The Journal
Guides for a smarter home
Comparisons, planning guides and buying advice for lighting, shades, audio, security and networking. New articles are added regularly.
Smart Lighting
Lutron Caséta vs. RA3: Which Fits Your Home?
When a plug-and-play kit is enough, and when it is time for a dealer-installed system.
Full article coming soon. See the Smart Lighting guide →
Smart Lighting
What a Whole-Home Lighting Scene Actually Costs
What drives the cost of keypads, dimmers and programming in a whole-home lighting project.
Full article coming soon. See the Smart Lighting guide →
Home Automation
Control4 vs. a DIY Smart Home Hub: What’s the Real Difference?
How a dealer-programmed system compares with hubs you set up yourself, in cost, reliability and support.
Full article coming soon. See the Home Automation guide →
Home Automation
Programming Scenes: Arrive Home, Movie Night, Away
The everyday scenes owners use most, and how they are set up.
Full article coming soon. See the Home Automation guide →
Motorized Shades
Somfy vs. Lutron Serena: Motorized Shading Compared
Two popular motorized shade options compared on motors, fabrics, control and price.
Full article coming soon. See the Motorized Shades guide →
Motorized Shades
Retrofitting Motorized Shades Into an Existing Home
What it takes to motorize the windows in a finished home without tearing into walls.
Full article coming soon. See the Motorized Shades guide →
Home Audio
Sonos vs. In-Ceiling: Which Fits a Great Room?
Choosing between wireless speakers and architectural audio for a large open room.
Full article coming soon. See the Home Audio guide →
Home Audio
Wiring a Home Theater Into an Existing Control4 System
What to plan for when adding a theater room to an existing system.
Full article coming soon. See the Home Audio guide →
Security Cameras
Arlo vs. Ring: Which Camera System Fits Your Home?
Comparing two popular DIY camera systems on video quality, storage and monthly plans.
Full article coming soon. See the Security Cameras guide →
Security Cameras
Do You Actually Need Monitored Security?
What professional monitoring adds over DIY cameras, and who really needs it.
Full article coming soon. See the Security Cameras guide →
Networking
Why Whole-Home Wi-Fi Needs More Than One Router
Why one router rarely covers a large home, and what to use instead.
Full article coming soon. See the Networking guide →
Networking
What Actually Goes in an Equipment Rack
A plain-English tour of the switches, routers, power and wiring behind a smart home.
Full article coming soon. See the Networking guide →