Topics — Deeper Reading
Longer-form explainers for the cord-cutter and smart-home topics that need more than a quick answer. Each one is the deepest writeup we have on the subject — from a 28-year residential AV installer's perspective.
Browse all topics
When you want the full answer instead of the Short version. Each topic page is built to be the most authoritative writeup on its specific subject — so it earns search rankings and links from the rest of the site to it.
Lutron Caseta vs Kasa Smart Switches — The Honest Math →
Lutron Caseta costs 3-4x more than Kasa per switch. It is not a money-saver. A 28-year installer explains why the right answer for any home with 10+ switches is still Lutron — and when Kasa is actually fine.
Matter vs Thread vs Zigbee vs Z-Wave — which protocol in 2026? →
The honest 2026 smart home protocol decision tree. Matter is the future but maturing.
Starlink vs Fiber vs 5G home internet — which should you actually get? →
The honest 2026 internet decision tree. Fiber wins where available. 5G home internet beats cable in covered areas.
The Hidden Reason Your Wi-Fi Is Slow: Smart Home Device Count →
You pay for gigabit fiber and Netflix still buffers. The cause is usually 75+ Wi-Fi devices on a router built for 30. A 28-year installer
Wi-Fi & ISP Troubleshooter →
Step-by-step diagnostic that tells you exactly whether your slow internet is your ISP, your modem, your router, or your Wi-Fi coverage.
Wi-Fi 6 vs Wi-Fi 7 — which do you actually need? →
Wi-Fi 7 is mostly hype for home users. Here is when the upgrade matters, when it does not, and what to spend money on instead from a 28-year installer.