In your search for home security systems you will likely have come across smart cameras and CCTV systems.
Both are great options with pros and cons against both, as with most things. But what's the best way to go?
In this blog we've created a Pros & Cons list pitting WiFi smart cameras against "proper" CCTV Systems.
We think both are valid options, but every situation is different, so here we go...
CCTV Systems
PROS:
Reliability - WiFi or inte...
Smart light switches are very versatile and have a few tricks up their sleeves.
You can achieve a lot with various consumer level smart light switches from brands such as LightwaveRF and Iotty.
Here's a list of 10 features that you might not have thought could be achieved with a smart switch.
10 Smart Switch Features
1. Turn Your Lights On When You Arrive Home
Using geolocation you can set a perimeter around your home.
Once your smart phone ente...
Deciding whether to complete a project by yourself, with an electrician or with a smart home installation professional can be a daunting task.
We feel that it can be answered quite simply with a simple question....
"How far do you want to go?
It starts with an understanding of what you want to achieve and who can competently complete each component.
For example....
Smart Bulbs, Voice Assistants, Smart Speakers
DIY
Smart Light Switches, CCTV Cameras...
If you want to take control of your lights at home, adding timers, scenes and other automations then you may have been looking for a "smart light switch".
Smart light switches offer a great way to automate, control and monitor your home. They offer comfort and security benefits such as scenes, increased security with automatic lighting, welcome home lighting and much, much more.
But whilst there are some great quality products out there, there's quite a...
In earlier smart home systems you'd have had no choice but to have a smart home hub as part of your system. A small "computer" that sits on your home network and talks to all of your smart devices.
But in recent years more and more products are working without needing a separate hub, so why would you still want one given the choice?
Smart Home Hub Pros
FASTER: Smart home devices that talk to a smart home hub are often much more responsive. That's beca...
We are excited to announce that TECH4 are now an official LightwaveRF distributor and stockist.
LightwaveRF is an excellent smart home solution for most small to medium sized projects, especially where DIY is essential.
What Can You Do With Lightwave?
Create Scenes
Create Automations & Timers
Control From Smart Phone or Web Browser
Control With Voice Using Alexa, Google Assistant, Homekit
Link In With Smart Things & IFTTT
Control From Web ...
Traditionally there were only really one or two ways to control your lights… switches or wired-in PIR sensors.
However in 2020 there’s lots of new and exciting ways you can control your lighting that will benefit you from comfort, convenience and even with home security.
Here they are...
1. Light Switch
Obviously taking the number one spot here is the good old fashioned light switch.
Flick it on, lights come on, flick it off lights go off. Simple.
I...
Home security is a serious concern, it’s your castle and you’re quite right to want to protect your family, your home and your belongings.
Smart home devices can really assist with peace of mind by warning off burglars before they get the chance to break in.
Here’s some smart home security ideas to get you started...
1. Security Lighting
One of the most effective ways of warning off intruders is with outdoor security lighting.
Burglars really don’t l...
