object, ensure that it stands out with a natural sense of depth.

XR Sound On the audio side, BRAVIA XR TVs feature XR Sound processing that can detect the position of the sound on the screen and place it in the right spot. While regular TV sound comes out into the room horizontally, BRAVIA XR TVs can send out sound in all directions, analyzing and upconverting audio to 5.1.2ch surround sound.

Sound from the TV’s frame or direct from acoustic glass (depending on the model) is positioned both horizontally and vertically, for more three-dimensional soundscape and more accurate dialogue positioning.

New Sony Pictures Streaming Service Also included within BRAVIA XG TVs is a new movie and video game streaming content service, called BRAVIA CORE. The service streams Sony Pictures films is a lossless UHD PureStream resolution at 80Mbps, matching the resolution of 4K Blu-ray HD content.

A related feature called Studio Access also provides behind-the-scenes content from Sony Pictures.

The new TVs are IMAX Enhanced enabled, as well, enabling the proper display of that expanded aspect ratio and DTS audio from films that have appeared in IMAX commercial theaters. x

innovator spotlight

Doing It Well and Doing It Right

Amanda Wildman Discusses Her Tech Integration Experience and How She Helped Create the CEDIA CIT Exam

By Jeremy Glowacki When TruMedia co-owners Amanda Wildman and her husband Ponch shifted their focus from satellite dish installation to custom AV integration, it took them a solid year of training and education to get prepared. They believed that for their Ada, MI, company to succeed, they had a lot to learn from CEDIA training classes and product research. Through that experience, Amanda says, she gained a greater respect for the importance of CEDIA education, which may have planted a seed about getting involved as a volunteer in the future.

Now, she and Ponch are well respected custom integrators in their market and throughout the industry, and Amanda is now in the second year of her two-year term on the CEDIA Board.

She even played a key role in helping roll out the organization’s Cabling and Infrastructure Testing Certification that launched earlier this year.

Here’s what else we learned from our conversation with TruMedia co-owner Amanda Wildman, which you can listen to, in full, on the Residential Tech Talks podcast.

Residential Tech Today: What is the motivation behind the new Cabling and Infrastructure Technology exam and why did you get involved specifically with that project?

Amanda Wildman: First and foremost, I think it’s to help raise the bar. That was part of the reason that I was super excited to get involved.

When we made the transition from satellite into the CI, there were a lot of people and even

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manufacturers, at first, that didn’t really take us as seriously as I would have hoped.

When my husband and I made our transition into the CI channel, I said, “I want to do this well, I want to do it right, and the way it should be.” That’s what started our whole path with CEDIA before we really even did a lot with clients. We spent almost a year being involved in CEDIA, going to trainings, going to Expo classes, and making sure that we had a good product lineup.

We wanted to make sure that we knew what we were doing and had the confidence when we were going into clients’ homes to be able to do it. We already knew a lot of infrastructure stuff from our satellite business, but we didn’t know it necessarily like in the CI channel. There wasn’t really a pathway to be able to do that like there is now with CIT. RT Today: So, CIT provides a training pathway that can help people just getting started in the industry. How does it work?

AW: I’ve got a high school son and a daughter in college, and a lot of times they do these exploratory classes, or they do these extracurricular activity classes where kids can kind of ask, “What do I want to do as a career?”

And then they try out some options. I could see potential for our basic introductory classes being offered in high schools or trade schools to learn about our industry. It’s so basic and introductory that it’s not just for the CI channel, but it could be a precursor for getting into satellite, cabling, or security system installation.

Also, it’s global.

RT Today: Global?

AW: For us to get the ANSI and the ISO accreditation, the test questions have to be global, and the test questions very much reflect that. For instance, we primarily use frame building here in the United States, whereas you deal with a lot more conduit and cinder block construction and lath and plaster in other countries. We call it an outlet in the U.S., and in the UK, they call it a socket.

RT Today: What other certification exams are in development?

AW: There are two more that are in the works.

The IST or the infrastructure technician is going to be the next level. And that is going to be the person who would be the supervisor for the CIT on a job. If you kind of put both of those two together, it’s almost like getting your associate degree in college. And then we do have talks about revamping the networking certification, so that it’s not outdated. There is a lot of work involved in writing the questions, so we’re always looking for volunteers to help us.

RT Today: What’s it been like serving on the CEDIA board for the past year?

AW: I would say it’s probably been the most interesting year of any board that I’ve ever been on because we were only able to meet, face to face, once last January due to [COVID-19].

When you get voted into a position like that by your peers, it comes with a lot of responsibility.

I think it is really good to be involved in the

Amanda Wildman, co-owner (along with her husband Ponch) of TruMedia in Ada, MI, believes in the value of training and certification so much that she helped create the CEDIA’s newest CIT exam.

board to understand how CEDIA works. It’s a lot of very intelligent people around a table volunteering their time to try to do what’s best by the organization. People have differing opinions. People have different ideas, but we all really kind of put together our ideas and then say, “Okay, what’s going to be best for CEDIA overall?” I’m so excited to see what we’re going to do in 2021 with CEDIA. I’m also super excited about a new CEO coming in.

RT Today: It’s great to see more female leadership in a mostly male-dominated industry. Were there any hints in your early years growing up in Grand Rapids, MI, about getting involved in tech?

AW: Until the end of high school when I got my first job, I was a very quiet person. I was very much a loner. I was a cheerleader, but I didn’t have a big group of friends. I was really a science geek. I actually started as a pre-med major. I was a biology major at Calvin College, which is now Calvin University. I always liked science, and I loved human science and wanted to be a pediatrician. Then I took organic chemistry and said, “Forget about it!” That was just not my thing.

RT Today: Were you able to express your interest in science in other ways?

AW: My very first job was working at a jewelry store. I’m a certified diamontologist and gemologist. What I really loved was designing and custom creating rings for people. And I loved the math and science behind cutting

was a little nervous and scared about it, but once you do it, and once you kind of build up your confidence and if you have good people around you, it helps. My husband’s always been really encouraging of me, too.

stones, like the angles and the shapes and the things like that you can make. When I was a kid, I would be the happiest reading a book or if you would give me a pad of graph paper, I would always draw layouts of homes and stuff. No fault to my parents, but had I been a guy, maybe they would have encouraged me to go and be a builder or be an architect.

RT Today: Are your clients ever surprised at first when you come in as the lead technician?

RT Today: Now you get to express yourself through AV design. When did you move from helping Ponch with the back-office administrative stuff to hands-on tech work?

Yeah. I mean, when, when you show up with a tool bag and you’re the only one there to do the job, they would look over my shoulder to wait for the other person to come in. Most of my clients now know who I am now, and they’re used to it.

AW: Sometimes we’d be down a person, and you kind of get to be the gopher that goes out in the field and hands the tools or whatever. I realized I really liked being out in the field. I liked doing the hands-on. So now we have someone full-time in the office who takes care of most of my office stuff. I still do a little bit of it, and I do our marketing, but I’m probably 80 percent out in the field right now. And I love that piece of it.

RT Today: There are probably more women out there who would like to be more hands-on like you are, if they knew what this industry offered.

AW: There are a lot of women or girls out there who are sketching or doodling or, you know, drawing houses and maybe they don’t want to be an interior designer because they don’t like to put together the colors and the fabrics. But when they get introduced to lighting design, that’s a really interesting opportunity for them. Or, you know, when, when they get their first opportunity to make a system and really respond to a client. That’s fun. I know I enjoy seeing how people respond to something that I’ve created. If you’re a creative person, being out in the field can be a huge creative outlet and opportunity. x

I’m very particular about how our racks look, too, so I build a lot of them. And then I really enjoy doing the programming for all of our lighting control. I really like tinkering with that and kind of messing with, you know, like the percentage of the lighting and setting the different timers.

The very first time that I did a pre-wire and had to pick up the whole hog, I mean, I’ve seen that throw even some of the guys on the job site – you catch a knot in the wood or whatever. I

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NETWORKS

5to Improve Ways

the Performance of a Home Network Speed, Stability, and Reliability are Possible by Following These Best Practices

By Ben Jurow

Photo: iStockphoto.com/scyther5

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NETWORKS

W

ith all the working and learning that’s happening at home, it’s only a matter of time before a consumer-grade home network feels the strain.

There simply isn’t enough bandwidth to go around. But there’s hope. Getting a connected home back in prime working order is possible by following these tips.

1) Home Networking 101 – Understand the Basics The home network has evolved and with that comes an overwhelming amount of new product options, nomenclature, and marketing terms. It all sounds good, but which solutions will best meet your connectivity needs?

The home network is the foundation of all other connected devices in the home, so it is important to understand the basic functionality of each component required for a robust, secure, and reliable network.

Treat the network just like any other significant purchase, recognizing that not all solutions are built the same. Don’t be fooled by great marketing; make sure the features and quality live up to your standards.

