Microsoft’s Xbox One is almost here. Unless you’ve been living thousands of miles from kids and teens for the past 10 years or so, you’re familiar with Microsoft’s (some would say excellent) gaming console, the Xbox and the Xbox 360. Microsoft is set to unveil the new gaming console for public consumption. The company already made the reveal at a major press conference and on Xbox.com.

Microsoft’s Take on the Xbox One Reveal

Of course, Microsoft has a whole website dedicated to the Xbox gaming platform. Obviously, the new gaming platform takes center stage on this site. The console itself doesn’t look terribly different from earlier iterations, but there are subtle differences. The game controllers have a new look, appearing to be more comfortable ergonomically for those marathon gaming sessions.

From what I can see, Microsoft is trying to position the Xbox in the same segment of the market that the Wii platform currently occupies. In other words, they want the Xbox One console to be the center or your family’s home entertainment system, not just something for the kids to play Madden 2013 or Call of Duty on, but a platform which we can use to sit down and have family TV night.

The main interface gives you the option of watching live sports, live TV (like HBO), Skyping with friends, listening to music, or (gasp!) playing actual video games. You’ll be able to do all this without switching TV inputs, since the console will be the main control device for everything you do. You may also end up feeling like you’re in a Star Trek movie, because everything is voice controlled! “Xbox, play games!”

Yes, I said voice controlled. Tell the device (vocalize) what you want to do and get ready to do it.

The Xbox One console “learns” what you like, over time, also, modifying your home screen to reflect your most recent and most used choices. In other words, if you prefer to use your computer to surf the web, the platform will remove the Internet Explorer icon from your home screen.

Some Very Cool Features

Have you ever run into the situation where you made plans to watch a game or movie with someone, and then for some reason they weren’t able to come over (or vice-versa)? With the new Xbox One, that is no longer a problem.

Remember when I mentioned Skype? How about going split-screen on that movie or game with friends and discussing it in real time on Skype, all while keeping the movie/game and Skype up on the same screen, so you don’t miss a moment of the action?

There’s also the option of doing a Skype video call while watching TV together, miles apart from each other. Having an internal hard drive, you also get the Xbox DVR, giving you the option of reviewing plays in a game or sections in a movie, and posting those clips to your friends.

Pretty cool, huh?

See One Pundit’s Take on the Xbox One Reveal

It seems that during the press conference reveal of the new gaming console, Microsoft wanted to make it abundantly clear that their new product will allow owners to watch TV using the console to control the stations. The clip shortened the press conference to about a minute and a half, and the word TV was mentioned at least 20 or 30 times in that short time period.

A Peek Under the Hood

The Xbox One platform is going to be unique in another way, also. It’s going to have three separate and (almost) complete operating systems running at the same time. When you first turn the console on, a small host operating system will load quickly. This will call the other two operating systems on the shared partition. One of these will run the applications like Skype, Live, Netflix, etc., while the exclusive partition actually runs the games. The operating system that runs the applications will also act as the interface for Kinect, and the gesture and voice controls. This operating system is, at its core, Windows 8.

Because of this, switching between games and apps will be pretty much lag-free, meaning the switch will happen almost as fast as you make the decision to switch. It also allows apps to be “snapped into” each other, so they can be used together or even into a running game.

If you’re in the market for a new video game console, even though I’m not a fan of Microsoft, I definitely recommend the Xbox One console. Microsoft’s main goal over the past decade or so was to be involved in every aspect of the house. This has brought them one step closer to that goal!

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Most people are not as technologically savvy as they might think. They use complex machinery all day at work, then they come home and struggle with the DVR. Programming one isn’t always easy because there are so many possibilities of what you can do with it and it gets a little complicated. It’s one thing to manhandle the remote to program it to record your favorite show, but to use the remote, like the Comcast Cable TV remote, means you have to actually be there.

Comcast Cable is starting to come out with interfaces that are more and more user friendly. These new interfaces are almost intuitive, like the XFINITY TV DVR, which makes it a lot easier for users to navigate different channels, to check in on recordings, and even to program different shows on different TVs in your house. And with the XFINITY DVR Manager you don’t even need to be home to do it.

Comcast Cable has been around for quite some time, and they are one of the most readily available providers. They offer multiple packages including phone lines, Internet, and of course, Cable TV services. Unfortunately because of the amount of services they offer, things can sometimes get a little overwhelming and you might feel like they are trying to turn you into a performing seal.

The new Comcast cable remote DVR Manager for the XFINITY DVR will jump through some of those hoops for you. You just need a little basic understanding first. Let’s take a look at the DVR, and some of the steps that you’ll need to take in order to get it working right.

Comcast Cable DVR Activation

First, you’ll need to activate the DVR manager. Your technician can do it when they come out to install your cable box or you can do it yourself. The only way to activate it is by going online. Visit http://xfinitytv.com/mytv/dvr, and use the activation link provided. The XFINITY TV DVR manager needs to be activated for each individual computer or tablet you plan to use it on. Once it is activated on that unit, you don’t need to do it again.

You will be prompted to enter your Comcast username and password. Once you do this, you’ll receive a message indicating that either the activation is in the works or that there has been an error. If there has been an error, wait a few minutes and try again. If the error message repeats, then contact Comcast Customer Support for further details.

Once activation is in process it will take 24-48 hours before you are be able to schedule or manage your recordings on line. However, in the meantime, you can still browse through your available TV listings, you just can’t set anything up. After the initial 24 hours, keep checking back to see if you’ve been activated because Comcast XFINITY will not send a notice.

Once you’ve been activated, visit http://xfinity.comcast.net/mytv/dvr to view any of your scheduled recordings. If you visit http://xfinity.com/tv you will see the link for your DVR manager. If you are not logged in, you will be prompted to log in when you click it. Once you have logged in, you will be able to view all of your available TV listings and all the recordings you have stored.

The hard part is over. From here, it’s an almost intuitive point and click to schedule and record your shows. Simply follow the on-screen prompts.

Control Multiple DVRs

One of the more desirable aspects of Comcast Cable is that with DVR, you can actually control more than one TV in different areas of the house from your computer or tablet. However, before you get to that stage, you need to be able to identify them.

From your Personalized TV Listings Page, click on the DVR manager link, then click on the tab that reads “DVR Selector.” This will pull up all the eligible DVRs on your account, and it is from this page that you can manage, and customize them. Each DVR can play or record a different show.

Of course, without cute little labels, it would be difficult to determine which recorder is in which room. Look at the numbers on each unit and compare it to the listing you have on screen, then give each of them an appropriate name. After all, it wouldn’t be the best thing if the unit in the playroom recorded that late-night horror movie, and the last thing you want to see when settling down for a quiet evening with your spouse is yet another episode of “My Little Pony.” The names you use for the individual units is entirely up to you, just be sure that each has it’s own unique identifier.

From here it is simple to record individual programs to separate units, so each member of the family can view what they want, when they want to. It’s the end of family squabbles over the remote!

Once you’ve given each DVR an appropriate name, select one as the default. Many people choose the primary unit as one in a living or family room, though you might find that you actually watch more TV in your bedroom than you do your living room and want that as your primary unit. It’s all up to you.

