Best of Denton County 2017 Vote

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LG taking home automation a notch higher http://qoo

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LG taking home automation a notch higher
Although we are yet to seriously start embracing home automation devices here in Kenya, given the benefits that come with it, truth be told, most us would not mind moving into a house already installed with smart technology

Remember to honor those who bravely defended our freedom

. #MemorialDay

Wemo Bridge will add HomeKit compatibility to Belkin's home automation platform in the fall http://qoo

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Wemo Bridge will add HomeKit compatibility to Belkin's home automation platform in the fall
After a commitment from Belkin to share plans about future Wemo HomeKit compatibility earlier in May, the company has made good on its promise, and has announced the Wemo Bridge allowing currently installed peripherals to function with Apple's home a

Meet Echo Show, Amazon's Newest Home Automation Device http://qoo

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Meet Echo Show, Amazon's Newest Home Automation Device
It has a 7-inch screen and a camera.

Home Security Is No Fairytale

The story of the three bears was cute as a young blond girl rummaged through the carnivoran mammals’ belongings.  As kids we delighted in the fact that there was a happy ending to the story, but reality isn’t always a fairytale. 

In today’s time, homeowners have to be vigilant against predators hacking automated systems and Doctor Sound Smart Homes North Texas’ consumers’ choice for electronic home advances.

A Hewlett-Packard’s recent study shares a warning: Roughly 70 percent of today’s smart devices belonging to the Internet of Things (IoT) has several vulnerabilities. Hacking is a reality and it places not only your home but also your personal information at potential risks.  These are frightening possibilities that Steven Spielberg would detail in his next thriller that would keep readers sleepless into the night.

Luckily, there are innovative ways to get ahead of those cunning hackers. Here’s a list of things you can do to better protect your home, and yourself.

1. Find a reliable brand. Take time to study the brand first. You can browse for reviews or directly ask the company what it can do to keep you and your data safe. There are systems that are capable of using high level encryptions to make sure that no one else can see your videos and pictures.
2. Change your passwords and do it frequently. Using default passwords makes your system easier to hack. It’s like leaving the door already half open for smart hackers. While it can be tempting to include personal details and birthdays on your passwords, it’s still wiser if you avoid doing so. Instead, you can consider using these tips.

• Try a 12 digit password you can easily recall. The longer your password, the more secure it is.
• Try incorporating numbers and capital letters in those 12 digits. If punctuation marks are allowed, you can try including one or two of them.
• Avoid names and known places as much as possible.
• If you already have one in mind, you can run it against a password checker just in case you have any doubt.

3. Protect your router. Like your security system, you can also make your home more secure by protecting your router with an effective password. You can use the same ideas as above. However, make sure you don’t use the same access codes for your system and router.

You can also try hiding your router by manipulating its configuration to make it invisible. However, you have to keep in mind that doing so doesn’t completely make your router invisible. Instead, it only makes your network not easily seen on basic and automatic searches. If a hacker is too advanced, he can simply look for a tool and use it to find your network.

4. Avoid using public Wi-Fi. As much as possible, try not to access your automation devices at home using public Wi-Fi connections. This makes you more prone to hackers getting access to your personal information. You can try using your mobile data service or find a more secured connection before you click connect.
5. Upgrade your apps and firmwares. The reason why companies keep updating their firmwares is to fix bugs and glitches as well as to add security patches. By complying with the updates, you are arming yourself with better protection against hackers.
6. Double check your logs. Most of the time, the easiest way to know if someone has been messing around with your system is by checking your camera logs. There are several security cameras that can show you the IP addresses that accessed your cameras. If you find a suspicious one on your log, immediately change your access codes and notify proper authorities.
7. Put up a firewall. Make sure you have a firewall in your network to prevent unauthorized access to your devices. If you don’t have one, you can browse the internet to know your best options on firewall downloads.
8. Secure your mobile phone. Most of today’s home security systems are controlled through mobile applications and this is what makes your smartphone very important for your home’s security. Keep it in mind to always have it protected.

For one, you should avoid logging in to your system while in public places. Someone near you could be waiting for your password. Also, make sure that no one else can access your phone by securing it with a password lock. You can also install a track app just in case you misplace or lost your phone.

If such event happens, make sure to immediately remove your phone’s access from your security system and report the incident right away.

