LCDs, LEDs and Plasmas, Oh My!

If you're looking for that perfect flat screen as a gift this Christmas, your search may be more complicated than it seems. These days, there are so many different factors to take into consideration when purchasing high-quality televisions, just thinking about it can make your head spin. We're here to help break it down for you. Read our easy-to-digest comparison of the four major TV contenders this Christmas.

LCDs
Basic Technology: LCDs use the liquid crystal diode technology and reproduce colors through a process of subtraction – blocking out particular wavelengths from the spectrum of white light. Traditional LCDs are illuminated by one, large fluorescent CFL light.

Best For: Brightly-lit rooms, although they display a quality picture in all settings. LCDs are the most commonly used televisions in retail settings and for public display because of their bright picture and plexiglass screen, which reduces the glare from other lights sources, like windows and lamps.

Benefits:

• Run cool and have a low power consumption
• Can be as thin as 2 inches deep
• Have a light-weight design that make moving and wall placement easy
• Display close to a 170 degree viewing angle
• Are resistant to burn-in (a permanent discoloration of areas on an electronic display)
• Contain LCD backlights that are estimated to last between 30,000 and 60,000 hours
• Have plexiglass screens that result in less glare than TVs with glass screens

LEDs
Basic Technology: LEDs are an advancement on LCD technology. Similar to conventional LCDs, LEDs also use the liquid crystal diode technology. However, unlike the traditional LCDs, which use one CFL (compact fluorescent light) to illuminate the screen, LEDs align many, small LEDs (light-emitting diodes) along the back of the TV to illuminate the screen.

Best For: Similar to traditional LCDs, they are also ideal for brightly-lit rooms, because of their plexiglass screens and brightness.
Benefits:

• Include all of the same benefits as traditional LCDs plus
• Have less “glow” because of their numerous LED light sources
• Display better color contrasts
• Have greater viewing angles
• Tend to have increased motion-tracking or response time (leads to less image-blurring)

Plasmas
Basic Technology: Plasmas use pixel-cell technology, which is essentially individual, microscopic, fluorescent light bulbs, which glow due to xenon and neon gases excited by electric impulses. An absence of electrical impulses will result in complete blackness, a high level of electrical impulses will result in complete white.

Best For: Low to normal-light settings and for individuals who are interested in purchasing a television with a very large screen.
Benefits:

• Are known for their “perfect” picture quality
• Allow for a more true color – deeper blacks, more color depth, and less wash out, because of their ability to completely deactivate a light source
• Have a higher contrast ratio than LEDs and LCDs
• Allow for greater viewing angles
• Provide better motion-tracking or response time (which leads to less image blurring)
• Can often appear dull in store showrooms, but have a better picture quality in “real life” settings, like at home

3D
Basic Technology: 3D TVs are made with either LCD, LED, or Plasma technology, depending on the brand. 3D TV is not exactly like the 3D you may be used at the theater. 3D TV, instead, adds an illusion of depth to your screen. Similar to the technology used in theaters, 3D imaging is based on the science that human eyes are about 7 centimeters apart. Each eye processes images differently, from different angles. Therefore, the 3D content displays two separate images on the same screen simultaneously, one meant for the viewer’s left eye and one meant for the viewer’s right eye. When the viewer wears the active liquid crystal shutter glasses, or shutter glasses, they perceive the image as a single, 3D image. The shutter glasses, in addition to their liquid-crystal lenses, contain electronics and batteries that sync to the TV using an infrared or Bluetooth signal.

Best For: Viewers who are looking for that “wow” factor! 3D TV is likely the most important breakthrough in television technology since the invention of digital TV.

Benefits:

• Give an incredible viewing experience
• Display added depth
• Offer better views than theater 3D, due to the technological advancement in glasses (shutter glasses use liquid crystal lenses and communicate with the TV, while most theaters use passive polarized 3D glasses, which only restrict the light that reaches each eye)
• Provide better user-control than the theater (some 3D TVs allow the user to adjust the degree of 3D)
• You don’t always have to watch in 3D – these TVs come with a standard non-3D system as well

Winter Home Security

In the winter months, it can be easy to forget to pay attention to keeping your home secure. However, though inclement weather may seem discouraging to you, it does not prevent many criminals from taking advantage of people’s homes during the winter months. In residential burglaries, most burglars spend less than 60 seconds breaking into a home. Even during the winter, your home’s security should be a subject that you pay close attention to. Here are some general tips that will help you in keeping your home safe and secure for your family.

