Lifestyle Smart Home

Wink Hub Won't Connect to Wi-Fi? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

The Wink Hub is a genius piece of smart home technology. This smart hub router syncs up with other smart home appliances on your Wi-Fi network. It streamlines your ability to talk to all compatible smart home equipment through one device. Using the Wink App, you can control all connected appliances with voice or touch.

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Vizio TV Power Light Blinking? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Vizio is one of the most respected brands of TV on the market. Many people prefer Vizio TVs because of the high quality, clean pictures, and reliable service. However, even Vizio TVs can have their issues. One common issue is the Vizio TV power light blinking with or without an image on the screen.

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Can You Plug The Amazon Fire Stick Into A Cable Box?

The Amazon Fire Stick is more than just a passing tech fad or an alternative cable option like satellite TV. And the Amazon Fire Stick has been the source of many questions too. From what can it do to how does it work. Many of those questions also derive from folks who already have cable service. That includes questions like the ability to use the Fire Stick with cable or being able to plug the  Amazon Fire Stick  into the cable box.

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Vizio TV Legs Too Wide For The Stand? (Here's What You Can Do)

Many typical issues come with getting a new TV. Those common issues can include things like connection and setup to  mounting the television. In most cases, these are less like problems and more like learning curves. And like every new television, often even with the same manufacturer, there are new things to figure out. That includes learning how to deal with issues like when Vizio TV legs are too wide.

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Why Does My Vizio TV Keep Changing Input? (Find Out Why!)

In today’s world, there are so many different devices to plug into your Vizio TV. Many people have an Xbox or PlayStation they use via an HDMI port. So, how do you stop your Vizio TV from constantly changing inputs?

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Vizio TV Stuck On Downloading Update? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Anyone familiar with computers and software knows the frustration of updates. Computer-driven smart TVs like the Vizio are no different. Manufacturers routinely put out updates to TV firmware to bring enhanced operations and new features to TVs. However, you may experience your Vizio TV getting stuck during the download process.

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Ring Video Doorbell Has Solid White Light? (We Have a Fix!)

The Ring Doorbell is a great device that can come in handy for both security and casual purposes. Sometimes, however, you can run into problems with the technology. One common confusion with the Ring Video Doorbell is when a solid white light appears. With so many lights, this can be confusing. What causes it, and how can you fix it?

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Nest Says It's Heating But It's Not? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

It’s hard to imagine a world without smart thermostats now that we’ve had them for several years. The Nest thermostat is among the best on the market because it is easy to program and maintain, but even it can be confusing. So, what does it mean when a Nest says it’s heating but it’s not?

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Ring Doorbell Hardwired But Not Charging? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

The Ring Doorbell is designed to be hardwired into the existing doorbell transformer. This does two things. It allows the Ring doorbell to activate the home’s interior chime, and it trickle-charges the Ring’s lithium-ion battery pack.

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Nest Displaying "No Power To Rc Wire" Error? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Nest has several error codes that may appear on the screen to let you know something is amiss. While it can be alarming, there are usually plenty of ways to troubleshoot the problems yourself.

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Ways to Fix Nest "No Power to Rh Wire" (Do This!)

With the advancement of smart technology and software, smart homes are becoming extremely popular. Whether you want to go all out with a smart home or simply include one or two pieces of smart technology, a Nest thermostat is a great place to start. While they offer many advantages over other thermostats, Nest thermostats still have their fair share of problems. One of these problems is when you suddenly have no power to the Rh wire.

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What Does Green Light On Comcast Cable Box Mean?

We love our cable, and as Americans, we love our television programs enough to schedule our week around our favorite shows. After all, there is no way anything can be planned on Tuesday, because that is the season finale, right? What happens though when our cable box stops being that reliable and beloved device? Don’t panic, this is fixable, and it won’t be long before you get tuned back in.

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Why Are Heat And Cool Disabled When Ecobee Is Calibrating?

I’ve often found myself going to ask Alexa a question only to realize I was nowhere near one. Smart devices make life much more convenient, don’t they? Ecobee is a home automation company that specializes in smart home devices. One such device is their smart thermostat.

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Will A Ring Doorbell Work With An Existing Chime?

Ring doorbells are a great security measure that Ring allows you to have. The device gives you video and audio alerts of activity outside your home, even if the doorbell isn’t ringing.

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Is Your Ecobee Auxiliary Heat Running Too Long?

