Article Library

This archive is a compilation of articles published in our eMagazine since inception. The articles are organized by "Subject". Many thanks to those who have contributed to this archive and continue to help it grow by submitting their thoughts and expertise to the magazine.

Search For Articles




Design and Installation - General

Click on the Article Title to view the article. To find more articles by the same author or company, click the author or company name.

Article Title Author Company eMag Issue Article Synopsis
Your IT Network - Would You Buy a Ferrari With a 4-Cylinder Engine? Josh Christian DSI Entertainment

Apr 2013

 It wasn't too long ago that a network was only used for computers. Then home automation manufacturers started using WiFi as the wireless connection of choice. "No problem", we thought, just get a network router/switch/wireless access point at the local Best Buy and you're good to go...Not!
A Shower TV? Hey, Why Not...It's What the Cool People Do Josh Christian DSI Entertainment Systems

Dec 2012

 At first a shower TV seems like a needless luxury...but then the more you think about it, it starts to makes sense, doesn't it? We all lead busy lives and spare time is at a premium. Unless you are like my father who brags about taking 3-minute showers, you probably like to linger in the shower as the hot water relaxes you.
A Dynamic 'Convertible' Home Theater on a Shoe-String Budget Paul Fida Installerfare

Dec 2012

 I found myself at the ripe old age of 61, sitting in a cabin in Wisconsin, wondering how to incorporate a dedicated home theater into an open living-dining-kitchen area. To further complicate the situation, it couldn’t just be any home theater – after all, I had my reputation to consider. It had to be dynamic, unique and most of all – hidden.
Hidden Vision TV Mounts Karen Beshara Hidden Vision TV Mounts

Jun 2012

 Hidden Vision specializes in versatile, easy to install TV mounts that can uniquely hide your television. Offering three models called the "Flip-Around," the "Standard Flip-Out," and the "Extended Flip-Out" we are sure to have a solution for hiding your TV in any room.
When to Bring a Theater Designer on Board Sam Cavitt Paradise Theater

Apr 2012

 All too often, the contractors leave and there's a "room" in the basement for the home theater. The drywall's, up; the floors are down; then you get stuck. All too often, this is the (too late) point the home theater designer gets the call. See how it should be done.
Cooling the (almost) impossible enclosure Frank Federman Active Thermal Management

Apr 2012

 Active Thermal Management's CEO, Frank Federman, explains how to deal with challenging cooling projects
Three Home Theater Sound Enhancers You Can Try This Weekend Alan Lofft Axiom

Dec 2010

 Home theater fans, audiophiles, and newcomers alike all have one goal in mind: to make their home theater or reproduced music sound better. It’s the engine driving most of our loudspeaker and equipment purchases, which is hardly surprising. After all, it’s an amazing era we live in where a savvy consumer can assemble some good loudspeakers, an amplifier and CD/DVD or Blu-ray player and achieve sound reproduction or home theater that can often rival or surpass the real thing, and do it in the comfort of your own home.
Blow in?? Push out?? Is it better to... Frank Federman Active Thermal Management

Dec 2010

 We're frequently (OK, sometimes) asked "Is it better to push cool air into a cabinet or pull the hot air out?" Other FAQ’s ask whether all (there’s usually more than one) fans should push or pull, or should you use half for each function.

There are a few fundamentals to remember when you’re planning to ventilate a cabinet, closet, video projector enclosure, etc.

Audio Oddities: Solving Subwoofer Troubles Alan Lofft Axiom

Dec 2010

 It’s not uncommon for a new subwoofer owner to have problems getting the subwoofer to produce audible output. More often than not, it’s usually a matter of choosing the right menu items in the AV receiver, but there are some simple tests you can make to ensure that the subwoofer itself is activating properly and producing output.
Pre-Wire Your New Home: Chapter 9: Whole-Home Video David Feller BOCS Company

Oct 2010

 This is the ninth and final chapter of a multi-part series covering all aspects of low voltage wiring in the home: entertainment, security, automation, and future planning.
Pre-Wire Your New Home: Chapter 7: Proper Terminations David Feller BOCS Company

Aug 2010

 This is the sixth installment of a multi-part series covering all aspects of low voltage wiring in the home: entertainment, security, automation, and future planning.
Why do I need a check up on my system Doc Greene AV Expert

Jun 2010

As an ISF calibrator for many years I find myself in a lot of homes to make their systems perform better. I am constantly amazed at how many systems have everything they need to watch HD video and listen to HD audio but have never seen or heard either. I find that about 5 out of 10 consumers fall into this category. Why is this happening you ask? 
Pre-Wire Your New Home - Chapter 6: Whole-Home Audio David Feller BOCS Company

Jun 2010

 This is the fifth installment of a multi-part series covering all aspects of low voltage wiring in the home: entertainment, security, automation, and future planning. A new section will be published every few weeks.
Pre-Wire Your New Home - Chapter 5: The Actual “Pull” David Feller BOCS

Apr 2010

 Whatever systems or wires you choose, these general rules and procedures will make the job easier.
Pre-Wire Your New Home - Chapter 4 - Future Proofing David Feller BOCS