Plow Your Driveway

It’s highly recommended that you arrange for your driveway to be plowed on a regular basis. This is not only important for your own personal safety, but can also help to discourage burglars as well. If you are absent for a long period of time, an unplowed driveway may be a sign to burglars that your house is deserted.

Mark Your Valuables

A good habit to get into is to write your postal code with a security marker on your valuable electronics, keepsakes and other items. Keep a running inventory of these objects, updating it as necessary. This way, if the police recover stolen goods, they have the ability to return them directly to you (as long as you reported them missing). This is a precautionary measure, but should be followed nonetheless.

Check Your Outdoor Security Equipment

If you have security lighting, motion sensors or other equipment installed outdoors, it’s best if you test this equipment on a regular basis. Severe weather can damage or destroy outdoor equipment, and you may not notice until it is too late. If possible, check to see that any security equipment you purchase is rated for outdoor use.

Purchase a Lock Defroster

In order to avoid being kept out of your home or car by a frozen lock, always keep a high-quality lock defrosting device close at hand. These devices may be battery-operated, or may simply be a tube of liquid that can be used to melt the ice inside your lock. Most lock defrosters are relatively inexpensive, and can fit easily in a purse or handbag.

Protect Your Home

Purchasing a security system is important at any time of year, as it is a great step towards increasing your home’s overall level of security. You can follow this Step by Step Guide to choosing a home security system, which will help you to decide on a level of protection that is right for your home. Depending on your needs, you may find that having a home security system gives you a sense of reassurance that your home is under constant protection.

http://www.familyhomesecurity.com/winter-home-security-tips/

The Many Benefits of LED Christmas Lights

In the past, Christmas lights were incandescent bulbs encased in painted glass. They were large, burned hot, broke easily and flaked with age. Often when one bulb was broken, the entire string failed to light. Today's Christmas lights use LED--light emitting diodes--light bulbs. There are many benefits to using LED bulbs as opposed to incandescent bulbs.

Less Electricity
LED Christmas lights demand far less electricity to operate than their incandescent counterparts---almost 90% less.

LED Christmas Lights

• Save 80-90% energy
• Extremely low wattage
• Single Red C7 bulb: 0.96 watts
• 70 count mini light string: 4.8 watts, connect 43
• 25 count C7 prelamped string: 2.4 watts, connect 87

Incandescent Christmas Lights

• Uses 80-90% more energy than LEDs
• Higher wattage than LED
• Single Red C7 bulb: 5 watts
• 100 count mini light string: 40.8 watts, connect 5
• 25 count C7 prelamped string: 125 watts, connect 2


Easier Storage
Due to the durability of LED Christmas lights, they are very easy to wrap up and store for later use. Worries of bulb breakage are no longer a concern. The bulbs withstand abuse and moisture without deleterious effects.

Variety
LED Christmas lights are available in various sizes and styles. They don't necessarily need to be one specific shape. Some LED lights are fashioned like snowflakes or snow men. Others are in the form of ropes or nets.

Unique Functions
The diodes and the integrated circuit board allow LED lights to offer fun technology in decorating, including dimming light, morphing light, and color change. Dimming LEDs use the ability to control the amount of power being sent to the diodes, sending less for dim light and more for bright light. Morphing LED lights slowly fade between different colors, and color change flash from red to green. Falling icicles and blizzard lights are another fun LED holiday light, with LEDs chasing down tubes to simulate the appearance of falling snow.

Safety
The older incandescent bulbs gave off most of their energy in the form of heat. This meant an overabundance of fires within the home during the Christmas season. LED lights do not heat up. They are far safer and don't cause fires.

Longevity
Because LED lights do not burn hot, they last an extremely long time. Also, because they do not contain delicate filaments, LED lights can withstand light impact without breaking. When they are properly taken care of, LED Christmas lights will last for years.

