Articles

Voice control platforms offer a hands-free way to operate lights, thermostats, door locks and more, but is there a catch?

The world we live in today has become increasingly connected. Not long ago, most people only had a desktop computer and maybe, a laptop computer that needed access to the Internet or maybe a network-connected printer. In just a few short years it seems that every device in our lives can now communicate with other devices, store data on some remote location, automate some process, or allow us to communicate with each other in new and exciting ways. In fact, it is estimated that the number of connected devices will exceed 50 billion by the year 2020.

When embarking on a new home build or remodel project, the fuzziest budget item for most homeowners is typically for the home's technology systems. The Home Technology Association has created the first and only Home Technology Budget Calculator that will give you a high-level overview of what you should budget for the following technology systems:

Humanity’s love of music is timeless and universal. It sustains the soul, speaks to the imagination and shapes our perspective on the world.

In our view, everyone should respect the life-affirming spirit of music and value how it was explicitly meant to be heard and enjoyed by the artist who created it. In simple terms, the goal for the audio industry is to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. We recognize that the best musical experiences will trigger a deep emotional connection.

The first step of a successful home technology project is hiring the right company. This is also easily the most important ingredient in the recipe for success. At the HTA, we realize this is a difficult decision, and our mission is to make it easier for you to get this right.

Here are some helpful tips in choosing the right home technology firm:

Nomenclature is a challenge when it comes to home technology. We struggle with terms that resonate with homeowners. From the “AV guy" to system integrators to custom installers to technology designers to low-voltage contractors, the home technology industry seems to have an identity crisis, even though all those terms mean essentially the same thing to an insider. The same goes for the terms that we use to define rooms in the home, which brings us to the topic du jour: What is the difference between a media room and a home theater?

Art collecting has long been a passion for those who wish to own and display a piece of work to which they feel an emotional connection. There are many reasons why a person would want a piece of art in their home—perhaps the piece or artist evokes strong positive memories, they feel the piece speaks to the design, mood and aesthetic of their home or perhaps they purchased the piece as a financial investment.

Over 25 industry experts plus the Home Technology Association’s esteemed Board of Advisors have weighed in to create the rigorous standards of HTA Certification. Our goal is to empower consumers with the best information possible so that they may research and hire the best firms for their project.