Episode 337 - The Next Chapter

This week’s episode features a major announcement—Jason is taking a step back from the podcast. After six years of doing the show, he’s shifting his focus to some new creative endeavors. First things first, don’t worry, HomeTech isn’t going anywhere; Seth is going to carry the torch forward.

We discuss Seth’s plans to continue with the show and explore Jason’s new project, which you can check out at pillarsofimpact.com. We also take the opportunity to look back at the biggest connected home stories since the show began back in February of 2014. It’s been a wild ride indeed!

Most importantly, Jason shares his sincere appreciation for the ongoing support of our wonderful community. Join us as we turn to the next chapter of HomeTech and give Jason a proper send-off!

Show Notes

• Pillars of Impact
• HomeTech Headlines
  • Ring’s new video doorbell is $60 – TechCrunch
  • Ring Video Doorbell Wired
  • Wink's home automation service has been down for a whole day
  • Wink Status
  • Savant Dealer Summit
  • ❤️ Scot Van Uitert Recovery Fund
• Pick fo the Week
  • Inauguration Day 2021 - Caddrillion

Episode 336 - Keurig Showers

On this episode of HomeTech: A look at CE Pro’s “State of the Industry” report. CEDIA to resume in-person training in March. Harrison Home Systems wins CTA Integrator of the Year. The US adds Xiaomi to a list of alleged Chinese military companies. Samsung brings SmartThings to the car. Several new releases from Philips Hue. Aromatherapy showers. And more…

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Show Notes

• HomeTech Headlines
  • 2021 CE Pro State of the Industry: Sheltered From the Storm - CEPRO
  • CEDIA In-Person Training Returns in March - CEPRO
  • Harrison Home Systems Named 2021 CTA Integrator of the Year - CEPRO
  • US adds Xiaomi to list of alleged Chinese military companies
  • Samsung is bringing SmartThings dashboard to Android Auto
  • Philips Hue launches a long-awaited light switch module and more
  • Shelly Cloud
  • Moen Aromatherapy
• Pick of the Week
  • CE Pro Podcast #39: How to Enable Change & Embrace Service Business - CEPRO

Episode 335 - Sound United's Brendon Stead plus our CES 2021 Wrap-up

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Brendon Stead, Senior Vice President of Product Development & Engineering at Sound United. Our wide-ranging conversation covers Brendon’s lifelong passion for audio, a behind-the-scenes look at working with tech majors like Google, Amazon, and Apple, the evolving voice-control landscape, the impact of streaming services on the A/V market, and more. Brendon’s unique background and decades of experience in the business make this an interview you don’t want to miss.

That, plus a rundown of the coolest, weirdest, and most useful gadgets from CES 2021. And, because no CES show would be complete without a dive into the world of displays, we take a look at what the major TV makers are highlighting as we enter 2021.

Fan of the show? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron!

Show Notes

• HomeTech Headlines
  • CES 2021's coolest new gadgets: Rollable phones, giant TVs, coronavirus killers
  • All the smart home products at CES 2021
  • myQ Pet Portal, a Smart Dog Door for your Pup
  • The Best TVs of CES 2021 | Digital Trends
• Interview - Brendon Stead of Sound United
• Pick of the Week
  • Netgate - pfSense Routers and Firewalls

Episode 334 - Bad News

On this episode of HomeTech: Industry mourns the loss of Crestron CTO, Fred Bargetzi. Samsung pushes its MICRO LED technology in the run-up to CES 2021. New TVs from Samsung can keep you honest during your home workouts. New streaming service, Discovery+, launches. ESPN+ raises its annual subscription prices. FBI warns smart home owners about “swatting” attacks. And more…

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Show Notes

• TAP Method | Pillars of Impact
• HomeTech Headlines
  • Industry Mourns Crestron's Fred Bargetzi - Residential Systems
  • Samsung MICRO LED Opens a New Era of Breathtaking Picture Quality and Design
  • Samsung's new TVs can track your workout reps and form
  • Discovery+ launches today, and it's available on Fire TV, Roku and more
  • The ESPN+ annual subscription is going up by $10
  • Peacock - Choose a Plan
  • FBI Issues Warning on Increased 'Swatting' Attacks Using Smart Home Devices - CEPRO
• Pick of the Week
  • The Right Stuff
  • Challenger | Netflix Official Site
  • The Expanse (TV series) - Wikipedia)

Episode 333 - Good Standard, Bad Standard

On this episode of HomeTech: Seth proposes new gift-giving legislation. Disney’s latest investor update highlights big plans for Disney+. The results of HBO Max’s day-and-date release of “Wonder Woman 1984”. Sony Pictures Studios reports seeing increased interest from Hollywood’s theatrical-release loyalists. Sony announces major factory closures as part of its strategic move away from A/V. Dissecting CEDIA’s latest State of the Association report, including a deep dive into the topic of standardization. And more…

Fan of the show? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron!

Show Notes

Obi-Wan, She-Hulk and a new Pinocchio: Disney+ is about to get a lot bigger, and more expensive HBO Max's 'Wonder Woman 1984' audience helps fast-track a sequel Sony says it’s already seeing some benefits from WarnerMedia’s big HBO Max bet Sony to Close Major Malaysia Audio Factory; Begins Refocus Away from A/V - Strata-gee.com Annual CEDIA State of the Association Report Includes Some Drama - Strata-gee.com CEDIA Annual Report 2020 | YouTube

• Pick of the Week
  • HomeKit Helper - Networking
  • Scenecuts Adds Effortless Access to HomeKit Scenes in Your Mac’s Menu Bar