LED Christmas Lights

• Rated for 50,000 - 200,000 hours
• No burn out factor
• Unbreakable bulbs with plastic construction
• Color is emitted through diodes, remaining vibrant through the life of the bulb
• Prelamped strings are water tight single piece construction since bulbs do not need to be replaced
• Durable bulbs are easier to store

Incandescent Christmas Lights

• Rated for 3,000 hours
• Bulbs burn out
• Easily broken glass bulbs
• Color is created through painted glass which can fade, chip and crack
• Prelamped strings have removable bulbs since lamps burn out often
• Bulbs are easily damaged in storage

Weatherproof
LED Christmas lights function just as well outdoors as they do indoors. They are constructed in such a way that they are impervious to moisture, heat and cold.

Brighter
LED Christmas lights are far brighter than lights of the past. In addition, the brightness of these lights does not fade over time.

Cost
As of 2010, a 30-foot string of multicolored blinking LED Christmas lights costs about $18.00; the same length of incandescent multicolored Christmas lights costs nearly $75.00. In addition to a much lower purchase price, LED lights also cost less to operate.

Good for the Environment
LED Christmas lights strings have significant impact on the environment, leading schools, cities, governments and states to mandate the use of LED lights in commercial decorating. Landfills benefit from the decrease in waste, including the reduced annual disposal of the glass bulbs and wire frames and other components of the products, as well as the packaging.

Adapted from http://www.christmaslightsetc.com/pages/led-christmas-lights-guide.htm and http://www.ehow.com/list_7224228_benefits-led-christmas-lights_.html

What's Hot In Home Theater for the Holiday Season

Shopping for electronic gadgets isn't as easy as it used to be. A TV was a TV, a radio was a radio, and a stereo was a stereo. However, now there are LCD TVs, plasma TVs, 5, 6, and 7 channel home theater receivers, speakers, subwoofers, and the choices go on and on and on.

1. Internet-Enabled Components
Probably the most important development in the home theater experience is the rapid integration of internet content. This year, there are an increasing number of products, including TVs, Blu-ray Disc Players, Home Theater Receivers, and standalone Network Media Players/Extenders that allow consumers to access audio/video content from the internet via a home network.

2. 3D
3D is the big buzzword this year. The possibility of enjoying the 3D movie experience at home is certainly there, and the hardware is available. However, keep in mind that watching 3D on a TV screen is not quite the same experience as watching it on a large movie screen.

In addition, 3D content is still on the light side with just a small number of 3D Blu-ray Discs available and some occasional 3D Cable/Satellite TV program feeds. Also, in order to fully access what 3D there is available, you not only need a 3D-TV, but 3D Glasses (usually an extra purchase), 3D-enabled Blu-ray Disc player, and a paid subscription to any 3D cable/satellite content.

I would say that if you are interested in jumping into 3D for the holidays either for yourself or as a gift purchase, I would definitely approach with caution.

3. Blu-ray Disc Players
Blu-ray disc players are everywhere now, from standalone units, as part of new home theater-in-box systems, and even being incorporated into TV combos. In addition, with prices of an increasing number of Blu-ray disc players now coming in below $199, this year may be a "blu christmas" for many.

Also, an increasing number of new Blu-ray Disc players are 3D-enabled (you still need a 3D TV to watch 3D content) and/or have the ability to access content from the internet from sources such as Netflix, Amazon Video-on-Demand, Blockbuster, YouTube, Pandora, and more, although this functionality depends on brand/model of the player.

Of course, if you don't have an HDTV, then you would just be buying an overly expensive DVD player. If you do have an HDTV, Blu-ray will make your screen sparkle with true high definition resolution.

However, don't forget the price of the movies. New releases are usually $5-10 more than a standard DVD. On the other hand, many titles that have been out for awhile are sold at reduced prices, some as low their DVD counterparts. Another comforting thought is that Blu-ray Disc players will play standard DVDs, so your current DVD collection will not become obsolete. If you are looking to replace or upgrade your DVD player, a Blu-ray Disc player may be just the ticket, especially now that many manufacturers are making fewer DVD players as Blu-ray Disc players are filling the shelves.

