Home Automation

What is Ambilight? It’s just a marketing term used by the Philips brand that describes extra RGB illumination near and/or behind the television that matches the color of what is displayed on the screen. I wouldn’t say it’s an immersive effect, but it is stunningly pleasing to the eye and removes the sharp contrast of a bright screen in a dark room. Preface I’ve had a desire to configure Ambilight on my living room television for several years. I’ve seen others with the moody backlighting behind their television, and started researching what I’d need to accomplish this. I currently have two LG WebOS televisions. One for the living room, and one for the master bedroom. I utilize Home Assistant for automation, and the majority of my lights are from Phillips Hue. Realizing that my only options were a $300 Phillips Hue Sync Box, or a Raspberry Pi running Hyperbian (Raspberry Pi OS comprised of Hyperion-NG), I threw up my arms. Not because of the price, but mainly for the fact that I don’t want extra devices and cables dangling around my TV. ...

If you have spent any time automating your domicile, you may have acquired a MyQ based garage door opener that was manufactured by Chaimberland, Liftmaster, or Merlin. Perhaps, like myself, you signed a mortgage on a home that included one or more of these MyQ openers. You were probably excited with the ability to create automations revolving around the use of garage entrance into your home. There are many great home automation platforms. I’ve used Homeassistant for the better part of six years. I’ve found the features and add-ons to be comprehensive, and backed by a bustling community that’s always available to answer complex questions. I discovered the built-in NodeRed add on as well, which I find to be superior to the built in automation of Homeassistant. So I was excited to move into my new home, especially after noticing the MyQ logo on my new pre-installed garage door openers. ...