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2023 Home Tech Trends graphic featuring bold typography against a dynamic background, highlighting advancements in home technology solutions.

Biggest Home Technology Trends in 2024

Happy 2024 everyone!

Now that we’ve all recovered from the closest thing to a normal New Years’ day since 2019, here are a few home technology trends we’re excited about this year at Audilux:


#1 – Broadband INTERNET for Everyone:

SpaceX Starlink satellite dish mounted on a rooftop against a scenic sunset over rolling hills, symbolizing reliable internet access for remote home builds.
Space X Starlink

As our Nashville real estate market grows and matures, most of the low-effort build sites for custom homes have been snatched up and previously developed over the years. This reality is pushing people to get creative and often look to hilltops and further off the beaten path to build their forever homes. 

In the past, getting internet services to these more remote locations would have been nearly impossible or, at the very least, financially unfeasible, but the advent of 5G wireless and fast satellite internet like Starlink means you can stay connected on almost any build site, no matter how extreme.

We’re looking forward to seeing the new kinds of build sites this newfound freedom opens up for architects and clients alike!

Fun Fact: I’m currently uploading this article using Starlink myself!


#2 – Lighting Control Comes of Age:

Lighting control keypad by Vantage featuring buttons for lights, scenes, shades, and all off, showcasing modern home automation technology.
Lighting Control Keypad by Vantage

While custom lighting control systems like Lutron & Vantage have been around for decades, your options and design choices have grown by leaps and bounds.

A panelized lighting system already worked wonders for eliminating wall clutter, but the new faceplate and button options available today are top-notch. 

EasyTouch Glass Keypad by Vantage Controls featuring customizable buttons for lighting and shade control, designed for luxury smart home integration.
Custom Keypad by Vantage Controls

#3 – Motorized Shades, Draperies, & Projector Screens

Bright living room featuring green armchairs, a round coffee table, and large windows with motorized shades, emphasizing modern home automation and luxury design.
Motorized Shades & Draperies

Automating lighting, drapes, and shades are quickly becoming the norm in luxury residences, and for good reason!


4 – Home Theater Is making a big comeback

Elan remote control with illuminated buttons for home theater lighting and media management.
Custom Remote Control by Elan

They may not all look the way you expect, but one thing the pandemic taught everyone is that it’s worth the investment to upgrade your entertainment at home.

The custom install industry has been hard at work coming up with innovative solutions to help AV equipment blend in like never before while still performing at the highest level.

Kef Ci-3160 in-wall speakers flanking a modern television displaying abstract art, set in a luxurious home environment with natural light and greenery.
LifeStyle Home Theater Space by Audilux

If you’re a videophile who wants a dedicated space to escape with your favorite movie, and cinema-grade sound and visuals are a must, a dedicated theater space is always an option.

Home theater space with comfortable seating, illuminated by blue LED lights, showcasing a large screen displaying a scenic mountain view, emphasizing luxury home entertainment solutions by Audilux.
Custom Home Theater by Audilux

Text graphic with the phrase "But, some things never change" over a swirling blue and teal background, emphasizing the importance of reliability in home technology solutions.
But Some Things Never Change..

#1-There’s STILL no substitute for Pre-wire:

Network switch with connected Ethernet cables, illustrating home technology integration and pre-wiring for reliable AV setup.

If you’re building a new home, it is always a best practice to pre-wire. In 2023, we often take wireless technology for granted, but 90% of our service calls are related to wi-fi and wireless issues.

It might be tempting to save a few bucks, but this is the worst place to do it: Pre-Wire and buy yourself the peace of mind that reliability can offer. 


#2 -Planning is always worth the investment:

Home technology layout plan featuring color-coded icons for audio, video, and Wi-Fi systems in various rooms, including the master bedroom, great room, and bedrooms 2 and 3, emphasizing clarity in home automation design.
Custom Home Automation Layout

It’s a team effort to make your custom home a truly magical space.

The gorgeous photos you see on Pinterest or floating around Facebook don’t happen by accident, and your home’s technology is no exception!

So, get us involved with your architect, builder, and design team early!

HTA Design Partner logo featuring a modern hexagonal design, emphasizing home technology integration and custom automation solutions for luxury homes.
HTA Design Partner
Looking for a Sonos alternative? Text graphic highlighting audio solutions and product reviews.