Heater season is upon us! If you have an Ecobee thermostat, you may notice an alert pop up after running the heater for a few weeks: “Aux heat running too long.” It should be noted that “Aux” stands for auxiliary, a secondary heating system. Once the temperature outside reaches a certain low point, your compressor switches over to auxiliary heat.

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Why Are There Horizontal Lines On My Samsung TV?

Samsung TVs, particularly the new generation of Smart TVs, have an excellent reputation. Purchasers of Samsung TVs give above-average comments and reviews. However, a few known issues occur with the display screens and graphics on some Samsung TVs. In particular, the appearance of black horizontal lines on the screen is mentioned

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DirecTV Genie Keeps Freezing? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

The best way to catch up on your favorite shows is by recording them when they air and saving them for a later date. However, you need your recording device to be working properly for this to happen.

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Why Does My LG Sound Bar Subwoofer Keep Cutting Out?

Whether you’re listening to music or watching a movie, an LG soundbar is a great way to enhance your experience. That is until your soundbar subwoofer keeps cutting out for no reason. This problem is extremely annoying and inconvenient. If you want to get back to your listening experience, you’ll have to solve it in a timely manner.

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Why Is My Honeywell Thermostat Display Blank? (Find Out Now!)

 It doesn’t take long to tell a difference in the temperature of your home. Maybe you noticed your home wasn’t as comfortable as usual and discovered a blank display screen. If this is the case, you’ll want to diagnose the problem quickly.

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Wired Connection Slower Than WiFi? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Wired connection is slowly becoming a thing of the past, although it is still semi-popular for its reliable speed. Why all of a sudden isn’t it delivering the results you’ve come to expect? Here’s what to do when your wired connection is slower than WiFi.

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Honeywell Thermostat RTH230B Not Working? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

The Honeywell RTH230B is easy to use, and it works reliably most of the time. Thermostats of any kind can quit working optimally or at all at the most inconvenient times, and they can be tricky to troubleshoot. So, what does it mean when your Honeywell RTH230B isn’t working, and what should you do?

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Smappee Vs. Sense: Which Energy Monitor Is Better?

When it comes to trying to pare down the high price of energy, people are getting crafty. They’re getting eco-friendly materials for their homes. They’re adding insulation. Oh, and they’re also getting some devices that make it easy to help curb your energy use, such as energy monitors. You might be wondering what’s getting your bill high. Should you get a Smappee or a Sense?

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Vizio TV Stuck On Wide Mode? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Unlike old TVs with one aspect ratio available, Vizio TVs offer you several options for viewing programs at the best aspect ratio. Most times, your Vizio TV adjusts the display’s aspect ratio for the best with the program you watch. However, you may experience your Vizio TV getting stuck in the Wide Mode aspect ratio.

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Ecobee Thermostat Has No Power? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

It’s frustrating when you take time to install an Ecobee thermostat only to have it not power on. It’s even more frustrating when the thermostat was already working and suddenly loses power. In either case, there is always a reason.

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Hulu Keeps Skipping Forward: 5 Ways to Fix It

Nothing can be quite as frustrating as trying to watch a show and it keeps skipping forward. Unfortunately for Hulu users, this can be a common issue. There are a handful of different reasons for why this happens, and we’re here to talk about them all. So, why does Hulu keep skipping forward, and what can you do to stop it from being an issue in the future?

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Is It Possible To Record A Nest Cam Locally? (Find Out Now!)

Home security has advanced significantly in the last several years now that it is affordable and accessible. Companies such as Google Nest and Ring allow you to add a layer of security to your home without spending a fortune. So, is it possible to record a Nest cam locally?

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Alarm.com Thermostat Not Cooling? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

When summer rolls around, your home’s air conditioner is one of the only things that can offer you respite from the heat. As far as smart thermostats go, the Alarm.com thermostat is a strong contender. However, as is the case with many thermostats, its cooling capabilities can malfunction.

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How To Reset Your ADT Alarm After Power Outage (Do This!)

Home security systems like ADT are designed to help homeowners and renters feel safe and protected against dangers of the outside world. When you lose power for one reason or another it is important to reset the system to ensure your ADT system works continuously.

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Samsung TV Red Light Blinking 6 Times? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

When the red LED light on your Samsung TV blinks 6 times, and the TV doesn’t come on, you are pretty sure that there is trouble in paradise. Some other brands of TVs have extensive error code systems. Not so Samsung, so if your Samsung TV blinks the red LED 6 times, you only get a general idea of what is wrong.

