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Smart Home & Security Blog
Tips, insights, and news about smart home tech from the Treasure Valley's trusted experts.
October 15, 2026Mount TV to Stone Fireplace: Anchors, Tools, and Hidden Wires
To mount TV to stone fireplace walls safely, anchor the mount to solid masonry or to the wall studs behind the stone, never to the stone face alone. Work out what is behind your stone, pick a mount th...
5 Best Full Motion TV Wall Mounts for a 65 Inch TV
The best full motion TV wall mount for 65 inch TV screens is the one whose size range, weight rating, and VESA range all clear your set with room to spare. For most people that is the Mount-It MI-319L...
How to Mount a TV into a Brick Fireplace Without Damage
The safe way to mount a TV into a brick fireplace is to use a hammer drill with a carbide masonry bit, drill into the center of the brick face instead of the mortar, set masonry anchors rated well abo...
Can You Mount a TV over a Fireplace? Safety Rules Explained
So, can you mount a TV over a fireplace? Yes, as long as the wall behind the screen stays under your TV's maximum operating temperature, usually around 100°F, and the screen sits at a height you can w...
How to Hide Wires in a Wall Mounted TV, Step by Step
The way to learn how to hide wires in wall mounted tv setups is to run the cables inside the wall. Cut one opening behind the TV and another near an outlet below it, both in the same stud bay. Fit a p...
Brick Fireplace TV Mount: How to Choose and Install One
The safest brick fireplace TV mount setup is a tilting or pull-down mount rated well above your TV's weight, fastened with masonry anchors drilled into the face of the bricks, never the mortar joints....
Wall Mount TV and Hide Wires: In-Wall and No-Cut Methods
A TV on the wall looks great until you see the black cables hanging below it. Wires ruin the clean look you mounted the TV for in the first place. The good news is that you can fix it, and you do not...
5 Best Full Motion 75 Inch TV Wall Mounts to Buy in 2026
A 75-inch TV is heavy, wide, and expensive to replace. Pick the wrong 75 inch TV wall mount full motion model and you risk a sagging arm, a screen that will not clear a corner, or a mount that never l...
TV Mount for Stone Fireplace: 7 Top Picks and Install Tips
Stone is beautiful, but it is a tough surface for a television. The face is uneven, the mortar joints are shallow, and the heat from a working fireplace can shorten a TV's life. If you are shopping fo...
Outdoor TV Installation: DIY Steps, Costs, and When to Hire
You bought an outdoor TV, or you are about to, and now you have a blank patio wall and a drill. Outdoor TV installation looks simple until you factor in sun glare, rain, a 70-pound screen, and a power...
How to Mount a TV and Hide the Wires (In-Wall or No-Cut)
A TV on the wall looks great until you see the cables dangling underneath it. Those wires turn a clean install into a mess, and they are the first thing most people notice. The good news is that how t...
Full Motion TV Mount for 65 Inch TVs: 5 Best Picks Compared
Buying a tv mount full motion 65 inch sounds simple until you hit the specs. A mount that fits one 65-inch TV can fail on another because of weight, VESA pattern, or stud layout. A bad pick means a sa...
About Our Smart Home Blog
Our blog is your go-to resource for everything smart home, home automation, and audio-video installation in the Treasure Valley. Whether you're a homeowner in Boise looking to upgrade your security system, a builder in Meridian planning pre-wire infrastructure for new construction, or a business owner in Nampa exploring conference room technology, our articles provide practical guidance based on real-world experience installing systems throughout Idaho.
We write about the products we actually install and support—from Sonos whole-home audio and Sony TVs to Ring security cameras and Lutron lighting control systems. Every article draws from hands-on installation experience in Idaho homes and businesses, so you get advice that works in the real world, not just marketing copy from manufacturers.
Topics We Cover
Our articles span the full range of smart home and commercial technology topics. We cover home theater and media room design including projectors, surround sound systems, acoustic treatments, and the latest display technology for creating the ultimate viewing experience. Security is a major focus, with guides on AI-powered cameras, video doorbells, smart locks, and integrated alarm systems for both residential and commercial properties. Audio enthusiasts will find detailed coverage of whole-home audio systems, Sonos speaker setups, in-ceiling and outdoor speakers, and multi-zone configurations.
We also write extensively about smart lighting control using systems like Lutron and Brilliant, motorized window shades for energy efficiency and convenience, and network infrastructure including Cat6 pre-wire, fiber optic cabling, and WiFi optimization for whole-home connectivity. TV mounting and installation guides help homeowners understand professional mounting techniques, cable concealment options, and how to choose the right display for every room. Whether you are planning a new construction project or upgrading an existing space, our blog provides the information you need to make informed decisions about your smart technology investment.
Product Reviews
Honest reviews based on products we've installed in real Idaho homes. We share what works, what doesn't, and which products offer the best value for Treasure Valley homeowners.
Installation Guides
Learn what goes into a professional installation, from initial planning and product selection through final setup and programming. Understand the process before you start your project.
Industry Trends
Stay ahead of the curve with insights on emerging smart home technology, new product releases, and industry developments that will shape how we live and work.