Looking for a Sonos Alternative? We found it.

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Let me start this article by saying that Sonos is good. Sonos is REALLY good. There’s a reason why their name has become synonymous with multi-room audio, even reaching the level of ubiquity enjoyed by brands like Kleenex and Coke.

When people think of a whole home audio system, they call it a “Sonos System,” regardless of the manufacturer, and there’s a good reason for this. Not only was Sonos the first company to get multi-room right by simplifying all the intricacies of latency and delay, they single-handedly brought that Apple “Automagic” element into the space. 

At Audilux, probably 90% of our multi-room installs incorporate Sonos in one way or another.It just works, but the recent supply chain issues and very tight constraints on Sonos’ most popular product for installation (the Amp) left me wondering if anyone else could deliver a similar experience.

A cottage industry of competition has sprung up since Sonos began its undisputed reign, each with varying levels of success. We’ve tested everything from Denon/Marantz’s Heos System, Yamaha Musicast, and even some DIY options. While many are functional, no one has been able to effectively replicate Sonos’s ecosystem until now.

Enter BlueSound, a new to us outfit that’s part of Canadian audio conglomerate Lenbrooke. Thanks to a collaborative relationship between sister brands BlueSound products share amplification technology from audiophile legends NAD.  

Bluesound has squarely targeted customers who care about audio quality. They’re not trying to be a “Great Value” Sonos knockoff but rather a slightly more upscale alternative for people who value performance above all. But, of course, in our current environment, they’re also an excellent option for someone who wants a system now rather than waiting months on inventory fulfillment. 

Let’s take a quick look at their various offerings, see where BlueSound bests the reigning champion, and where Sonos is still in a league of their own. 


Streamers:

Node:

BlueSound Node streamer with sleek black design and touchscreen controls, featured in a review comparing audio solutions for luxury home integration.
The BlueSound Node Streamer

The Node is is a streamer that competes directly with the Sonos Port as a way to get streaming audio into your home audio system. $599

Hub: 

Bluesound Hub audio device for integrating local audio sources into a home audio network, sleek black design.
BlueSound Hub Local Audio Source

The hub isn’t really a streamer but is kind of a unique offering that allows you to bring an audio source into your Blue Sound network. You can install this behind a TV or pair it with a turn table. $319


Streamers with built-in amps: 

Power Node:

BlueSound Power Node streamer with amplifier, featuring a sleek black design and touch controls, positioned as a premium audio solution for home audio systems.
BlueSound Power Node Steamer with Amp

The Power Node is the BlueSound alternative to the Sonos Amp. It’s functionally very similar, but offers an upgraded signal path, hi-resolution audio, and plenty of power. $949


Power Node Edge: 

BlueSound Power Node Edge streamer in sleek black design, featuring control buttons and LED indicator, ideal for enhancing home audio systems.
BlueSound Power Node Edge

If you have a room that you’d like to incorporate into your system but don’t need quite as much power, the Power Node Edge is a great way to add a room without breaking the bank. Just announced in September of 2022, the Power Node Edge is only $650.

Power Node Edge rear view showcasing speaker connections, HDMI ARC, and network ports, designed for integrating audio sources into BlueSound systems.

Soundbars: 

Pulse Soundbar by Bluesound mounted below a flat-screen TV in a modern living room setting, featuring a stylish wooden media console with decorative items.
The BlueSound Soundbar+

BlueSound has one sound bar option, the Soundbar+. This is, simply put, the best-sounding Soundbar I’ve ever heard. While soundbars are always an upgrade over pint-sized built-in TV speakers, the Soundbar+ is actually capable of enjoyable music playback and has a reasonable amount of bass. 

BlueSound Soundbar+ in black, showcasing sleek design with dual speaker grilles, emphasizing high-quality audio performance for home entertainment.

It’s physically taller than most at 5.5″ tall but also considerably more shallow. A wall mount is included in the box at no extra cost, and just like the Sonos Arc, the Soundbar+ offers a way to pipe your TV’s audio into the rest of your home.

At $899, it’s a great alternative to the Arc.   


