John Sciacca

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The Connected Life
I Watched the New Mission Impossible at Home for $500
John Sciacca  |  Sep 02, 2015  |  10 comments
OK, full disclosure: I didn’t really spend $500 of my own, personal, John money; I had a reviewer’s account. But I did watch Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation and Terminator: Genisys and Southpaw in my home theater over a month ago using the coolest piece of technology you’ve probably never even heard of. The company behind it is PRIMA Cinema and their movie player allows an elite group of owners the ability to watch first-run Hollywood films in the privacy of their homes, usually on the same day they are released to the cinemas. Not only that, but PRIMA delivers the best picture quality of anything you’ve ever seen outside the Arclight or El Capitan.

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Custom Installation How-ToThe Connected Life
iControl Your Life
John Sciacca  |  Jul 13, 2011  |  0 comments

Some people immediately get that the iPad can become the controller for an automation system, allowing them to control not only their audio/video gear but also their lights, HVAC, security, and irrigation systems.

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CES 2018
iDevices Instinct Not Just a Pretty Light
John Sciacca  |  Jan 11, 2018  |  0 comments
Lots of products shown at CES work with either Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, or Apple HomeKit, but it is a rarefied few that work with all of them. Let alone come in the form factor of an in-wall light switch and include an on-board microphone and speaker for full-on Amazon Alexa control and feedback. This distinct privilege resides with iDevices Instinct Wi-Fi enabled lighting dimmer.
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The Connected Life
If This, Then That: Automation and Security
John Sciacca  |  Jul 16, 2014  |  0 comments
When you think about a home security system, you probably think about protection and sirens that go off and keypads that go BEEP-BEEP when someone opens a door. And while that is a huge part of a security system’s mission statement, a security system is also a huge source of information that an automation system can mine to execute events around the home!

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CEDIA 2013
If Tony Stark Docked His iPad, He'd Use This
John Sciacca  |  Sep 26, 2013  |  0 comments
Many people have turned to the iPad as the controller of choice for their home's automation system. Using systems from the likes of Control4, Crestron, Savant, or URC, you can turn even the humblest iPad into a powerful automation controller capable of adjusting lights, HVAC, alarm, TV and about anything else you can think of. But where to you put the iPad when you're not using it? Do you just plop it on a sofa cushion or leave it on a counter somewhere until the next time you need it, and then hope the battery isn't dead?
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CEDIA 2019
IMAX Enhanced Expands Program and Content
John Sciacca  |  Sep 14, 2019  |  0 comments
Launched a year ago at last year’s CEDIA, IMAX Enhanced has been busy signing new device partners such as Anthem and Strom Audio, bringing their current number of certified television and A/V receiver partners to 14. However, there has been precious little in the way of Enhanced content available to watch save for a handful of IMAX documentaries. The company was at CEDIA to announce it has signed new streaming partners to deliver content as well as studios delivering titles on physical 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray disc.

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CES 2020
IMAX Enhanced Ready for Primetime
John Sciacca  |  Jan 10, 2020  |  0 comments
Since it was initially teased at CEDIA in 2018, IMAX has been parsing out information s-l-o-w-l-y about its new Enhanced program. There have been occasional partner announcements, a random IMAX Enhanced 4K Blu-ray documentary, and promises of streaming providers to come. Well, it seems we are finally at a point where IMAX Enhanced is a thing, and you can start watching movies in some of the best quality available now!
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CEDIA 2013
In-Ceiling Home Theater Speakers Sound Golden
John Sciacca  |  Sep 27, 2013  |  0 comments
GoldenEar Technology's Sandy Gross knows how to make an outstanding sounding loudspeaker. Whether bookshelf or tower, Gross's designs never fail to impress. But in-wall and in-ceiling speakers can be a trickier proposition. GoldenEar Technology showed they were up to the challenge by building a new demo theater this year to highlight the company's Invisa HTR 7000 speakers designed for use as ceiling mounted main front left, center right speakers.
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Custom Installation How-ToThe Connected Life
Installations: A Higher Power
John Sciacca  |  Nov 05, 2007  |  0 comments

Cathedrals are almost preternaturally quiet havens where even the softest whispers, shuffling in the pews, or footsteps across marble floors can seem blasphemously loud.

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Custom Installation How-ToThe Connected Life
Installations: Let Us Entertain You
John Sciacca  |  Oct 04, 2007  |  0 comments

While it might take a village to raise a child, it takes an army and lots of time to build an estate! Custom Theater and Audio (CTA) in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, where I work as lead system designer, was recently involved in all aspects of the A/V design and installation for Phil and Janet Pate's new home in North Myrtle Beach.

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