The Smart Home Show

Adam has been testing the Kaleidescape home theater movie platform, and on our last episode, he interviewed the company's director of technical marketing, Andre Floyd. Today, Richard interviews Adam about what he's learned from using the so-called "ultimate movie platform," who should definitely use it, and who might want to think twice before investing in it. They discuss ease of setup, movie selection, converting DVDs to digital titles, parental controls, pricing, and more. Kaleidescape provided Adam the hardware to try it out, but at the end of the interview, he explains whether or not he would pay full MSRP to have this in his home theater.Have questions or feedback for us? Send it to feedback@smarthome.fm.Produced by Eric Johnson from LightningPod.fm

Adam sits down with Andre Floyd, director of technical marketing at the "ultimate movie platform" Kaleidescape, to talk about his experience testing their hardware in his home theater, and what makes Kaleidescape different from other digital media solutions. It's an in-depth conversation about movies, smart home integrations, and how to get the most out of your at-home movie collection. On the next episode, Adam will share a full review of the product with Richard. Have questions or feedback for us? Send it to feedback@smarthome.fm.Produced by Eric Johnson from LightningPod.fm

Richard Gunther from the Smart Home Show is joined by TJ Huddleston, Seth Johnson, and Gavin Campbell from The HomeTech Podcast for Technology.FM's annual fireside chat! They reflect on 2023's developments in the smart home space — both the good and the bad — and share what they're looking forward to in 2024.Have questions or feedback for us? Send it to feedback@smarthome.fm.Produced by Eric Johnson from LightningPod.fm

Adam and Richard run down the smart home deals that caught their attention ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2023. That includes discounts on home entertainment products like Sonos, security solutions for the home and office, and one of Adam's favorite things, the Eight Sleep Pod Cover (use his referral link for $300 off).They also share some important tips for getting the best deal, and not getting scammed. Plus: Is it Thanksgiving dinner, or Thanksgiving supper, and what's the difference anyway?Have questions or feedback for us? Send it to feedback@smarthome.fm.Produced by Eric Johnson from LightningPod.fm

While Adam has been working on his home theater, what smart home projects has Richard been up to? Today on the Smart Home Show, he talks about all of them, including security lighting, smart dimmer sensors, smart blinds, an awful touchless faucet, an expanded Sonos collection, outdoor light bars, and mesh routers. Adam and Richard also talk about Richard's frustration with Matter, the disappointing trajectory of Nest thermostats, an “ecologically irresponsible” smart oven, their favorite movies, and a follow-up to the Amazon fall event episode with Jennifer Pattison Tuohy.Have questions or feedback for us? Send it to feedback@smarthome.fm.Produced by Eric Johnson from LightningPod.fm

Adam and Richard are joined by The Verge's smart home reviewer, Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, to discuss Amazon's recent fall hardware event, which focused on new and updated products for the connected home. That includes a redesigned Echo Show 8 that can become a digital photo frame (for a price); a smart home controller called the Echo Hub; and a new automatic lighting feature for Echo speakers.The trio also discusses how both Amazon and Google are applying generative AI to their smart home products, and the most interesting news from Google's phone-centric fall event. Plus: Ex-Microsoft exec Panos Panay is moving across town to Amazon, and should you buy your kid that princess-themed Echo Pop?Have questions or feedback for us? Send it to feedback@smarthome.fm.Produced by Eric Johnson from LightningPod.fm

Adam and Richard share their reflections on & highlights from the 2023 CEDIA Expo in Denver, including some amazing smart drapes from Lutron, two very unusual TVs from LG, a dynamic new Android-powered media remote, and a high-end streaming media box that’s affordable for home theater cinephiles. They also tackle a listener's suggestion for getting Dolby Atmos audio on an Apple TV, and Richard shares his frustrations from trying to order a new iPhone through AT&T. Have questions or feedback for us? Send it to feedback@smarthome.fm.Produced by Eric Johnson from LightningPod.fm