Portable Speakers: 

Flex:

BlueSound Flex portable speaker in white, featuring a mesh grille and top control panel with buttons for playback and volume, designed for high-quality audio in home technology setups.
BlueSound Flex Portable Speaker

Mini:

BlueSound Mini speaker in black, showcasing sleek design and top control panel, ideal for home audio integration.
BlueSound Mini Speaker

Pulse: 

BlueSound Pulse 2i portable speaker on kitchen countertop with fresh vegetables and cooking utensils, showcasing stylish audio integration in home technology.
BlueSound Pulse 2i
BlueSound Pulse 2i portable speaker in black, featuring a sleek design and top control panel, emphasizing high-quality audio performance for home technology integration.
BlueSound Pulse 2i

What you get with both BlueSound & Sonos:

  • Reliable low-latency audio across your entire home
  • Wireless and wired connectivity
  • Sexy, well-designed applications for your phone
  • Voice assistant control from Alexa, etc.

If any of the following are you, you should stick to Sonos: 

  • You’re an Apple Music user. Sonos has the monopoly on interfacing with Apple Music, and being forced into using Airplay is no fun.  
  • You aren’t subscribed to premium streaming sources and want to access Sonos’s vast library of radio stations. They’re very high-quality curated programming and don’t cost anything. 
  • You want the most extensive array of device options. Sonos has more models available to custom-tailor a system for your home. 
  • Cost is the deciding factor. While the two ecosystems’ pricing is close, Sonos is around 10-20% cheaper overall. 

Final Thoughts and Conclusion

At the end of the day, if someone asks for Sonos, that is definitely plan A. They’re still the de facto standard for a good reason, and we know we’re installing a tried and true product that won’t lead to callbacks. 

But, if they ask for “Sonos”and need it right now,  or they’re looking for the next level in audio quality, we’re happy to have another solid option. Perhaps we could introduce you to our new friend from Canada, BlueSound


If you have any questions about BlueSound products or need help designing a system for your home, please feel free to reach out! We’d love to put together a custom solution for you.

Focal 300 Series IW6 LCR in-wall speaker with dual woofers and mid-range driver, featured in a review by Audilux.

SPEAKER REVIEW: Focal 300 IW6 LCR In-Walls

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In the latest installment of our series of no-nonsense architectural speaker reviews, we turn our attention from the Brits at Kef to the profoundly French Focal 300 IW6 LCR in-wall speaker Oui, Oui!

About the 300 Series

Focal 300 IW6 LCR in-wall speaker featuring dual 6 1/2″ woofers, a 4″ mid-range driver, and a 1″ aluminum/magnesium tweeter, designed for high-quality audio performance in home theater systems.
Focal 300 IW6 In-Wall Speaker

Starting with nerdy essentials, each Focal 300 IW6 LCR comes loaded with dual 6 1/2″ Woofers, a 4″ Mid-range, and a 1″ aluminum/magnesium tweeter.

The 300 series marks a manufacturing transition point in Focal’s custom install line, assembling all models in the same factory in France that produce their high-end signature products like Kanta, Sopra, etc. 

Focal Kanta 3 freestanding speaker with sleek design and wooden accents, positioned in a modern living space alongside a stylish lamp, emphasizing luxury audio quality in home theater setups.
The 300 IW6 LCR shares a lineage with Focal Kanta

Focal claims these are “coherently aligned” with their Kanta towers utilizing the same woven flax cone material but a different tweeter configuration. This makes them a perfect complement to a two-channel Kanta system when perhaps floor space or budget prevent placing full-size speaker cabinets throughout the room.

In both of our most recent installs, we decided to build MDF back boxes for the speakers since they were installed behind fabric in one case and an acoustically transparent screen in another.

Interior view of a partially constructed home theater room with framed walls, MDF back boxes for Focal 300 IW6 LCR speakers, and an overhead projector installation.
Back Boxes from our Shelter Theater Build
MDF back boxes for Focal 300 IW6 LCR speakers installed in a wall, showcasing a modern interior design with acoustic treatment and natural light from a window.
Focal 300 IW6 LCR in MDF Back Boxes

Unfortunately, Focal doesn’t provide any guidance for enclosure volume, but based on our experience with other similar units, we opted for roughly two cu ft and were pleased with the result.  

Installation is simple and makes use of Focal’s “Easy QuickInstall” system. Rather than relying on traditional speaker dogs and screws, Focal uses eight high-tensioned plastic spring clips to securely hold the speakers in place.