That’s the power of Comcast Cable DVR. It’s in your hands. Don’t lose it!

If you don’t currently have Comcast Cable, you can go to our Deals page to see if they service your area, and what kind of great deals they are currently offering.

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Are you ready to replace your old wireless router with an updated version? New routers can offer updated security, faster Internet data speeds, enhance management opportunities, and the latest technology for today’s and tomorrow’s devices. The best router for you depends on your Internet usage, the size of your space, and what features you would actually use.

When it comes to choosing the most exciting new features of a wireless router and the latest advances, here is a quick list to help you find a top-of-the-line device for your new wireless network.

Wireless Router Features

1. Gigabit Ethernet and Multiple Ports

Ethernet ports help connect the router to your Internet network through a physical line, specifically through a broadband modem. The uplink or primary port is the most important connection, but modern routers should also include several other Ethernet ports for potential wired connections. These ports should also be of Gigabit Ethernet quality, essentially the highest Ethernet standard that allows for the fastest speeds.

This physical line connection is a key determinant when calculating your average wireless Internet speeds, so make sure your new router has Gigabit Ethernet and multiple ports for the fastest, most flexible setup.

2. Enough Bandwidth For Modern Surfing

Bandwidth — the Internet speeds of your wireless router — can vary based on many factors. However, here is a simple rule for you to use when you are actually looking at the figures on the box: 50 to 100 Mbps (megabits per second) was a very reasonable speed range for older routers, but if you want the latest and greatest, then look for top speeds that reach up to 450 Mbps. Speeds at this range indicate you are looking at top products.

Of course, your average speeds are more likely to be around 200 to 300 Mbps, but it is still a good indicator of quality.

3. Wireless-N and AC Capabilities

Wireless a, b, and g standards are generally old news by now. Modern devices tend to support the Wi-Fi N standard with perhaps a concession to G, but G is growing less common. At the forefront of wireless technology is the AC standard, a standard that runs on the more recent 5Ghz wireless frequency and offers the highest Internet speeds possible (like the previously mentioned 450 Mbps, but even more reliably). You may not need 802.11ac right now, but if you want a top-shelf product with plenty of future potential, find technology that offers this latest standard.

4. Simultaneous Dual-Band Functionality

Dual-band functionality is the ability of a wireless router to operate on both the common 2.4 Ghz frequency traditionally used in household devices and the less common 5 GHz band, which can offer higher speeds at better quality. The simultaneous function means that the router can handle both bands at once, which is often necessary in a household with many wireless devices of varying ages. Brands are typically eager to boast about their dual-band qualities, but remember to take a look at the details behind the dual-band service before you buy.

5. Flexible Installation Options

On an aesthetic note, modern wireless routers often have the ability to be mounted on walls or even under tables to save space and maximize broadcast quality. Look for these screw-on options if you have a tricky entertainment/Internet space and want some more installation flexibility. High-quality routers tend to have compact designs and reliable base support, too.

6. Network Management Software

Wireless network management is a more customer-friendly maintenance process in the modern digital age. If your old router is several years old, looking for network management software when the time comes to find a new version. NetGear’s Genie software is one of the most notable among the major brands, with options for both desktop and mobile control.

Not only can you use this software to help set up a router, but you can also check in on router speeds, manage new connections, and troubleshoot problems. It is a particularly great tool for small businesses or homes that see a lot of varying wireless traffic. Even if you are not hands-on with your router, look for automatic management that prioritizes bandwidth for the busiest devices.

7. Cloud Storage

Cloud storage is not a necessary new feature, but more router companies are offering the ability to store data through free online storage. This gives you the ability to share documents or store backup data more easily. Other cloud features include cloud-based network management tools and set-up procedures. This makes router management more flexible and may be an attractive option if you do not want to download permanent software on your devices when installing your wireless network.

Your new wireless router might not have all seven of these features, but if you work toward finding one that has many of them, you should be better off in the long run.

Photo Credit: nrkbeta

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Seniors at home are a growing concern for an ever-increasing segment of the American population. Baby boomers are reaching their golden years and are still healthy and active enough that they don’t require much more than a checkup now and then.

Home automation is perfect for seniors at home alone. There are several options for home automation systems, including both wired and wireless home automation systems, both of which can be installed by yourself or professionally installed.

Image via Flickr

Differences Between Basic and Advanced Feature Sets

Most home automation systems have the most basic feature sets that make it easier for seniors at home to get along with a minimum of outside help. The most basic home automation systems allow for the lighting and usually heating and cooling systems to have the ability to be controlled remotely, either from a central control panel, a smartphone, a tablet, or a computer.

This is handy because it gives the seniors at home full control over two of the major systems in their house. When they need more or less lighting, instead of getting up and turning lights on or off, they can just click a few buttons in an interface and accomplish the desired task. When the temperature in the house leaves the comfort zone, the senior just needs to bring up the interface and adjust the temperature as desired, without having to get up.

Some of the home automation systems on the market today give you full control over the home security alarm system from the same interface, if the house is equipped with an alarm system. Trusted caregivers on a regular schedule can be given a PIN to control the security system and grant them access without a key. These PINs can be revoked when the caregiver moves on.

Trusted delivery people can also be given a PIN to facilitate their ability to make deliveries when only seniors are at home. The main control panel can give an audible alert when the PIN is entered, alerting the home’s occupants that visitors are present. Siblings and children can also be given access codes, allowing them to come and go without disturbing their senior relatives.

Home automation systems are beginning to take over the minutiae of daily life. With the right refrigerator and an Internet connection, your seniors at home don’t need to remember a shopping list for groceries and other necessities. The refrigerator can take and keep inventory of what is inside and help place the proper orders if this service is available locally. Otherwise, the shopping list can be printed and given to a shopping caregiver, or it can be emailed to the person that does the shopping for the seniors.

Image via Flickr

The list of devices and systems that can be controlled by and interact with home automation systems is constantly growing. What is only a dream today, may be a possibility in a few months. Home automation control of household systems and services will only expand as time goes by.

Wireless Systems Aid Seniors at Home

Companies are making both wired and wireless home automation systems, and hybrid systems that combine features of both. With wired systems, home automation control occurs through the building’s wiring or wiring that is specifically installed for the system.

Wireless systems require no wires to connect devices and systems to the main control hub. All communication and control signals are sent between the devices and the hub wirelessly. Some systems are built to make use of the ZigBee home automation protocol, while others use the Z-Wave home automation protocol. There are hubs and systems that combine both ZigBee and Z-Wave protocols into a single system, while still others add 802.11 Wi-Fi connectivity between the main control and the device(s).

Professional or Do It Yourself Installation?

You’ve decided on one of the many systems that utilize both protocols, as well as allowing communication over an 802.11 Wi-Fi link. Do you have the system professionally installed or do it yourself? Doing it by yourself is going to save you quite a bit of money. Most of the systems on the mark today are very easy and straightforward to install and configure. This means that a professional really isn’t needed to install the most basic of home automation systems.

