How To: Synology DS1819+ Network Attached Storage (NAS) Review & Migration
We just upgraded our Synology NAS units from Synology’s prior model, DS1817+ to their latest model, DS1819+. In my previous article, I reviewed not just the DS1817+ chassis but also the M2D17 M.2 SATA SSD expansion card. I also covered software features including downloadable Synology and third-party applications, the file system, file sharing, synchronization & backup, and security. Continue reading How To: Synology DS1819+ Network Attached Storage (NAS) Review & Migration
Plex’s New Video Player for iOS and tvOS
Plex recently released new versions of its iPhone, iPad (iOS) and Apple TV (tvOS) apps, which contain a new, advanced video engine based on the open source MPV video player. Previously, the Plex iOS and tvOS apps used Apple’s native AVPlayer. Because the Apple TV (and, by extension, AVPlayer) is primarily intended for the playback of streamed content, its codec support is comparatively limited (e.g. h.265 or h.264 for video and AC3 and AAC for audio). Continue reading Plex’s New Video Player for iOS and tvOS
How To: Advanced Sonos Wireless Network Configuration Using Sonos Beams
Here, I describe an advanced network topology that uses Ethernet-connected Sonos Beam soundbars for better Sonos wireless coverage in your home. This approach: (1) provides significantly greater wired line backhaul to your SonosNet network, and (2) shifts the majority of your Sonos speakers to 5Ghz, freeing spectrum in 2.4Ghz for your remaining Sonos speakers. It is also possible to use either the Sonos PLAYBAR or PLAYBASE instead of the Beam, for example in your home theater. However, the Sonos Beam is a much more cost-effective solution, particularly for secondary rooms in a whole home deployment. Continue reading How To: Advanced Sonos Wireless Network Configuration Using Sonos Beams
Recipe: Paella on the Grill
One of our favorite family summer recipes is paella, smoked on our barbecue grill. This is our adaptation of a paella recipe from America’s Test Kitchen. Although other recipes may include clams, rabbit, or snails, we prefer chicken, shrimp, scallops and chorizo sausage. We also skip the expensive saffron. Key to this recipe’s taste and mouthfeel is the combination of smoked paprika, the smoke from … Continue reading Recipe: Paella on the Grill
How To: BMW S1000XR Horn Upgrade
The Denali Dual-tone horn is a great replacement for the wimpy BMW horn. On my K1300S, I have the all-in-one version. S1000XR owners need the 2-piece version of the Denali Split Dual-tone Horn because space is tight in the S1000XR’s engine compartment. I also purchased the Denali S1000XR mounting brackets, the Denali plug and play cable, and the Denali wiring adapter for the horn. Continue reading How To: BMW S1000XR Horn Upgrade
How To: BMW S1000XR LED Lighting Upgrades
S1000XR owners need the 2-piece version of the Denali Split Dual-tone Horn because space is tight in the engine compartment. I also purchased the Denali S1000XR mounting brackets, the Denali plug and play cable, and the Denali wiring adapter for the horn. Continue reading How To: BMW S1000XR LED Lighting Upgrades
How To: Watch Movies in Your Honda Pilot or Odyssey Using Android TV Updated
We recently purchased a 2018 Honda Pilot Touring edition that has a rear entertainment system (RES). In addition to playing Blu-rays, DVDs, and CDs, the Honda entertainment system can play anything that connects via either an HDMI or component auxiliary video input. My wife asked me for a media solution that was as simple as inserting a DVD disc but that permitted us to play a number of movies on demand for our children. T Continue reading How To: Watch Movies in Your Honda Pilot or Odyssey Using Android TV Updated
How To: Deploying a Ubiquiti UniFi Home Network including Multiple WiFi Access Points (Part 2) 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
How To: Deploying a Ubiquiti UniFi Home Network including Multiple WiFi Access Points (Part 1) 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
How To: Advanced Sonos Wireless Network Configuration Using Sonos BOOST 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
Recipe: Sous Vide Beef Wellington
Beef Wellington is a decadent dish that is perfect for holiday dinners. The essence of Beef Wellington is a beef tenderloin that is coated with pâté and duxelles, wrapped in puff pastry, and then baked. Leah Hyslop covers the history of Beef Wellington here. Most people assume that this is a British dish, likely named after the Duke of Wellington. Surprisingly, this appears to be a 20th century American invention, although it clearly is similar to the French dish, filet de bœuf en croûte. Continue reading Recipe: Sous Vide Beef Wellington
Sonos One & Sonos Beam (Part 2): Review of Voice Services Including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant & Apple Airplay 2 Updated
Sonos speakers will be able to bridge the gaps between Amazon, Apple, and Google’s smart home ecosystems. Sonos owners will be in the unique position of choosing their preferred voice assistant for a task, independent from the music source, method of streaming, or smart home control. For example, a Sonos owner could maintain their music library in iTunes, their music subscription service on YouTube or Amazon, their home control on Apple HomeKit, and ask general knowledge questions to Google Assistant or Alexa. Similarly, Sonos consumers could control Nest and HomeKit devices from a single smart speaker. Continue reading Sonos One & Sonos Beam (Part 2): Review of Voice Services Including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant & Apple Airplay 2 Updated
Sonos One & Sonos Beam (Part 1): The State of Smart Speakers Updated
Amazon Echo’s primary function appears to be extending Amazon’s ecosystem including e-commerce and advertising. Like Amazon, Google Home’s primary goal appears to be lowering the price of its devices so that users will install multiple devices in their homes, generating more user data for Google’s advertising business. Apple’s product design treats smart speakers as a relatively dumb and local extension of the iPhone. The Sonos One hits the price-performance sweet spot: although it costs nearly twice what an Echo or Home does, it provides significantly better sound. Continue reading Sonos One & Sonos Beam (Part 1): The State of Smart Speakers Updated
How To: BMW S1000XR Farkles
The word is generally accepted to mean a combination of “function” and “sparkle”, hence, farkle. Motorcycle enthusiasts may install accessories, called farkles, to customize their machine. Here are my preferred farkles for the S1000XR. Continue reading How To: BMW S1000XR Farkles
2016 BMW S1000XR Review: A New Journey Ahead
I kept reading great reviews about the BMW S1000XR. Moreover, the S1000XR is significantly more advanced than the K1300S: it has electronic instrument panel, clutch-less downshifting, ride modes, and cruise control. After my buddy Jerry bought one, he raved about its performance. So, without even riding it first, I purchased a mint condition 2016 model Continue reading 2016 BMW S1000XR Review: A New Journey Ahead
You must be logged in to post a comment.