Smart Home Glossary

A display resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, offering four times the detail of standard 1080p HD. This is the current standard for high-quality TVs and projectors.

The next generation display resolution at 7680 x 4320 pixels, offering four times the detail of 4K. Currently available in premium TVs with limited native content.

Systems that manage who can enter your home or specific areas, including smart locks, keypads, and intercom systems. Can track entry logs and grant temporary access.

A device that creates a wireless network by connecting to your router, extending Wi-Fi coverage to areas with weak signals. Enterprise-grade APs offer better performance than consumer extenders.

A security system that detects intrusion, fire, or other emergencies and alerts homeowners and monitoring services. Modern systems integrate with smart home devices.

Amazon's voice assistant that powers Echo devices and many third-party products. Can control smart home devices, play music, answer questions, and perform thousands of skills.

Apple's smart home platform that allows control of compatible devices through the Home app, Siri voice commands, and Apple Watch. Known for strong privacy and security features.

Audio Return Channel allows your TV to send audio back to a soundbar or receiver through a single HDMI cable. eARC (Enhanced ARC) supports higher-quality formats like Dolby Atmos.

The central hub of a home theater system that processes audio and video signals, powers speakers, and switches between input sources like streaming devices and game consoles.

The practice of organizing, concealing, and routing cables for a clean, professional appearance. Includes in-wall cable routing, raceways, cord covers, and cable ties to hide unsightly wires.

A surface-mounted channel that covers and organizes cables running along walls. A great option when in-wall routing isn't possible, available in paintable versions to match your wall color.

A mount that suspends your TV from the ceiling, often used in bedrooms, commercial spaces, or areas where wall mounting isn't possible. Available in fixed, tilting, and motorized options.

A built-in vacuum system with a central power unit and wall outlets throughout the home. Simply plug in a hose at any outlet to vacuum without carrying a heavy unit.

Smart lighting that automatically adjusts color temperature throughout the day to match natural light patterns, supporting your body's natural sleep-wake cycle.

A professional-grade smart home automation system that integrates lighting, audio, video, security, and climate into a unified control experience via touchscreens, remotes, or voice.

An immersive audio technology that creates a three-dimensional sound experience. Sound can move around you, including overhead, for a theater-like experience at home.

A premium HDR format that provides dynamic metadata, adjusting picture settings scene-by-scene or frame-by-frame for optimal image quality.

A wired network connection that provides faster, more reliable data transfer than Wi-Fi. Essential for devices requiring stable connections like smart TVs, gaming consoles, and security cameras.

A low-profile wall mount that holds your TV flat against the wall with no movement. The most affordable and sleek option, ideal when you have a perfect viewing angle and don't need to adjust the TV position.

Also called an articulating mount, this bracket allows your TV to extend from the wall, swivel left and right, and tilt up and down. Ideal for corner installations or rooms where you watch from multiple seating areas.

Technology that uses your smartphone's location to trigger smart home actions when you arrive or leave. For example, turning off lights when you leave or adjusting the thermostat when you're coming home.

Google's voice assistant built into Nest devices, Android phones, and many smart devices. Excels at answering questions, providing information, and controlling compatible smart home products.

High-Definition Multimedia Interface - the standard cable connection for transmitting high-quality audio and video between devices. HDMI 2.1 supports 4K at 120Hz and 8K video.

A video technology that expands the range of colors and contrast in images, producing more vivid and lifelike pictures with brighter highlights and deeper blacks.

The automatic control of household features, activities, and appliances. This includes lighting, climate, entertainment systems, and security that operate on schedules or respond to triggers.

A dedicated room or area designed for an immersive movie and entertainment experience, typically featuring a large screen or projector, surround sound, and controlled lighting.

A central device that connects and controls multiple smart home devices. It acts as the brain of your smart home, allowing different devices to communicate with each other.

Speakers installed flush with the ceiling, providing high-quality audio without visible equipment. Ideal for whole-home audio, home theaters, and background music throughout your home.