After six months and five podcast episodes, Adam’s home theater project is finally done! Today, he recounts to Richard what he learned in the final stages of the process, including: Why you should probably get professional movers for your chairs; why one of the last steps may fill your house with hours of weird sounds; and why he decided to equip the room with an Apple TV, an Nvidia Shield, and a 4K Blu-Ray player.Plus: What would Adam do differently if he were doing this project over again? Would he do it all over again? And other than smart home & home theater hardware, what do Adam and Richard collect for fun? Here's the final gear list for the main theater:Projector: Sony VPL 7000 ESSpeakers: Klipsch THX - 8000L - Fronts, Center, Rears and Sides and Klipsch Pro 16 RC - Atmos SpeakersSubs: SVS 3000 In Wall Sub/AmpScreen: Snap AV Dragonfly Fixed Ultra AcoustiWeave - 145”Chairs: Valencia - BarcelonaLight Switches: Lutron Caséta Diva Dimmer, Lutron Caséta Claro Smart Switch, Lutron Caséta Smart Accessory SwitchSconces: Hue ResonateAV Receiver: Anthem MRX 1140Media Playback: Apple TV 4K and Nvidia Shield ProBlu Ray Player: Panasonic DP-UB9000P1KGaming: Xbox Series XControl: Nice/ELANRemote: Nice HR40 (Eventually)Sound/Music: Sonos Port, Sonos Amp(S), KEF DVC Speakers, and KEF Bar SurroundsAnd the TV/Bar Area:TV: LG 77”...

TJ Huddleston from the HomeTech Podcast and Richard Gunther join Adam Justice at his home in Illinois to talk about the progress being made on Adam's nearly completed home theater, and the setbacks that have kept it from being totally completed. Those include getting the walls and ceiling painted, a missing part that required Adam and TJ to take a field trip to an electronics mecca, and a screen so finicky it requires millimeter-accurate measurements during setup. Plus: A few important lessons in project management and communication, and a listener question about wireless smoke detectors that work with HomeKit.Have questions or feedback for us? Send it to feedback@smarthome.fm.Produced by Eric Johnson from LightningPod.fm

Adam and Richard are joined once again by their panel of experts — TJ Huddleston and Seth Johnson from the HomeTech Podcast, and Cinemaworks owner Owen Maddock — to discuss all the progress that has been made on Adam's home theater construction project, which is currently running about two weeks behind. Adam explains how they could have avoided the setback, how his plans for the projector and screen have changed, and why he decided to commit to the EL-HR40 remote control. Plus: The panel shares their unique approaches to note-taking, and a listener argues that the team has overlooked Govee's lighting solutions.

Adam and Richard are re-joined by our panel of home theater experts — TJ Huddleston and Seth Johnson from the HomeTech Podcast, and Cinemaworks owner Owen Maddock — with some updates on Adam's home theater project. This time: What screen, projector, and speakers are right for Adam, and what should he do to get the most out of his budget? How should everything be laid out? And is HDR overrated? Plus: Other big construction projects the gang has worked on, and why one of the most important components of a good home theater setup is a plywood box.Have questions or feedback for us? Send it to feedback@smarthome.fm.Produced by Eric Johnson from LightningPod.fm

Adam and Richard are joined by three expert guests — TJ Huddleston and Seth Johnson from the HomeTech Podcast, and Cinemaworks owner Owen Maddock — to help Adam design and build the home theater of his dreams. The project begins with some fundamental questions: What should the space look like? Who’s going to use it? How do you soundproof a theater? And how do you get the most out of your budget? Plus: What Adam learned from trying to help his dad set up a home theater, an important warning about what projector manufacturers claim on the box, and why you should try to buy a “forever screen.”Have questions or feedback for us? Send it to feedback@smarthome.fm.Produced by Eric Johnson from LightningPod.fm