2) Invest in an Enterprise-Grade Solution Unlike the networking equipment available from your internet service provider and retailers, enterprise-grade networking systems are designed, engineered, and manufactured to deliver optimal speed, reliability, coverage, and consistency. Enterprise equipment also includes advanced security features to minimize the risk of cybercrime and employ technologically advanced components able to handle all of your connectivity needs today and tomorrow.

3) Perform a Thorough Network Analysis It’s clear something isn’t right with the network, but what exactly is causing the issue? Anything from a new piece of furniture to an updated mobile device can affect network performance, as can the number of people connecting at the same time, the types of content they’re downloading, and the frequency of online activity.

Learn all you can about the layout, structure, and composition of the residence. Also, consider the lifestyle of home’s residents and the types of connected devices currently being used. This exercise can reveal a lot about the strength and resiliency of the home network and help identify weak spots that require remediation.

Quantify your guesswork with tools that measure signal range and strength. Once you find the root of the issues, you’ll be able to specify and install the proper solution.

4) Look to the Future Innovation doesn’t stop, so how you use connected devices in your home today will likely be much different down the road. The best way to ensure the longevity of a home network is to have the latest enterprise-grade equipment professionally installed. With the right combination of products, including Wi-Fi 6 wireless access points, a home network will remain strong well into the future, no matter how the needs of the home’s occupants change and grow.

5) Wire Wherever Possible A hardwired connection will always be a connection of performance, while Wi-Fi is a connection of convenience. If you want the highest performance, you need to use a hardwired connection.

There’s no reason to live with slow, spotty internet connectivity. With better equipment installed properly by a professional, all of the benefits of the home network can be experienced, reliably today and into the future. x

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ISSUE FOCUS

Smart Home vs. Hackers Turning to Z-Wave Wireless Protocols to Improve the Security of IoT Devices

By Chynna Pearson

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an intense rise in at-home internet and smart home product usage. Unfortunately, more smart product use also means increased potential for cyberattacks.

Residential Tech Today recently had the opportunity to get in touch with representatives from various smart tech suppliers about the challenges of keeping their products safe from hackers, using Z-wave wireless protocols to gain tighter security.

Ashwanth Anadasu, COO of Hogar Controls, explained the smart home industry has already taken many steps to address consumer concerns about security and privacy. Examples include getting rid of the need for multiple passwords and strengthening company privacy programs by hiring independent, third-party organizations to verify compliance to federal and regional policies.

Additionally, end-users can take steps to ramp up security and privacy while adding connected devices in their home by following various precautions recommended on the product.

“They can talk to product and/or service providers about how their data will be used,” Anadasu said. “They can make sure the physical placement of a new device is in a secure, limitedaccess location. They can make frequent software updates to existing devices.”

Mitch Klein, executive director of Z-Wave Alliance, directly addressed how his

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organization handles cybersecurity challenges in its wireless protocol.

Klein noted that the Z-Wave certification process ensures that Z-Wave smart devices are secure by using industry-standard AES128 encryption – the same standard used in online banking.

The Z-Wave software development kit (SDK) includes the Z-Wave Security S2 Framework, designed to eliminate risk of man-in-the-middle attacks and includes an industry-wide accepted secure key exchange using Elliptic Curve DiffieHellman. Implementation of the Z-Wave Security S2 framework became mandatory for all devices certified after April 2, 2017 and, as of January 2021, there are currently 800-plus devices on the market with the best-in-class S2 framework built-in.

Klein said that the industry, as a whole, has begun adapting to increased consumer privacy challenges. As more consumers adopt smart home technology, there is threat of cyberattacks and other security-related vulnerabilities.

“Consumers want to know that their homes and their data are safe regardless of what technology they bring inside of it,” Klein noted.

“According to a recent study by ADT, respondents were evenly split on the importance of protecting their data and the importance of protecting their home. One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that all smart home brands are adhering to strict and robust security frameworks when they develop and

program connected devices.”

That issue is why the Z-Wave Alliance voted to address industry concerns around device security and ultimately mandated all Z-Wave devices to implement the Security 2 (S2) framework, Klein offered.

According to Jason Williams, president of Smart Residential of ASSA ABLOY, his company has made some changes within the past two years specifically addressing the security of their products. The addition of biometric verification – such as facial and fingerprint recognition – has become extremely popular in smart security devices. Williams’ company added biometrics onto their August and Yale apps in 2020. The feature allows consumers to approve any remote lock operation. Additionally, they require two-factor authentication to prevent hacking.

Williams reiterated some of Anadasu’s suggestions for end users and added that consumers should secure their Wi-Fi network and device accounts with unique passwords.

They also should do research before adding a new product to their home.

“Stick to name brands, and do a search to see if they’ve had major security issues in the past,” Williams said. “Consider going completely key-free with a keypad or Bluetooth/Wi-Ficontrolled smart device for improved physical security – no need to worry about lost, stolen or copied keys.

ISSUE FOCUS

Top row, left to right: Ashwanth Anadasu/Hogar, Jason Williams/ASSA ABLOY, Mitchell Klein/Z-Wave Alliance, Quinto Petrucci/Nortek Security and Control.

Bottom: Yale, an ASSA ABLOY brand, offers a new smart storage product line, which expands its smart home portfolio beyond smart locks for front and interior doors.

Nortek Security and Control VP of Product Management Quinto Petrucci noted the need to balance ease of use and installation with security and privacy best practices. Unfortunately, these concerns do not always align. This is why companies must adapt, Petrucci explained “The industry continues to recognize that this is indeed an issue that requires constant attention,” he stated. “At 2GIG, we not only make investments in developing advanced technologies, but also go the extra mile to verify and validate our products through third-party penetration testing and white hat evaluation.”

Also, not to be discounted, is the added emphasis on educating consumers on the important role they need to take to increase their own protection.

and the level of protection must constantly evolve,” he said. “What may have been enough to secure the product in the past, may no longer be viable today. It is important to always keep this fact in mind as consumers demand that as long as they are using your product, their privacy and security must be protected regardless of what new ways bad actors have devised to break through.”

Nortek’s products have progressed recently and closed what was once a potential security loophole. “At a macro level, the availability of lower cost, yet more powerful, technology has enabled even lower end commodity-type products to support advanced, more secure capabilities like encrypted protocols,” Petrucci said. “That same movement has also enabled entire architectures to be developed that have security built into its core, rather than having it bolted on top. This has all been achieved while keeping price points in line with consumer expectations.”

Petrucci also gave some advice to the endusers, explaining it is important to take security into your own hands as well as finding quality security in the product. Finding reputable vendors is the key to smart home product security and privacy.

This product security progress has created many opportunities to learn, according to Petrucci, “The biggest lesson that seems to get relearned is that security and privacy protection needs to be at the core of every product design

“The old adage is true: If you are not paying for the product, then you are the product,” he said. x

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ISSUE FOCUS

Creating a Continuity Plan Applying the Concept of Business Continuity Planning to the Smart Home

By Jay Basen

J

ust as a business continuity plan helps a company continue operations when problems arise, a residential continuity plan can do the same for the systems in a home.

A residential continuity plan (RCP) can help reduce risks to the smart home such as the lack of proper network security, power problems, equipment failures, software updates, loss of internet access, lack of physical security for break-in/fire/water leaks, and lack of computer file backups.

Residential continuity planning can assure a smart home is reliable and will service a family for years to come. It can mitigate the risks that come with the added convenience and safety provided by smart home systems. However, the process of creating a plan, especially for a complex, highly integrated home, may require a combined effort between homeowner and professional integrator.

Note: I’d like to thank Oliver Hall, managing director at Ultamation, and zero trust expert Peter Ayedun, CEO of TruGrid, for their invaluable contributions to this article.

Zero Trust Network Security Network security is a foundation of an RCP, as it can impact so many other areas of a home if it is compromised. The best approach to network security is Zero Trust, which is a security concept that requires that all devices connected to a network should not be trusted by default.

The primary aim of Zero Trust is to prevent unauthorized access to information or systems on a network.

Zero Trust for the home can be achieved with a combination of technologies and good security practices, by combining security basics with existing technologies at home.

Start by categorizing connected devices at home into computers and smart home devices.

Computers (including tablets and phones) are typically highly interactive systems and can be used to connect to just about any available

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system on the internet (including bad ones).

Smart home devices (including appliances, cameras, etc.) typically connect back to the vendor’s cloud, for management and updates.

Your Zero Trust implementation can only be as good as technologies that you have available and the practices that you follow.

Home Router Security The home router may be supplied by the internet service provider (ISP), purchased at a big box store and installed by the homeowner, or installed by a professional smart home integrator. Make sure that login access to the router is configured to require a very strong password to view and make any changes. If applicable, make sure it is configured to disallow management over the internet.

Configuring a Home Firewall The home firewall is typically integrated with the home’s router. Make sure that it is configured for the highest level of security possible on the firewall. A high level of security will typically ensure that no inbound ports are open on the firewall. If possible and applicable to your environment, restrict all outbound ports to 80 and 443. These are typically the only two ports required to connect to internet and cloud services. Smart home devices may require additional outbound ports to be open.