Controlling most lights entails nothing more than plugging the lamps into controlled electrical outlets. In fact, controlling most basic on-off devices entails nothing more than plugging them in. The Schlage home security system add-on requires that you replace your existing door lock with an electronic deadbolt with keypad and wireless control, setting up PIN numbers for the lock, and a few other minor steps. Honestly, unless you are installing one of the more advanced systems that adds control of windows, drapes, shades, blinds, and many other household accessories, the average person can easily do all the installation steps themselves.

Seniors at home now have access to automated home systems that should make everyone’s lives a little easier, including their own.

Photo Credit: Patrick Q

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There’s an old adage that says you should never trust something that’s free because “you get what you pay for.” While that is at least partially true, it doesn’t quite cover the best free antivirus software.

Many companies are electing to offer free antivirus software to consumers that have only the most basic features in the hopes that they will entice consumers to purchase full or premium versions of their software. This approach, often termed the “fremium” approach is used by plenty of legitimate companies to varying degrees.

While some antivirus software has plenty of free features and only make you pay for advanced content, some free software barely even give users the minimum protection they need. So, how do you know what’s worthwhile and what’s not?

Here are several key things to look for when you are looking for the best free antivirus software.

Best Free Antivirus Factors

Automatic Updates

Automatic updates are an essential feature of today’s antivirus software, and something that can’t be compromised on. As new viruses are detected and cataloged, virus scanning software must be updated to catch these threats before they can harm your computer.

Automatic updates are standard on most antivirus programs, but some require you to upgrade to paid versions before you can access the most recent program updates. However, the best free programs will have this feature standard. TechRadar points out a few such programs that have free versions that update several times a day, including Avast! and Avira Free Antivirus.

Real-Time Scanners

Real-time scanners are web shields that scan your computer as you browse the web. This is also a must-have feature, as they are your first line of defense against viruses and can often catch malware before it is even downloaded to your computer.

Real-time scanners (also called real-time shields) are the best preventative measure a user can have against a virus infection and are an essential feature in any free antivirus program. Just like with automatic updates, many free programs require you to upgrade to a paid version of their software to access this feature, but there are many, including AVG Free and Panda Cloud Antivirus Free, that do give free users access to this feature.

Automatic Wi-Fi Shields With Pre-Set Security Settings

For today’s on-the-go computer user, connecting to Wi-Fi hotspots might not seem like a big deal. However, when you connect to wireless networks outside your home, devious hackers can use these unsecured networks to access content on your computer. A good free antivirus program will allow the user to select a security scheme that best fits the type of security you might need.

Often, a free security program will allow you to select a home, work or public shield, which in turn will protect your computer from unauthorized access. Though Wi-Fi shields may not seem like a big deal, if you access an unsecured network, any content on your computer, including saved passwords and browsing history could be at risk. Avast! and AVG Free both include this feature with their free versions.

Free Support

Though you may think that all companies should offer an option to contact them if there is a problem, free software often doesn’t include this option. While phone support is rare among free software options, email support is a must. Sure, it is not ideal (especially if you suspect your computer is infected), but being able to reach out to someone via email or chat is an important feature to have, and will also put your mind at ease if you have had trouble installing or using antivirus software in the past. It’s certainly not as effective as the 24/7 phone support that paid programs offer, but at least it will offer help if you are struggling with a certain component of the program or need help with installation.

Making sure your free anti-virus program has these three components is an essential step in choosing the right software for your computer. Though no free program will ever have a full feature set similar to a paid service, if you only browse the Internet occasionally, then a free antivirus program will probably suit your needs just fine.

While you may not go into high risk areas of the web, it is important to make sure you are downloading the best free antivirus software for your computer. Looking for these key features is a good way to determine which programs are worthwhile, and which should be left undownloaded. If you find, however, that your web usage increases, you still may want to consider upgrading to a paid antivirus software subscription.

Photo Credit: Don Hankins

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If you’re looking at home security alarm systems, you’ve got a number of different options available. You can choose to purchase and install a stand-alone system yourself. Some of you might choose to have a system professionally installed. Once your system is installed, there’s the choice of whether to have if monitored or not. A new option that has started to gain popularity is to integrate your home security system into a home automation system.

Homeowner Installed Home Security Alarm Systems

In these times, when money is tight, you might choose to buy and install the components of your home alarm system by yourself. You can go with a wireless system for ease of installation, but you have to make sure that the batteries in your sensors are checked on a monthly basis, otherwise you lose the protection that sensor provides. Wireless home security alarm systems give the homeowner almost as many options for sensors and sensor placement as a wired system, but without the requirement of running wires, or at least as many wires as with a wired system.

Wired home security alarm systems are more reliable than wireless systems because there are no batteries that can go dead and radio frequency interference is less likely to cause false alarms. As far as homeowner installed systems go, the wired home alarm system gives you the most options when it comes to sensors and sensor placement and the type and complexity of alarm control panels.

To Monitor or Not to Monitor

If you choose to have a home alarm system professionally installed, you’ve got two basic choices to make first. Should you have your system monitored once it’s installed? If you do choose monitoring, you also have to choose whether you want to be part of the monitoring company’s roving patrol network or not, as well.

A monitored home alarm system takes the onus of making sure everything is working properly off the homeowner and puts it on the shoulders of the monitoring company. The monitoring company will also call the appropriate authorities when an alarm condition is detected. Normally, the company will call the homeowner or other responsible party to make sure all is well, and if not, they will then call the authorities. When a fault condition is detected, they notify the service department to schedule a service call to correct the fault in the system.

You can also have a home alarm system professionally installed but decide against having it monitored. In this case, you will most likely wish to have an auto-dialer added to the system in order to facilitate calls to emergency services in case you have been incapacitated or aren’t home when the problem occurs.

Integrated with Home Automation Systems

One of the newest trends in alarm systems is to integrate them with a home automation system. This adds a little extra expense for the communication equipment that allows the two systems to talk with each other, but it allows the homeowner to perform their own system monitoring, receive system update messages sent either by text or email, and gives them the ability to arm and disarm the system over the Internet using the home automation system.

There are a number of companies, such as Schlage, that are supplying combination home alarm and home automation systems. They have complete systems that integrate control over some basic household functions such as lighting control, with control over door locks and the monitoring of doors, windows, and other access points. These systems can be programmed to send you alerts when system faults are detected so that they can be corrected as quickly as possible to bring full system functionality back.

Integrated systems usually work using one of the major wireless home automation protocols, either Zigbee or Z-Wave. These protocols allow system components to communicate with each other and give the system expandability. The ability to expand the system is provided by the fact that you can add sensors and controllers to the system quite easily, simply by buying devices that are compliant with the standard that your system utilizes. There are even systems that make this even easier by supporting both Z-Wave and ZigBee, as well as others that also add standard Wi-Fi support.

Home security alarm systems can do more than give you peace of mind knowing that your home and family are as safe as technology can make them. They can also increase your house’s resale value. As such, they also make a good investment.

Photo Credit: CDMWebs

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Discovering the best movies on Netflix Instant with an endless supply of films at your fingertips is intimidating. Scrolling through thousands of digital cover art — with new titles added constantly — finding a movie becomes a challenge and creates a trance-like state causing much anxiety.

The following titles, listing by genre and cross-referenced by ratings from Rotten Tomatoes, is a curated sample of the best movies on Netflix Instant to alleviate hours of searching.