4. LCD and Plasma Flat Panel Televisions
LCD and Plasma flat panel televisions are hot, hot, hot!

With the maturing of LCD technology and more efficient production methods, screen size availability of LCD televisions, once relegated to below 37-inches, are now quite common in sizes up to 55-inches and even larger. Large screen sizes in the 42-inch and up range were territory once dominated by Plasma televisions. As a result of these trends, LCD televisions are selling like hotcakes in the consumer market.

Also, just as with Blu-ray Disc players, an increasing number of LCD and Plasma Televisions are incorporating internet capabilities, so if you desire this feature on your TV, check to see if the TV you are considering offers it.

With prices falling, connectivity and performance going up, and more screen size options available, with LCD and Plasma televisions are quickly dominating the market; the traditional tube and even projection television has essentially disappeared off the shelf.

5. Video Projectors
How can one capture the same "magic" as a trip to the movie theater? You can come very close with your own home theater projection setup. Of course, such units have been around for some time, but they were big, bulky, power hogs, and very, very, expensive – definitely out of reach for the average consumer.

However, in recent years, the need for compact, affordable, portable multi-media projection units for use in business presentations as well as new technological developments in image processing have made this once out-of-reach option more affordable for use in home theater by more and more consumers.

With continued strides in compactness, quality, bulb life, brightness and lower price points, the video projector in making definite inroads at both the retail and consumer level. Keep in mind the additional cost for a screen.

6. Home Theater Receivers
In addition to home theater audio features, a growing number of new home theater receivers, incorporate features such as on-board video upscaling, multi-zone, and home network connectivity.

Video upscaling is a function that adds the number of pixels needed to match the specific screen resolution of an HDTV, such as 720p, 1080i, or 1080p. However, keep in mind that this process does not actually convert standard definition to high definition, but improves the image so that it looks better on an HDTV.

Multi-Zone capability is a function in which the receiver can send a second source signal to speakers or a separate audio system in another location. This is not the same as connecting additional speakers and placing them in another room.

Networking is allowing the home theater receiver to evolve into a true centralized PC/Home Theater media controller. Some home theater receivers now have access to audio and video content stored on a PC, and in some cases provides access to internet radio stations, which number in the thousands. It is like the old days of shortwave radio, only it sounds a lot better and you don't need a large antenna.

7. The iPod and iPhone Invade Home Theater
The growing popularity of the iPod has given rise to a whole new accessories market, from designer cases to dockable external speakers. However, one of the biggest developments involving the iPod is the growing number of home theater receivers that include special connectors that will accept an iPod docking station. This means that you can play your personal music collection right through your big home theater system. If you are an iPod enthusiast, make sure you check out this option when shopping for a home theater receiver.

Also, in another turn of events, the iPhone is capable, via downloadable apps, to actually function as a remote control for your home theater and other related devices.

Adapted from http://hometheater.about.com/cs/consumerresources/a/aahotnota.htm

Smart Dog Houses??

SmartHome technology has made our lives better and so much more comfortable…why not your pup’s? Yes, yes, Fido probably doesn’t need a temperature-controlled carrier, but then again, you don’t need your 60” LCD HD plasma flat screen, do you? Check out these awesome innovations made just for man’s best friend:

• If Sparky’s watching his weight, look no more…automated feeders give your pooch a preset amount of food at three selected times a day to help him lose, well, his pooch...
• If you’re a little uncomfortable with the idea of sticking your precious pet in the cargo area of an airliner, rest a little easier – you can get pet carriers that automatically heat or cool your pet as their environment’s temperature changes.
• Neighbors starting to get annoyed by the “noise problem” living in your house? Pick up a device that stops a dog’s barking by emitting ultrasonic tones (okay – this one is more for you than for your dog!).

SmartHome Technology: Simple, Savvy, Green

Check out this really informative and easy-to-understand piece on SmartHome technology from Seattle Homes & Lifestyles. It features a great Q&A with some prominent experts in the industry to break down exactly what a SmartHome can do…

PS: The Control4 vendor mentioned in some of the Q&A answers…we carry that line and you can come see it in action at the J&K SmartHome if you're interested!

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Gone are the days when “smart technology” meant clapping your hands to turn on a lamp. Smart home technology has progressed by leaps and bounds, automating and integrating audio and video, lighting, security, heating and cooling systems.