Many firewalls include logs that record all activities. Always enable this feature if your home firewall has it.

Wi-Fi Network Security The home Wi-Fi is typically integrated with the home’s router. Depending on the size of the home, there may also be additional mesh network nodes or access points that extend Wi-Fi coverage. Make sure that the SSID (wireless network name) requires a very strong password for device connection. If there is a guest network, make sure it requires a very strong password, as well.

If the option is available on your Wi-Fi system

to create multiple wireless networks, consider creating different networks for different groups of devices on your network to isolate each group.

For example, put all your cameras on one network, baby monitors on a different network, TVs and streaming devices on another network, etc. In many cases, mobile phones and tablets need to be on the same network as some devices – like streaming devices – to control them.

If your Wi-Fi system allows, configure it to use an external DNS that can block access to malicious websites. This improves web surfing security for all systems on your network, including blocking your smart home devices from connecting to bad sites.

If your home Wi-Fi has a log, enable it to track and log activities on the network. This allows you to review activities on your network as required.

Do not allow guests to connect their devices to your home network. Only provide them with access to the router’s guest network Securing Smart Home Devices For all smart home devices, make sure that each is set with a very strong, unique password that is not easy to guess. Never use a default password set by the vendor.

For all devices that support multifactor authentication (MFA) – such as some cloudmanaged security cameras – make sure to enable this feature. Enabling MFA on a cloud-managed security camera makes it improbable that someone will hack the camera to spy.

Computers, Tablets, and Mobile Device Security For all computers on the home network, make sure that they all require a very strong password to login. For all tablets and mobile phones, make sure they all require a PIN. Ensure computing devices auto-lock when not in use.

Confirm that all computer systems have active anti-virus and anti-spyware software that are regularly patched.

ISSUE FOCUS

For email, make sure that your provider includes anti-malware software.

The above processes, when followed diligently, will get a home network closer to Zero Trust.

Minimizing Power Problems Power problems not only can leave any home in the dark, but they can damage sensitive electronic equipment that is the core of a smart home. While damage that a power surge can cause is fairly obvious, a brownout can also damage expensive electronics.

A backup generator can provide power during blackouts. However, they are expensive and may not be justifiable. Even if a generator isn’t needed, critical computer equipment, including smart home processors/hubs, should be protected with an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). Preferably the UPS should include automatic voltage regulation (AVR) technology to help protect the attached equipment from voltage variances.

While a UPS will also protect the components plugged into it from power surges, it is a good idea to protect the remainder of the electronics in a home using a whole-house surge protector.

These should be installed by an electrician.

Planning for Smart Home Equipment Failures Two types of components in smart home devices seem to be prone to failure: power supplies (especially the small plug-in ones that so many manufacturers use today) and devices with moving parts, such as fans, solenoids, and hard disc drives.

Photo: iStockphoto.com/MF3d

have two WAN ports and pay for two ISPs. Should one ISP have a service interruption, then the router will automatically route all internet traffic to the second ISP.

But, with a smart home, more needs to be done. There are many IoT devices in a home that require special settings, and they should be saved so you don’t have to figure them out all over again if the device requires replacement or a problem occurs that requires restoring the device to its factory configuration. For example, if you have a router problem, you should be able to reset your router and quickly restore the previous settings in just a few minutes.

A dual-WAN port router may or may not be a justifiable expense for a family. If it isn’t, then there is an alternative that can help a family through the rare situation when their internet goes down: using a cell phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot. When using a cell phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot, it is easy to connect laptops and anything that includes a Wi-Fi radio to the internet.

Similarly, through RCP, make sure that all critical systems, such as the HVAC system in a tightly integrated home, can operate without the overall smart home system being operational.

Computer File Backups Backups are an important part of an RCP. Most people understand the need to back up their computers. Hard drives only have a limited life, and nobody wants to lose their documents, photos, financial information, etc. Network attached storage (NAS) drives are an inexpensive solution for backing up multiple computers. Multiple hard disc drives can be installed in most NAS drives so even if one drive fails, the other drives will take over and no data is lost.

Internet Access and Third-Party Service Integration To assure continuous access to the internet, most businesses will use special routers that

However, in addition to a local backup, all data should be backed up outside the home in case of a fire, flood, or other disaster. Cloud services such as Google Drive, OneDrive, iCloud, and

A good RCP will include purchasing spares of items that are either prone to failure or are critical to the operation of the smart home. A good schematic that shows the relationship between all the components in the smart home can help identify the critical components.

Dropbox are all reasonable choices for off-site backups.

Many IoT devices provide a way of saving their settings to a file on a local computer. If an IoT device doesn’t include this functionality, then the second choice is to simply write down the settings and put them where they won’t get lost.

Final Thoughts What will work best, in specific circumstances, requires thought and planning. What is most important is that there is a plan for backing up critical systems and that the plan is rigorously followed. The process of creating a plan, especially for a complex, highly integrated home, may require a combined effort between the homeowner and their professional integrator. x

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ISSUE FOCUS

Protecting Auto and Home Testing the Alarm.com Car Connector in Actual Field Conditions

By Henry Clifford

Alarm.com sent me their new Car Connector to test out in the Clifford family SUV. The sleek little box promises to monitor vehicle health and driving patterns and act as an easy locator in any “dude, where’s my car?” situations. I don’t have teenagers yet, but would imagine a product like this would be a godsend for concerned parents.

How well would it work in actual field conditions?

I set off to find out.

Unboxing The Car Connector is very small and comes in a plain cardboard box with simple printed instructions. There’s really not much to it. It’s a black box with a connector designed to plug right into the OBD-II port (standard on vehicles manufactured after 1996 – hybrid and electric cars are not currently supported). Along the side are three indicator lights showing power and network connectivity status.

Installation of the Car Connector Very rarely is a product truly plug and play. In this case, however, it was just that simple. I plugged in the Car Connector to the OBD-II port and followed the instructions in the Alarm.com app (I first needed to add the Car Connector to my service plan on the Alarm.com dealer dashboard). Even though my car was turned off, I saw the Car Connector lights illuminate immediately and begin chattering with the cellular network.

I worry a little about the Car Connector needing power when the vehicle is turned off, but hopefully it’s not enough to drain the battery.

I entered in the serial number by scanning the barcode using my smartphone, which began the activation process. It took around 10 minutes where I had no idea whether things were going as

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ISSUE FOCUS

planned or were failing miserably. I just sat there and waited. After what seemed like an eternity, a message popped up asking me to turn on the vehicle. I complied and then saw a “Congratulations” splash across my screen.

The Alarm.com app directed me to enable “Start Stop Technology” in the preferences and subscribe to notifications for unexpected vehicle movement and driver behavior (that one made me excited and nervous at the same time). I also turned on Geo-Services because Alarm.com allows the Car Connector to trigger features in the home like turning lights on/off or sending “left-open” reminders for the garage door when your car leaves or enters a geofence around the home. I’ve been using that for years with my smart phone, so I immediately jumped at the opportunity to tie those same capabilities to my vehicle.

Taking Car Connector for a Test Drive With the Car Connector installation complete, I decided to go for a drive and test it out. The Car Connector shows up in the Alarm.com app alongside its other services like lighting, security, and HVAC control. There’s a live view showing the vehicle’s current location along with a “Trips” tab keeping a log of all my little jaunts around Richmond, where I live.

I checked out my first trip and loved that fuel efficiency and average speed were easily accessible. The “bread crumb” map also showed all the places where I went a little too fast. As it turns out, I’ve been a naughty boy. I’m not sure I like having the Car Connector letting me know how much of a lead foot I have, but my inner hypocrite will have no issue with relishing this capability when my 14-year-old starts driving in a few years.

Final Report If you’re interested in keeping an eye on the family fleet and other drivers in the home, the Car Connector is a great add-on to any Alarm. com system. The monthly subscription is nominal and the Car Connector itself doesn’t have an MSRP. My suspicion is most dealers will give them away in exchange for longer term service commitments (give away the razor, sell the blades). There are a ton of competitors out there offering smart vehicle capabilities, but Alarm.com delivers simplicity, which declutters the user experience via a single app. x

If you’re interested in keeping an eye on the family fleet and other drivers in the home, the Car Connector is a great add-on to any Alarm.com system.

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FEATURED

I Wish I’d Thought of That!

Thinking Outside the Box with Touchless Doorbells, Air Quality Monitors, and Next-Level Baby Monitors

By Michael Heiss

One of the reasons I enjoy trade shows so much is the chance to see things I didn’t know about or hadn’t seen before in person. I’m often impressed, but sometimes I slap my forehead and say, “Why didn’t I think of that?” These products are the often-obvious things that will make a home tech installation easier or improve the lives of homeowners.

The goal of pointing them out is to get you to think outside the box and bring these ideas inside your mix. Let what others thought up spur you to other new ideas and applications.