Best Movies on Netflix Instant

Documentaries

Man on Wire

A harrowing and thrilling account of Philippe Petit’s high-wire walk between New York’s Twin Towers at the World Trade Center in 1974. Man on Wire won the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature in 2008. The films follows Petit through the preparations and performance of the actual stunt.

As for the stunt itself, it leaves you on the edge of your seat and shows viewers the beauty and skill of high-wire walking.

Jiro Dreams of Sushi

Detailing the day-to-day activities of renowned sushi chef Jiro Ono, the film captures the essence of sushi making and the sacrifices of a devout chef. Always improving upon his art, Jiro’s dedication to his craft is astonishing, but the film also alludes to the darker side of such dedication.

Jiro prepares his son to follow in his footsteps, yet seems unwilling to relinquish the business, even at 85 years old. Showing that beauty can also reside in monotony, Jiro is a touching tale of art, family, and the motivations of one man.

Here are several more fun documentaries available to watch on Netflix streaming.

Action Movies

Terminator 2: Judgment Day

Considered one of the few movies whose sequel trumped the original, Terminator 2: Judgment Day is full of action and one liquid metal foe, and an older Terminator, sent from the future to protect John Connor against the shiny new Terminator. The film influenced pop culture and won many awards for its special effects — which are quite good even by today’s standards.

Reservoir Dogs

Quentin Tarantino’s debut helped establish the cult director’s style, which combines excessive violence and masterful dialogue with pop culture references. The film’s many stars, including Steve Buschemi and Harvey Keitel, carry the story line of a heist gone wrong beautifully. The stylized violence might be too much for some, but Reservoir Dogs is a must-see film and still retains its cult-like status to this day.

Drama

Manhattan

Woody Allen’s opus to New York City, Manhattan features Meryl Streep and Diane Keaton in a cinematic dream with excellent writing and cinematography. Winning two Oscars, Manhattan is funny and sweet, and makes you yearn to visit the Big Apple — especially given the long montage at the beginning of the film with scenes from New York City.

Good Will Hunting

Featuring funny man Robin Williams and a young Matt Damon, Good Will Hunting chronicles the genius and rebel, Will Hunting. The therapist (Robin Williams) helps Will discover the future, and the deeper meanings behind his relationships. Of note is a scene about the idiosyncrasies of relationships — improvised by Robin Williams. It’s an incredible film with superb acting and a lot of heart.

Horror

The Cabin in the Woods

Produced by Joss Whedon of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, this film portrays five friends who travel to a remote cabin and experience strange phenomenon. In the beginning, the film follows the storyline of a stereotypical, cliche’ horror movie, but ultimately reveals something original. For some, the film might be too “campy,” but for those looking for a refreshing take on a old genre, The Cabin in the Woods delivers.

Let The Right One In

Considered a romantic horror film, Let The Right One In follows a 12-year-old boy with a friend who’s a vampire. Don’t be deceived. What sounds like a kids movie has an abundance of gore and horror — namely, a scene where the vampire takes revenge on the boy’s peers. The film, set in Stockholm, keeps you interested and intensifies as it progresses. The film was critically acclaimed for its originality and cinematography.

Sci-fi & Fantasy

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Part science fiction and part drama, this film asks the question: Would you forget a love if you could? Most of the film takes place in the mind of Joel (Jim Carrey), whose memories of his love are erased, yet continue to resurface in some form. Clementine (Kate Winslett) manifests through various means, but Joel is faced with uncertainty. The film reconstructs what it means to be in love, and turns into a beautiful modern love story and one of the best movies on Netflix Instant.

The Invisible Man

A classic sci-fi film, The Invisible Man, a film adapted from the H.G. Wells novel of the same name, follows Dr. Jack Griffin, a chemist who has discovered the ability to make himself invisible. Faced with a drug that makes him mad, Dr. Griffin goes on a rampage of violence after his plan for world domination fall through. Part love story, part horror flick, The Invisible Man is known for its groundbreaking special effects and thrilling narrative.

Check this article out if you like watching movies on Netflix, and you want to improve your streaming experience. The best movies on Netflix Instant will be even better.

The post Best Movies on Netflix Instant By Genre appeared first on Digital Landing.

Knowing what the best home automation system available is after reading through all the previously posted articles may be a little difficult. I will mention what my favorite system is and why, and I’ll also mention a few systems that garner “honorable mention” honors.

What are the Choices?

There is a growing list of companies that are making some of the best home automation products on the market today. Some of these systems are from companies you’ve definitely heard of such as Lowe’s and Schlage. Some of them are from companies you may have never heard of unless you’re a professional low voltage and controls system installer, such as Crestron. There are also a plethora of individual devices and complete systems from many well-known and not-so-well-known, newly formed companies. My favorite just happens to be from one of those smaller and newer companies. This product is called SmartThings.

Why is SmartThings the Best Home Automation Product?

I can answer this question quite simply: It’s open source. The fact that it’s open source means that anyone can develop a product or sensor for it, plus the requisite programming code to make that product or sensor work the way they want it to. Dozens of people already have. Here are a couple examples:

• User wackware created an app he calls “Potty Train the Dog.” This app consists of a moisture sensor and an alarm. When the sensor detects moisture in the area it’s placed in, it signals the system to sound the alarm, making the dog stop peeing.
• User HelixWuff is developing a sensor system for use in hot tubs to constantly check qualities, such as Ph and temperature.
• User bia.migueis built a device and app that tells the user when their houseplants need watering.

All the major players in the home automation market have products that will turn the lights in your house on and off from afar, usually over the Internet. They also have apps and products that will integrate with your home security system and turn it on or off and even unlock the doors to let service people in or let you know when the kids come and go. But they’re all limited to the products that are available from the company whose product you bought. The only limit that I’ve been able to see with SmartThings is the imagination of the user community.

SmartThings is ZigBee and Z-Wave Compatible

ZigBee and Z-Wave are two of the major home automation communication protocols in use today. Most of the products available for home automation are compatible with either or both of these protocols. Any device that is ZigBee or Z-Wave compatible will work with the SmartThings system. Although the SmartThings hub doesn’t directly use Wi-Fi (as we know it for computer networks), there is an extra port on the hub that can connect to a Wi-Fi router, enabling that wireless router to be used to communicate with Wi-Fi enabled devices throughout the house. They even plan to integrate near-field communication (NFC) in the next iteration of the product (Remember the Samsung Galaxy cell phone commercials where people trade data just by touching phones? That’s NFC.)

This means that SmartThings works with any device available on the market except the few that work with systems that use a proprietary communication protocol. This means there are literally hundreds of devices that can be used with a SmartThings system that you can buy separately, when you need it. In other words, you don’t have to buy a device that you’re never going to use if you decide to use the SmartThings home automation product.

Sure, it’s always nice to buy things from a nationally recognized name, such as Lowe’s, Schlage, Crestron, and AT&T. When you buy a product line from a large name company, you can be assured you are getting a trusted level of quality with that product. However, I personally don’t see this as an issue when I compare it to the fact that SmartThings lets me design and create my own sensors and control devices to do things that nobody else has thought of. To me, that sort of system flexibility is more important than a nationally known name behind the product and makes this the best home automation product on the market. As far as I’m concerned, there’s only one problem with SmartThings, and it is, admittedly, a pretty significant one. There’s a waiting list to acquire the basic system. I recommend you get on that list now.

