A perfect home theater is about more than the screen. Learn how color schemes, furniture placement, and sound design impact your viewing experience. 

<p>When it comes to the ultimate home theater, the magic doesn&rsquo;t just happen on screen&mdash;it&rsquo;s all about what&rsquo;s off-screen too. From the colors on your walls to where you place your recliners, every little detail sets the stage for how you experience the action. The perfect movie night isn&rsquo;t just about the popcorn (although that helps)&mdash;it&rsquo;s about creating an environment so immersive that you forget you&rsquo;re still at home!</p>
<p>So, grab your director&rsquo;s chair because we&rsquo;re diving into how the right design transforms an average home theater into one that&rsquo;s pure blockbuster-worthy.</p>
<h2>1. Color Psychology: Set the Mood</h2>
<p>Bright or light-colored walls reflect light, which distracts from the screen and breaks immersion. Instead, opt for dark, matte colors like charcoal, navy, or black. These shades absorb light, creating that cozy, cinematic vibe.</p>

<figure class="dsg-bg-box">
  <blockquote>
<strong>Pro Tip:</strong>
<br>
Add subtle wall textures or patterns for a sophisticated look without distracting from the movie. 
  </blockquote>
</figure>
<br>
<p><img alt="home theater seating in dark room" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2025/CI_home-theater-design-psychology_/CI_home-theater-design-psychology_1.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<h2>2. Sound Design: Hear Every Detail</h2>
<p>Sound isn&rsquo;t just part of the experience&mdash;it is the experience. Poor acoustics can make dialogue hard to follow and explosions underwhelming.</p>
<p><strong>How to fix it?</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Install acoustic panels to reduce echoes.</li>
<li>Add carpeted floors and soft furnishings to prevent sound from bouncing.</li>
<li>Position speakers properly: front speakers align with the screen, while surround speakers sit slightly behind you for an immersive soundstage.</li>
</ul>
<p>With these tweaks, you&rsquo;ll feel every whisper, every explosion, and every crescendo.</p>
<p><img alt="luxury home theater with speakers" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2025/CI_home-theater-design-psychology_/CI_home-theater-design-psychology_2.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<h2>3. Lighting: Set the Tone</h2>
<p>Lighting is all about balance. Too bright, and it pulls you out of the scene. Too dark, and you&rsquo;re fumbling for your snacks or&mdash;worse&mdash;tripping over the dog.</p>
<p><strong>Here&rsquo;s the winning setup:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Install dimmable LED lights with warm tones to set a cozy mood.</li>
<li>Consider LED strip lighting under seats or along walls for a soft, ambient glow.</li>
<li>Use blackout shades or motorized drapes to keep natural light from intruding.</li>
</ul>
<p>Want to impress? Integrate smart lighting controls so you can dim the room with a single tap or voice command as soon as the opening credits start rolling. It&rsquo;s convenience and ambiance all in one!</p>
<h2>4. Seating: Comfort Meets Perfect Placement</h2>
<p>Seating isn&rsquo;t just about kicking back&mdash;it&rsquo;s about creating the best seat in the house for everyone.</p>
<p><strong>The Rule of Thumb:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Position your seats at a distance that&rsquo;s 1.5 to 2.5 times the size of the screen. For a 100-inch screen, that&rsquo;s roughly 12 to 18 feet.</li>
<li>Arrange seats in a tiered setup if space allows. It&rsquo;s how you ensure unobstructed views for everyone (and no neck craning).</li>
</ul>
<p>And don&rsquo;t forget comfort! Reclining chairs with armrests, cup holders, and just the right amount of plush make it easy to settle in for the long haul&mdash;whether it&rsquo;s a movie marathon or a two-hour epic.</p>
<p><img alt="home theater with seating tilted and tiered" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2025/CI_home-theater-design-psychology_/CI_home-theater-design-psychology_3.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<h2>5. Screen Placement: Find the Sweet Spot</h2>
<p>Your screen is the hero, so give it the spotlight it deserves! Place it at eye level so your gaze naturally lands at the center when seated. In larger rooms, projectors deliver cinematic flair, while high-quality TVs excel in cozier spaces.</p>