Alarm.com’s Touchless Doorbell Perhaps the best example of, “Why didn’t I think of that?” is Alarm.com’s “Touchless Doorbell,” which was introduced at the CES 2021 virtual event this past January. In addition to the cameras and sensors in a regular doorbell cam, this “the doormat doorbell” links pressure sensors in the doormat to trigger the doorbell and camera, with the rest of the connected system taking it from there for notifications and any needed action.

I see an opportunity for professional integrators to emulate this concept by placing different sensors at household entrances and programming what action is taken when one is triggered. This would work not just for door cams, but perhaps for local recorders, and not just for sensors close to the door, but perhaps a wireless contact closure on the gate to a pool area. You get the idea. We may not have been smart enough to commercialize this idea, but we can be smart and see how we may adapt it for our own applications.

AurAir Aero 1 Also seen during CES 2021, AurAir’s Aero 1 is more than just a smoke and CO2 monitor. It detects and measures the presence of temperature, humidity, particulate matter, and

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Alarm.com’s “touchless doorbell” links pressure sensors in the doormat to trigger the doorbell and camera.

FEATURED

I Wish I’d Thought of That!

AurAir’s Aero 1 is more than just a smoke and CO2 monitor.

VOCs. There is an LCD display for immediate status notification as well as an app and provisions to control ventilation systems.

On its face, Aero 1 is another one of those things that seems obvious, but have you seen something that performs the same measurements? Have you taken what those measurements reveal in a consolidated and unique way?

Hmm. “Provisions to control ventilation systems.” It seems obvious, but where and how will you do that? What venting, filtering, treatment, and notification systems will you attach to it? In that lies the answer to the theme here.

It’s not as much, “Why didn’t I think of that”, but why didn’t I do that as an extension to an existing product? Obvious as it might seem, it isn’t just the new product or invention, it is what

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you can do to make it unique in the way that you use or adapt it.

Nobi Light Fixture Nobi, from a Belgium-based company of the same name, clearly fits into our topic. It is so obvious that no one has, to my knowledge, done it before.

At first glance, Nobi appears to be a standard, if somewhat institutional-looking, light fixture. However, it is much more. Seamlessly integrated into Nobi are motion and other sensors, speakers, mics, and connectivity to an app. The motion sensors can detect both falls or lack of movement over a set time period.

At first glance, Nobi appears to be a standard, if somewhat institutional-looking, light fixture. However, it is much more.

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Cubo Ai Plus uses AI to alert if a baby rolls over or when their face is covered by a blanket or toy. Italy-based Filo Srl created Tata pad to fit under a child’s car seat and the Tata Band goes over the car seat straps to monitor a baby inside a car.

Depending on the event, the app can notify relatives, caregivers, or emergency services, with voice feedback and the ability to unlock doors or turn on lights. Is there a problem with air quality? Nobi can communicate with HVAC or open windows or vents.

Nobi is an extremely well thought out product that undoubtedly took much time, thought, effort, and financial resources to develop.

Consider how you can use it and what you might use it with and for. What type of unique residential experience can you think of?

Connected Baby Care The so-called “connected nursery” is one area of residential technology that received a great deal of product attention at CES. These are more than the simple baby room monitors. The key here is to monitor sleep patterns, report anomalies, and do a variety of things to both help the baby get to sleep or lull them back to sleep when they wake in the middle of the night.

One example of this is “bebeLucy” from Emma Healthcare, which is billed as a “smart baby crib.” It monitors the room’s temperature and humidity, the infant’s heart rate and sleep state, and uses AI and a camera to sense the baby’s condition and position. Concerned about flipping over? This will detect that and alert the parents via an app. Sensors also detect heart rate, body temperature, and bowel movements.

Depending on the settings, based on the current sleep state, it can play one of five white noise modes or initiate one of five motions such as “swing” or “car ride” at five speeds. The goal is to soothe and improve sleep.

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Another take on this concept is Cradlewise. It expands the product’s life cycle from crib to bassinet, making it something that will last up to about two years of age. It has similar features as the bebeLucy, but it adds even more. Here, the feature set includes a night vision camera along with the typical audio so that you may monitor things without even turning the lights on.

Two products from Goodbaby Child products, distributed in the U.S. by EvenFlo, take the concept in a slightly different direction.

Both do the same type of heart rate, breathing, and other function monitoring, and report to the parents via an app, but are independent of a specific crib. Their CunaCrib is a light mattress pad with a bumper surround that you place the infant in/on. The tech is hidden inside swaddling that gently swings, vibrates, and plays music to lull the child back to sleep.

Eschewing the vibration and sound, Goodbaby Child’s “Nite Pad” provides heart rate and breathtracking monitoring to report sleep status via an app. A slightly different version fits in a car seat to sense vehicle temperature.

A similar product pair was shown from Italybased Filo Srl. Their Tata pad also fits under a child car seat, or their Tata Band goes over the car seat straps. It senses when the adult has left the car due to loss of a Bluetooth connection. It first alerts the phone’s app, then if not disabled, defined emergency contacts, and after a few minutes more, emergency services. Personally, I find the idea of leaving a child in a locked car insane, but perhaps the product provides insurance of sorts against irresponsible

babysitters.

One more fascinating approach to this category is Cubo Ai Plus. At first glance, its egglike design has it look like a standard “baby cam monitor.” However, it is much more than that.

Billed as a proactive monitor, it combines a mic and a 1080p night vision camera with AI for cry detection. Even better, though, it uses the AI to alert a rollover or when the baby’s face is covered by a blanket or toy. Room sensors also monitor temperature and humidity, and a speaker can play the obligatory soothing music.

The best trick here is that, using the AI, the camera may be set to recognize “danger zones.”

Once the infant becomes a toddler and walks around the room, the device can, for example, sense that the little one is about to wander into the kitchen or down the stairs and alert the app.

Another creative use of the camera is to sense activity not only of a crib but recognize what is happening around it. Thus, even if the baby is sleeping well, it can snap a time-stamped picture when the caregiver is in the room. That helps you make certain that all is being taken care of properly.

Looking back on virtual CES 2021, there was much to tickle the “Why didn’t I think of it?” bone. More importantly, there was much to awake the pandemically dulled imagination to take that to the next step: “How can I use it, even if someone else thought it up?” That is one thing one hopes will never change as we all hopefully get back to physical, rather than virtual, trade shows and conferences sooner than later. x

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Cover Story

Photo courtesy of West Elm (Landon Vonderschmidt)

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Cover Story

FEATURED

Adrian Grenier’s Special Gift Noted Actor and Environmentalist Remodels Brooklyn Townhouse with Sustainable and Smart Tech in Mind

By Charles Warner & Danne Dzenawagis When Adrian Grenier began the remodel of a five-story fixer upper in Brooklyn as a gift to his mom, he knew the project must reflect the ideals that he had learned from her.

stressed that the design should focus on providing a safe and relaxing environment as well as prioritizing sustainability and utilizing technology to achieve increased energy efficiency,” said Jason Powers, Powers IoT founder and CEO. “And because he’s an audiophile at heart, he wanted every space to be filled with high-quality audio. For this, we turned to our friends at Leon Speakers.”

“I wanted to give my mom a home that had the values that she raised me with built into its DNA,” Grenier said.

Installation: Powers IoT Design: The Dream Awake Styling: Dyphor New York Furniture: West Elm Installation Photography: John Frattasi

The actor, environmentalist, and investor best known for his role as Vincent Chase in HBO’s TV series Entourage was looking to preserve the original charm of the historic home while also incorporating the latest in smart home technology. And as someone passionate about the environment, he had sustainability top-of-mind for every aspect of the design process.

Merging Sound and Sustainability After consulting with Grenier and Powers to understand the scope and vision of the project, the design team at Leon Speakers got to work creating a custom-tailored, whole-home audio experience that would deliver premium sound with style and sustainability in mind.

“I do a lot of music. I had a little artist-run label for a long time, so I’m a bit of an audiophile. I know, what’s what,” Grenier noted. “But the thing that really captured my imagination [about Leon Speakers] was the sustainability element and the handcraftsmanship. Leon uses FSC [Forest Stewardship Certified] wood for their speaker cabinets, and everything’s just so detail oriented. It’s not mass-produced stuff that you just roll off the shelf and throw away in a year, because it breaks. This is built to last, and it’s built to be aspirational and inviting. If you’re going to give something as a gift, especially to your mom, it had better be quality.”

“We looked to hire local artisans and incorporate female-forward thinking and sustainability – all of the things that my mom shared with me and taught me – to put into the home that also includes smart technology and quality and aesthetics,” he added. “Even the AV and speaker system had to be top-notch quality and be the best for my mom.”

After purchasing the home in the Clinton Hill neighborhood back in 2015, Grenier and his team began the arduous process of completely transforming the space from the ground up.

Grenier brought on local integration firm Powers IoT in Port Jefferson, NY, to address the technology needs in the space.