Photo credit: Gramophone Maryland

The post What’s the Best Home Automation System? appeared first on Digital Landing.

Wireless Internet Providers service areas outside the reach of Cable and DSL Internet providers. Many of us couldn’t imagine living somewhere that we didn’t have Cable TV and High Speed Internet service. Just like traditional broadcast and Satellite TV service, homeowners that live in more rural settings have had the ability to take their Internet service wireless and approach the broadband speeds others take for granted.

There are a number of companies servicing the more rural areas of the country, so let’s take a look at what going wireless entails and some of their offerings.

Wireless Internet Providers

Satellite-based wireless Internet access was the first wireless way to reach the Internet, but it was only to download, suffered from terrible lag, and required a landline telephone and modem to function.

Image via Wikimedia Commons

Rural customers can now look to fixed wireless Internet providers for their Broadband Internet access.Fixed wireless communicates with a base station on the ground instead of a satellite in the sky, fixing the latency issue. It is also two-way, meaning no telephone line is required, just an antenna somewhere near the house. In locations with a strong signal, customers have been known to use wireless for gaming and VoIP solutions.

However, fixed wireless Internet access, as it is today, isn’t the silver bullet that fixes every problem. The wireless connection is easily degraded by weather, and can even be blocked by trees. Most providers also charge based upon how much data is sent over your connection, instead of a flat-rate for unlimited bandwidth. Additionally, with some wireless Internet providers the number of computers and devices that can access the Internet is limited to one fixed point of access.

Image via Flickr

Who are Some Wireless Internet Providers?

Typically, there is one wireless provider for each small, ultra-rural community, where there are a large number of properties outside of the main portion of town where wireless Internet is the only way to enjoy speeds approaching Broadband. Some companies are growing and expanding to cover larger contiguous tracts of land, sometimes crossing state lines, but often times covering multiple communities throughout a large area of one state.

CLEAR High Speed Internet

CLEAR is one of the newer players in the home wireless Internet market. They offer a 4G solution that has a built-in Wi-Fi router. This router works just like a typical router, allowing more than 200 computers and devices to share the single Internet connection. CLEAR also offers combined fixed and mobile Internet solutions, offering you both to enable your mobile life. CLEAR provides service to a number of communities. The form at the bottom of the page will help you find out if they service where you live.

DesertGate

DesertGate is a smaller provider of wireless Internet services that serves a network in and around Las Vegas and New Mexico. DesertGate also offers two types of wireless service, fixed with a line-of-sight antenna on your building for those outside of town, and mobile hotspots in town. If you live outside of town and have a line of sight on Porkchop Hill, you’re in the service area covered by DesertGate.

DataJack

DataJack covers most of the country. Except for parts of northern Nevada and most of Montana, Wyoming, the Dakotas, and western Nebraska, DataJack covers much of the United States. The company offers single device mobile broadband access and mobile hotspots offering access to multiple devices. Prices for DataJack start with the modems with the single device modem being $70 and the mobile hotspot device running $90. Service is based upon usage, with plans running $10 a month for 200 MB up to $50 for five Gigabytes. If you want to sign up for Netflix and watch more than a movie a week, you’re going to be paying overage charges.

NetZero

I can remember going through the checkout at grocery stores and Kmart and seeing the FREE NetZero CDs. Depending on where the store was, sometimes these CDs flew out the door with customers, while at others they gathered dust. The NetZero name first gained prominence in offering free and low cost Internet access through a dial-up telephone modem and account. NetZero still offers low cost Internet access solutions, but they also offer wireless Internet solutions with 3G and 4G products available within their service area. NetZero’s basic plan is 200 MB of data transfer per month for free, with the most expensive plan being four Gigabytes of data for $50 a month. NetZero also offers both single device access and hotspots.

Of course, the major cellular carriers can also be considered wireless Internet providers, with mobile broadband Internet access. Customers can choose between a USB device for a single computer and mobile hotspots for multiple devices.

Photo Credit: Krzysztof Nowakowski

The post Wireless Internet Providers Reach Out appeared first on Digital Landing.

With falling prices and new features, the average home security store is now carrying quite a few security cameras. However, they are not a traditional option for the average home alarm system, and many homeowners may be unsure how to pick out a security camera, how to use it, and whether or not it is worth the extra time or expense.

Security cameras have several different uses — and yes, most are related to security. Not only can they discourage burglars from entering or capture vandalism in the act, but they can also be used day-by-day to keep watch on the kids and the babysitter. Pet owners also love them for short-term trips because they can often log in and see how their pets are behaving without them and if there is a problem that needs some immediate attention.

8 Camera Features to Look For at the Home Security Store

When shopping for a camera in your nearby or online home security store for this type of piece of mind, keep an eye out for these features.

1. HD Imaging

With the latest tech advancements, many security cameras — even residential versions — now come equipped with high-definition video capture abilities. The best of the best can boast up to 1280×800 pixels these days — enough resolution to easily spot the relevant details.

Many devices, however, can offer definition almost as high as this without the full HD expense. So keep an eye on resolution numbers when buying and do not accept any grainy feeds.

2. Adjustability Features

The least expensive home cameras are fixed-point versions that only look one way — common for watching entrances, playpens, etc. But this is only one type of camera. You should find several other varieties to choose from, and the best allow for greater mobility.

Pan-and-tilt cameras, as they are known, allow you to adjust the camera, or at least move back and forth on a set track, shifting both vertically and horizontally to capture as much space as necessary.

Adjustable camera viewpoints are not the best option for every monitoring scenario, but they are certainly a welcome feature for multiple angles.

3. Nighttime Compatibility

Check the camera details to see what type of nighttime vision that it has. Some type of extra sensitivity should allow outdoor cameras to keep an eye on events, even when they occur in the shadows or at midnight.

Even better, the latest cameras feature infrared lens options that can capture details dozens of feet away during the night. This sort of technology is probably not necessary for indoor video capture, but it may be worthwhile for an outdoor camera or two.

4. Sensor Integration

The basic camera should have sensors that can at least detect movement, but modern home security is all about integration. When your frontdoor alarm trips, the indoor security cameras should turn on automatically — or at least snap a couple images for later review. The same is true of unexpected movement in the yard (although, large pets may lead to a long list of dog photos).

Integration works best when the camera is the same brand as your total security system, so purchase carefully.

5. Online Control

When shopping at a home security store, look for plenty of online options — the ability to log onto a site from any computer and check camera feeds remotely is expected. Modern cameras should also include online controls that enable you to move the pan-and-tilt cameras, or to turn specific cameras on or off. Email notifications of triggered photos should also be sent for maximum awareness.

6. Flexible, Wireless Placement

The latest residential security cameras are wireless, communicating with the security control panel through radio waves instead of wires. This has two major advantages.

1. No wires make for faster, less expensive installation.
2. Without wires, you can choose nearly any camera position that you want, which can reduce the number of cameras that you require while helping you find the perfect angle.