Most automated home systems now provide a touch-screen interface that displays all of a home's smart functions in an easy-to-use format. From one central device, homeowners can easily customize presets, monitor energy usage and more.

In addition to automation and accessibility, the new buzzword among industry insiders is efficiency. Homeowners want to save time as much as they want to save energy, and several products have been developed to do just that.

Lighting systems can be designed to restrict energy output, never running at full potential. Other available features include sensors that automatically turn off lights when no one is in a room and UV- and temperature-sensitive shades that open or close to conserve heat or keep a home cool, depending upon the season.

In summer, water conservation is a key concern. While timed sprinklers have been around for decades, new controllers that adjust watering schedules based on landscape needs and weather conditions take this function to the next level. In addition to enjoying lower water bills, homeowners don't have to worry about over- or under-watering the garden while they are at work or on vacation.

Smart appliances are also gaining attention. These include stoves, garage doors and refrigerators. Your smart stove, for example, can detect a problem (such as being left on) and send a message to your e-mail account or cell phone. In response, you can turn off the stove remotely from your computer. Smart devices let users reset their home's temperature, turn on music, check the temperature in their wine cellar and start their fireplace before even walking through the front door.

To learn more about what's going on in the world of smart home technology, we asked industry insiders to share the latest trends and tips with Seattle Homes & Lifestyles readers:

John Allen, sales and design representative, Rainier Integrated Systems Northwest
What trends are you seeing with Seattle homeowners and smart home technology?
“We have the advantage of having Microsoft and electronic systems designers here in the Pacific Northwest. We're in the leading edge of the tech world and what that has done is lead to lifestyle changes. People are understanding they can do a whole lot more with the help of technology.”

What is their top concern?
“Not being able to use a system that is too sophisticated and that they're not able to understand.”

How do you make technology easy to use and what products do you carry that make life easier for homeowners?
“We are making it so that the everyday user can use it. We have key fobs that use a spoken verb to open the garage, turn off the security system and turn on the lights from the garage to the kitchen. All of these things are written in a quick code that is reliable and secure—and extremely easy to use.”

How do you ensure that each installation is personal?
“By spending a lot of time with the homeowners. Each home is unique and we really take in to consideration how the end users choose to use the home.”

What are the must-have features?
“The must-have would be lighting controls. Right behind that would be temperature control. These are the things we used to take for granted and now the need for control is all expansive.”

Any tips for homeowners?
“Spend time and think about how you use your home and what you want. Nothing is out of reach. Also, find an integration specialist who will spend time with you and find out exactly what you want instead of just trying to sell you a product. Our specialty is making a personalized system, and we are known for making certain that the client has 24-hour care. We strive to make things completely unique and it has to be perfect.”

Jay Devine, president, Cascade Integration Inc.
What trends are you seeing with Seattle homeowners and smart home technology?
“A lot of homeowners these days are looking at electronic lighting control systems and electronic shading control systems.”

What is their top concern?
“The number one concern is ease of use.”

What are some recent trends in home automation?
“A number of clients are going green, not for the sake of cost, but for the sake of going green, and this is where we're seeing the need for energy-efficient lighting systems.”

How do you make technology easy to use, and what products do you carry that make life easier for homeowners?
“We have to program it correctly so it is not confusing for the homeowner. We use Crestron, the system as far as home automation goes. It takes all major systems in your home and allows you to control from one central point. You could turn off your TV and shut the garage door all from one point.”

How do you ensure that each installation is personal?
“We maintain a small company and I don't put a lot of layers between the consumer and myself so there is no communication loss.”

What are the must-have features?
“Lighting control systems. You don't use your music system most of the time. Lighting in your house, you use all the time, and [a control system] allows you to monitor your energy usage.”

Any tips for homeowners?
“Get referrals. Talk to customers who have had similar systems and go with somebody who gives you the personal touch. Pick someone you feel comfortable with.”

Scott Heston, president, Heston Technical, Inc.
What trends are you seeing with Seattle homeowners and smart home technology?
“Incorporating music, lighting, security, heat and air-conditioning controls into any system to where all systems can be scheduled and controlled to enhance efficiency.”

How do you make technology easy to use, and what products do you carry that make life easier for homeowners?
“A touch-screen interface, such as Crestron, HAI, Control4 and AMX systems, makes it easier for the consumer.”