<figure class="dsg-bg-box">
  <blockquote>
<strong>Pro Tip:</strong>
<br>
Keep reflective surfaces and direct light away from the screen to avoid glare—your eyes (and your patience) will thank you. 
  </blockquote>
</figure>
<br>
<p><img alt="home theater projector in movie room" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2025/CI_home-theater-design-psychology_/CI_home-theater-design-psychology_4.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<h2>6. The Final Touches: Bring It All Together</h2>
<p>The magic is in the details. Consider these finishing touches to complete your home theater:</p>
<ul>
<li>Blackout shades for a true cinema feel.</li>
<li>Smart controls to unify lighting, sound, and screen settings seamlessly.</li>
<li>Personal touches like movie posters, themed d&eacute;cor, or even a popcorn machine to make the space uniquely yours.</li>
</ul>
<p><img alt="group of friends eating popcorn while watching movie" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2025/CI_home-theater-design-psychology_/CI_home-theater-design-psychology_5.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<h2>Let&rsquo;s Create Movie Magic</h2>
<p>Your home theater isn&rsquo;t just a place to watch movies&mdash;it&rsquo;s where stories come alive, memories are made, and Sunday binge sessions turn into events. By carefully designing your space with the right colors, sound, lighting, and layout, you&rsquo;re not just creating a room. You&rsquo;re building an experience.</p>
<p>Ready to design the home theater of your dreams? <strong>Saber</strong> is here to help you bring Hollywood right into your home. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.sabersecurityinc.com/contacts" target="_blank">Let's make your perfect setup a reality!</a></span></p>
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The Psychology of Home Theater Design for Better Viewing

Struggling with weak Wi-Fi signals? Discover practical tips like mesh networks, access points, and smart router placement to eliminate dead zones and enjoy seamless connectivity throughout your home.

<p>There&rsquo;s nothing more frustrating than a Wi-Fi signal that gives up halfway to your favorite chair or outdoor space. Whether you&rsquo;re trying to stream a movie, jump on a video call, or simply check the weather, a weak or dropped connection can drive anyone crazy.</p>
<p>The good news? You don&rsquo;t have to settle for dead zones! With the right setup&mdash;like smarter router placement, mesh systems, or professional help&mdash;you can get strong, seamless Wi-Fi coverage in every corner of your home. Here&rsquo;s our experts at <strong>Saber</strong> make weak signals a thing of the past!</p>
<p><img alt="woman frustrated with wifi connection" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2025/CI_banish-wifi-dead-zones_/CI_banish-wifi-dead-zones_1.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<h2>1. Place Your Router Like a Pro</h2>
<p>Your router isn&rsquo;t a decoration&mdash;treat it like the MVP it is. Place it in a central, open area for the best coverage. Tucking it away in a cabinet or hiding it behind furniture might look tidy, but it&rsquo;s a surefire way to weaken your signal.</p>