7. Mobile Viewing

Online control is one feature, but these days, those online features often migrate over to mobile devices. Search for a camera brand that offers smartphone features that let you get text messages about captured photos and view camera feeds remotely, no matter where you are. Tablet features are also common.

8. Modern Warranties

Home cameras are one of the most expensive devices as part the average residential security system. Fortunately, modern cameras come with solid, multi-year warranties in case they fall or are damaged by storms. If your security camera offers less than a couple years warranty, look for an option with better customer service.

Shopping at a home security store means you are serious about keeping your family and property safe. Consider these features and go the extra step before making your decision on a security camera.

The post 8 Shopping Tips: Home Security Store appeared first on Digital Landing.

It’s that time of year again! The Up Fronts, when the TV networks show off their new series, announce their revised schedules, and schmooze with advertisers to back them. For the Fox TV schedule, this includes several new comedies and dramas, and a revival of the miniseries. The complete schedule was announced on May 13th, but Fox has already started promoting many of their new programs.

New Dramas

The dramas ordered for the Fox TV schedule are primarily variations on the crime drama. This may or may not have anything to do with their longest running series, COPS moving to Spike TV.

Gang Related, as described by Fox boss Kevin Reilly is like “Miami Vice for a new generation.” It’s the story of a gang member who is ordered to infiltrate the San Francisco police department and earn a place on the Gang Task Force, but it becomes tough for him to balance conflicting loyalties. Executive Producer Brian Grazer is a big part of this production, and it star Terry O’Quinn (Lost, Alias), Jay Hernandez, and rapper RZA. I’m not convinced this is the kind of story that can be sustained in an episodic format. This logline seems to be better suited for a feature film.

Karl Urban stars in, “Almost Human,” which is a new action show on Fox, with executive producer J.J. Abrams involved.

For a bit of a twist on the cop partners show, there is J.J. Abrams’ Almost Human about the near future LAPD, where humans are partnered up with highly evolved androids. Written by J.H. Wyman (Fringe) and starring the chameleonic Karl Urban, among many other talents, this strikes me as more or less a retelling of the old Alien Nation TV series.

One of the most anticipated new series is Sleepy Hollow. Ichabod Crane has been resurrected to help the sheriff of the eponymous village solve an ancient mystery tearing the town apart. The concept is a bit all over the place on paper and seems more about trying to cater to every demographic rather than tell a good story. Sexy British leading man? Check. Time traveler kinda like Dr. Who? Indeed. Book-of-Revelations revelations? Yup. Bloody trail of a serial killer? Laid out. Battling bands of supernatural beings? Armed and ready. Still, it could be a great night in front of the telly. But I’m reserving judgment here.

In The Wild Blue, the creators of Justified and Breaking Bad team up to take us inside the relationships and happenings of a commissioned aircraft carrier. Part Downton Abbey, part Battlestar Galactica with a lot of Carrier, this one seems to me to have the most potential for longevity: fraternizing, characters coming and going as they are assigned and reassigned, the different deployment locations and lots of action with the aircraft.

Finally, Rake stars Greg Kinnear as the brilliant and talented defense attorney whose private life is in complete shambles. It’s based on the Australian series, brought to the U.S. by original creator Peter Duncan. This one could follow the successful transcoding of Wilfred.

New Comedies

American television has a tendency to appropriate well-made British series and try to pass them off as original. Us & Them is the American version of the thoughtful British rom-com series Gavin and Stacey. As a huge fan of the original, which was extremely well-written and performed, I’ll need to be convinced that this is worth my time — particularly since neither of the original creators (James Corden and Ruth Jones) seem to be involved.

Former SNL star Andy Samberg gets his first TV show on Fox this fall, with “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.”

Brooklyn Nine Nine stars Adam Samberg of SNL as a police officer working in a remote precinct of the NYPD. Sounds like it might be similar to the Rowan Atkinson comedy series The Thin Blue Line, but early impressions are that this is a good fit for Samberg, and that the cast work well together.

Enlisted is about a combat soldier who is posted to a Florida military base where his ne’er-do-well brothers are also posted. Personally, I’m not sure I completely understand why this concept is supposed to be funny.

Dads is co-produced by Seth MacFarlane and stars Seth Green and Giovanni Ribisi as childhood friends whose fathers (Martin Mull and Peter Riegert) “become their roommates.” With such a vague plot description of a well-worn concept, the writing will need to be top notch.

Other New Shows

Speaking of Seth MacFarlane, he has teamed up with the fabulous Neil deGrasse Tyson to revive the iconically poetic and compelling Cosmos. “Billions and billions” of fans of Carl Sagan’s beautiful masterpiece (which you can still see on Netflix) will be dreaming peacefully of space oddities. Also being revived — well, brought back really — is Fox’s former flagship spy thriller 24. Finally, fans can look forward to a Bauer-ful year.

Fox is also bringing back the miniseries — or “limited series,” as we are apparently calling them now. Wayward Pines from M Night Shyamalan is a dramatization of the 1990s O.J. Simpson investigation and trial. I suppose 20 years later (wow, has it really been that long?) can no longer be considered “too soon” to delve into this case again, but since it endlessly played out on live TV at the time, I’m not sure what the appeal of a fictionalized version would be. Barry Levinson’s Billy the Kid seems like a better option, or the announced remake of Shogun.

Returning Shows

Animated favorites The Simpsons, Family Guy, Bob’s Burgers and American Dad were all renewed for next season’s Fox TV schedule, but The Cleveland Show is unconfirmed. Returning comedies also include The New Girl, The Mindy Project, and Raising Hope, all with female protagonists.

Dramas we’ll see again are Bones, The Following and Glee, but not Fringe, The Mob Doctor or Touch. Both The X Factor and American Idol will still be around, with the latter getting a full set of new judges as Randy Jackson bids adieu.

Nearly all of the shows on the new Fox TV schedule feature male protagonists. Shows with female leads are critically acclaimed and well received, but it’s boys Fox wants in the ratings, so it’s boys we’re going to see in the lineup — a lot.

The post Up Front with New Fox TV Schedule appeared first on Digital Landing.

The new touchscreen WiFi router from Securifi combines the functions of both a WiFi computer network router and a home automation hub into a single attractive package.

The WiFi router portion of Securifi’s Almond+ touchscreen device conforms to the soon to be released 802.11ac WiFi standard, as well as supports ZigBee or Z-Wave home automation networks. According to industry sources, 802.11ac isn’t even an official standard yet, so why should you upgrade when your current devices only support 802.11n? Good question, let’s find out.

Not Official, But Support Is Forthcoming

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers is the international governing body that recognizes, analyzes, and approves standard for electrical and electronic devices that ensure that these devices are able to work with each other. According to published materials, final approval for the 802.11ac standard won’t come until early 2014, so why the rush to go out and buy something that supports a standard that isn’t really a standard yet?

Well, I could give you the “Dilbert reason” (I’ve got to have the newest and best technology before anyone else), but that would be somewhat silly (yet, for me, also somewhat true). The current standard for WiFi communications, 802.11n supports normal communication speeds of up to 54 Mbits/second per link and maximum throughput (data transfer rate) of up to 600 Mbits/second. According to the IEEE’s published material, the 802.11ac standard will support single-link speeds of up to 500 Mbits and total wireless local area network (WLAN) throughput of one gigabit/second.

