Podcast #1043: aptX HD andLutron Caseta Smart Home Products - The answer to Wifi Issues

This week we take a look at aptX HD Bluetooth: What is it? What devices and headphones support it? We also ask if Lutron Caseta Smart Home Products are the answer to Wifi Issues for homes with a lot of 2.4Ghz wifi devices? We read your emails and look at the week's news as well.

News:

• Denon Expands Hi-Res Speaker Ecosystem With Denon Home Wireless Subwoofer
• Netflix Testing Shared Account Discount Pricing
• 'Daredevil,' 'Jessica Jones,' 'The Punisher' and more are now streaming on Disney Plus
• Sky Looks Set To Broadcast Live Formula 1 In 4K HDR For The First Time This Weekend

aptX HD Bluetooth: What is it? What devices and headphones support it?

If there's one thing we've learned over the years it's that plenty of people will happily sacrifice audio quality for convenience. The popularity of music streaming services and wireless headphones are proof of that. Although seldom a match for a well-recorded LP or good pair of wired headphones, they sure are mighty handy. Full article here…

Lutron Caseta Smart Home Products - The answer to Wifi Issues?

A couple of weeks ago we received an email from Robert Iadevaia extolling the virtues of hub based smart home devices. Specifically Lutron Caseta. Robert pointed out that using a hub connected to the network with an ethernet cable that in turn talks with the wireless devices on a separate proprietary network offloads the demands on the Wifi network, which will increase the reliability of both the Wifi network and the smart home devices.

I did a deeper dive into this after receiving an email from Robert Spivack of DoItForMe.Solutions. Robert and I had a conversation discussing the way Lutron works and after the call I bought a Starter kit that included a Hub, two dimmers, and two pico remote controls for $170 from Amazon. Note - If you plan on installing the Pico remote in place of another switch as part of a three way light control you will need two wall plate brackets that cost $6 each.

Hub Features:

• Works with Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and the Google Assistant
• Does not interfere or compete with Wi-Fi connected devices because it transmits on the same frequencies as a garage door opener.
• The lower frequency the devices operate on extend the range of devices.
• Supports up to 75 Caseta devices

Switch Installation:

These are the easiest switches I have ever installed! There are only two wires and a ground. The switches do not need the white neutral wire which makes it a great choice for older homes. The other interesting part of the install is that it doesn't matter where you connect the line and load wires on the switch. You can install these without a volt meter. Just make sure you turn off the power!

The three way switch is just as easy. There is no need for the traveler wire so you cap it off. You will, however, need to connect the line and load lines in the remote switch location so that the circuit is completed. But other than that, you install the wall plate bracket and put the remote into it and put the switch cover on and you are done.

Lutron App:

The app is pretty basic but gets the job done. If you use Alexa, HomeKit, or Google Home, you will use it to add the devices and nothing else. But you can manage your entire Luton based home with the app if you choose. Adding devices is much faster than using the Home app and the nice thing is when the device is added it automatically shows up in the Home app. This is provided that you added the hub to Homekit. The other automation systems work just as easily.

You have to add and pair the remote as well. However, you can pair remotes with switches without the need of the app. The remote does not show up in the Home app so it can only control Lutron devices. You can control the Lutron devices with other remotes in your automation system if you want.

Performance:

Lightning fast! 100% reliable! Yes it's only been four days but one of the switches that was replaced needed to be reset about every three days. I like the switches so much I bought three more! And on a side note, they have wall plugs that cost $45 but they are only two prongs. They do dim however. Not a requirement for me.

In my quest to reduce the number of wifi devices I wanted to swap out a few of my current wall plugs but the two prong socket is an issue for me. Fortunately el Gato sells a three prong plug that is bluetooth based that supports Thread for $40.

When I was done. I replaced Five wall switches and two wall plugs for about $500. My automation got more responsive and reliable and as a side benefit, my wifi performance for the other devices on my network improved dramatically. If you have a lot of devices in your system and the response is a bit flaky, you should seriously consider trying out Lutron Caseta Smart Home Products!