Running cables inside the wall cavity to completely hide wires from view. The cleanest solution for TV mounting, requiring low-voltage cable plates or conduit for code-compliant installation.

Speakers designed to mount flush within walls or ceilings, providing high-quality audio without taking up floor space. Popular for whole-home audio and home theaters.

A communication system allowing voice or video communication between different rooms or with visitors at the door. Modern intercoms integrate with smartphones and smart home systems.

A network of physical devices embedded with sensors and software that connect and exchange data over the internet. In homes, this includes smart thermostats, cameras, doorbells, and more.

A digital security camera that transmits video over your network and internet, allowing remote viewing from smartphones and computers. Most offer features like motion detection and cloud storage.

Outdoor lighting that illuminates pathways, gardens, architectural features, and outdoor living spaces. Smart landscape lighting can be automated and controlled remotely.

An ultra-short-throw projector that sits inches from the wall and projects a large image (100+ inches) onto a special screen. Offers a bright, theater-like experience without a traditional projector setup.

A television that uses LED (Light Emitting Diode) backlighting behind an LCD panel. The most common and affordable TV technology, offering good picture quality and energy efficiency.

A TV feature that dims or turns off specific zones of the backlight to improve contrast. More zones mean better contrast and less light bleed around bright objects on dark backgrounds.

Wiring that carries less than 50 volts, used for networks, speakers, security systems, and smart home devices. Safer to install and doesn't require an electrician's license in most areas.

A leading brand for smart lighting and motorized shades, known for reliability and seamless integration with major smart home platforms and voice assistants.

A new universal smart home standard backed by Apple, Google, Amazon, and Samsung. Allows devices from different manufacturers to work together seamlessly.

A multi-purpose entertainment space designed for movies, gaming, and music, often with comfortable seating, quality audio/video equipment, and ambient lighting control.

A Wi-Fi system using multiple access points that work together to provide seamless coverage throughout your home, eliminating dead zones and weak signal areas.

Cutting-edge display technology using millions of microscopic self-emitting LEDs. Combines OLED's perfect blacks with LED's brightness and longevity. Currently available in large-format luxury displays.

A backlighting technology using thousands of tiny LEDs for more precise local dimming. Provides better contrast and HDR performance than standard LED TVs, used in premium LCD displays.

A device that detects movement in an area using infrared, ultrasonic, or microwave technology. Used for security alerts, automated lighting, and energy savings.

Window coverings with built-in motors that open and close via remote, smartphone, or automation. Can be scheduled based on time of day or integrated with smart home systems.

An electric mount that moves your TV at the touch of a button. Options include lifts that raise TVs from furniture, ceiling drops, swivel mounts, and art covers that hide the TV when not in use.

An audio system that divides your home into separate zones, each with independent volume and source control. Play different music in the kitchen, living room, and patio simultaneously.

Samsung's advanced QLED technology using Mini LED backlighting for more precise light control. Offers better contrast and less blooming than standard QLED, approaching OLED-like black levels.

A device that records and stores footage from IP cameras on a hard drive. Unlike cloud storage, an NVR keeps all recordings locally for privacy and no monthly fees.

Organic Light Emitting Diode technology where each pixel produces its own light and can turn completely off. Delivers perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and vibrant colors. Premium choice for home theaters.

Motorized shade systems designed for patios, pergolas, and outdoor living spaces. Block sun, reduce heat, and provide privacy while withstanding weather conditions.

Weather-resistant speakers designed for patios, pools, and landscaping. Built to withstand rain, humidity, and temperature extremes while delivering quality sound.

Technology that delivers both power and data through a single ethernet cable to devices like cameras and access points. Simplifies installation by eliminating separate power cables.

A code-compliant solution for running power to a wall-mounted TV. Consists of two electrical boxes connected by a tube through the wall, allowing you to safely hide power cables inside the wall.

Installing cables and conduits during construction before drywall goes up. Much easier and less expensive than retrofitting wiring after the home is finished.

