hmurchison

Soli said:

StrangeDays said:

peterhart said:

Unfortunately, I’m no longer using my Velop system. Can’t use HomePods in Stereo mode  with them when the Velop towers are assigned to different rooms and Home Sharing constantly has issues. Anyone else have a mesh system but have issues with inconsistent Apple product connections? 

My friend got it but had issues. The speeds on the second story were considerably slower than the first story. When he brought the upstairs node downstairs to try to troubleshoot he couldn't get it to be recognized by the Linksys management app whatsoever. He gave up, returned it, and is trying Eero.

I know a lot of people here don't care for Eero now that Amazon bought them—and quite frankly I wish I could end my need for Amazon after Bezos turned out to a turd of a human being—but I've had excellent experiences with them for years that I have no problem recommending them as a solid options.

It's not just Bezos...Amazon has a high quotient of douche bag personnel.   I've walked the halls of Microsoft during more lean years and felt less dirty than learning how Amazon operated just a few years ago.   I die a little inside every time our Prime sub renews.  Holiday shopping is the only reason we keep it. 

I was basically for this merger until I just spoke to a Sprint employee that said the company was RIF'n employees in lieu of cheaper Asian labor based on the potential merger. 
It's potentially a net loss for many stateside jobs.  That's enough for many here to block the merger. 

cgWerks said:

Fatman said:
The HTR model you mention is a 14 year old pre-HDMI receiver -- I don't think I need to say more than that. The modern Yamaha Aventage series is a good, mid-level, 'prosumer' choice. The chassis is solid and the components (capacitors, transformers, ICs) are higher quality grade. Buy the ~$1,000 model. The cheaper stuff is often junk/omits key features, and uses lower spec'd DACs.

Yeah, though I bought it when it was new. And, the Kenwood before that. I'm not sure how HDMI will fix things (aside from being more useful). I don't think the DACs were the issue. And, if I were going to spend $1000+, I'd just go separate components.

Ultimately, I guess I've just decided to ditch the AVR fad, as I just don't have need for any of that stuff anymore. I just wish I'd saved the money over the years trying.

The industry realizes this as well.  The AVR market is shrinking rapidly in favor of Active Speakers.  We're just waiting for a Dolby Atmos capable Wireless system.  Wifi networks are almost ready 

Apple's services are weak.   It's the faithful that deal with the shortcoming of Apple Music or iCloud when better options exists.  Apple's Services success is essentially a Mercy F***K from consumers.  None of their services are indispensable.  This is why they have to keep bleating out "Services"..to reinforce the idea that they are important when in fact great products tend to sell themselves. 

Let me not crap on Apple too much however.  The entire Tech industry is in a state confusion about the next big thing.   At first I thought is was just keeping their cards close to their chest but I'm beginning to realize that they really don't know what's next and are trying to build out marginal services and maintain marketshare in a saturate mobile arena until they can figure out what consumers are going to want next. 

It's pretty easy.  Just avoid the cheap crap that will lure you in and create an unstable system. 


Lighting 
Hue for color -  Anywhere you want color there's a Hue option.  They aren't so strong when it comes to just white dimming. 
Lutron -  In-Ceiling,  chandeliers, etc.  No neutral generally with the Caseta lineup.  Integrates with everything. Bridge is tiny 

Locks 
Yale Assure Lock SL 
August 

Wall Plugs 
Wemo Mini 
TP-Link (when they roll out HomeKit support) 

Doorbell 
Netatmo - Coming 

Camera 
Logitech Circle 2 Wired 
Arlo Baby 

Sensors
Eve 
Fibaro 

Fans
Hunter -about 6 models now 

My advice is to stick with larger vendors when you can.  When we transition to an IP based system they'll be the quickest to move.