9. Manage your camera settings. Including a camera in a home security system is a must these days. It can allow you to view online what’s happening at home even if you’re on the other side of the world. However, with the same feature, you can also be exposing yourself to potential hackers.

A security camera is set for remote online monitoring by default during your purchase. This feature makes it possible for you to keep an eye on your home in real time through a specific app or website. It also makes it a possibility for hackers to use your own camera to spy on your home.

If you can go by without remote online monitoring, turn this feature off. However, if you feel that it’s a necessity to keep the feature, then guard your home and your system by a strong password. It can also help if you strictly position the cameras to face only the areas they’re supposed to monitor. Avoid including your living room or your bedroom entirely.

10. Build a separate network. One downside of having a connected home is that it’s connected. Once a hacker is able to get access to one of your devices, it’s not impossible for him to get access to everything.

As a preventive measure, you can try building a separate network solely intended for your home security and your home automation. Keep it separate from your computer and your phone. This way, when someone gets access to your phone, you’ll be able to protect your security system.

There are several devices, tools and apps that you can install to keep your home safe and Doctor Sound can show you some of these tools.

However, you also need to arm yourself with vigilance to make your security system even stronger. Nothing is more secure than a prepared home.

From design to demonstration, Doctor Sound makes the entire process of electronic home advances easy, exciting, and fun.  Whatever your style may be, they take the time to listen to your needs, design a custom, flexible, and convenient system installed just for you.

It is said that if find your passion, and a way to make a living doing it, you will never have to “work” again. Doctor Sound, a.k.a. Keith Prather, has discovered his niche and has built an authentic and reputable company around his love and understanding of technology.

Doctor Sound and his team maintain the trade’s cutting-edge certification, provided by product manufacturers and industry associations such as CEDIA, the Custom Electronics Design and Installation Association. Retaining the most current education available is in both his and his clients’ best interest. Keith embraces the fast pace of the industry and enjoys being in the position to help others make sense of it all. Whether you need a custom audio system, home theater installation or high tech security system, call Doctor Sound at 972-317-6525, to schedule a free on-site consultation.

Utilizing Doctor Sound Smart Homes will help you and your family create your own Neverland!

Who Will Own the Home Cybersecurity Market - Security Dealers, Home-Automation Pros, Comcast? http://qoo

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Who Will Own the Home Cybersecurity Market - Security Dealers, Home-Automation Pros, Comcast?
If traditional home-automation integrators don't get into the network-security business, it will be grabbed by companies like ADT, Comcast/Xfinity, Best Buy/Magnolia and a host of other competitors eager to own the smart home. (Julie Jacobson / CE Pr

LightwaveRF Home Automation review http://qoo

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LightwaveRF Home Automation review | TrustedReviews
LightwaveRF Home Automation review: The powerful and flexible LightwaveRF makes home automation easy

Here's a Look at Amazon's Latest Home Automation Device: Echo Show http://qoo

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Here's a Look at Amazon's Latest Home Automation Device: Echo Show
Amazon has officially unveiled the new device after months of speculation.

Home Automation: One Company's Success Story http://qoo

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Home Automation: One Company's Success Story
HVAC contractors, take note: home automation is an additional product, and consequently, a profit center, in itself. Read how this contractor makes it work.

Americans Cite Security as Top Priority in Home Automation, According to Study http://qoo

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Americans Cite Security as Top Priority in Home Automation, According to Study
The leading electronic security industry resource for professional security installing contractors, security dealers and systems integrators. Dedicated to keeping security professionals informed of market trends, new security products and training op

Intro to home automation - Video http://qoo

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Intro to home automation - Video
Step into the CNET Smart Home and see what an automated living space is all about.

Cloud home automation is the way to the future http://qoo

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Cloud home automation is the way to the future
The way ahead to home automation lies in the fact that it anticipates and responds to the needs of the occupants, working to promote their comfort, conv...

A Contractor's Guide to Home Automation http://qoo

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A Contractor's Guide to Home Automation
While some contractors are proceeding with caution when it comes to smart home automation products, further training and awareness may force their hands sooner than later.