How do you ensure that each installation is personal?
“We spend a lot of time with the clients in advance, going into the systems. We get feedback about the interface for the system, and we stay in touch with clients so we can adjust and fine tune to their personal needs.”

What are the latest developments in smart home technology?
“Smart appliances and Ethernet capability for equipment such as the TV, dishwasher and refrigerator. They allow scheduling from a home or work computer. If the home appliance detects a problem, it can send an e-mail to the owner and make them aware of the problem.”

What are the must-have features?
“[Smart appliances] are just emerging, but fireplace technology that adjusts heat output. The beauty of integration technology is you can have much more control over energy efficiency.”

Any tips for homeowners?
“One of the main things would be to have the necessary wiring installed. Structured wiring is preferred but wireless is a second option. Hardwiring, though, is clear, matter-of-fact and guaranteed connectivity.”

Mike Park, co-owner, Media Design Solutions
What are some recent trends in home automation?
“I think, in general, it's becoming more affordable. People in this area are being a little more selective in their spending and feel better when they can see what they're saving. The key to green products is that they can see that instantaneously. You can have an interface that allows you to see what you're using and what you're saving and how to adjust your lifestyle to use less power.”

How do you make technology easy to use, and what products do you carry that make life easier for homeowners?
“Crestron is doing a lot to simplify the control. We're able to get interfaces that provide only the functions they need and they can be a part of designing the interface. Control4 is an entry-level system that has a lot of flexibility of how things are laid out and how they can be consistently controlled throughout the house.”

How do you ensure that each installation is personal?
“We want to use pre-engineered systems that work well with each other, that are reliable and capable of being reproduced. Then we use the pre-interview process to get homeowners to think about what they use—when you come home, what is the first thing you do? If there is something they don't need to control themselves, we can adjust it to do it automatically, like shades that close when a certain temperature is reached or an away mode for when [everyone is] out of the house.”

What are the must-have features?
“Some sort of a base control system that allows them to hunt and search their music whether it be from their computer or iPod.”

Any tips for homeowners?
“It's important to ask around. Find someone who is qualified. CEDIA [Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association] is a good resource for those interested in choosing a qualified company. There are a lot of companies that try to do what we do but don't know the technology to make the best decision for the consumer. It's important when making a decision about a company [to choose one that is] design-oriented because what we do and what we have to integrate with takes a lot of time and a lot of coordination.”

Steve Strauss, co-owner, Evergreen Integrated Systems
What trends are you seeing with Seattle homeowners and smart home technology?
“I think people are becoming more familiar with home automation and more and more people are asking questions about everything from lighting controls to how they can transfer things from their iPod to their home audio system.”

What is their top concern?
“A lot of builders are asking, ‘Is this really going to make my home sell?' It really depends on the type of person looking into a home. Some people are audiophiles and disappointed if certain features aren't included in the home, and some people are more concerned with security and their surroundings, rather than what's in the home.”

What are some recent trends in home automation?
“In lighting especially, you're getting programs that tell the system to max out at only 90 percent so the homeowner is saving that 10 percent in energy costs. Automated shades do the same, whether they are providing warmth or keeping it cooler.”

How do you make technology easy to use, and what products do you carry that make life easier for homeowners?
“When we're wiring the home, we're always thinking about the future so we can allow for new technology later.”

How do you ensure that each installation is personal?
“When we talk with consumers, rather than push a sole product, we sit and listen to what they're wanting and listen to what is most important to them and offer suggestions for what's going to make them happy. We really try to be more personable.”

What are the latest developments in smart home technology?
“Something I'm seeing is applications on iPhones that talk to the automated products in the home, like your lights or audio.”

Any tips for homeowners?
“If they're thinking about updating their house, always wire it for the future! Not everything is going to be part of a wireless world. Talk to specialty companies, not just consumer stores, because we can say whether a product is worth it, rather than to just try and sell a product.”

Curtis Wong and Ruthanne Wong, co-owners, Domilogic Design
What trends are you seeing with Seattle homeowners and smart home technology?
“It's definitely becoming more accepted and more expected.”

What is their top concern?
“I still think it is the top four: energy management, security efficiency, entertainment and information.”