Apr 2010

 In this chapter we talk about some things to look into and perhaps install while you under construction --- just in case you need it in the future. It's easy to pull extra wire while you are at it.
Pre-Wire Your New Home: Plan For The Future Chapters 1 And 2

Feb 2010

 This is the first installment of a multi-part series covering all aspects of low voltage wiring in the home: entertainment, security, automation, and future planning. A new section will be published every few weeks.
Pre-Wire Your New Home: Plan For The Future Chapter 3: The Absolute Minimum - and Why David Feller

Feb 2010

 This is the second installment of a multi-part series covering all aspects of low voltage wiring in the home: entertainment, security, automation, and future planning. A new section will be published every few weeks.
TECHORATE YOUR HOME FOR THE PERFECT HOLIDAY PARTY Tips from the LG Techorator Doug Wilson The LD Techorator

Nov 2008

 It won’t be long until folks are preparing for the in-laws visiting and hosting their big holiday party. Although the food is important, consumers often don’t know where to start to ensure their home is ready for watching the classics and playing seasonal music while entertaining guests and family during the holiday season.
D-Tools Case Study D-Tools D-Tools

Aug 2008

 T&T Communications began looking at software solutions in order to improve and streamline their business processes.
Home/Office IPTV-VoD SystemHome/Office IPTV-VoD System Alexander Cameron Digital TX Limited

Jun 2008

 IPTV networks are basically intranets, only the web browser isn’t on a PC, it is on a set-top box. If you’ve set up an intranet or public website, you can set up your own IPTV network and do what you want with it.
AVIA Inc. Increases Revenue and Decreases Costs with D-Tools D-Tools D-Tools

Feb 2008

 AVIA Inc. has experienced a significant reduction in time and cost for each project because resources are correctly allocated, resulting in better tracking and correctly ordered equipment for each job. Additionally, AVIA reduces time by generating easily understood and applied documentation with D-Tools so remote installations can be managed onsite by AVIA’s technical staff.
Haave AV Systems Increases Revenue Utilizing D-Tools System Integrator™ Software D-Tools D-Tools

Oct 2007

 We are able to confidently present our proposal, knowing it’s designed properly with D-Tools and understanding our industry and costs, so we can explain every aspect of the job to our customer, easing any apprehension, and winning the job hands down.
System Test and Integration Procedures Part 4 Continued: Systems Integration Procedures George Wilkinson

Aug 2007

 Systems integration is unique because it is more of a process than a series of checklists. Once you understand this concept, you will have a better understanding on how to approach it… In the end, having the hardware and software operate as an entity and perform the way the customer expects it to perform is the essence of systems integration.
Human Interface and Panel Design/Layout Stephe Blansette Intelligent Systems, LLC

Jun 2007

 A process for interviewing and communicating with clients is paramount. The panel designer can guess what people like, but that is not a good way to create a good user experience.
How Can Integrators Improve the Home Technology Industry While Building a Successful Business Chris Purser Autogy Inc.

Jun 2007

 HAVE FUN! This is a great industry to be in. Thrive and be successful! Be proud of the work you do. You will not be able to wait to tell your family how you made a client feel in their brand new home!
Home Theater Design Part 9 - Adjusting for Peak Performance Steve Faber Home Theater Design and Automation

Apr 2007

 Now it’s time to head to the fridge for a cold one, kick off those shoes, and see how many decibels you can make from the MI3 sound track before the neighbors come over for an intervention.
A Solution to the NID Nuisance Grayson Evans The Training Department

Apr 2007

 NIDs (Network Interface Devices) are usually on the outside of the house mounted near the electrical service entrance. A typical structured cabling installation needs TP cables (2 CAT5s) to the telco or cable box and 1 or 2 coax cables (2 RG6s) to the cable box from the distribution center in the home. So someplace the cable has to pass to the outside of the house.
System Test and Integration Procedures Part 4: Systems Integration Procedures George Wilkinson

Apr 2007

 A hardware problem that exists undiscovered at the time of systems programming and checkout can cost you double, or even triple. Plus, you have one angry programmer who wonders why the system and equipment has not been properly checked prior to his task.
System Test and Integration Procedures Part 3 - Equipment Setup and Testing George Wilkinson

Dec 2006

 The purpose of SETUP is to make sure that all equipment is wired correctly and functioning properly and to complete as much of the initial equipment setup as possible prior to systems integration.
System Test and Integration Procedures - Part 2b: Cable Test and Verification George Wilkinson

Oct 2006

 The primary objective of cable and test verification at this time of the installation is to determine if all the cable required to complete the installation has been installed, is installed correctly and that no significant damage has been incurred by the installers or other trades at the construction site prior making all terminations.
System Checkout and Integration Procedures - Part 1 - Proper Planning George Wilkinson

Jun 2006

 Without proper documentation, installation or wiring errors result. This potentially can slow down the entire process significantly. Another important issue is that errors created during the first phases of an installation are subject to what is termed compounding. Compounding results when an issue that exists earlier in the project is not discovered or a resolution is postponed until later.
Home Theater Design - Part 6 Steve Faber Home Theater Design and Automation

Jun 2006

 The good news is that home theater equipment is better than ever, and more affordable to boot. In addition, there is much help available, on the Internet or from one of the many qualified custom installation firms in most areas.
Technology in Architecture Jon Cavin CMCA, Inc.