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Magnavox Remote Isn't Working? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Magnavox universal remotes simplify your life by combining controls for all of your audio-visual equipment in a single device. As convenient as this is, when the remote stops working, things get a bit complicated. You have to juggle individual remotes or manually adjust each piece of equipment.

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6 Best Alternatives To Blue Iris Security Software

Having a smart home means that you’re going to need to find software that helps manage your safety and security. Blue Iris is one of the top home security camera software kits out there, and it lets you see all the things that go on in your home. Every feature comes at a fee, though, and those fees add up. Did you ever wonder what the most popular alternatives to Blue Iris are?

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Is A Ring Doorbell Waterproof? (Find Out Now!)

The Ring Video Doorbell is made to be mounted outside of a home, typically underneath eaves or under a porch where it will be subjected to some weather but not the full force of soaking rain or driving winds. It is also assumed that it will not be regularly sprayed by landscaping irrigation sprinklers or doused by splashing pool water.

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The 26 Best Video Doorbells Without A Subscription

I love the idea of video doorbells, don’t you? It’s so nice to see a video of who’s outside your home and actually have proof of porch pirates. Video doorbells are a smart investment in home security, but most require you to pay a monthly subscription. Want to get a video doorbell that doesn’t need one? We have you covered.

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Emerson Thermostat Flashing Snowflake? (We Have A Fix!)

Modern electronic thermostats are a marvel of convenience. Thermostats, such as some Emerson models,  communicate with your HVAC system to give you information about your system’s current status. It is important to understand how the thermostat communicates with you. A flashing snowflake icon on an Emerson thermostat may be a normal occurrence or may indicate a problem with your HVAC system

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Xfinity Remote Not Working? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Xfinity is one of the most popular cable providers in the United States. With their huge selection of channels and packages, they’ve got something for everyone. However, sometimes things can go wrong- like when your Xfinity remote isn’t working correctly.

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Vizio TV Keeps Turning Off After a Few Seconds? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

There’s nothing worse than when your Vizio TV keeps turning off after a few seconds in the middle of Monday Night Football. It’s time to get to the bottom of this before you lose your cool.

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Ring Doorbell Not Connecting To Wi-Fi? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

A Ring doorbell acts as both a doorbell and a security device for homes and business properties. It allows you to see who is at the door and speak to them, too. You can accomplish all of this and more even when you’re away from home all through the Ring app. However, to make all this happen, your device must be connected to a secure Wi-Fi network.

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Echo Remote Not Working? (We Have a Fix!)

An Echo remote is a pinnacle of convenience. It allows you to communicate with Alexa and easily control your home entertainment system using only your voice. But what do you do when the remote you use to make modern life more convenient stops working?

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Alexa's Blue Light Is Spinning? (We Have a Fix!)

I have two little Echo Dots, each which has that classic setup with Amazon Alexa. Once in a while, I’ll see something strange happen. The little light ring on my two Dots starts turning a color. It’s usually blue, and the blue seems to spin in a light like a siren on a police car. What does this even mean?

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Alexa Not Discovering Harmony Hub? (We Have a Fix!)

As we continue to progress into the future, the regular use of smart technology throughout homes and businesses has steadily increased across the globe. In fact, there are around 40 million Alexa users in the United States alone and over 100 million around the world as of 2021.

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Nest Thermostat Battery Keeps Draining? (We Have a Fix!)

Having a Google Nest thermostat can help you live comfortably and conveniently from season to season. However, as is the case with most technology, you’re likely to run into technical issues along the way. One of these issues involves the battery inside your thermostat.

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Echo Dot Has No Sound? (We Have a Fix!)

When I first was gifted an Echo Dot, I’ll be honest. I wasn’t impressed. I thought that it was a Gen Z gadget and was all “crotchety old lady” about it. But, I quickly learned to love it. That’s why I flipped out when my Echo Dot started to be mysteriously silent. Ever wonder what causes that?

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Is Your Ring Doorbell Not Charging? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

All Ring doorbells, except for the Ring Doorbell Pro and the Ring Doorbell Elite, run on batteries, even if they are hardwired to the home. The battery is a rechargeable lithium-ion pack that charges via a USB cable. The battery charge should last an average of 6 to 12 months, but frequent use discharges them sooner.

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"Send To Kindle" Function Not Working? (We Have a Fix!)

So, getting an e-reader is kind of a big deal especially if you want to get a good scoop on the hottest new home improvement books. The problem with e-readers, even Kindles, is that they don’t always work. This is a particularly common issue when it comes to matters of sending guides to Kindle. So, what gives?