But why buy it now? There are two reasons I can think of. The first is that while it supports an as yet unreleased standard, the IEEE writes what is known as backwards compatibility into every new standard. What this means is that every new product works with every old product. So, even if you’ve got a dinosaur notebook computer that has an 802.11a wireless adapter, your 802.11n and this new 802.11ac router will work with it.

The second reason is that although we will have to wait until February for the IEEE to formally ratify the standard, there are companies that are currently manufacturing devices that will leverage the new standard and that will get them to market prior to the ratification of the standard. In other words, you’re not going to have to wait until February of next year to be able to buy products that will take advantage of these higher speeds.

“OK, but why do I need a router that works so much faster than my Internet provider’s maximum advertised speeds?” Again, great question. However, I’ve been reading stories about how some of the country’s major providers (most notably) Comcast, are upgrading their cabling networks to support speeds of up to gigabit to the home.

Touchscreen WiFi Router Makes Network Setup Easier

The small touchscreen on Securifi’s Almond+ touchscreen 802.11ac WiFi router makes setting up both the home computer/Internet network and the home automation easier by making the setup graphical. The old saying about pictures being worth a thousand words definitely holds true. If you’ve ever configured a home router, especially for WiFi, you know how “fun” that can be. Now imagine if everything you want to do is represented by a picture. Yeah, much easier.

Configuring the home automation network is also made much easier because you’re given a graphical representation of all devices currently registered on the network and those the hub can identify but that aren’t registered.

Reviews of the Securifi Almond+ Touchscreen WiFi Router

I haven’t seen this product available on any shelves yet, so I haven’t been able to play with it, but I did find it for sale on Amazon for $80, making it comparable in price to most 802.11n WiFi routers, but much more capable. Going back to the “why buy it” question, the fact that you won’t be paying much more for more capability is another good reason. Add that to the fact that most home automation hubs cost well over $100 by themselves, and you can see this as a cost saving investment in the future.

One of my favorite sources of information about new tech products is AnandTech and they have a very good review of the Almond+ touchscreen WiFi router up. One of the best things I’ve discovered about this device is that Securifi is releasing the software development kit (SDK) so the general public and user community can write their own control programs for it as well as developing their own sensor systems to be used on the ZigBee and Z-Wave home automation networks.

Most home automation products available right now require a monthly subscription to let you control the system over the Internet. There are plans to release Android and iPhone apps that will give you complete control over the home automation network without a subscription. There’s another cost savings.

The post Touchscreen WiFi Router Combines It All appeared first on Digital Landing.

Watching fun movie documentaries on Netflix makes life both entertaining and informative — it’s “infotaining”! (Way better than “entermative.”)

Netflix has been a great addition to our entertainment arsenal over the past few years, especially after they introduced instant streaming. We can watch old movies we missed, relatively new movies we didn’t want to gamble $12 on in the theaters, back episodes and seasons of TV shows we loved, and documentaries that detail lives we previously knew little about.

Most people associate documentaries with stale, old PBS films with a British narrator discussing serious subjects, like war, government conspiracies and the human body.

But over the past 15 years or so, documentaries have become hip. They’ve become an artistic tool that documentarians can use to paint an entertaining portrait of a specific theme. Cheaper cameras and the ability to get much more information, much easier, have allowed directors to target subjects that are more entertaining than they are earthshaking.

We thank you, fun documentary filmmakers. You teach us much more about random subjects than we ever thought we’d like to learn! We know there are plenty of great documentaries out there that would totally depress us into wanting to sleep in the corner of our closet, like “The Cove” and “Senna.” So we truly appreciate a documentary that makes us feel a little better about life after 90 minutes or so in front of our TV.

Here’s my list of nine entertaining movie documentaries on Netflix that you should check out!

“Murderball”

In spite of the scary title of the movie and the struggles that the paraplegics have gone through before/during their discovery of wheelchair rugby, this documentary is inspiring and highly entertaining. The movie is based around the U.S. and Canadian teams as they prepare for the 2004 Paralympic Games.

“Freakonomics”

This movie is based on the best-selling non-fiction book by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner. It touches on a variety of subjects and analyzes the data from a different perspective. Some of the topics covered include teachers that cheat, weird baby names and their impact on future success, realtors that sell their own homes, and crack dealers. It sounds stodgy and uninteresting — and it’s the exact opposite.

“Trekkies”

One of the most devoted groups of people in pop culture history, trekkies (or fans of Star Trek) have extended the life of a TV show that was cancelled after just three seasons — over 40 years ago. Gene Roddenberry’s creation has spawned 12 movies, six TV shows and a multitude of games, toys and books.

“6 Days to Air”

You know Trey Parker and Matt Stone as the creators of “South Park,” but what you don’t know is how insanely difficult their job is. They try to push the envelope weekly (and usually succeed), and this documentary details a week of preparation and production from idea to air. It’s just an amazing behind-the-scenes look into six days in the life of one of the most controversial shows in TV history.

“Under the Boardwalk: The Monopoly Story”

Every four years, over 40 different countries around the world hold national Monopoly championships. (You read that right.) And then the country’s champions will move on to play in the Monopoly World Championship! This film documents the stories behind some of these people, as well as the history of one of the most popular board games in the history of America. Ironically, the game that’s based on the accumulation of wealth and the bankruptcy of competitors was created just after the Great Depression.

“Everything or Nothing: The Untold Story of 007″

Quick — what’s the longest running movie franchise in film history!?! … If you said, “Twlight” — you’d be wrong, and probably about 11 years old. But the James Bond film series, started in 1962, was the creation of writer Ian Fleming, and producers Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman. This documentary looks back at the five decades (and six Bonds) that captivated us all.

“Jiro Dreams of Sushi”

Jiri Ono is an 85-year-old sushi chef that runs a 10-seat restaurant called, Sukiyabashi Jiro in a subway station in Tokyo, Japan. In spite of its size and location, this is the first restaurant of its kind to be awarded a 3-star Michelin review. You’ll be in awe at the pride and patience this man exhibits for his craft — and you’ll probably want to eat some sushi while watching it.

“Exit Through the Gift Shop: A Banksy Film”

It’s truly difficult to describe what this movie is about, other than to say it’s based around the culture of street artists, specifically Banksy. Without giving too much away, the original intent of the movie switches isn’t necessarily what the finished product becomes. (Some think the movie is so unlikely, that it has been deemed a “mockumentary,” but according to Banksy, it is a true story.)

Philippe Petit discusses his highly dangerous — and illegal — attempt to tightrope walk between the Twin Towers in 1974.

“Man On Wire”

This British documentary details the 1974 high-wire walk of Philippe Petit between the Twin Towers of New York’s World Trade Center — which opened up for the first time in 1973. They were the tallest buildings in the world at that time, and his stunt was illegal and obviously dangerous. With over 151 reviews from film critics, and a 100-percent approval rating, this movie ranks behind just “Toy Story 2″ on RottenTomatoes.com, as one of the most critically acclaimed movies of all time.

