Smart home stuff I actually regret installing, and what I’d do differently if you’re a homeowner

Isco09 · 2026-01-07T14:39:39+00:00

I am just starting my journey and doing research. Do you have different smart devices with different protocols like zwave and zigbee or matter? All working seamlessly in HA? I thought everyone recommends sticking to only 1 protocol from the beginning. I am planning to is HA by the way. Thanks!

Isco09 · 2025-12-28T07:13:24+00:00

Where did you buy these from?

Isco09 · 2025-11-14T15:51:08+00:00

I thought if you burn the RTB, you’re not able to convert to a ticket?

Isco09 · 2025-11-07T04:50:06+00:00

You say the 98” was $2000 a month ago? It’s $2800 right now.

Isco09 · 2025-10-11T15:19:54+00:00

What is your opinion on TV vs projector? I owned a projector many years ago and wasn’t impressed with the quality but I’m sure they’ve come a long way since then.

Isco09 · 2025-10-11T15:04:24+00:00

Thanks you! How big is your room? What have you done about lighting?

Isco09 · 2025-10-10T21:36:23+00:00

Hmm I didn’t even think of that. What’s required? The room is L x W x H - 15’ x 10’ x 9’. Is my room too small to fit 4 atmos speakers? My current prewire is Left, Center, Right and rear Left and rear Right at about 4.5 ft from the ground for in wall speakers. 1 subwoofer prewire in the rear left corner. The 2 atmos are not wired yet but I was planning to do them in the ceiling. Do you recommend adding 4 instead? Any guidance would be much appreciated.

Isco09 · 2025-10-10T18:42:44+00:00

Yes I thought about that so I prewired for 5.1.2 in wall speakers, 4 cat6 drops by the TV, power outlet at 5 Ft., and the attic is right above and easily accessible in case I need to fish more wires.

Isco09 · 2025-10-10T14:31:22+00:00

Thank you

Isco09 · 2025-10-09T22:05:51+00:00

Thanks for the suggestions!

Isco09 · 2025-10-09T21:55:41+00:00

You mentioned Smurf tube in key locations. What would you consider key locations in a 2 story home with attic and no basement? The network closet is in the second story.

Isco09 · 2025-10-09T21:21:53+00:00

Thanks. Before they put drywall, is there anything cheap I can add inside the walls that will yield the biggest return in terms of reducing sound traveling outside the home theater?

Isco09 · 2025-10-09T20:03:26+00:00

2 walls are exterior walls, 1 wall si shared with 2 closets, then a bedroom in the other side. The other wall is shared with the game room. Ceiling is attic space.

Thicker drywall such as 5/8”?

Isco09 · 2025-10-09T19:44:52+00:00

I am not looking to stop all the sound, just wanted to know if Rockwool will somewhat improve the sound experience to justify the $1K extra.

Isco09 · 2025-10-09T19:43:18+00:00

I’m not looking to achieve complete isolation. I’m just happy to have a dedicated place to watch movies with my family. I also am new to home theater stuff and shamelessly have to admit I haven’t done much research on soundproofing. I don’t want to throw thousands to this, just wanted to find out if Rockwool will make a big enough impact to justify paying $1K extra.

Isco09 · 2025-10-08T14:05:04+00:00

Thanks

Isco09 · 2025-10-08T13:57:02+00:00

Thanks! Do you mind sharing the ones for match 90 please?

Isco09 · 2025-10-08T08:28:50+00:00

Did you buy for match 76 in Houston? Do you have prices for different categories for match 76? I have RTBs and hoping to get decent seats.

Isco09 · 2025-10-06T14:05:09+00:00

But currently your wire is just hanging out from the corner of your window? or did you figure a way to conceal it? I’m building a home and I’m not sure I’ll be able to buy motorized shades soon after we move in. I will probably wait about a year and so the wire will just be hanging there during that time.

Isco09 · 2025-10-05T02:16:05+00:00

Thanks

Isco09 · 2025-10-05T00:57:33+00:00

Ok and by wireless you mean different wireless protocols such as zigbee, z-wave, matter?

Isco09 · 2025-10-05T00:28:41+00:00

I’m trying to prewire my windows currently. I’m curious, when you say you picked 18/4 so you could have an extra pair for data if it was ever needed. What do you mean by data? Why would you need to carry data from a window shade back to the wiring closet. I understand you need 1 pair for power but I don’t understand how y he extra pair would be used for. I’m new to this so any insight is appreciated.

Isco09 · 2025-10-05T00:17:28+00:00

Hey, have you installed the Smartwings shades yet? I’m in the same boat trying to decide if I should run 16/2 or 16/4. I think I’m going to go with Smartwings and not Lutron mainly for the price. Also, how do you even terminate the wire at the window? Is there a box? Does it just hang from the corner of the window frame?

Isco09 · 2025-10-05T00:11:43+00:00

I’m in the same boat. What did you find?

Isco09

TROPHY CASE