For Leon Speakers Founder and President Noah Kaplan, working with Grenier was an ideal match in philosophies. “I’ve been a fan of Adrian’s for a long time, so I was excited for the

“When Adrian approached me about his Brooklyn brownstone remodel project, he

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FEATURED

Cover Story / Adrian Grenier’s Special Gift

A pair of Leon Profile Ultima tower speakers wrapped in reclaimed walnut flank either side of the ornate fireplace. The home’s bedrooms were outfitted with discreet Leon Axis in-ceiling and Vault in-wall speakers

opportunity to work on this project with him,” Kaplan said. “Sustainability is important to me as a business owner, and that’s why our philosophy at Leon is to build products that last – products that aren’t meant to be discarded when the latest model comes out. Leons are an investment piece made of real materials that will remain in your home for many, many years.”

While working with environmentally friendly materials, recyclable packaging, and running its factory with Lean Manufacturing principles are all part of Leon’s standard operating procedure, the company wanted to take it a step further for Grenier’s project. Knowing his desire to have every detail of the home be as sustainable as possible, Leon was able to source local, reclaimed wood to be used in a number of the custom pieces being designed.

Make It ‘Party Ready’ To create a fully immersive listening experience, the home was designed with speakers in almost every room.

When entering the apartment into the main living room, a pair of Leon Profile Ultima tower speakers wrapped in reclaimed walnut flank either side of the ornate fireplace. In the same space, a three-channel Horizon Ultima soundbar built to match the exact width of the TV and a pair of six-inch Axis in-ceiling speakers were

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incorporated to deliver high-quality sound in an unobtrusive package.

Downstairs in the screening room, a multifunctional space that Grenier wanted to be “party ready” and provide a home cinema experience, a full Leon 7.2 system was installed.

Customized to match the warm tones and rich colors in the space, Leon handcrafted a walnut Edge Media Frame to encase both the TV and the Horizon Ultima three-channel soundbar.

A pair of 10-inch Aaros ultra-thin subwoofers also finished in walnut were positioned underneath the TV, with two Axis in-ceiling speakers installed overhead. To complete the surround sound experience that Grenier wanted, a Timbre SEVEN Tower floorstanding speaker with butcher block cabinets was positioned on either side of the seating area, providing big, fullrange sound.

The home’s bedrooms were outfitted with discreet Leon Axis in-ceiling and Vault in-wall speakers, as was the kitchen, which also includes an Aaros ultra-thin subwoofer wrapped in walnut. The backyard and deck areas feature six of Leon’s Terra FIVE outdoor speakers.

“It’s a New York backyard, so it’s not huge, but any space outside in New York is coveted,” Grenier said.

FEATURED

Cover Story / Adrian Grenier’s Special Gift In addition to speakers by Leon, the home also features Google Nest Learning Thermostats throughout to reduce the energy needed for heating and cooling, LED lighting powered by Lutron smart switches and motion detectors, and sense energy monitors to allow Grenier’s mom to track her energy usage in real-time.

For security – and peace of mind – Google Nest Secure alarm systems, Nest Cam IQ security cameras, and Nest Protect smoke and CO alarms were installed.

In the screening room, a full Leon 7.2 system was installed. Customized to match the warm tones and rich colors in the space, Leon handcrafted a walnut Edge Media Frame to encase both the TV and the Horizon Ultima three-channel soundbar. The home’s kitchen includes discreet Leon Axis in-ceiling and Vault in-wall speakers and an Aaros ultra-thin subwoofer wrapped in walnut.

The Virtual Reveal Once everything was installed and the final design touches had been made, Kaplan joined Grenier on a video call for a virtual walkthrough of the home.

“The last time I saw this space it was a construction zone, so it’s great to see it all finished,” Kaplan said. “It’s really an amazing transformation.”

Grenier toured Kaplan around the different rooms, pointing out the various Leon products throughout, commenting on their design, “You’re really coming at this from an artist’s perspective. You’re creating a piece of art with each of these products.”

At the end of the call, the two vowed to catch up in person someday to watch movies and play music together.

“It’s so good to see what you did with the space,” Kaplan said. “And I always appreciate how you pay attention to sustainability and the environment. Keep up all the great work you do, it’s really important.”

For Grenier, working with Jason Powers became more than just a business relationship.

“You do a project like this, and you start working with people, but you end up becoming friends just because you work so intimately together for such a long period of time.”

Learning how to operate the control system designed by Powers IoT required a bit of a learning curve for Grenier and his mother. “It’s a long, detailed process of getting to know the needs of the home and needs of my mom and needs of like the power loads and how you’re going to be using the home,” Grenier said. “It’s worth it, though, because it’s highly efficient, very comfortable, and seamless. It sounds good and feels good.” x

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Made in the Shade

Residential Tech Professionals Share Their Experiences Offering Automated Shading Systems

By Charlie Derk

Like other smart home technologies, shading systems save power and reduce utility costs, while providing unprecedented levels of convenience for homeowners. Where they really shine, however, is in their ability to deliver these benefits while contributing to the overall wellbeing of a home’s occupants. By conveniently controlling the admission of natural light into the home, shading systems increase comfort and prevent light glare for greater enjoyment.

It’s clear that the demand for automated shading systems by homeowners of all kinds is growing – whether it’s due to COVID-19 or the trend for large, open floor plans. It’s also clear that dealers who have embraced the technology are reaping the benefits.

We at QMotion thought it would be helpful to reach out to some of our dealers who are already offering shading systems and ask them to share their experiences. Participating in the conversation are Chris Edelen, owner, Sterling Home Technologies, San Antonio, TX; Sean Glover, owner, The Stereo Guy, Anchorage, AK; and Gabe Rivera, partner, Digital Habitats, Wylie, TX. Charlie Derk: How long have you been offering shading systems?

Chris Edelen: Sterling Home Technologies has been offering shading systems for four years now.

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Sean Glover: I started offering QMotion shades in September 2019.

Gabe Rivera: We’ve been offering shading systems for 10 years.

CD: Why did you add shading systems to your offering?

CE: Before we offered shading systems, our clients would purchase solutions from third parties and ask us to integrate them with our control systems. Unfortunately, we ran into all kinds of compatibility issues. To offer a more satisfying client experience, we decided to add motorized shading to our portfolio to offer seamless integration.

SG: I actually never intended to add shades to my lineup. A long-time customer wanted them and didn’t want to go with one of my competitors, so they asked if I could provide them. That’s how they made it into my lineup.

experience in general, and then if they want their shades integrated into their home control system.

SG: One main way is to explain how it can help with the long summer nights we have here in Alaska. Most houses here don’t have air conditioning, so shading can play an important role in keeping interior temperatures down while providing much-needed privacy. It also helps slow the bleaching of furniture and flooring that results from extensive exposure to the sun. Of course, there are also benefits specific to QMotion that we make sure to point out, including the option to start out with a lessexpensive manual version that can be easily upgraded by simply installing a motor.

GR: Our clients were asking about shading to go with our lighting control and automation offerings.

GR: We explain how automated shades can provide our clients with the natural lighting environment they want based on the time of day, without any effort on their part. We can program them once and the client doesn’t ever have to think about them again, or they can choose to control them from a handheld device or in-wall touchpanel.

CD: How do you emphasize the benefits of automated shading to your clients?

CD: Have shading systems been a successful addition to your lineup?

CE: We first ask them if they’re interested in shading for privacy, to lower their electric bills and have a more enjoyable home living

CE: Each year we increase both the volume and the percentage of our clients that buy window shades from us. So yes, they have.

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Tips for Installers Starting Out in Automated Shading Examples of some of QMotion’s 79 new fabrics now available.

Right from top: Gabe Rivera, Chris Edelen, and Sean Glover,

SG: Absolutely.

GR: Yes, especially with the popularity of large open floor plans that let in a lot of natural light.

People are finding they want the option of controlling the amount of light coming into their homes.

CD: Have clients been coming to you asking about adding automated shading to their homes?

CE: Yes, each year more and more clients are bringing this up with us without our having to initiate the conversation.

SG: They have.

GR: From time to time, clients will ask about shading after we’ve completed an AV or lighting control installation for them. It’s something that’s often initially mentioned by the salesperson but isn’t included in the first phase.

CD: Have you noticed any trends in who is purchasing automated shading? Is it more the young, tech-savvy, older generations or a mix?

CE: It’s really a mix of all our clients, most of whom are in their mid 40s and up. With the integration of motorized shades into our control system, they’re so easy to operate that you really don’t need to be tech savvy at all to enjoy their benefits.

SG: They’re not necessarily older but are definitely more on the tech-savvy side.

GR: Although it’s not always the case, I’ve found that it’s usually those who hire interior decorators that purchase automated shading.

CD: What have the challenges been in

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positioning shading as a must-have in the smart, well-lit home?

CE: Cost is the biggest challenge, but most of our clients want the benefits and convenience of motorized shades, so that isn’t especially prohibitive. Other than that, it really comes down to the client and their interior designer deciding on a shade fabric. Otherwise, it is a pretty easy choice.

