In early 2019, I published an article about the hardware and software functionality that I hoped the next version of the Apple TV would include. In May of 2022, Apple finally released the third generation Apple TV 4K. We upgraded our seven Apple TVs, to this latest model. And, here is my review of the 2022 Apple TV 4K’s capabilities. Continue reading Review: Apple TV 4K (3d gen, 2022) Updated
In early 2019, I published an article about the hardware and software functionality that I hoped the next version of the Apple TV would include. In May of 2021, Apple finally released the second generation Apple TV 4K. We upgraded our seven Apple TVs, to this latest model. And, here is my review of the new Apple TV 4K’s capabilities. Continue reading Review: Apple TV 4K (2d gen, 2021) Updated
Previously in my smart home series, I covered: the basic principles of wireless networking including using a consumer grade wireless router upgrading to a prosumer/SMB grade managed network with a firewall appliance and multiple discrete WiFi access points recommendations for configuring a Unifi Network, including WiFi spectrum allocation, access point settings, VLANs for IOT devices, and integration of Sonos devices maintaining a separate SonosNet wireless … Continue reading How To: Home Network 5.0 with Ubiquiti WiFi 6 Long Range & Protect G4 Review & Calibration
My friends laugh (and my wife sighs) at how often I upgrade our home networking gear. Our biggest equipment swap occurred two years ago, when we consolidated our entire home network on Ubiquiti Unifi gear. Last year, I upgraded our firewall, network controller, and WiFi access points. I also added a PoE-powered switch to our data closet. Separately, we replaced one of our home security camera systems with the Ubiquiti Unifi Protect system. Now it’s time for more upgrades… Continue reading How To: Home Network 4.0 with Ubiquiti Unifi Dream Machine Pro, Switch Pro, Flex Mini, Smart Power Plug & UPS Review & Calibration Updated
It has been about two years since the Apple TV 4K was released, the average time between Apple TV refreshes. So, it is timely to consider what comes next. This is my wish list for the successor to the Apple TV 4K, as well as improvements to tvOS. It’s what I would build were I the product owner of Apple TV. As a videophile, I overindex on features like video and audio quality. However, my suggestions also are based on our family’s initial experiences with Apple’s new gaming service, Apple Arcade. Continue reading My Wish List for the Next Apple TV & tvOS Updated
Although we were first introduced to Lutron when we purchased their traditional switches and outlets, Lutron is reknown for their residential and enterprise lighting control systems. Lutron’s residential lighting control systems include Caséta, RA2 Select, RadioRA2, and HomeWorks QS. Caséta and RA2 Select are intended for the DIY user segment while the RadioRA2 and HomeWorks QS product lines are intended for the system installer/integrator segment. Continue reading How To: Lutron Caséta Lighting Control System Review Updated
Following are my recommended configuration changes for an optimized Ubiquiti UniFi home network. I use them in our home with a gigabit-speed Internet connection. To get the best results, you will need to tune your wireless home network. This includes accounting for neighboring networks, interference, the density of your APs, the number of your wireless clients and their idiosyncrasies in terms of wireless standards support. If you don’t use Sonos, IoT, or femtocell devices, some of these settings below may not be necessary for you. Continue reading How To: Deploying a Ubiquiti UniFi Home Network including Multiple WiFi Access Points (Part 2) Updated
For years, I have constantly upgraded and maintained our home network. While I embrace new technology solutions, I am not an IT administrator. Figuring out what is broken–and why–is often time consuming and aggravating. This is particularly true at home, where I lacked the necessary tools to view the health of our home network and to easily upgrade it. My wife would frequently tell me that “the Internet is slow” or “the Internet isn’t working”. In reality, something went haywire within our home network. Continue reading How To: Deploying a Ubiquiti UniFi Home Network including Multiple WiFi Access Points (Part 1) Updated
Even if you have a Wave 2 Wireless AC WiFi network, I recommend connecting your Sonos speakers as follows: Ethernet, else SonosNet 2.0 (“BOOST” mode), else your existing WiFi network (“Standard” mode). This will reduce the likelihood of audio drop outs, particularly as you connect more Sonos speakers and/or run them in pairs. This article describes Boost mode and how to configure up to three Boost hardware devices. Continue reading How To: Advanced Sonos Wireless Network Configuration Using Sonos BOOST Updated
A weakness was found in the WPA2 security protocol used by almost every modern phone, computer and router. This is called a KRACK attack. You should update your firmware and also disable EAPOL Key Retries to protect your network against KRACK attack against unpatched clients. Continue reading How To: Optimizing Your Multiple Access Point, Wireless-AC WiFi Network (Part 2) Updated
Before buying new electronics and appliances, I always research online reviews. The Anova Sous Vide Precision Cooker, won high marks from The Sweet Home, CNET, Gizmodo, and Sous Vide Guy. Anova brings significant expertise: prior to making immersion circulators, Anova focussed on lab equipment. This updated cooker has a 900-watt element, an improved circulator, WiFi, and Bluetooth. It has a large dial that displays the current and target water temperature, as well as the cook time remaining. The bottom skirt can be removed for cleaning. Continue reading Anova Sous Vide Precision Cooker with WiFi Review
The two most important improvements to the Fujifilm X100F over the X100T are the new sensor and focus system. The X100F is now powered by a 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III sensor, the same as Fuji’s flagship interchangeable lens cameras, the X-Pro2 and X-T2. Fuji states the X100F has a faster startup time (0.5 seconds), a faster shooting interval (0.2 seconds) and faster shutter release time lag (0.01 seconds). Coupled with the new X-Trans is the new X-Processor Pro, which Fuji claims is 4x faster than the X100T. Continue reading Fujifilm X100F Camera: Review & Comparison to the Fuji X100T
Mesh-network based, multi-unit WiFi access point solutions from Google, Eero, Luma, and other vendors are popular now. Compared to typical networking gear, they look unobtrusive, so you won’t mind placing the access points out in the open for maximum wireless reception. Mesh WiFi systems connect multiple units (nodes) to move data from the client to the router. If your goal is to fill in wireless dead zones with the minimal amount of installation effort (meaning no wire pulling), then this approach will give you the largest coverage but at the expense of throughput. Continue reading How To: Optimizing Your Multiple Access Point, Wireless-AC WiFi Network (Part 1)
Nikon announced the D500, along with the full frame Nikon D5, at CES 2016. Although Nikon continued to position the 2009 D300S as its premier DX series camera, their D7x00 series cameras long ago surpassed the D300S both in terms of image quality and features. When the D7000 was released in 2010, there was no reason to pay more for the D300S. I upgraded my D300 to a D7100 but I didn’t see enough value to jump from the D7100 to the D7200. Continue reading Nikon D500 Camera: Review & Comparison to the Nikon D5, D7500, D7200 & D7100 Updated
The X100T has the same processor, sensor, and sharp lens as its predecessor, the X100S. The biggest change was to the viewfinder, which now has a dual-mode that can superimpose EVF information while using the optical viewfinder. Parallax is automatically corrected in real-time. Additionally, the rear LCD was upgraded from the X100S’ 460k 2.8in LCD to a 3in 1.04m dot display. Continue reading Fujifilm X100T Camera: Review & Comparison to the Fuji X100S
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