They couldn't make it to Las Vegas in person this year, but Adam and Richard followed all the smart home news from CES 2023 closely. In this episode, they share the announcements that most piqued their interest, including new products from Nanoleaf, GE, Ring, and more. They also turn their attention to some non-CES announcements from the likes of Apple, Insteon, and Eve; answer a listener question about the best basic lighting setup for an iOS user; and share what connected goodies they got for Christmas. Plus: Would you pay $130 for an app for your TV?Have questions or feedback for us? Send it to feedback@smarthome.fm.Produced by Eric Johnson from LightningPod.fm

Adam, Richard, and the other hosts of Technology.fm podcasts gather for their annual fireside chat, to review the biggest stories of the year.Have questions or feedback for us? Send it to feedback@smarthome.fm.Produced by Eric Johnson from LightningPod.fm

As the year comes to a close, Adam and Richard share their top product picks in various smart home categories. They also discuss this year's very long Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales and how to convince someone that smart locks are safe.Here's a full list of every favorite thing discussed on this episode:LightingNaonleaf LinesNanoleaf Essentials LightstripLighting ControlLutron Diva Dimmer for CasétaLeviton Decora Smart Anywhere CompanionPlugs and OutletsConnectSense In-Wall OutletMeross HomeKit smart plugMotion SensorHue (indoor and outdoor)Window CoveringsRollease Acmedia Lutron SerenaGarageTailwind iQ3Door LocksSchlage Encode PlusYale Assure 2SecurityRing Alarm Ring Floodlight Cam ProRing CamsDoorbellRing Video Doorbell ProCleaningiRobot Roomba j7+AudioHomePods Sonos MoveSonos ArcVideoApple TV 4KFitnessa...

Adam and Richard talk about how to get into the smart home if you rent an apartment or condo — or if you own a rental property. In the first half of the show, they talk about the lighting, locks, kitchen gadgets and more that can make your life as a renter happier without violating your lease. And in the second half of they show, they explain what property owners need to know before tricking out their Airbnbs and long-term rental units with the latest smart home products. Plus: What is the best new product Adam and Richard have bought so far in 2022?Have questions or feedback for us? Send it to feedback@smarthome.fm.Produced by Eric Johnson from LightningPod.fm

Inspired by a listener's question, Adam and Richard go back to basics in this episode and explain some fundamental concepts about smart home technology. Including: What is a smart home? What's a platform? What's a standard? What's the difference between a "warm" light and a "soft" one? And how does a smart device know how to do anything?Previously...- Insteon Goes Dark & Cloud vs. Local https://www.smarthome.fm/episodes/208-insteon- Hubs and Bridges https://www.smarthome.fm/episodes/180Have questions or feedback for us? Send it to feedback@smarthome.fm.Produced by Eric Johnson from LightningPod.fm

Adam and Richard brainstorm what their dream smart homes would look like, if money were no object but technology advanced in a realistic way. They discuss the ideal state of voice assistants, lighting, window treatments, security systems, A/V equipment, home robotics, and more. Also: Should you AirTag your baby? (No.)Have questions or feedback for us? Send it to feedback@smarthome.fm.Produced by Eric Johnson from LightningPod.fm

Adam and Richard continue their discussion of Richard's recent move to a new home. Richard explains the first devices he chose to set up, why he intentionally dragged his feet on some devices, and the mistakes he made with his existing Ring and Hue accounts. He also shares some advice for installing Zigby devices that may save you a huge amount of time, and a hack he discovered for making Sonos speakers - including first-gen ones - work in a HomePod-powered home. Plus: The smart home industry's "holding pattern" as everyone waits for Matter to drop.Have questions or feedback for us? Send it to feedback@smarthome.fm.Produced by Eric Johnson from LightningPod.fm

Smartlabs, the company behind smarthome.com and Insteon smart home products, has shuttered operations. On today's show, Adam and Richard discuss how that sudden shutdown has impacted both manufacturers and consumers, and the trade-offs of communicating locally vs. over a proprietary cloud.Have questions or feedback for us? Send it to feedback@smarthome.fm.Produced by Eric Johnson from LightningPod.fm