5 must have gadgets for home automation http://qoo

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5 must have gadgets for home automation
Once the domain of tech millionaires and geeks (remember Bill Gates' “smart house?), smart home technology has gone mainstream. A combination of voice-activated assistants, smart appliances, and apps are making life easier and more comfortable. Now y

Lighting Giant Hubbell Acquires iDevices for Home Automation Expertise http://qoo

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Lighting Giant Hubbell Acquires iDevices for Home Automation Expertise
iDevices Inc., developer of Wi-Fi and HomeKit home automation products, will give residential IoT boost to lighting and electrical giant Hubbell Inc. (Julie Jacobson / CE Pro)

Home Automation Yields Green Benefits http://qoo

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Home Automation Yields Green Benefits
Still thinking about Earth Day? Consider this: The right home technology system can increase a home's sustainability.

Airtel sets sights on smart home space with internet of things

Read more at:
http://qoo.ly/evd48

Airtel sets sights on smart home space with internet of things
Home automation is an area that offers retail customer use cases, Harmeen Mehta, group chief information officer at Bharti Airtel, told ET.

ELAN Home Automation Platform Conserves Energy and Simplifies Sustainability on Earth Day 2017 http://qoo

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ELAN Home Automation Platform Conserves Energy and Simplifies Sustainability on Earth Day 2017
Homeowners are increasingly conscious of how their lifestyle can impact the fragile environment, and they recognize it even more so on Earth Day. While engaging in sustainable practices and purchasing energy efficient appliances is certainly benefici

Virtual assistants and home automation http://qoo

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Will Virtual Assistants Revolutionize Home Automation? -- The Motley Fool
Advancements in virtual-assistant technology will likely spur growth in home automation. Deciding which digital assistant works best for your smart-home use really depends on individual preference.

Surprising New Trend in S

Surprising New Trend in Security and Home Automation: Adding Multiroom Audio

Surprising New Trend in Security and Home Automation: Adding Multiroom Audio
Alarm.com, Honeywell and start-up Huny show whole-house audio integrated with security and home automation – a first for the alarm industry with potential to lure in traditional A/V dealers.

Amazon Looks to Widen Its

Amazon Looks to Widen Its Lead in the Home Automation Hub Market

Amazon Looks to Widen Its Lead in the Home Automation Hub Market - Market Realist
Global e-commerce giants Amazon and Alibaba keep pushing the boundaries with cutting-edge technologies and strategic alliances. In this series, we'll look at the challenges and opportunities in the e-commerce space.

A decked-out Airstream ta

A decked-out Airstream takes the home automation show on the road - The Boston Globe

A decked-out Airstream takes the home automation show on the road - The Boston Globe
Lots of companies are getting into the home automation field, but how does it work? A custom Airstream at Boston Design Week will showcase how one smart system operates.

IKEA to Enter the Home Au

IKEA to Enter the Home Automation Market - MustTech News

IKEA to Enter the Home Automation Market - MustTech News
The European furniture giant, IKEA, is now stepping into home automation and will soon release a line of its own fully automated products.

This #Zelda fan is taking

This #Zelda fan is taking home automation to a new level

This Zelda fan is taking home automation to a new level
Okay, so you can turn on your car from inside the house. But this is way cooler.

Ikea is getting into home

Ikea is getting into home automation with a new smart hub

Ikea is getting into home automation with a new smart hub
Ikea is finally getting into the home automation game with its own system for smart lighting. The new range of products is called Trådfri — which means "wireless" in Swedish — and is built around...

Your Gadgets Are Gross: T

Your Gadgets Are Gross: The Best Tools for Spring Cleaning Electronics

Your Gadgets Are Gross: The Best Tools for Spring Cleaning Electronics
While our mobile devices and computers endure plenty, their screens and exteriors can be damaged by the abrasives and ammonia in many cleaners. Joanna Stern looks at the best products to use on your electronics.

Advice from Expert: Build

Advice from Expert: Builders Don't Want DIY Home Automation

Advice from Expert: Builders Don't Want DIY Home Automation
Tim Costello of the home-builder marketing firm BDX warns that homebuilders want built-in smart-home technologies to encourage consumers to buy new homes.

Home automation #Zelda style

.

'Legend of Zelda' fan builds ocarina-controlled home automation system
A fan of the "Legend of Zelda" video game series created a home automation system based around the magical ocarina featured in the games.

