The last time I saw anything from Zappiti, they were still making a nicer UI for the Dune HD line up of local media streamers. So when this popped across my radar, I was suprised on a couple fronts. Now, it’s unclear whether the Zappiti NAS Rip 4K HDR supports ripping UltraHD Blu-ray or just the other formats, but this […]
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I’ve mentioned that I bought our Xbox One S primarily as an UltraHD Blu-ray player, so this petition to add Dolby Vision and HDR10+ to the platform is a great way for Microsoft to add more value to the device – as well as demonstrate the benefit of choosing something that will receive updates and evolve over time. Personally, I’d […]
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I must admit that I’ve never contemplated who owns the video from my Ring doorbell. I just assumed that it worked similar to my cloud stored email (i.e. it’s private unless a judge asks to see it). Which is why I clicked through on this CEPro article, which, understandably given their demographic, also includes the integrator in the mix. Can […]
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How about that… Google Home devices can now stream music to “compatible” Bluetooth speakers all around the house. Very, very slick. Now any of your Google Home devices can connect to other Bluetooth speakers so you can control your entertainment experience simply using the sound of your voice. Turn up the beats in the living room, listen to a podcast […]
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It is great to see home Wi-Fi companies focused on mesh systems. Repeaters work, but they add a level of complexity and wonkiness that most people don’t want to deal with. The new ASUS Lyra Trio’s 3×3 MIMO pyramid antenna system claims coverage for homes up to 5400 square feet and an easy setup. And as a bonus, as it […]
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It was my impression that the new 4K Apple TV media streamer was as close to perfection as a streamer can get, but according to this review it does not support bit streaming or Dolby Atmos. I don’t even know what to say… Welcome to the 4K party, Apple. It’s about time. That was general sentiment back in September when […]
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Nest is adding to its thermostat products with the introduction of the Nest Temperature Sensor. A significant limitation of a learning thermostat can be its limited sensor range – thermostat tucked away in a back hallway anyone? These should improve the learning curve. The Nest Temperature Sensor is only compatible with 3rd Gen and E thermostats. The press release […]
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The other day I received a email from Monoprice lauding the arrival of its new $19 “Smart LED bulb… Works with Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant…“. Which is cheap for a single Wi-Fi enabled “smart” bulb, but it reminded me how wrong these sorts of home automation devices are. OK, that may be a little hyperbolic, but just a touch… […]
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When I was planning our Unifi Video camera deployment, having one of these 24V outdoor PoE switches would have been handy. The only complaint I have is that I would like it if it were 802.11af/at compatible instead of just 24V because it limits future expandability. But for $40, you can’t have everything… Featuring a weatherproof form factor, the NanoSwitch […]
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If you lusted after Yale’s key-free deadbolt after seeing our review, but were saddened by the lack of Nest compatibility. I have some good news for you – it’s not quite shipping, that will take around a month, but you can pre-order a Nest compatible YRD540 right now for $279. Oh, and if anyone knows how to say the name […]
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