Morning all! Hope you're all still chilling and enjoying the holiday. I can just about reach the keyboard past my new gut, must stop eating leftover ham. All the products discussed in this video are below for your convenience. If you purchase through my links I'll get commission at no cost to you :) Enjoy... BROADLINK RM PRO (controls Infrared devices like TV's and Set top Boxes, and also RF plug sockets and switches) Broadlink RM pro UK: amzn.to/2suhRra Broadlink RM pro US: amzn.to/2SAcT6R RF PLUG SOCKETS (Controllable with the Broadlink RM Pro) UK: amzn.to/2QBWT3K US: amzn.to/2PqU4xB SMARTTHINGS HUB (For Controlling Zigbee devices at beginner level): UK: amzn.to/2ZsCL60 US: amzn.to/37cfVCh HUBITAT HUB (For Controlling Zigbee devices at advanced level): Global: hubitat.com/products ZIGBEE PLUG SOCKET (REQUIRES ZIGBEE HUB SUCH AS HUBITAT OR SMARTTHINGS): UK: amzn.to/2XYiR1P US: amzn.to/2FgH7Vx IKEA ZIGBEE BULBS (REQUIRES ZIGBEE HUB SUCH AS HUBITAT OR SMARTTHINGS): UK: goo.gl/YQfesb US: goo.gl/6CWvhy XIAOMI DOOR SENSORS, BUTTON'S, & MOTION SENSORS (REQUIRES ZIGBEE HUB SUCH AS HUBITAT OR SMARTTHINGS, IT COMES WITH IT'S OWN HUB BUT IT'S RUBBISH): UK: amzn.to/2t5sYXC US: amzn.to/2ETwXcq PHILIPS HUE DIMMER REMOTE (For use with Ikea, Hubitat, Homey, Smartthings and Hue): UK: amzn.to/2Oan7XK US: amzn.to/32JAYJJ AISIRER WIFI PLUG SOCKET (Tuya Wifi - NO HUB REQUIRED): UK: amzn.to/2MuVo3R US: amzn.to/2tOx9Hs WIFI SMART BULBS (Tuya Wifi - NO HUB REQUIRED) UK - amzn.to/2F1cV01 US - amzn.to/2LsTZvj WIFI HARD WIRED MAINS LIGHT SWITCH (ON/OFF) (Tuya Wifi - NO HUB REQUIRED): UK: amzn.to/356ygQk GLOBAL: bit.ly/32Vn0ox FLIC BUTTON for controlling Wifi bulbs and other smart home equipment (Works by using your phone to relay the button press to your smart home equipment, if you want to do this without using a phone then buy their Flic hub too!) SINGLE FLIC: flic.io/shop/flic-2-single-pack?aff=27 3 FLICS AND A HUB (starter kit): flic.io/shop/flic2-starter-kit?aff=27 3 FLICS WITHOUT A HUB: flic.io/shop/flic-2-three-pack?aff=27 LOGITECH POP STARTER KIT (Cheap equivalent to Flic, comes with a Logitech Pop hub) UK: amzn.to/2pnOa9O US: amzn.to/2Kh8Ffx AMAZON FIRE TV STICK 4K ULTRA HD: UK: amzn.to/2OtvDRG US: amzn.to/2OzxxAz BLINK XT2 CAMERA SYSTEM UK: amzn.to/2QHDHkP US: amzn.to/37sAIma NEST THERMOSTAT UK: amzn.to/2t3KAmC US: amzn.to/2EW2zht SWITCHBOT (Stand alone device and works with timers): UK: amzn.to/34flbDI US: amzn.to/2PMP8Y3 SWITCHBOT HUB PLUS (Required to enable Alexa/Google Home/IFTTT/Siri Shortcuts): UK: amzn.to/337kVXp US: amzn.to/325uuET
Paul Hibbert I need you to review a cheap doorbell and a cheap smart lock . I have implemented most of your smart home stuff and everyone love my home in a garrison in Kingston, Jamaica. You an inspiration bro keep up the good work!
I have a question! I have a separate LG standing/portable air conditioner by LG that has a LCD remote. Instead of buying the Sensibo Sky smart AC adapter device (similar to Tado, Cielo Breez Eco/or Plus, Ambi Climate 2, etc.) would I be able to control this AC unit with a Broadlink or Logitech Harmony Elite? Note: I bought the Atomi Smart ac adapter for $20 & it couldn’t connect to WiFi at all or even set up, so I returned. However, I noticed with the Atomi Smart LCD remotes had fewer control options compared to non LCD remotes. I also was using a basic smart plug for on/off capabilities with phone/voice but wish to control modes/temperature controls as well. Thanks in advance for any help.