SG: The initial sticker shock is the biggest hurdle. Once they see the quality of QMotion shades and the warranties behind them. The choice is easy.

CD: Do you have any advice for other dealers considering adding automated shading to their offering?

CE: I would say walk before you run and take advantage of an outside measuring and installation service. This is typically all these companies do, so they are really good at it. Usually, they can do it better and cheaper than we can, and the process is completely seamless for the client.

SG: Do it! They’re easy and the margins are great.

CD: Do you have any predictions for automated shading in 2021 and beyond?

CE: I believe that this category will continue to grow, and additional options will emerge as time goes by.

SG: I’m hopeful that the category will grow.

With people spending more time inside, and not traveling nearly as much, I think they’ll be more apt to spend that money on luxuries like powered shades.x

Don’t Ignore the Elephant in the Room: The Price of the Project One issue you will consistently run into with motorized shades is price, so it’s best to be proactive. When your customer asks how much shading will cost, it’s tempting to say, “It depends; I’ll put together a proposal and get back to you.”

The problem here is that customers who haven’t purchased motorized shades before truly have no idea what to expect when it comes to cost. You don’t want to spend a lot of time measuring all their windows, creating a proposal, and then have them run for the hills when they see the price tag. Instead, it’s best to give them a ballpark estimate up front.

I’ve found it to be most helpful to price out small, medium, and large windows ahead of time. Every shade manufacturer has tools that can help you do this. Then you can ask your customer how many windows they have, the general size for each, and do some quick math to create an estimate on the spot.

If the estimate makes them fall out of their chair, don’t despair. You have options for bringing the cost down, like only doing windows in a few key areas instead of the whole house. Sometimes the price still will be too high. Sometimes it will reduce it enough to get your foot in the door.

Measure Twice, Cut Once I cannot stress enough how important it is to measure the entire window, not just at the bottom where the sill is. If you have a 10-foot-tall window, it may be a nuisance, but you need to get your ladder out and measure at the top too. The reason is that in residential construction there’s a good chance that the window isn’t square. It wouldn’t be unheard of for a window to measure 40 inches at the bottom and 39 at the top. If you only measure the bottom, the shade you purchased for the window isn’t going to fit.

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KITCHEN & BATH

Tech and Design, Front and Center Connected Living Pavilion at KBIS Provided Insights for Design-Build and Tech Integration Pros

By Katye McGregor Bennett

Allen Tremble of Acoustic Evolution and Ryan Gustafson of Screen Innovations walked through a massive backyard upgrade project underway in Southern California.

While technical difficulties prevented the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) virtual exhibits from being accessible as planned earlier this year, attendees had the unique opportunity to focus their attention on all of the programming being offered. Though shocking at first, I realized that being able to spend all of my time taking in presentations, panel sessions, and media briefings provided me both a broader view of the industry and a better understanding of its needs.

In the Connected Living Pavilion, design trends, smart home technology briefings, and tech integration insights were shared and the subsequent chatter about it across the social media sphere suggests design-build and integration pros are connecting at a much more rapid pace than in years past. Here are some of the highlights: The 5th Room Designers often refer to something called “the

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5th room,” which is parlance for that unused bedroom that typically houses Christmas decorations, odd bits of furniture, and a BowFlex holding clothing on hangers that also never gets used. The 5th Room session featured guest panelist George Walter of Rayva Home Theaters and JP Bedell from SDA Lighting, who helped attendees envision how to quickly and easily turn this abandoned room into a well-lit and acoustically insulated space that could serve as a highly functional home office, media room, e-learning or exercise room. By adding a TV, a soundbar, or speakers, design-friendly acoustic treatments, effective task lighting, presto change-o, this room is now a space that will actually get used.

Taking Life Outdoors This conversation was an eye-opener for many. Panelists Allen Tremble of Acoustic Evolution and Ryan Gustafson of Screen

Innovations walked through a massive backyard upgrade project underway in Southern California, helping designers see how taking life outdoors means exciting new technologies that help make the areas surrounding a home a natural extension of the living space. Gustafson talked about SI’s shades and how adding them to an outdoor space not only helps control climate (keeping the space cool or warm depending on the season) and keeps insects out, but can also be used to create a convertible outdoor environment from outdated or otherwise underused patio space.

One key takeaway from this panel is how crucial it is for integrators to be part of the build team to ensure that projects go off without a hitch, often from a logistical standpoint. For example, an 85-inch motorized TV mount can itself weigh upwards of 700 lbs. and requires reinforcing the bones of the room (or risk a

KITCHEN & BATH

connectivity to the Control4 home automation system and can be voice-controlled with either Alexa or Josh.ai.

massive TV falling on someone!). While we may take for granted the fact that a crew might be needed to actually install such a mount, it’s good to know what’s involved.

Beautiful Homes Deserve Beautiful Tech In the session Beautiful Tech, sponsored by Crestron, Michelle Guss, Bryan Celli, and Sonia Hernandez, shared how each home is a unique expression of its owners and provided attendees a glimpse into Crestron’s NYC and Houston Design Showrooms, helping show how technology not only brings a home to life, but makes it inviting, comfortable, entertaining, and secure.

From Bedroom to Bath to Basement In a session on The Smart Home Ecosystem sponsored by Control4, a SnapAV company, Gordon van Zuiden, founder of Los-Gatos, CA, integration firm cyberManor, gave designers a walk-through tour of his fully integrated smart home show house providing valuable tips and insights along the way.

Attendees of this session saw how a home automation system ties connected kitchens, baths, and audio-video gear together into a seamless experience and can even solve design challenges.

For example, one of the bedrooms in cyberManor’s showroom features an A-frame ceiling with skylights, which is not an easy place to mount a TV. The solution? A motorized SI projection screen that descends from the ceiling and a short-throw projector in a cabinet directly below.

Finally, Design Bites – KBIS’s energetic product discovery showcase – returned for its sixth year.

Hosted by Darren Keefe of HGTV’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, each participating brand was given three minutes to introduce a new product or concept, followed by a brief Q&A. At the conclusion of the event, a panel of judges selected one exhibitor as the “Brand with the Biggest Bite,” which was LG’s Studio Washtower.

This unit reimagines the laundry room experience by keeping the capacity of a side-byside washer/dryer in half the space. And this, with the control panel at the center of the unit making it easy to reach the controls for both without the need for a step stool! (Why did no one think of this before?) x

Emphasizing the need for integration pros to be part of the design-build team early in the process, van Zuiden showed what it took to install the Kohler Konnect DTV+ spa shower into the home and integrate it with voice control, floor heating, shading, audio, and video systems. In the cyberManor showroom, the system has

Top Row: In the session Beautiful Tech, sponsored by Crestron, Michelle Guss, Bryan Celli, and Sonia Hernandez shared how each home is a unique expression of its owners.

Left: JP Bedell from SDA Lighting helped KBIS attendees envision how to quickly and easily turn this abandoned room into a well-lit and acoustically insulated space that could serve as a highly functional home office, media room, e-learning or exercise room. Images courtesy of Delivered Lumens

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OUTDOOR TECH

Making Backyard Music Better Home Tech Veteran Enhances Arizona Outdoor Living with Origin Acoustics Bollard Speakers

By Gordon Isaac

The Origin bollards are available with a round or square aluminum sleeve which contains a durable fluorocarbon coating.

Where I live in Arizona, I’m able to enjoy yearround outdoor living. During our extended stay-at-home time this past year, I realized it was finally time to turn my home’s old yard into a more serene and enjoyable area to relax and entertain. Outdoor speakers were a key piece of that plan. After years of working for several manufacturers, and even being involved in the design of many speakers myself, I knew that I wanted something that not only sounded good but looked good.

It used to be that outdoor speakers were mounted to the outside of your home. This created a bit of an eye-sore but also limited controllability of the sound, increasing the chances that your neighbors may end up enjoying your music more than you did, or maybe not.

Manufacturers looked for ways to improve the aesthetics of outdoor speakers by making them look more like low-voltage outdoor lights, which allowed them to be less obtrusive both visually and acoustically to their surroundings. But these designs came with their own challenges, primarily that a smaller size meant not as good of sound.

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As this design evolved, in-ground subwoofers were needed to provide bass and then larger speakers were created that blended in less but sounded better.

With many great brands to choose from, for my own home I went with Origin Acoustics’ bollards, which are a style of loudspeakers inspired by the sturdy, short, vertical post on a ship.

While bollard designs have been used by multiple manufacturers, what Origin has done is make this something that sounds great and looks great, too.

the design elements of our landscaping, and the black color to match our pavers and other design accents.

While looks are important, it was the sound quality that we were looking for. The Origin Acoustic’s LSB64 comes with a built-in 6.5-inch woofer, which ports just below the highfrequency acoustic lens. This adds great low-end performance down to around 50hz. The woofer portion gets buried, keeping the speaker design elegant while still providing great bass at lower volumes.