<figure class="dsg-bg-box">
  <blockquote>
<strong>Pro Tip:</strong>
<br>
Elevate it off the ground if possible&mdash;Wi-Fi waves travel downward, so give it some height! 
  </blockquote>
</figure>
<br>
<h2>2. Upgrade to a Mesh Wi-Fi System</h2>
<p>If you have a larger home or thick walls, a single router may not cut it. A mesh Wi-Fi system uses multiple access points to blanket your entire home in strong, seamless connectivity. Think of it like having a team of routers working together&mdash;no more signal drops when you move from the kitchen to the office.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 1.5em;"><img alt="wifi connection and router" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2025/CI_banish-wifi-dead-zones_/CI_banish-wifi-dead-zones_2.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></span></p>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW232734430 BCX0">
<h2 class="Paragraph SCXW232734430 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW232734430 BCX0" lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW232734430 BCX0">3. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW232734430 BCX0">Use Wireless Access Points (APs)&nbsp;</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW232734430 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}">&nbsp;</span></h2>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW232734430 BCX0">
<p class="Paragraph SCXW232734430 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW232734430 BCX0" lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW232734430 BCX0">Access points go a step further than basic extenders. By connecting them directly to your home&rsquo;s network, they provide consistent, powerful Wi-Fi to areas where routers struggle&mdash;like basements, outdoor patios, or detached spaces. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW232734430 BCX0">It&rsquo;s</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW232734430 BCX0"> like adding extra Wi-Fi muscles exactly where you need them.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW232734430 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}">&nbsp;</span></p>
</div>
<h2>4. Don&rsquo;t Underestimate Wi-Fi Extenders</h2>
<p>Wi-Fi extenders are a simple and budget-friendly option if you&rsquo;re tackling just one dead zone. However, they&rsquo;re not ideal for homes with multiple trouble spots, as they only amplify the existing signal. In those cases, it&rsquo;s best to explore more reliable solutions like mesh systems or access points&mdash; or contact experts like us to take the guesswork out of the equation!</p>
<p><img alt="software update screen " src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2025/CI_banish-wifi-dead-zones_/CI_banish-wifi-dead-zones_3.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<h2>5. Optimize Your Router&rsquo;s Settings</h2>
<p>Sometimes your Wi-Fi just needs a little fine-tuning:</p>
<ul>
<li>Update the firmware regularly to improve performance.</li>
<li>Adjust the channel to avoid interference from your neighbors&rsquo; networks.</li>
<li>Split devices across bands&mdash;2.4 GHz for longer range and 5 GHz for faster speeds.</li>
</ul>
<p>These tweaks can often make a big difference in reducing slowdowns.</p>
<h2>6. Eliminate Interference</h2>
<p>Your Wi-Fi signal has more obstacles than you think&mdash;microwaves, cordless phones, even thick walls can cause interference. Keep your router away from electronics, and don&rsquo;t expect it to push signals through solid concrete. If that&rsquo;s the challenge, a custom network solution is often the best answer.</p>
<h2>7. Bring in a Pro to Design Your Network</h2>
<p>If dead zones, slow speeds, or dropped signals are getting in the way of your connected lifestyle, it&rsquo;s time to call in the professionals. At Saber, we can help ensure seamless coverage in every room&mdash;and beyond.</p>
<p>Unlike plug-and-play devices that try to &ldquo;guess&rdquo; where you need signal, we analyze your home&rsquo;s unique layout, materials, and technology needs. From mesh networks to strategically placed access points, we create a tailored Wi-Fi experience so you can stream, work, and enjoy uninterrupted connections anywhere on your property.</p>
<p><img alt="wifi technician in home" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2025/CI_banish-wifi-dead-zones_/CI_banish-wifi-dead-zones_4.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<h2>Take Control of Your Wi-Fi Experience</h2>
<p>Don&rsquo;t let dead zones and dropped connections slow you down. Whether it&rsquo;s optimizing your router placement or creating a professionally designed network, our team of experts at <strong>Saber</strong> can help you stay seamlessly connected, inside and out.</p>
<p>Ready to enjoy strong, reliable Wi-Fi everywhere? <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.sabersecurityinc.com/contacts" target="_blank">Contact us</a></span> today to get started!</p><style>
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Maximize Your Wi-Fi: 7 Simple Ways to Banish Dead Zones 

Discover the latest trends in smart home technology, from AI-driven automation to smarter voice control. Explore how your home can make life easier, greener, and a lot more enjoyable this year. 

