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.
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Top Ten Most Popular Articles in the Last Year
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| Article Title | Author | Company | eMag Issue | Article Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Siri Home Automation Integration from Start to Finish Part 1 - The Basics (using a Linux VM) |
Mark Anderson | HomeToys.com | Feb 2013 |
I've been wanting to get Siri up and running with my Home Automation system for quite a while. I tried and failed last year, but recently attacked the problem again; this time with great success. Not only did I get it running on 4 versions of Linux (long story), but also on my Raspberry PI. Further, I now have it integrated with my Home Automation system. (The approach I chose for this should work with virtually any Home Automation system.) The instructions in this article will get you up and running--virtually guaranteed--in under 30 mins. If you don't want to start from scratch, you can download a 250MB VMware appliance with it fully installed. All that's required are a few minor config changes for your own IP address. In Part 1, we'll cover the basics (using a Linux VM). In Part 2, we'll cover Raspberry PI installation. In Part 3, we'll cover Home Automation integration. |
| VPN vs Port Forwarding: Which is Best for Delivering Remote Access to Home or Small Office Networks? | Martin Boulter | Luxul | Aug 2012 |
There are several methods for implementing a remote network connection. The two most common methods are Port Forwarding and Virtual Private Networking (VPN). In this article, these two methods will be discussed and compared. Which method an installer elects to use may depend upon the features supported by the equipment being installed |
| IOGEAR Wireless HD 3D Digital Kit Review (GW3DHDKIT) | Mark Anderson | HomeToys.com | Jun 2012 |
The WAF (Wife Acceptance Factor) on large, flat screen TV’s can generally be improved with more aesthetic placement of said purchase. Unfortunately, this often entails a construction project (negating any WAF gains). The IOGear Wireless HD 3D Digital Kit is a game changer (and WAF Buster). |
| Can a $35 PC really run a full blown HD Media Center? | Mark Anderson | HomeToys.com | Aug 2012 |
A UK-based project to produce a computer that any student can afford has got the Home Theater PC (HTPC) crowd brimming with excitement. I placed a credit card order with RS Components (across the pond) in May. A few weeks ago, my Raspberry PI had arrived. Did it live up to my expectations? |
| The Quest for a Better Remote | Mark Anderson | Mark Anderson | Dec 2012 |
I’ve used Logitech Harmony remotes on my Home Theater and in the Master Bedroom for a few years and for the most part, they worked OK. The “Help” button painlessly solved many hiccups. With a move to a new house, all AV gear was hidden away (most of it in the basement). A second Blu-ray player and Apple TV complicated things, so it was time to look for a new solution that would dispense with the hiccups. My quest has ended (for now) with URC. |
| Siri Home Automation Integration from Start to Finish Part 2 - Raspberry PI Installation |
Mark Anderson | HomeToys.com | Feb 2013 |
This is Part 2 of a three part article. In this part, we'll see how to install SiriProxy on a Raspberry PI. In Part 1, we'll cover the basics (using a Linux VM). In Part 2, we'll cover Raspberry PI installation. In Part 3, we'll cover Home Automation integrations |
| CABA Digital Home Forum | Bob Hetherington | HomeToys | Oct 2012 |
CABA has always done a great service to the industy by organizing and hosting these forums and conferences where players in the industry can get together on neutral turf to share their experiences, concerns and expertise. As a great believer in sharing technical expertise, in fact it's what this publication is based on, I am always keen to hear what others are working on and where the industry is going. |
| CEDIA EXPO 2012 - Tradeshow Report | Mark Anderson | HomeToys.com | Aug 2012 |
As expected, CEDIA was full to the gills with cool and interesting products. In the article below, you can read about our take on industry trends and see what products we considered noteworthy. |
| Gefen Wireless HDMI Extender (GTV-WHD-1080P-LR) Review | Mark Anderson | hometoys.com | Jun 2012 |
Running AV cables from a set -top box, receiver or DVD/Blu-ray player to a TV or Projector is not always practical or cost-effective. Recent times have seen a number of wireless HDMI extenders come to market. We took Gefen’s GTV-WHD-1080P-LR for a spin to see how it performed. |
| Miracast – A Challenger to the AirPlay throne? | Mark Anderson | HomeToys.com | Oct 2012 |
Apple has dominated the wireless streaming video playing field for quite a while, but the Wi-Fi Alliance plans to change all that with an open solution called Miracast. |