As long as you make use of the included template to cut out your openings, it really does take less than a minute to install each speaker.

A word to the wise, these are a little less forgiving than speaker dogs, so leave at least an inch and a half between the sides of your opening and any framing members.

Living room setup featuring an installed projector screen and in-wall speakers, with a sleek design and natural light from windows.
Finished Install Awaiting TV Installation
Home theater space with comfortable seating, illuminated by blue LED lights, showcasing a large screen displaying a scenic mountain view, emphasizing luxury home entertainment solutions by Audilux.
Illustration showing speakers installed behind a Screen Innovations Projector Screen

Sound Performance: 

Full stop; you will not be disappointed. In our test environment, not only did the IW6 LCRs exhibit the signature “Focal” sound, but they also offered low-frequency extension I’ve yet to experience from any other open-back architectural speaker.

Again, I’m not claiming these could go toe to toe with a set of gargantuan hi-fi towers, but they certainly qualify as full-range, which is in and of itself quite a feat for an in-wall speaker.  When paired with a capable sub, the end result is fantastic and nearly invisible.

Bass performance is going to vary greatly depending on the volume of your enclosure, but in the average 8ft – 10ft wall should be more than adequate, and it will be even better with a properly sized MDF enclosure.


Tasting Notes: 

If you haven’t had a chance to experience the timber of Focals in person, I will describe their midrange to low-frequency crossover as exceptionally smooth and well-engineered.

Their tweeters tend to be a bit more on the sweet or articulate side, but there is a pad for you to EQ to taste if you prefer a more mellow top end.  It’s a bit more forward than something like Kef’s UniQ but never sibilant or sizzly.


Value: 

With a price of $1199 each, are they worth it?

I think these speakers occupy a comfortable spot at the edge of a precipice. The 300 series offer a step into the world of true audiophile sound in a compact in-wall package. Yes, at a higher price point, there is room to improve.

If you have a larger space, budget, or want the very best, there are next-level options out there (The Focal 1000 Series or Kef Reference come to mind), but for most people, the 300 series represent an investment that’s easy to justify by both their pedigree and sound quality.

Supply chain pro-tips graphic featuring stacked shipping containers, emphasizing strategies for navigating supply chain challenges in home automation and AV projects.

Pro-Tips for surviving the supply chain crisis

If you’re starting a new home automation or AV project, here are a few ways to prepare yourselfthe situation at hand.

Communication is critical.

Having clear expectations and 100% transparency regarding time frames for equipment arrivals and project start dates is essential. We try to accomplish this by providing regular updates from vendors and informing our customers of the current environment from day one. 

While we all thought many supply constraints were beginning to ease, that hasn’t been the case with some categories. AV receivers, for example, can still have a lead time ranging from several weeks to several months, depending on the model. Also, try your best to be open to product substitutions if time is of the essence. 

Prepare to be invoiced upfront

Nobody likes being charged upfront and waiting to receive what they’ve already paid for. We get it. The reality is that some vendors are now billing for back-ordered products upfront and won’t even lock pricing in until the item has shipped.

When you consider some prices have risen by as much as 20%, it’s a necessary compromise to secure your place in line. 

Occasionally prices change: 

While we typically can absorb small price fluctuations between signing a contract and installing equipment, that isn’t always the case anymore. So be willing to work with your integrator if a supplier makes a radical price change.  

Find your zen place.

Above all, embarking on any construction project right now will require some patience. Dragging a project out is not in anyone’s best interest, so try to be understanding and bide your time patiently. Delays make things stressful for everyone so remember we’re all on the same team and have to work together to bring your project to successful completion. 

In the end, it will all be worth it! 

 

 

 

Home theater setup featuring luxurious leather seating, illuminated by vibrant purple and blue LED lights, with "THE SHELTER THEATER" text overlay, emphasizing acoustic isolation for an immersive audio experience.

The Shelter Home Theater

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Shelter in Style 

If you’ve noticed some changes in the weather in the South recently, you’re not alone. The number of severe storms and tornados striking Nashville and the rest of Middle TN has dramatically increased, resulting in a surge in storm shelter construction. While practically speaking, a storm shelter is a great thing to have; these spaces are often only used for a few hours a year.  