<p>The new year is here, and it&rsquo;s bringing some seriously smart upgrades for your home. We&rsquo;re talking tech that learns what you need before you do, voice systems that don&rsquo;t require you to repeat yourself, and appliances that practically do the chores for you! It&rsquo;s not science fiction&mdash;just the reality of living smarter. Buckle up&mdash;let&rsquo;s take a tour of the top home tech trends for the year ahead.</p>
<h2>AI-Powered Home Automation: The Future&rsquo;s Here</h2>
<p>Artificial Intelligence is making home automation more personal than ever. Think of it as the best kind of roommate&mdash;one who knows exactly how you like things without you having to ask. Your lights adjust to your daily routine, the temperature&rsquo;s set just right, and your favorite playlist is ready for your afternoon unwind. AI tech is designed to anticipate your habits, and let&rsquo;s be honest, having a home that&rsquo;s one step ahead of you feels pretty luxurious.</p>
<p><img alt="smart home graphic" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2025/CI-top-home-tech-trends_/CI-top-home-tech-trends_1.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<h2>Voice Assistants That Actually Listen</h2>
<p>How many times have you barked a command at your voice assistant, only for it to answer, &ldquo;I&rsquo;m sorry, I didn&rsquo;t get that&rdquo;? In 2025, that&rsquo;s no longer an issue. Voice control systems are getting sharper, faster, and <em>way</em> less stubborn. Whether you&rsquo;re setting the mood with dimmed lights, locking up for the night, or asking for that &ldquo;what&rsquo;s for dinner&rdquo; answer (again), you&rsquo;ll get results&mdash;hands-free and hassle-free.</p>
<p><img alt="elderly woman talking to voice control in kitchen " src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2025/CI-top-home-tech-trends_/CI-top-home-tech-trends_2.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<h2>Everyday Smart Devices: Where Convenience Meets Brilliance</h2>
<p>Your appliances have gone next-level smart, and trust us, they&rsquo;re ready to impress. A fridge that suggests recipes? A laundry system that knows exactly how to care for your delicates? Even your vacuum has ninja-like moves to dodge every chair leg in sight. It&rsquo;s like your house wants to make life easier&mdash;and you get to reap the rewards.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 1.5em;"><img alt="smart home security tablet" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2025/CI-top-home-tech-trends_/CI-top-home-tech-trends_3.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></span></p>
<h2><span class="TextRun SCXW217062144 BCX0" lang="EN" data-contrast="auto">Security That Works Smarter (and Harder)</span><span class="EOP SCXW217062144 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240,&quot;335572079&quot;:12,&quot;335572080&quot;:1,&quot;335572081&quot;:0,&quot;469789806&quot;:&quot;single&quot;}">&nbsp;</span></h2>
<p>Keeping your home secure has never been this advanced&mdash;or this easy. Today&rsquo;s systems don&rsquo;t just keep watch; they&rsquo;re practically trained. Facial recognition knows family from strangers, real-time alerts let you check in wherever you are, and smart cameras give you a clear view at all hours. It's like having a vigilant watchdog, but without the barking.</p>
<h2>Sustainability That&rsquo;s Stylish and Simple</h2>
<p>Saving energy has never looked so good. Smart thermostats, energy-efficient lighting, and devices that only work when needed are making homes greener without sacrificing comfort. Plus, who doesn&rsquo;t love lower energy bills? Eco-friendly tech helps you reduce your footprint while keeping your home perfectly in sync with your lifestyle!</p>
<p><img alt="smart home sustainability" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2025/CI-top-home-tech-trends_/CI-top-home-tech-trends_4.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<p>This year, technology is all about making life easier, smarter, and&mdash;let&rsquo;s be honest&mdash;more enjoyable. Whether it&rsquo;s giving you back precious time, turning your home into the perfect host, or letting you relax with confidence, the future of smart living has officially arrived. Are you ready for it?</p>
<p><strong>Saber</strong> can help bring these cutting-edge solutions into your home. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.sabersecurityinc.com/contacts" target="_blank">Schedule your consultation</a></span> today and take the first step toward a smarter, more luxurious lifestyle!</p>

Top Home Tech Trends to Watch in the New Year

Transform your retail space with lighting that wows. Discover how strategic lighting enhances shopper behavior, highlights key products, and boosts sales. 