Netflix also shows a lot of TV shows that were cancelled too early that might interest you, or you have a favorite TV series that you’d like to watch again. Either way, make sure you are set up with a fast streaming connection to watch Netflix movies.

Over the past decade, movie documentaries have become less clinical and educational, and the genre of “fun documentaries” has grown exponentially. Watch some of these documentaries and we think you’ll be thirsting for more! 

The post 9 Fun Movie Documentaries on Netflix appeared first on Digital Landing.

SmartThings is one of the newest additions to the home automation marketplace. Their tagline is “The easiest way to make your world smarter.” Checking through their offerings, they do seem to make home automation smart and fun. Fire up the mobile app and let’s take a look at what they are and have to offer.

Control Your Home  Over the Internet

Like many other home automation products on the market, SmartThings uses a mobile app to give you control over selected electrical devices in your house over the Internet. The app allows you to control everything you’d expect to have control over. However, it also gives you control over some things you wouldn’t expect.

Here’s an example for pet owners: As a pet owner myself, I know you worry about your dog or cat quite a bit when you’re away from home. SmartThings allows you to stop worrying. Replace your dog or cat’s drab everyday collar with an enabled collar, and the system will tell you when your pet roams too far from home.

SmartThings Community Collaboration

As far as I’m concerned, this is the best part of the whole story: It’s a collaborative effort with the community of users. Many of the newer capabilities of the system are coming — not from the company itself — but the user community. There will soon be full X10 and ZigBee compatibility, thanks to people outside of the company wanting to make the system better.

Here’s another example aimed at the pet owners out there: How many times have you discovered, after it’s dried and stained, that your four-legged family member went potty somewhere they shouldn’t have? One of the members of the community of users created a plug-in for the app that, combined with an alarm and a moisture sensor, lets you know when Rover is doing his thing in one of the worst places possible. It’s called “Potty Train.”

From what I’ve seen, the possibilities with this home automation product are only limited by the imagination and your programming skills. Imagination is a constant. Programming skills can be learned or improved.

Another example: One of the users decided he wanted a way to turn on certain lights when he (or someone else in the family) came home late at night when it was dark out. So, he created an app called “Lights on When Garage Opens.” Then he posted it to the community forum for others to use. Now, when it’s dark out and his garage door opener starts opening the door, his house lights up for him.

This is all reminiscent of the beginning days of computing, when those of us that created programs for them (DEC anyone?), shared them with everyone else in our community. I mean, how else could we ensure that our programs were constantly improved for the benefit of everyone? We’d right a program, slip the note for it in the keyboard drawer and ask our colleagues if anyone knew any ways to “hack our program.” This was back in the days when “to hack” meant to improve a program. This makes the way these guys do business near and dear to my heart, bringing back numerous fond memories.

There are currently 46 projects listed on the site that are either in progress or completed, with project notes and the code you need to make the desired results possible. How many other home automation products can say their user community is working to continually make the product more capable?

What the Online Reviewers Are Saying

Online reviewers decry the difficulty factor in installation of other home automation systems, but laud the ease with which the average consumer can get up and running with the SmartThings system. They also applaud the lower price of the system as a whole versus other systems. One of the things I like is that the consumer decides which sensors come with the starter kit purchase, not the supplier or vendor.

Like I said above, this is by far my favorite home automation product so far. I love the idea of being able to imagine new sensors and things to automate or have control over and then being able to make that imagination a reality because of the collaborative open source nature of the product. It appeals to my innate creativity and techno-geek.

What can you imagine as the next “newest and greatest” sensor for the SmartThings marketplace? No doubt, this is a gamechanger in the home automation world.

The post SmartThings Makes Your Home Smarter appeared first on Digital Landing.

You want an easy home automation system that unites the basic functions around your house — lighting, temperature control, locks, alarms, and maybe even some entertainment system control. You are not looking for anything too fancy, too complicated, or too expensive. So, where to begin?

Among the many choices in home automation available today, several features stand out as the most advanced, the most efficient, and the most useful for your basic needs.

6 Home Automation System Factors To Consider

When choosing a solid home automation system to protect and operate your house, consider these six factors before making a choice.

1. Full, Hub-Based Integration

The best modern automation systems tend to be based around central hubs that plug into Internet routers or gateways that allow for easy wireless connection. There are many advantages to this arrangement. It cuts down on the number of devices you have to use, it increases the ability of your system to manage multiple standards and equipment models at one time, and it makes interacting with your system much more simple.

Many of the major brand models now follow this hub-based system, such as AT&T’s Digital Life and the more utilitarian Lowe’s Iris. Hubs are more common with entertainment-focused automation and seen less in Home Security, but when available they are powerful, worthwhile devices.

2. The Latest Platform Support

When choosing a home automation system, pick a version that offers support for the latest platforms.

Do you use iTunes? Make sure the system works with iTunes if you want to play music throughout the house.

Do you have Windows 8 on your computer or phone? Double-check to see if a system offers support for the latest Windows platform. The same is true of Android or iPad support. Whatever devices you already own or use, your home system needs to support them. Then you can avoid buying extra, unnecessary remotes and skip out on the clutter.

3. Scripted Actions

Scripted Actions is a fancy name for the ability to program specific responses into your system. In other words, “If this happens, do this.” This feature takes a bit of technical expertise, but it is well worth the effort.

You can program alarm systems to send text messages to specific phones, program your lights to come on at a certain time every day, or program your thermostat to change based on the current temperatures no matter where you are. This also lets you program detailed functions on your control panels, phones, or remotes. If you want to develop your own version of the perfect, personalized system and do not mind tinkering with home automation logic, buy a system that allows for scripted action control.

4. Support for Multiple Standards

Home automation wireless standards are a mess. There is regular WiFi, Z-Wave, Zigbee, old X10, Insteon for lights — the list goes on. To avoid as many problems as possible, pick out a system that offers support for multiple standards.

The second part of this tip is similar: Buy your system — the basic hub or network — first, then start picking up compatible devices whenever possible. This will ensure that all your devices work with your system and prevent any annoying returns or replacements to find elusive functionality.

5. Mobile Apps

In today’s mobile age, it is inexcusable for a home automation system to not offer a control app for your smartphone. Windows, Android, or iOS, make sure your system has an accompanying app with at least basic functionality.

Good apps should give you just as much control as a control panel, but these are rare. Most will at least let you control temperature, security alarms, and maybe door locks or lighting. When picking out a system, search for screenshots or reviews of the app to see how friendly and usable it is. If your focus is more on appliances and entertainment, check for a smartphone or tablet app that lets you control these devices from afar.

6. Easy Sensor Placement

Many wireless devices come with internal antenna features that you do not need to worry about — they are contained and out of reach. But when it comes to home automation, home monitoring, and similar functions, you must install some new sensors throughout your house. Traditionally, this required an electrician or laborious drilling and positioning — along with an unpleasant bill and a lot of time requirements.

Forget that old method — new systems have much easier methods. If your primary interest is in monitoring or security, search for sensors that you can peel and stick to walls with handy adhesive, like the kind that FrontPoint offers. This saves time, installation bills, and damage to your walls.

These six factors to consider in a home automation system should keep you ahead of the game.

Photo credit: Gramophone Maryland

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