What are some recent trends in home automation?
“The interest in green homes is the driving force for home automation while a couple years ago it used to be entertainment-driven.”

How do you make technology easy to use, and what products do you carry that make life easier for homeowners?
“We use processor-based controls, which are basically computers that do the thinking for the people. If there are four to five systems that have to be turned on to watch TV, our systems are smart enough to do that for you. We also have, for example, in-house programming which allows you to decide which button does what and to name the buttons according to how you call a room.”

How do you ensure that each installation is personal?
“We work 100 percent in custom homes, so we work with the homeowners and find out who will be living there and how they will be using the home. We change our application to fit their lifestyle.”

What are the latest developments in smart home technology?
“We are seeing a lot more demand for server-based media systems.”

What are the must-have features?
“Hi-definition is absolutely a must-have! It's like putting glasses on after having fuzzy sight for years.”

Any tips for homeowners?
“Run the wires now even if you don't think you need it. We didn't think we needed it 10 years ago, [but] all those homes we wired 10 years ago are set, and we don't have to tear down walls.”

Source: http://www.seattlehomesmag.com/article/smart-home-technology-simple-savvy-green

Lose Your Excuse – Energy-Saving Tips!

The U.S. Department of Energy's Lose Your Excuse program was started to educate kids on how to use energy wisely. Well, it’s not just for kids! We've listed a number of their savvy energy-saving tips below that take a little effort but will result in a lot of savings!

Turn off lights

Why should you turn off lights when you leave a room? Flipping a switch is probably the easiest way to start saving energy.

Did you know?
• Artificial lighting is responsible for about 15% of a home's electricity use. That means turning off the lights can definitely reduce your home's energy use--and your family's energy bill!
• Some types of bulbs are more efficient than others, but the most-energy efficient bulb of all is one that's turned off when not in use.

Shut off computers

Leaving your computer on 24/7 is a big energy suck. To save energy, turn off your monitor if you aren't coming back for 20 minutes—and shut down the main computer if you are going to be away for more than 2 hours.

Did you know?
• You can set your computer and monitor to shut off automatically through your operating system. There's usually a "stand-by" mode, which uses 70% less power than normal, and a "shut down" option that turns the computer fully off.
• To save energy, you should set all computers in your home to shut down after a period of inactivity!
• A screensaver that shows any image on the screen doesn't save any energy at all, and may actually use MORE energy. You save energy only if the monitor goes dark by going to sleep.
• The type of computer your family has can affect your energy use each month. Laptops use much less energy than desktop computers do.

Use natural lighting, heating, and cooling

On average, heating and cooling a home accounts for almost half of its energy usage. That's why it makes sense to work with the power of the sun to help out your home's lighting, heating, and cooling systems!

Did you know?
• As any cat knows, sunlight warms up a room a lot! So, the key is to let the sunlight in when you want the warmth (like during the winter), and close blinds and drapes when you don't (like during hot summer months).

Adapted from http://lights4learning.org/index.php?page=tips

Floodlights 101: Protect Your Property with Proper Lighting

Research has shown that crimes occur mostly at night. Most criminals prefer to strike under the cover of darkness, when they are less likely to be seen. Property owners should consider this fact and keep their properties well lit as a preventative measure. While in some cases regular street lighting may be enough for your particular property, some streetlights do not provide enough lighting. This is because many times a property can be set further back on the lot, or ambient lighting may be dim. In this case, consider investing in floodlights to compensate for these problems.

There are many types of floodlights available on the market; however, the outdoor flood lights that are more commonly utilized are 250-500 watt tungsten bulbs. Many of them come with a built-in motion detector, which turns them on automatically. These halogen floodlights should be installed in such a way as to light up any blind spots around your property where a burglar may be able to hide. Always make sure that your lights do not shine into the windows of others’ properties around you. Also make sure that the flood cones are pointed down, because this will maximize the radius of the lighting. The best angle to hang a floodlight is at 22 degrees, because it will keep everything lit in the area, and at the same time, it will not blind someone approaching.

When using outdoor floodlights, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. If you do not use your lights properly, they may become more of a hindrance than a security enhancement. Keep the following considerations in mind:

1. Do not allow your lighting to be at an angle where it may obstruct a driver’s view. Many accidents have been caused by poorly installed flood lighting.