The story of this build begins when our client approached us with the desire to reclaim his shelter space as a proper home theater while taking full advantage of the acoustic isolation provided by the 12″ thick poured concrete walls. 

Concrete storm shelter interior with exposed beams, lighting fixtures, and empty space for home theater setup.
A very blank concrete canvas

Home Theater in a (Concrete) box

With a pre-build width of only 96″, space was at an absolute premium. A design requirement of having at least five fixed seats led us to create staggered wall depths in each section of the theater to help squeeze both the seating and speakers in.

CAD layout of a home theater design featuring staggered seating, dimensions, and acoustic treatment planning, suitable for storm shelter conversion into a luxury entertainment space.
CAD Layout of The Shelter Theater

This layout opened the door to employing varying types of acoustic treatments and bass trapping while at the same time creating some visual interest through the use of diffused LED accent lighting. 

LED accent lighting illuminating a textured ceiling in a home theater, enhancing acoustic treatment and visual ambiance.
LED Lighting & Trim Details

The crown jewel of the build is a 104″ acoustically transparent projection screen by Screen Innovations. It’s paired with a light blasting HDR projector from LG that makes high-impact viewing possible, even with the lights on.

Home theater interior featuring a 104″ acoustically transparent projection screen, illuminated by diffused LED accent lighting, with plush seating in a dark, stylish environment.
Screen Innovations Zero-Edge Pro Projection Screen
Home theater interior featuring Audilux logo, modern seating, ambient blue lighting, and projector screen, illustrating luxury home technology solutions.
Custom Home Theater by Audilux

The room’s soundtrack is voiced by a full accouterment of seven 300 Series in-wall speakers from Focal. All of which are stealthily concealed behind the screen or in the walls around the room.  

Home theater space with comfortable seating, illuminated by blue LED lights, showcasing a large screen displaying a scenic mountain view, emphasizing luxury home entertainment solutions by Audilux.
Illustration showing Left, Center, & Right speakers behind the screen
Interior view of a partially constructed home theater room with framed walls, MDF back boxes for Focal 300 IW6 LCR speakers, and an overhead projector installation.
The Shelter Under Construction
Home theater construction showing acoustic treatments with yellow insulation, in-wall speakers, and a ladder on the floor.
Hidden Speakers & Acoustic Treatments

We wanted to find a way to provide illumination that would be fun but at the same time not distract too much from the theater’s prime directive. Several scenes were created including one inspired by “Stranger Things” (my personal favorite).

Home theater seating in a dark room with Proluxe LED lighting, featuring pink and blue accents, designed for an immersive viewing experience.
A “Stranger Things” inspired lighting theme
Luxury home theater seating in a dimly lit room featuring motorized leather chairs, illuminated by vibrant LED lighting, designed for an immersive viewing experience.
Proluxe LED Lighting & Extrusions

Our client chose a fully motorized option for home theater seating by Octane. Trimmed in top-grain leather and equipped with USB power outlets, underlighting, and plenty of storage, these home theater chairs make it easy to settle into a movie or binge your favorite show.

Lights can be controlled by the keypad on the wall or even turned on and off individually with the Elan remote control.

Elan HR-10 remote control in a home theater setting with illuminated screen, showcasing smart lighting control features.
Custom Elan Remote Control
Elan remote control with illuminated buttons for home theater lighting and media management.
Elan HR-10

The Shelter Theater: Details & Specs

AUDIO:

Speakers:  Focal 300 Series

Mains: Focal 300 IWLCR6 

Surrounds: Focal 300 IW 6

Subwoofer: Speakercraft HRSi-12

Receiver: Yamaha Aventage RX-A4A 7.1 Channel Receiver

VISUAL:

Screen: 104″ Screen Innovations Zero Edge Pro (Acoustically Transparent) with Pure AT Material

Projector: LG AU810PB 4K DLP Projector

CONTROL & Core:

  • Elan HR-10 Remote
  • Elan KP7 Keypad for lighting control
  • Panamax MR4300 Power Conditioner
  • Luxul AV Series POE Switch

DESIGN ELEMENTS:

  • LED Lighting & Extrusions by Proluxe
  • Wall coverings by Guilford’s of Maine
  • Seating by Octane Seating
  • Custom Trim by Audilux