The Origin bollards, which are backed by a five-year warranty, are available with a round or square aluminum sleeve layered with a durable fluorocarbon coating for resistance to moisture and heat. Assembled to order, you can choose the round or square design and your choice of natural silver, black, or bronze.

A four-inch, full-range driver handles the mid frequencies, while a PEI high-range driver fires downward into a silicone acoustic lens for 180or 360-degree dispersion pattern, depending on the application. This flexibility allows for endless installation applications and, more importantly, enables coverage of a large area with fewer speakers.

This modular nature of Origin bollards allows more flexibility to visually enhance the space where they are located. Based on the minimalistic design for my yard, I chose the square aluminum sleeve, which complements

Origin Acoustics offers in-house support for their resellers, reviewing your area plans and making recommendations for speaker quantity, location, and budget. After reviewing my plans and budget, we decided that four of the bollard

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OUTDOOR TECH

Making Backyard Music Better

speakers, placed evenly in a horizontal line, would create not only a very full sound, regardless of listening area, but would also help complement the area visually. It was also recommended that I add an OSUB12, in-ground 12-inch subwoofer for more bass.

To power the system, a DSP3-700 amplifier was specified for its proaudio durability and high-power output. The bollards’ high frequencies are driven on one channel, built-in subs on another channel, and the dedicated sub on a third channel. This amplifier allows for custom DSP modes and a host of functionality to help ensure that even in its 70v application, the speakers would perform efficiently.

My first impression when taking the bollards out of the box was that they were bigger and heavier than they appeared online. The subwoofer was also well built and made me excited to hear it. The install was straight forward. I ran the wires, adjusted the speaker taps based on the amplifier, removed drain plugs in the rare chance of Arizona rain, and connected to the amp. That being said, if I didn’t have years of experience in the industry, I would have hired one of Origin Acoustic’s professional custom integrators to do the work.

Once installed, the first thing that I noticed when listening for the first

time, was how well the speakers filled the area. The 360-degree sound dispersion provided incredible coverage. I could instantly tell that the mid-range and vocals were clear and high frequencies were crisp and detailed. The low-end was present, but not overwhelming, even at lower volumes.

Once installed, the first thing that I noticed when listening for the first time, was how well the speakers filled the area.

The OSUB12 subwoofer filled in where the bollards left off and provided a great rumble. Many consumers think that a subwoofer is only for listening to certain kinds of music at high volumes, but that’s not the only application. A subwoofer helps bring everything together at lower volumes where smaller speakers aren’t able to produce enough lowfrequency output causing smaller speakers to sound flat.

My family and friends love the sound of our Origin Acoustics outdoor bollard system, and my wife even commented how she loves that the speakers didn’t just blend in, but actually enhanced the design of our outdoor living space. It’s important for manufacturers to continue to focus on design that’s pleasing for all. Origin Acoustics offers a wide variety of outdoor speakers, not just the bollards.

If you’re looking for great sound and want something that looks beautiful, as well, this style of speaker will help you achieve your goals. x

Additional Backyard Tech Options Opportunities for enhancing outdoor living spaces with technology doesn’t need to stop with weather-resistant loudspeaker. Consider mounting that outdoor video display on Auton’s Model BG-72-30-PS subterranean lift, which conceals and reveals a TV at the push of a button.

The lift is constructed of T6061 aluminum and 316 stainless steel. An IP55 rating and onboard weatherproof 120V receptacle makes it completely waterproof. Shipped fully assembled, it installs in minutes.

Also, look to RTI’s U3 remote control, which utilizes inductive charging and wireless programming updates for the ultimate in outdoor TV channel surfing. The U3 is resistant to water and chlorine and floats if dropped in the pool. The device features RTI’s dual-RF platform, supporting both 433-MHz RF for one-way control and 2.4-GHz ZigBee for bidirectional communication with RTI processors and supported third-party electronics like music servers, lighting, and pool control systems.

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VIDEO

Updating the Visual Display Checking in on the Evolution of New Video Technology Opportunities in 2021 and Beyond

By Dennis Holzer The home entertainment category continues to see growth as consumers spend more time entertaining at home. With access to unlimited digital content via popular streaming platforms, consumers have the movies that they would normally see in theaters right at their fingertips, creating a need for upgraded home theater, living room, and media room spaces.

Throughout the past year, it’s obvious that consumers are eager to make entertainment upgrades in the home and the starting point for making these updates starts with the visual display.

In 2020 and through the start of 2021, television displays have been flying off the shelves in PowerHouse Alliance distributor warehouses as homeowners continue to seek quality video to complement the at-home streaming and entertainment experience.

Seventy-six percent of PowerHouse Alliance vendors and members surveyed in the recently released PowerHouse Alliance white paper: “A Landscape of Change: Charting New Territory in the Custom Installation Industry,” stated that TV/displays were the top-selling category at the end of 2020 and would remain at the top as we enter Q1 and Q2 2021.

Constant improvements to resolution quality, size, and price continue to make a great impact on the audio/video industry. Three years ago, a homeowner may have installed a 1080p, 60-inch TV because the larger option was not yet available or was too expensive to fit their budget. Today, consumers can get larger, 4K displays for less money than the lower quality display that they previously purchased. This trend stands to continue, while CES 2021 saw a surge in 8K TVs from the industry’s leading brands, the show also debuted the first glimpses of TVs that stretched beyond 8K. For TV/display brands, it’s all about keeping up with consumer demand as we enter the remainder of 2021. When new technology

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Samsung The Frame

comes out, most consumers are ready to get their hands on it as fast as possible. Technology across the industry gets bigger and better each year while also getting cheaper with time.

Consumers have constant access to the internet where they are able to see vendors discussing improved resolutions beyond 8K. The PowerHouse Alliance white paper survey data shows that 15 percent of vendors expect 8K displays to impact the market in 2021. As larger displays with improved video quality become available, consumers get rid of older displays even though nothing is wrong with them. When consumers see better, they want it, even if that means getting rid of something they just purchased a few months before.

Moving forward, I expect the quality and capabilities of TVs to continue to improve.

Newer TVs will be built with a brain that allows them to do more at a faster pace. I expect 4K and 8K displays to expand in popularity, but the capacity of the TV and how fast it thinks will also be a major player in the years to come as computer technology and television technology converge for optimal streaming functionality.

In 2021, manufacturers will continue to release displays that act on voice command. The smart home voice control category has seen growth over the past year as consumers appreciate the ability to control their devices via a simple voice command. We can also expect developments in picture quality. These resolutions will still be classified as 4K or 8K, but they will include different types of technology that allow for brighter and more colorful video.

Data from PowerHouse Alliance members shows a 30-percent spike in TV/display sales in 2020 alone, and I expect that increase to continue in 2021. Consumers will be looking for larger TVs with better picture quality at a cheaper price to complement their home and media room upgrades. 8K will take over 4K as bigger, sharper, and cheaper displays will enter the market and consumers will be eager to add the new technology to the home. I think the industry as a whole can expect to see a high pace of sales in the TV/display categories as a result of improved size and quality. x

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HEALTH TECH

The Power of the Nudge Living the Halo Life with Amazon’s Newest Wearable Health Tech Device

By Heather L. Sidorowicz Amazon announced near the end of last year that they were creating a wearable health tech device, called Halo, with no watch face and no text messaging. My interest was piqued, so last November I applied and received early access to the product.

vibrates, so they look at it as you continue to talk? Beyond being illmannered, I will bet they have no idea what you said. (I like to take the opportunity to drop in the word alien just for fun. For example, “...and that is when aliens abducted me.”).

The band works with a companion app, aptly named Halo. The app breaks up your wellbeing into four channels: Activity, Sleep, Tone, and Body.

While there may be “apps” on these wearables, it takes more from you than it’s giving. Its purpose is not your wellbeing. Amazon’s Halo seemed like it would be different.

Here’s my experience with Halo’s four channels

A Short History of Wearable Tech Devices The concept of wearables dates back to the 1960s, but they did not hit the mainstream until the late 1970s, when HP introduced the wrist calculator. Okay, mainstream might be too strong of a word, for it was not until the last few years we have seen the explosion of “smart” wristbands and fitness trackers. According to Pew Research, one in five U.S. adults say they wear them regularly.

The concept of having something to guide you, to help you, while you walk this earth is alluring. Yet, many wearables are not there to help with your health and life but believe you need to be told immediately of an incoming email or text message.

Interruption is not helpful but disruptive.

Gloria Mark, who studies digital distraction at the University of California, states it takes an average of almost 25 minutes to return to the original task after an interruption.

Have you ever been speaking directly to another person, and their wrist

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Activity Hands down, my favorite section of Halo is “Activity.” You have a weekly goal of 150 points. Halo awards points based on the intensity and duration of your movement. The idea is to move more, move faster, and sit less.

You can view your points on a daily, weekly, or monthly level. The crazy part is, you begin to learn what will enable you to earn more points, and that nudge, while it took a few weeks, works.

For example, a 20-minute plus jog will reward you about 40 points.