A device that projects images onto a screen or wall, creating large displays up to 150 inches or more. Popular for home theaters and media rooms.

A specially designed surface for displaying projected images with optimal brightness, contrast, and color accuracy. Available in fixed, motorized, and portable styles.

A motorized or manual mount that lowers your TV from a high position (like above a fireplace) to a comfortable viewing height. Perfect for over-fireplace installations where the TV would otherwise be too high.

Quantum Dot LED technology that uses a layer of quantum dots to enhance color and brightness. Samsung's premium LED TV line, offering vivid colors and high brightness levels.

A standardized equipment enclosure for organizing AV components, networking gear, and smart home controllers in a clean, accessible, and ventilated setup.

How many times per second a TV updates its image, measured in Hertz (Hz). Standard is 60Hz; 120Hz offers smoother motion for sports, gaming, and action movies.

An automated sequence of actions triggered by time, location, or voice command. For example, a 'Good Morning' routine might turn on lights, adjust the thermostat, and play news.

A preset combination of device settings that activate together with a single command. For example, a 'Movie Night' scene might dim lights, close shades, and turn on the TV.

A light switch that not only turns lights on and off but also adjusts brightness levels. Smart dimmers can be controlled via app, voice, or automation schedules.

A home equipped with devices that can be controlled remotely via smartphone, voice commands, or automated schedules. These devices communicate over your home network to provide convenience, security, and energy efficiency.

Light bulbs and fixtures that can be controlled remotely, change colors, dim, and operate on schedules. Can respond to motion, time of day, or integrate with other smart devices.

An electronic door lock that can be controlled via smartphone, keypad, or voice commands. Features often include temporary access codes, auto-lock, and integration with other smart devices.

A Wi-Fi connected thermostat that learns your preferences, can be controlled remotely, and optimizes heating and cooling for comfort and energy savings.

A television with built-in internet connectivity and apps for streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+. Most modern TVs include smart features with voice control support.

A popular wireless multi-room audio system known for easy setup and excellent sound quality. Works with streaming services and can be controlled via app or voice assistants.

A compact speaker system designed to sit below or near a TV, providing improved audio over built-in TV speakers. Many include subwoofers and support virtual surround sound.

A planned network of cables installed in walls during construction, including ethernet, coax, and speaker wires. Creates a clean, hidden infrastructure for smart home technology.

A speaker dedicated to reproducing low-frequency sounds (bass). Essential for home theaters and music systems, adding depth and impact to movies, music, and games.

An audio system using multiple speakers positioned around a room to create an immersive sound experience. Common configurations include 5.1, 7.1, and 7.1.4 channel setups.

Samsung's modular MicroLED display system that can be configured to virtually any size. A premium solution for custom home theaters and commercial installations with stunning picture quality.

A wall mount that allows your TV to tilt up or down, typically 5-15 degrees. Perfect for mounting above eye level, such as over a fireplace, to reduce glare and improve viewing angles.

Lighting that can adjust from warm (yellow/orange) to cool (blue/white) color temperatures. Useful for creating different moods or supporting circadian rhythms.

Professional installation of a television on a wall using specialized brackets, including cable management and optimal positioning for viewing comfort and room aesthetics.

A single remote control programmed to operate multiple devices like TVs, receivers, streaming boxes, and lighting. Simplifies control by consolidating many remotes into one.

A doorbell with a built-in camera that lets you see and speak with visitors via your smartphone, even when you're away from home. Most include motion detection and night vision.

A system that distributes music to multiple rooms or zones throughout your home, controlled from a central point or smartphone app. Each zone can play the same or different audio.

The latest Wi-Fi standards offering faster speeds, better performance with many devices, and improved range. Wi-Fi 6E adds a new 6GHz band for less interference.

A wireless communication protocol designed specifically for smart home devices. Uses low-energy radio waves and creates a mesh network where devices relay signals to extend range.

A wireless protocol for smart home devices that creates a mesh network. Commonly used by major brands including Philips Hue, Amazon Echo, and Samsung SmartThings.