<p>Lighting is the unsung hero of retail design. It does more than show customers where to walk&mdash;it creates an experience. The right glow can highlight your star products, set the perfect mood, and keep shoppers coming back for more. In a world where first impressions matter, your lighting should do more than illuminate; it should captivate.</p>
<p>Whether it&rsquo;s drawing attention to your star displays or creating an inviting ambiance that aligns with your brand, we specialize in transforming lighting into a strategic asset that enhances the shopping experience and boosts sales. Here&rsquo;s how the experts at <strong>Saber</strong> can make your lighting <em>outshine</em> the competition:</p>
<h2>Mood Lighting That Sells</h2>
<p>Lighting isn&rsquo;t just functional&mdash;it&rsquo;s emotional. A well-lit store does more than help people see; it shapes how they feel. Bright, welcoming spaces put shoppers in a positive mindset, while dim or harsh lighting can leave them looking for the exit.</p>
<p>Color temperature is another powerful tool:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Warm lighting</strong> creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere that encourages customers to relax and linger&mdash;a win for boutique shops and lifestyle stores.</li>
<li><strong>Cool lighting</strong> adds a sleek, modern vibe, making it perfect for high-tech or luxury brands that want to exude sophistication.</li>
</ul>

<figure class="dsg-bg-box">
  <blockquote>
<strong>Pro Tip:</strong>
<br>
Align your lighting choices with your brand’s personality to make your store feel authentic. When shoppers feel at home, they’re more likely to stay—and shop. 
  </blockquote>
</figure>
<br>
<p><img alt="coffee shop with luxury lighting" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2025/CI_retail-space-lighting-tips/CI_retail-space-lighting-tips_1.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<h2>Let Your Products Shine</h2>
<p>What&rsquo;s the first thing customers notice when they step inside? It should be your standout products. This is where accent lighting works its magic. By focusing attention on key items, you can guide shoppers&rsquo; eyes exactly where you want them&mdash;whether that&rsquo;s toward a fresh collection or a special offer.</p>
<p>To really make your merchandise <em>shine</em>, layering is key:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Overhead lighting</strong> sets the general mood of the space.</li>
<li><strong>Spotlights</strong> create focal points on displays or shelves.</li>
<li><strong>Decorative lighting</strong> adds a sense of drama or luxury, making your store feel extra special.</li>
</ul>
<p>Think of it like staging a play: the products are the stars, and your lighting is the director, ensuring every detail gets its moment in the spotlight.</p>
<p><img alt="well lit retail space with shoes and purses" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2025/CI_retail-space-lighting-tips/CI_retail-space-lighting-tips_2.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<h2>Light Up the Welcome Mat</h2>
<p>Your storefront lighting is your first impression&mdash;a 24/7 invitation to potential customers. A dark, uninspiring entrance can drive them away, while a well-lit, welcoming storefront says, &ldquo;Come on in!&rdquo;</p>
<p>Once they&rsquo;re inside, you can elevate the experience even further. Automated and dimmable lighting lets you adjust the atmosphere effortlessly.</p>
<ul>
<li>Use <strong>brighter, cooler tones</strong> during peak shopping hours to energize the space.</li>
<li>Transition to <strong>warmer, softer lighting</strong> in the evening for a more relaxed vibe.</li>
</ul>
<p>Whether you&rsquo;re hosting an event, launching a sale, or just creating a seasonal ambiance, lighting can set the tone. It&rsquo;s like rolling out a red carpet for every customer who walks through your door.</p>
<p><img alt="woman smiling outside retail space with lighting " src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2025/CI_retail-space-lighting-tips/CI_retail-space-lighting-tips_3.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<p>Lighting isn&rsquo;t just an accessory; it&rsquo;s a strategy. When done right, it elevates your brand, enhances the customer experience, and boosts sales. Ready to create a space that wows shoppers and makes your products pop? <strong>Saber</strong> can help design a custom lighting solution that brings your vision to life. Let&rsquo;s make your space shine&mdash;<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.sabersecurityinc.com/contacts" target="_blank">contact us</a></span> today!</p><style>
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How To Master the Art of Retail Lighting 

The first step in setting up a smart home figuring out your network requirements! Find out what you need to know to keep from overloading your Wi-Fi!

