Connected

Why is it so expensive to install a TV?

On any given Sunday there will be a flyer showing the latest sale prices on a TV. This past weekend I saw a 42” plasma on sale from Best Circuit for $475. Wow. Just five years ago a 42” plasma was nearly $5,000!

Now it would seem that the installation shouldn’t be much more right? I mean after all, it’s just a TV.

No, not really. Even a “simple” installation requires thought, planning and good supporting products. 

Let’s start with the TV. The one on sale is probably not all that great. It is there to catch your attention from a price perspective.  Even if you don’t hire a professional for installation, get the better TV. It will be worth it.

Next there are the cables, mounts and surge protectors.  Get good ones. It makes no sense to have a cheap mount that won’t secure the TV or cheap cables that can’t carry the HDMI signal properly. And surge protection, you bet. One nearby lightning strike can destroy your investment.

Then there other important items like having a small cavity behind the TV to store wiring, a great remote control to simplify your system, a conduit for future wire runs, and connectivity for Ethernet.

The advances in technology provide us with an incredible viewing experience, but the days of opening a box, placing the set on a coffee table and adjusting the bunny ears are long gone.

Motorized Shades

Automated and motorized window treatments will enhance your control of energy costs both in winter and summer. In winter, shades that automatically lower at dark will block heat from leaving your home. Conversely, in the summertime, shades that automatically lower during peak sunshine will prevent heat from coming in your home and straining your air conditioner. Fabrics come in an excellent variety of styles and colors. You need a  certified professional to properly design, measure and install the ideal treatment for your home. Additionally, if you have a lutron or litetouch lighting control system, you can most likely be able to adjust your programming to minimize lighting consumption-little changes can make a big difference.

Electronics for Elderly Care

Safe At Home

I am excited to report that today I have seen an application of our home automation technology being put to use in caring for our elderly. I have have been noodling the concept for a few years and was pleased to find a company that has developed an engineered and scalable solution.

The core concept is to install sensors that can monitor the key activities of a loved one like: movement in the home, opening and closing of doors and medicine cabinets, flushing of toilets, use of a vehicle, etc.. These sensors are tied to a processor that will present real time information via the web, email or smart phone. Triggers can be set up so that certain events, or lack of events, can send an emergency email or phone call.

Another option with these systems is to add a video camera for remote monitoring and a “message” board that would permit you to type or even draw messages to a screen. You can even post photo’s, videos or music for them as well.

Finally, lights and heat control can be automated with occupancy sensors so that the person does not need to fumble in the dark or try and read a thermostat with small print.

I am particulalry excited about this application of technology as it takes the core elements of systems that we have installing for years and makes them available in a focussed way for our elderly and those in need.

Apps For Home Control Systems

New technologies allow you to use your iPhone as a house wide remote control. Simply tap the screen to select movies, music and TV in any room or adjust volume, light levels and room temperature with just a touch. Using the home Wi-Fi network locally or the powerful 3G and EDGE networks remotely, total control is always at your fingertips.  What apps would you like to have for your home audio, video, lighting control or other home systems?

The Widescreen Conundrum