2. If you do not install your floodlight properly, you may actually help the potential burglar. For example, the light could blind any potential witnesses because the lighting on your home was aimed improperly or because it wasn’t set correctly with a timer or motion-sensing device. Also if you set up your lighting and the radius of light doesn’t overlap, it can provide shadows for the burglar to seek cover.

3. Motion sensors that are built-in to your floodlights can be set off by wild animals, pets, and wind. This will cause false alarms, and the neighbors may become accustomed to your house being illuminated for no reason. Make sure to set your sensors at night and to test them thoroughly. It doesn’t make sense to set them during the day and then they end up not working at night.

4. 500 watt tungsten bulbs are expensive and inefficient to run. You may not need anything that strong to provide the illumination you may need. Some people are happy with only 60 watts of light. Another option is to consider solar floodlights. These run based on the sun’s power, which is more energy efficient. The down side is that the brightness of the bulb is definitely not as powerful in most models as that of a wired light.

Simply keep these points in mind when considering the purchase of flood lights – the only thing worse than being a victim of a crime is being lulled into a false sense of security in and around your property. Criminals don’t like to be seen so make sure to help keep them away with your security floodlights setup.

Adapted from http://www.home-master.net/flood-lights-provide-great-security-for-your-property

Beyond the Living Room

Imagine slipping into your hot tub with a group of friends and clicking on a beautiful, flat-panel HDTV to watch the latest action flick. Or having a bunch of the guys over to your outdoor patio bar and huddling around the game on that big screen you installed behind the counter. A TV outdoors can be a great way to entertain guests and give yourself a nice relaxing evening while being closer to nature, but there are many things that need to be considered before you go ahead and run those cables through your walls and out to the patio.

First, know your weather. Think hard about the environmental factors that will affect the area you want to install your TV in. Are there high winds? Lots of rain or humidity? How hot does it get? How cold? Ask yourself these questions to make sure you have a good grasp of what you have to protect your TV from when you start the installation process.

The main factor that will make or break your TV placement is location. Ideally, you want to put the TV somewhere that is sheltered as well as possible. Having a roof above your TV location is great, but be sure to observe wind patterns – if there’s high wind and some rain, will this get in under the roof through the front of the patio and potentially ruin your TV? If so, make note of it in order to create the right cabinet for your needs.

Speaking of cabinets, this should be a crucial part of your plan for an outdoor TV, especially those not designed for outdoor use. A TV needs to be sheltered from the elements. There are cabinets on the market that you can buy, or if you’re a real “do-it-yourself-er” you can get some supplies at the local hardware store and get cracking. The cabinet that you choose should be constructed with your particular situation in mind. Including a fan, to reduce the chance of overheating and dust particles in your TV is usually a good idea. And some people prefer a plexiglass front so they can leave the cabinet doors closed while watching TV to protect it even more – but be sure that all edges of the cabinet are water-proof tight.

There are plenty of outdoor TVs designed specifically for use on a patio or by a body of water and that can withstand extreme temperatures, dirt, rain, humidity, insects… you name it. These TVs may cost a pretty penny, but the comfort of knowing that your new TV won’t even be phased if the kids do a cannonball into the pool and get a little back spray on that 52-inch LCD, might be worth the investment.

On the other end of the spectrum, you can always get the wires and cables all ready to go, but only bring the TV outdoors when you or your guests are going to be watching it. Rather than having it permanently reside in a cabinet, you just carry the TV out (perhaps with the help of some strong friends) when you want to watch, and bring it back indoors when the evening is done. This saves money, and although it might be a hassle, it is an option for those who don’t think they’ll want to use their TV outdoors too often.

Ultimately, there are many options designed for different purposes when considering installing a TV outdoors. The most important thing is surveying your location realistically and understanding the risks involved with setting up a TV outside – and how to best avoid them.

-Adapted from http://www.hdenvy.com/news/intel/intel-televisions-outside/

Home Theater How-To's: Video

We found these great informational videos courtesy of CNET that lay out the basics of choosing a viewing system for your home theater and how to set up your room for optimal viewing pleasure. Enjoy!

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