<p>A smart home makes everything easier, but not when it's overloading your Wi-Fi. So, to avoid that, you first need to find out whether your network can handle streaming your favorite shows, working on a laptop, and running your smart hub.</p>
<p>And while there are several ways to connect your smart home network, it's best to let the professionals handle it. They handle things like checking which bands to use (2.4 or 5 GHz) and whether to set up a different network or router while making the connection seamless!</p>
<p>To give you an idea of what you need, we&rsquo;ve done some digging on the network logistics your custom installers will consider, so check it out!</p>
<h2>Do you need a smart home network?</h2>
<p><img alt="Woman looking over her smart network hub" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q3_2022/CI_Smart-Home-Network-Requirements_1.jpg" title="CI_Smart-Home-Network-Requirements_1.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>The first question you should ask yourself is whether or not your smart home devices can connect to the internet without a dedicated smart home network. Many smart home devices can connect to the internet via your existing Wi-Fi network. However, it can cause issues with your bandwidth if you have video-supported devices.</p>
<p>With a dedicated network or a separate router, you can lump all your smart devices together to free up your bandwidth and get the most out of your smart home tech. Plus, having a separate network makes it more difficult for hackers to access your information &mdash; they'll only be able to access the connected smart devices!</p>
<p>Whichever your smart home automation needs, your custom installers will figure it out for you!</p>
<h2>What type of connection do you need for your smart devices?</h2>
<p>The next consideration is what type of connection you need for your smart devices. Most smart devices will use either a wired Ethernet or a Wi-Fi connection. But there are other types, too, including Z-wave and Zigbee, which use radio waves on frequencies that are different from your Wi-Fi frequencies.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Wi-Fi Connection</strong> is reliable and comes in 2.4 GHz with a longer range and 5 GHz bands featuring faster speeds.</li>
<li><strong>Bluetooth Low Energy</strong> is capable of mesh networking and has improved range and government-grade encryption.</li>
<li><strong>Zigbee/Z-Wave</strong> has zero impact on your Wi-Fi network and frees up bandwidth (although your smart hub will need to connect to the internet).</li>
<li><strong>Insteon</strong> uses a mesh network using two bands to increase reliability and performance while also using powerline networking.</li>
<li><strong>Thread</strong> creates a secure home network that can handle up to 250 smart devices.</li>
<li><strong>Universal Powerline Bus (UPB)</strong> turns home wiring into a network for transmitting signals, but it can be slower and less secure.</li>
</ul>
<p>There are several ways to set up your smart home connection, but professional smart home installers know exactly what your system needs to communicate with each other.</p>
<h2>What is the range of your smart home network?</h2>
<p><img alt="Pixelated image of WiFi range" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q3_2022/CI_Smart-Home-Network-Requirements_2.jpg" title="CI_Smart-Home-Network-Requirements_2.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>The range of your smart home network is important to consider as it will determine how far away you can place your devices from your router before they lose connection.. Traditional Wi-Fi routers have a 300-ft outdoor range and a 150-ft indoor range, so you might need to extend your range using access points, additional routers, or a mesh network.</p>