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What Size Screws For A Vizio TV Mount? (Find Out Now!)

You may have a brand new Vizio TV or have purchased a used model. Now you want to mount that Vizio TV on the wall in your home. You may even have an existing mount already in place. If this is the situation and you can’t find the screws that came with the mount or the Vizio TV, you have a slight problem. What size crews do you use to mount your Vizio TV?

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Nest Vs. Honeywell Smart Thermostats: Which One is Better?

With an average rating of 4.5 stars, both Nest and Honeywell Smart Thermostats perform well in the eyes of customers. However, they have their differences.

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Alexa Randomly Plays Music? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

One of Amazon Alexa’s most popular skills allows users to play their choice of music on command. However, it seems some people have been experiencing issues with Alexa performing this task a bit too well.

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Ring Doorbell Has Poor Video Quality? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

A Ring Doorbell is an excellent device that provides you with live video footage of your front door. On an average day, this video is crystal clear. However, the quality might be poor. This issue can be a confusing and frustrating problem. What causes poor video quality? How can you fix this problem to take advantage of all your Ring has to offer?

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White-Rodgers Thermostat Not Responding? (We Have a Fix!)

White-Rodgers is a company that’s pretty well known for being reliable, especially when it comes to its selection of thermostats. Though they generally work well, there are always times when things don’t go as planned. If you notice your thermostat acting unresponsive, you might have a problem on your hand. But, what’s going on?

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Ring Video Doorbell Keeps Ringing? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Frequent ringing is a common complaint with Ring Video Doorbell owners. There are two ways in which the Ring doorbell may keep ringing, or ring too frequently. In the first case, the Ring itself is constantly sending alerts, even false alerts. In the second case, the house door chime keeps ringing when the Ring Video Doorbell is hooked up to it.

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How To Reset Honeywell Thermostats: A Guide for All Models

Honeywell has been manufacturing thermostats for decades, and it shouldn’t come as any surprise that the older models are different from the ones that are being made today. Despite their differences, every Honeywell thermostat can be reset, it’s just a matter of how.

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AT&T Broadband Blinking Red: 7 Ways to Fix It

It can be highly frustrating when your broadband connection starts bugging out and blinking red. It’s even more frustrating when there are different blinking lights, and you don’t know what they mean. So what does it mean if your AT&T broadband connection has a red light that’s blinking?

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Can You Use A Ring Doorbell In An Apartment? (Find Out Now!)

When I used to be in my twenties, I lived in really sketchy neighborhoods. One was an apartment building that had doors on the inside of the building. It was a time before Ring doorbells. Since then, I’ve wondered whether or not people there installed them inside the building. Is it even possible?

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Honeywell 9000 Vs. 9580 Thermostats: What Are The Major Differences?

Looking to upgrade your home’s thermostat to a WiFi-enabled thermostat with more features? Honeywell offers several great options, including the Honeywell Wifi 9000 and the Honeywell 9580. However, these two options have many similarities. So, how can you be sure to choose the right one for your home? 

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Nest Vs. SimpliSafe Video Monitoring: What Are The Major Differences?

Deciding on a home security system is no small task. If it’s too cheap, it can seem suspicious. But sometimes, the systems that cost a fortune have way more equipment than you need. And then there’s the growing desire to connect all appliances to smart devices. Enter Nest and SimpliSafe.

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What Size Screws For A Samsung TV Mount? (Find Out Now!)

Nothing is more frustrating than buying a new appliance or other item and finding that the package is incomplete. Missing or inadequate screws are one of the most often found missing items. This is true for Samsung TVs, especially the screws to mount the Samsung TV to the legs or a wall mount.

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Altice Remote Blinking? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Is your Altice remote blinking? You’re not alone! No matter the brand, every consumer suffers from electronic equipment malfunction. However, identifying the source of the problem can be the answer to your prayers.

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Is Your Roku Light Blinking? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Ah, a Roku device- your one-stop-shop for all things streaming. If your Roku light starts blinking, that throws a pretty big wrench in your Saturday night plans (that may or may not have included leaving the couch).

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Braeburn Thermostat Not Working? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Braeburn has produced reliable and user-friendly thermostats since 2001. They are easy to use, energy-efficient, and highly affordable. With that said, they can sometimes act up and stop working effectively or at all.

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SimpliSafe Flashing Blue? (We Have a Fix!)

You have made the decision to get a home security system. There are plenty of options out there but which one do you go with? In the end, you have chosen SimpliSafe for their reputation and comprehensive offerings.

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