Feb 2006

 Whether it be a simple surround sound system or a whole house control system, the most important thing to remember is when to start planning. As an architect or builder, you will find that if you involve a qualified low voltage contractor early in the planning stages, they can make your job easier, less stressful and provide a finished project.
The Heart of Today’s Home Joe Costello Homelogics

Aug 2005

 Just remember, your structured wiring panel is an extremely important part of your home and its’ overall functionality now and in the future. Be smart about all aspects if this purchase and if you have any questions or doubts, locate a custom installer in your area to have them assist you through this process.
Lights, Cameras… Pick up the Pieces! Whole Home Systems Whole Home Systems

Dec 2004

 Even with our experience, it came as a real surprise to discover that so many of our customer's justified expectations had been dashed by a lack of true skill and professionalism on the part of the original installers.
Cooling the Mid-size Enclosure Frank Federman Active Thermal Management

Dec 2004

 One feature common to stand-alone and built-in enclosures is the presence of a door, ensuring that the audio and video components inside the cabinet will have very little (meaning "no") ventilation unless the designer or installer "makes it happen"
UPB Powerline Carrier Home Control Technology Web Mountain

Jun 2004

 UPB provides a stable and highly reliable alternative for home control, as compared to other powerline carrier technologies. It is highly affordable, delivering the same performance as many hard wired control systems.
The Central Nervous System of the Digital Home Carl Bowman Computing Technology Industry Association

Jun 2004

 Remember, structured wiring is all about being able to use not only today’s technologies, but also tomorrow’s. Done right, structured wiring will immeasurably improve the liveability of a home for a modest price.
Affordable Home Automation Solutions Paul Custodio X10.com

Apr 2004

 The following three examples are simple home solutions that can be implemented in nearly any home on nearly any budget, using equipment available from X10.com.
Broadband Lessons Learned Sandy Teger Broadband Home Central

Apr 2004

 As you may have experienced in your own projects, start-up was the hardest part. Once the “plumbing” was in place, the applications we wanted to demonstrate, ranging from video entertainment to music services to showing digital photos on your big screen and much more worked like a charm.
HomeNet Working I.T @ Home

Jun 2003

 K.I.T.N is a group of network engineers and I.T specialists dedicated to improving the use of I.T @ Home through the installation of a Standard Home Network Infrastructure (S.H.N.I) during initial house build.
The Kids' Zone David Teel Avenida Network

Apr 2003

 Sit down with your family and discuss the where, what, why and when's of media distribution through the home. Though some rooms may never have access to some sorts of media, wire for everything conceivable, as family members' needs may change, and you never know when you might be handing the keys over to the next inhabitants of your technology abode.
Automation Programming David Teel Avenida Network

Feb 2002

 Both the homeowner and the integrator should keep in mind that there are always the unknown and unexpected delays in designing the "perfect" home automation system. Both should have patience and practice meditation during delays and unexplained "glitches" in the system. The homeowner should be allowed to become familiar with the system over a 2-4 week period, keeping notes of bugs and issues that need to be resolved.
Smart Homes For Dummies Bob Hetherington

Jun 2001

 Smart Homes for Dummies is a great book for those who are interested in moving into the future of home automation and networking and are willing to spend a few evenings learning about what it is and how to go about the process.
Training Course - Structured Wiring The Training Department

Jun 2000

 This course will teach you basic wire and cable principles for present and future home networks and audio/video distribution. It covers the proper planning, selection, and installation of the best infrastructure wiring, distribution equipment, and cable. The video then takes you through three separate structured wiring system installations from start to finish to illustrate the principles presented in the course.
Analog to Digital Fred Hansen Twin Lakes Home Automation

Oct 1999

 An A2D board does exactly what its name implies. It converts an analog voltage to a digital value that a computer can read. Anything that produces a varying voltage can supply the input: a temperature or pressure sensor, a potentiometer, a stress gauge, or the output of a photo-resister.
Professional Installers - Who Needs Them?! Brian Baker

Dec 1997

 "Though the original intent of developing the HomePnP specification may have been focused on empowering the consumer by providing features necessary to install and configure as many of the products in their home as possible, only a short-sighted individual would equate this to obsolescence of the role of a professional installer."
INTRODUCTION TO THE SMART HOUSE® SYSTEM Kenneth P. Wacks

Dec 1997

 "The fundamental goal of SMART HOUSE is to provide integrated wiring for all current home services and to include provisions for home automation technology. Cost savings are promised from reduced labor to install an integrated wiring system.

Back To Article Topic Index

Search For Articles




More AV and Automation Industry Resources

 

 

More Technical eMagazine from LJB