<p>We recommend using a mesh Wi-Fi system for smart home networks as they provide better coverage than traditional routers. And wherever possible, increase the strength of your network by using wired connections.</p>
<h2>How fast does your home network need to be?</h2>
<p>As mentioned before, sometimes smart devices can clog up the bandwidth on your network. And while you can set up your smart devices to work on a separate network, you should still consider the speed. You don't need a fast connection for basic voice commands, but devices that use cameras, like smart doorbells and security cameras, require more bandwidth.</p>
<p>On average, you'll need to add 5Mpbs to your internet plan for every ten smart devices, plus an extra 5Mpbs when installing cameras. And if you don't want to do the math, you can work out what speed you need with your custom installers and internet provider.</p>
<h2>Do you need any special hardware for your smart home network?</h2>
<p><img alt="Man checking out his router connection" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q3_2022/CI_Smart-Home-Network-Requirements_3.jpg" title="CI_Smart-Home-Network-Requirements_3.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>Depending on the smart devices you have, you may need to purchase additional hardware for your smart home networks such as a Wi-Fi extender or a powerline adapter. These devices can help to improve the performance of your smart home network by boosting the signal strength or extending the reach of your network.</p>
<p>But one thing you will definitely need is a smart hub to connect all your devices. Think of the smart hub as the central brain for all your smart home automation, which helps everything communicate with each other. Keep in mind that these will need their own power supply and ethernet port in your router.</p>
<h2>Is your smart home network secure?</h2>
<p><img alt="Woman touching a lock symbol of her secure network" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q3_2022/CI_Smart-Home-Network-Requirements_4.jpg" title="CI_Smart-Home-Network-Requirements_4.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>Another essential consideration for smart home networks is security. Many smart devices can collect sensitive data such as your location, contact list, or financial information. As such, it's essential to make sure that your smart home network is adequately secured to protect your privacy. One way to do this is to use a VPN (a virtual private network) to encrypt all the data being sent and received by your smart devices.</p>
<p>So, if you deal with a lot of sensitive information and want to secure it, please mention your concern to your custom installers when planning out your smart home. They'll help fortify your connection so you can use your smart home worry-free!</p>
<h2>Setting Up Your Smart Home</h2>
<p>A smart home makes your life more convenient, and with the proper network settings, every command will run seamlessly. So, if you're finally ready to upgrade to <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.sabersecurityinc.com/catalog/electronics-automation-control/" target="_blank">smart home automation</a></span>, check out what you need at Saber.</p>
<p>Our team of custom installers will help set up your smart home network to the system's exact requirements. We'll work with you to assess your needs and recommend the best solution for your smart home. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.sabersecurityinc.com/contacts/" target="_blank">Contact us</a></span> to get your consultation started!</p>