Gearing Up For Spring Cle

Gearing Up For Spring Cleaning With #HomeAutomation - Doctor Sound can help you get reorganized

Gearing Up For Spring Cleaning With Home Automation
Spring cleaning is about more than just clearing out the garage or dusting the nooks and crannies you've neglected for the past several months. It's about starting anew. It's about re-organizing your home in a way that reflects a fresh outlook on lif

https://www

.enterpriseirregulars.com/Living with IoT & home automation

Living with IoT & home automation - Enterprise Irregulars
Over the last few months, I have upgraded components in our home to devices which feature IoT and home automation capabilities. The first thing I replaced was my thermostat. I considered several options and went with the Ecobee thermostat. A key cons

How to add value to an ol

How to add value to an old home using automation upgrades

How to add value to an old home using automation upgrades | KSL.com
While location may be a home's key selling point, technology is likely a close second, and spring is the real estate market's time to shine. Here are some easy home automation upgrades to add value to your home.

Home Theater Maintenance

Home Theater Maintenance Tips: Projectors, Screens, Speakers & More - Home Theater Gear Blog

Home Theater Maintenance Tips: Projectors, Screens, Speakers & More - Home Theater Gear Blog
Dust specks on the projector. Grainy pictures on the TV. Choppy sound coming from the speaker. Pesky wires all over your home media room. Don't let these factors interfere with your viewing or listening pleasure. Cleaning and maintaining your home th

April is spring-cleaning

April is spring-cleaning month at CNET How To

April is spring-cleaning month at CNET How To
From cleaning your keyboard to organizing apps on your phone, we showcase the very best spring-cleaning tips and tricks for your devices.

Automate your home and go

Automate your home and go green by visiting Doctor Sound today!

Going Green This Spring: 7 Green Home Improvement Projects For Your Specific Budget - Realty Times
Going green has been a trending topic over the last decade and will continue to be one of the real estate industry's most talked about subjects moving forward. Unfortunately, many homeowners feel that improving the environmental friendliness of their

Opinion | Why 2017 is the

Opinion | Why 2017 is the year of the bot

Opinion | Why 2017 is the year of the bot
There is a dark side to artificial intelligence technologies, such as Amazon Echo and Google Home.

Virtual Assistants, Voice

Virtual Assistants, Voice Technology: Winners And Losers

Virtual Assistants, Voice Technology: Winners And Losers
Following an expert call with Brian Roemmele, an expert and visionary in voice-internet and digital payments, Baird picked the potential winners and losers among companies...

Replacing your accessorie

Replacing your accessories helps your devices live longer, visit Doctor Sound today for some #SpringCleaning today! #TechLife

Why (and When) You Need to Replace Your Surge Protector
Surge protectors aren't like diamonds. They have a definite lifespan. At some point, your surge protector will stop protecting your gear from power surges and become a dumb power strip.

Watch the Super Bowl in Luxury

Everyone has heard of the Man Cave, but why should you limit yourself to the backroom or basement to view the big game? 

There are many reasons, but the most important reason the “Man Cave” is relegated to the backroom is because of obtrusive or obnoxious equipment that would make any wife cringe!  However, Doctor Sound, North Texas Leader in creating Smart Homes can make any marriage happy by completely satisfying both parties.  That’s right, Doctor Sound can save your marriage, even during football season! 

First, projection is the ideal way to watch any sport (or the latest action packed thriller) and it won’t require a dedicated media room.  Doctor Sound can install screen innovations, fixed and motorized in ceiling screens that can be viewed anywhere in the home.  With Zero-G® technology, you can drop your screen in front of a bay of windows, or an art-deco wall where a flat-panel television could never have been placed. Your orientation is now dictated by your room, not your TV!  Think Rollable Television®. When watching the game or your favorite movie, Zero-G drops out of the case and expands at a preset location giving you a “levitating” image, suspended by cables.

Never before has it been easier to turn any room in your house into an instant entertainment venue.  Imagine a Sony 85-100-inch large screen TV with 4K resolution sounded by Origin Acoustics in-wall, or in-ceiling pivoting speakers putting you in the middle of the action.

Serving the Lantana, Flower Mound, Argyle, Southlake, Grapevine, Northlake, and Roanoke area for more than 25 years. The secret to their proven success is that Doctor Sound continues to offer only the highest quality product manufacturers, delivering to his customers a wide range of reliable, future-proof quality equipment choices. His passion to serve his clients, coupled with his Christian integrity provides an honest and straightforward environment, naturally creating repeat customers.

Call Doctor Sound at 972.317.6525 or visit the website at http://drsoundinc.com for your free consultation in creating the Smart Home of your dreams.  *Not responsible for reduction of family therapy sessions and decline of counseling industry.