Preparing dinner for an hour will garner you about three points.

Beware, for you will lose points for sedentary time. This section of the band has that video game feel that, over time, has increased my desire to move, giving me the extra nudge that I need (especially during January in Buffalo during a global pandemic).

Sleep By wearing your band while you

HEALTH TECH

The Amazon Halo band works with a companion app, aptly named Halo, which breaks up your wellbeing into four channels: Activity, Sleep, Tone, and Body.

sleep, you will learn how long you sleep, how long it takes you to fall asleep, and your sleep breakdown. For example, I have a tough time falling asleep and found that I drift for a few minutes and wake up for a prolonged time. I have always had a tough time falling asleep, and somehow seeing “proof ” has helped me connect my score to how I feel throughout the day.

Tone Tone is my least favorite of the channels.

Perhaps because I get the worst grades. I thought I was such a happy person, but Halo Tone tells me different. For this experiment, I kept Tone on for the first six weeks. However, I cannot say the feedback nudged me into better tonality. Perhaps, I am already aware when my tone is subpar.

Body The scariest of the four featurettes is “Body,” as it involves stripping down to your undergarments, standing in front of your phone, and letting it take photos of you to put together your body fat percentage. Amazon says, “Many experts consider body fat percentage a better

barometer of overall health than weight alone.”

Amazon recommends, “taking your scans twice a month – ideally at the same time of day with similar clothing and lighting – to gauge your progress most accurately.”

The app runs a bit slower than I would like, and I find myself repeatedly touching the area I am trying to explore. I hope that Amazon will continue to update and make the app smarter and faster. With push notifications, you will get a message when your band is charged and reminders to complete a challenge if you have opted to give yourself a Halo task. I would love to get a warning before I start losing points for nonmovement.

As taking photos of yourself, hardly dressed, is everything you should never do with your phone, Amazon speaks to your privacy. Anytime you are in that part of the app, the ability to erase the data is apparent. The scanned images are processed in the Amazon cloud by machine and then deleted from the cloud by default unless you turn on automatic backups. No one but you sees your scan images.

With your Halo purchase, you get six months free, and then $3.99 a month after that. Without the membership, you still retain access to the basic sleep time, heart rate, and step tracking. It is unclear the detail as to what that means.

Battery Life With Tone on, I had to charge the band daily, meaning I would forget to put the band on. The battery lasts a few days with Tone turned off.

Overall Takeaway From Fitbit to the Apple Watch, I have tried a few fitness bands over time. The deal-breaker for me was their inability to track activities such as yoga and skiing. I have found the Halo point tracker fair in connection to the movement and find myself encouraged to reach the points goal.

I will continue to wear the band in an effort to achieve my health goals. x

App Experience Every time you open the app, the band will attempt to sync, taking up to 30 seconds.

Connection sometimes fails, and you have to push the one button on your Halo twice to get them to connect.

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PRODUCT REVOLUTION Nortek Control’s 2GIG EDGE Security and Automation Panel features artificial intelligence (AI) edge analytics and secure face recognition touchless disarm. By engineering the panel using edge analytics and technology built right into the panel, the homeowner’s biometric data stays secure by saving it only on the panel. Once homeowner data is deleted, it is deleted forever. There is also 100-percent compatibility with the live feed of ONVIF cameras to the panel, allowing homeowners to use existing ONVIF devices for their surveillance needs.

Access Networks ARCC is a cloud-based wireless controller solution built on Ruckus architecture to provide streamlined and fully customizable deployments, remote access, and control of networking systems. ARCC offers a source of recurring revenue, as it enables networks to be easily monitored and managed remotely. Quick and easy remediation and firmware updates can help boost an integrators’ bottom line, streamline workflow, and improve customer satisfaction. Updates introducing new features and capabilities will download to ARCC remotely via the cloud.

Sonos Roam is a new portable speaker that was designed for versatility. It features smart capabilities, a premium waterproof and durable design, all-day battery life, and a seamless listening experience.

Roam connects to Wi-Fi when in range and automatically re-pairs with a phone when away. With an IP67 rating, Roam’s durable design is sealed from dust and fully waterproof. Sound Swap makes it effortless to move the sound to or from the nearest Sonos speaker just by pressing and holding its play/pause button.

Allterco Robotics US has partnered with Home Assistant, the open source home automation platform, to enable native integration with its Shelly smart home products. Home Assistant will be able to automatically detect and add any Shelly products that the user has installed and enables the user to configure products however they would like. And because the Home Assistant integration is local, Shelly products can function without the user having to share their data with the cloud or requiring their smart home to be connected to the internet.

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PRODUCT REVOLUTION

The Denon Home Sound Bar 550 is a high-performance loudspeaker with the ability to deliver Dolby Atmos and DTS:X 3D surround sound from a six-driver array. Listeners can also stream high-resolution music from their favorite music services or local music libraries directly to the sound bar leveraging HEOS Built-in. Additionally, listeners who already invested in the HEOS ecosystem, including other Denon Home products, can add the Denon Home Sound Bar 550 as a separate wireless zone without pulling a single wire.

The new Atlona OPUS-RX41 provides AV switching between local sources and content from a central matrix switcher for a wide range of small-to-medium-sized residential and light commercial applications. It offers three HDMI inputs for local devices plus one HDBaseT input to receive video, embedded audio, Ethernet passthrough, power, and bidirectional control signals over distances up to 330 feet (100 meters). It also processes 4K/UHD at 60 Hz with 4:4:4 chroma sampling and high dynamic range formats such as HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision.

ELK Products Inc. has released a new wall mounted PIR Motion Sensor in its 319 Series Wireless Sensor line. The ELK-319PIRW offers a detection range of up to 40 feet and pet immunity up to 22 lbs. This supervised motion sensor features selectable sensitivity and a built-in tamper switch. Utilizing the 319.5 MHz operating frequency, it is compatible with many popular systems, including ELK’s M1 Controls. This new sensor, along with ELK’s full line of 319.5 MHz wireless sensors, is ideal for an Interlogix system in need of replacement sensors.

In celebration of its 75th anniversary, Klipsch has introduced the Forte IV loudspeaker, a modern take on one of its best-selling speakers of all time. The Klipsch Forte IV speaker features a three-way design, utilizing a 12-inch woofer and horn-loaded midrange and tweeter, with all-new titanium compression drivers. An all-new K-702 midrange compression driver is mated to a modified proprietary Tractrix horn with patented Klipsch Mumps technology for even mid frequencies and consistent sound throughout the listening area. The rear-mounted 15-inch passive radiator produces greater bass output and extension.

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RELAX

The Lighter Side

2021 Tech Predictions Photo: iStockphoto.com/daoleduc

By Anthony Elio

2020 was a great year for me. I found a hat in my parking lot and learned how to play Parcheesi. On the other hand, my Great Aunt Irene passed away, and her funeral wasn’t catered.

But in the tech world, 2020 was quite a rollercoaster. People went from 15.5 hours looking at screens to 16 hours. The re-worked Sonic the Hedgehog movie united a nation. Apple probably did something. With all our 2020 calendars in the trash and 2021 calendars about to go on clearance, here’s what to expect in the realm of tech this year:

Decade-old tweets will become the leading cause of unemployment.

While most of us lost our jobs last year due to gross incompetence or office supply theft, old social media posts will emerge as the main reason for standing in the unemployment line.

Speaking of, I have just been informed that I’m being relieved of my position as the author of The Lighter Side due to my 2010 tweet

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criticizing Hot Topic’s return policy. I stand by it.

Sex robots will be updated to stop initiating breakups.

After successfully roboticizing the tender act of love, scientists have been working tirelessly to ensure we all spend even more time with technology and even less time with human beings. However, they’re only now discovering how to stop the robots from leaving you once the relationship grows stale. This is especially good news, as I’ve been dreadfully alone since my embarrassing public breakup with my robot Darla at my nephew’s Baptism.

Streaming services will officially outnumber humans.

In addition to our consistently growing list of streaming services, the number will roughly eclipse the world population by summer.

Companies planning to release streaming services include Forever 21, Harry’s Razors, Outback Steakhouse, and Zoloft. Nabisco will be the frontrunner when they premier their

exclusive streaming service, including original content from the Nabisco Cinematic Universe such as Fig Newton Adventures and The Teddy Grahams Save Christmas.

Doctors will finally remove that Tamagotchi I swallowed.

Long-time readers will remember my article “Everything I Accidentally Swallowed in 2017.”

While most of those items have been extracted by my disgraced doctor friend, the Tamagotchi remains. Thanks to generous donations from my fraudulent GoFundMe, I can finally afford to have it removed and reattached to my keychain where it belongs. x Anthony Elio is a writer and Cutco sales rep located in Denver, CO. He currently plays drums in the band Television Generation, which has as many as 20 Spotify streams at the time of this writing. His other interests include competitive paddle ball and making pornographic artwork on his Etch A Sketch. Elio’s further editorial work can be found on PigeonSushi.com.

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