What Network Requirements Do You Need for Your Smart Home?

Smart home control panels give you control over your tech without the need to juggle dozens of apps and devices. Learn more here.

<p>It&rsquo;s hard to believe, but there was supposedly a time when Steve Jobs was not keen on the idea of allowing third-party apps to run on the iPhone. Obviously, he ended up warming to the idea. These days, the phrase &ldquo;there&rsquo;s an app&rdquo; for that &mdash; first coined in a 2009 Apple TV commercial &mdash; has become true for a myriad of things. One of those things is the control of smart devices.</p>
<p>While not yet as popular and as ubiquitous as mobile devices like iPhones and iPads, smart home technology is gaining ground and becoming more mainstream every day. Smart lights, thermostats, and cameras are no longer only seen in the homes of the rich and famous. You and your neighbors probably have a smart device or three in your house right now.</p>
<h2>Where It All Began</h2>
<p><img alt="man watching tv and changing channels with a remote" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_electronics/ci-smart-home-control-panels-remote.jpg" title="iStock Credit: gilaxia" width="700" /></p>
<p>Many of the smart home manufacturers that have been in the game for a while started, at least to some degree, with a more modest aim than automating your home. They started by making it easier to operate your TV and all the various devices that you had plugged into it. Essentially, they started with creating a universal remote.</p>
<p>As technology advanced, broadcast television was no longer the only thing to watch on your fancy color TV. We added cable boxes, VCRs, Ataris, surround receivers, and more. Each one of those devices generally came with its own remote control. Simplicity gave way to a plethora of button-filled devices strewn across the coffee table, challenging you to decode the correct sequence of button presses to turn on the nightly news.</p>
<p>Universal remotes fixed all that. That original mess of remotes got shoved in a drawer, replaced by a simple and intuitive device that only required a single button press to bring everything to life. It wasn&rsquo;t long before people started wondering&hellip; what else could we control with this thing?</p>
<h2>Smart Home Meets Smartphone</h2>
<p><img alt="woman controlling home with a digital touch screen panel" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_electronics/ci-smart-home-control-panels-header.jpg" title="iStock Credit: RossHelen " width="700" /></p>
<p>Smart home manufacturers expanded past the media room to control lighting, shades, security, HVAC and more. Universal remotes were joined by proprietary touch screen panels, some in-wall and some wireless, to simplify the operation of these increasingly sophisticated systems. Touch screen technology was pretty new. It was also pretty expensive which contributed to making the smart home a strictly luxury product.</p>
<p>The release of the iPhone, and later the iPad, brought the price of touch screen devices way down. Smart home manufacturers started to look at how they could leverage these mobile devices to enhance their own offerings. They released apps that would allow a client&rsquo;s iDevice (and later Android devices as well) to communicate with their smart home devices. Since these devices were mobile, they added the benefit of allowing people to control their system even when they weren&rsquo;t home.</p>
<p>In some cases, people decided not to invest in an <em>integrated</em> smart home system at all since so many devices like smart bulbs and smart thermostats had their own apps. For each &ldquo;smart&rdquo; device you bought, there was an app to control it. But the more devices that got added, the more apps you had to download to control them. Your iPad essentially became a digital version of that old coffee table littered with different apps instead of remote controls.</p>
<h2>Why Smart Home Manufacturers Still Make Touchscreens and Remotes</h2>
<p><img alt="family leaving the house locking the door using automated security system" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_electronics/ci-smart-home-control-panels-family.jpg" title="iStock Credit: Hispanolistic " width="700" /></p>
<p>Everyone these days has a mobile device that they&rsquo;re accustomed to using for just about everything (email, internet, reading, checking the weather, starting the car, etc.) so it&rsquo;s not uncommon for a person outfitting their smart home to say, &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll just use my phone to control the system&rdquo;. While that&rsquo;s certainly an option, there are a few reasons to consider having a few dedicated devices (touchscreens, remote controls, keypads, etc.) for operating your system.</p>
<ul>
<li>Surfing the cable guide on your TV is much easier with tactile buttons on a universal remote than it is on your iPhone.<br /><br /></li>
<li>If you&rsquo;ve got your in-ceiling speakers cranked to eleven when your smartphone rings (you know, the phone you were controlling the system with), your pause button and volume controls have disappeared to show you who is calling.<br /><br /></li>
<li>Mobile devices are wireless and sometimes they disconnect or can suffer from interference. A dedicated device, especially one that is hard-wired, is dedicated to staying connected to your smart home.<br /><br /></li>
<li>Apple or Android releases a new OS chock full of great features and you really want to take advantage of them. But, for the most part, those new features have only been tested for how well they work in the Apple or Android eco-systems. Sometimes those updates have detrimental, albeit usually temporary, effects on third-party apps &mdash; including the one that controls your TV, lights, security, HVAC, and cameras.<br /><br /></li>
<li>When something goes wrong, we can contact tech support for the smart home system we installed. Getting an Apple or Google person who can help on their side is a lot tougher!</li>
</ul>
<h2>Call or Visit Us</h2>
<p>For a smart home that actually <em>feels</em> smart, your best bet is to invest in an integrated system dedicated to making your life easier and to use dedicated smart home remotes and touchscreen, with your mobile devices layered in as a secondary or off-site solution. <a href="https://www.sabersecurityinc.com/contacts/" target="_blank">Our team at Saber</a> can guide you through the options and tailor a solution that&rsquo;s perfectly fit for your goals and budget.</p>

What are the Benefits of Smart Home Touch Control Panels and Remotes?

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What Network Requirements Do You Need for Your Smart Home?

What are the Benefits of Smart Home Touch Control Panels and Remotes?

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