Home Theater & Landscape Lighting Blog

When planning a home audio system, most homeowners think first about speakers. But speakers are only part of the equation. They also need the right amount of power. That brings up an important question: Do you need a separate amplifier for your home audio system?...

If you're putting together a home theater or surround sound system, one piece of equipment comes up again and again: The AV receiver. But do you actually need one? Sometimes, yes. Sometimes, no. It depends on the type of speakers you're using, how many sources you...

The transformer may not be the most noticeable part of a landscape lighting system. In fact, most homeowners rarely think about it at all. But behind every properly designed low-voltage landscape lighting system is a transformer doing an important job: Taking standard...

Large rooms can be beautiful. They can also be challenging when it comes to sound. High ceilings, open floor plans, long distances between speakers and listeners, and hard surfaces can all make audio feel: Weak Echoey Uneven Too loud in one area Too quiet in another...

A wall-mounted TV can instantly make a room look cleaner and more modern. But if cords are hanging below it, running across the wall, or bundled beside the entertainment center, the installation can still feel unfinished. That is why wire concealment matters. Hiding...

If you're planning a new landscape lighting system—or updating an older one—you may wonder whether LED or halogen lighting is the better choice. Years ago, halogen fixtures were extremely common in outdoor lighting. Today, LED has become the standard choice for most...

Great sound doesn't have to mean filling your rooms with speaker boxes, stands, wires, and equipment. Today, home audio can be designed to blend into the architecture so well that you may barely notice the speakers at all. Depending on the room and the system,...

Mounting a TV on the wall can make a room look cleaner and more finished. But there's one mistake that can make even a beautiful installation uncomfortable: Mounting the TV too high. A television should be positioned so you can watch comfortably without constantly...

One of the easiest mistakes to make with landscape lighting is assuming that more light will automatically make the property look better. It usually doesn't. Too many fixtures, too much brightness, or too little contrast can make a yard feel harsh, flat, and overly...

Bluetooth speakers are convenient. You can move them from room to room, connect your phone in seconds, and start playing music without installing anything. Built-in speakers offer a very different experience. Instead of carrying a speaker around the house, audio is...