Hi Paul, I've finally purchased the Blink XT2 system based on your recommendation (my old Foscam cameras were not really cutting the mustard). I have to say, it's a pretty awesome piece of kit. I've also just received (via Santa) a Lutec Libra Wi-Fi enabled security / camera light. Keep up the good work buddy, have a great New Year 🤘
Can you answer a question for me, I have now got a smart Bulb , when the bulb is on (via app & switch ) I can turn it off/on with manual switch, but when I switch it off with the app , I can only switch it back on with the app? My old lightwaverf bulb if I turn it off then on with the switch it comes back on, are all smart bulbs the same ? Have you ever tried the one that has IR mode for CCTV? Thanks have good new year
I started my home automation journey 3 or 4 years ago, and by some miracle, still have both a wife and a bank account with a positive balance. I have found this guys advice to be RIGHT ON THE MONEY. As long as you make sensible initial decisions re technology choices, you can extend your systems in future by looking for overlaps and edge cases later. My first echo was the original big black job with an inbuilt hub, this proved to be very handy for controlling the few bulbs I found cheaply years later. Broadlinks baby brother to the RMpro allowed me to control the lounge tv, sound system, aircon with one device. One of the first automations after that was the garage door. I probably could have found/purchased something to do the job, but instead built a controller using a wifi enabled microprocessor and LOTS and LOTS of time at the keyboard learning new swearing techniques . That same concept allowed creation of the automated cat feeder which saved BUCKET$ on not having to put the cat into a cattery when on holidays. Spent the money saved on a camera instead to check up on the cat, hmm . Sonoff has been marvellous for both plug sockets and smart switches, I have heaps of those on everything I can and they are getting cheaper and cheaper. More echos for bedrooms with sonoff controls on lights and fans and there is hardly a need to touch anything now. Zemismart lighting panels in the lounge for wow factor. Learnings - make the home automation system an adjunct to your home, not the ONLY way to get something done. These things aren’t bullet proof. Backup systems, (like the camera that lets wifey check the cat actually HAS been fed , and talk to it remotely so it doesn’t go bonkers are useful in bringing other people along on the automation journey with you. Choose a wifi router with enough DHCP range to control lots of IP address’s. My initial one stopped after I installed the 16th thing. Phones, tablets, plug sockets, tv, ect all take an IP address and it added up remarkably quickly. Annoyances - Amazon not consistently releasing skills globally, still waiting for heaps of things to work here like they do in the US. People turning light switches off and defeating later voice commands to bulbs. (Beatings only help so much here) Favourite Routines “goodnight” which turns all lounge , kitchen and dining room things off, checks garage door is closed, turns on lights in hallway, plus the time / date based reminders that prompt my age addled brain to do all kinds of things from putting the rubbish out to topping up the cat feeder hopper. Keep up the great work Paul, keep teaching us new stuff!
This channel got me balls deep into home automation in 2019. Now have echo in every room, smart light switches, smart plugs on almost everything incl subwoofers and a Jagermeister machine, smart tv, Broadlink RM pro for my projector and amp, fireTV4k,voice controlled LED RGB strips in coving, hive heating, ring doorbell, and blink xt2 setup everywhere as an alarm system. I even automated our Christmas tree to the annoyance of my Mrs. 🤷♂️🤣 Do not subscribe! This guys will cost you thousands! 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Great channel Paul - looking forward to 2020.
Yeah my bank manager loves Paul, my kids won't eat this week but at least they can turn the lights on using their voices when they're too weak to move & turn there switch on 😄😄
I find no matter what the device is, it comes with it's share of minor headaches and hoops you need to jump through. Alexa, Google Home, Broadlink and so on... The deeper you dive into the the smart home rabbit hole, the more techy little surprises come up. "Use THIS to control THAT" becomes "Use THIS to control THAT but only if you configure it THIS way"
Never seen this guy before today but his advice on buying the cheapest home speaker is spot on..........and they get boring after a while. I will be subscribing from now.
When I watch and see the amount of work you put into your videos, it always surprises me that you've only got around 60k subs. I have no doubt you'll get to 100s of thousands. One request... More videos about the software side of smart home tech. Have a good new years Paul!
Hey Mr Hibbert! Love the honest and entertaining content! Subscribed and 'belled'! I'm about to pull the trigger on pretty much all these products to start my smart home journey, unless there is an updated video due out soon?
Just got into smart homing after buying a load of Alexa and Google items in cyber monday sales, thank you for showing the way, this is going to be fun !
Hello I have one addition for the thermostat option- Drayton wiser. It also has OpenTherm tech works with IFTTT, can be self-installed, and allows you to control individual radiators for a cheap price. Customer services are also great in helping you fix any issues. There a few niggles but overall it is a great system. Might be worth having a look at this in more detail. Happy to fill you in!
Paul, I've followed you for about a year .....I started with an Alexa and an RM Pro after stumbling across your You Tube videos and I'm hooked.....Mostly TV, hive heating and lights as I've not had the cash to splash out on home security and blinds and things. I recently took the plunge to get a Hubitat.. but still haven't got round to setting it up properly....still figuring it out to be honest!
Paul - I use a Wiser Heat Controller which works with Opentherm systems which works with "she who shall not be named" you can also fit individual radiator controls to each room and treat them as different zones. Works for me and is a fraction of the price of a Hive or Nest systems.
Really want to say Thank you so much for all the tips, tutorials, & reviews. Because of you i knew what to buy and how to get started automating our home, now i can turn tvs on / off using the broadlink mini's. Just installed some Zigbee bulbs and plugs to turn on and off lights.... I'm loving it, I find myself walking into a room just to ask Alexa to turn stuff on or off just for fun...lol and it's all thanks to your Wonderful advice. Thank you!
Just purchased the Broadlink Pro thanks to your videos. I'm setting it up today? How do you stay in good shape never having to get out of bed or off the couch? 🙂
Nest is definitely not the only OT thermostat. Plugwise Anna does this as well, for example. Cheaper. Another great alternative to Smartthings is Homey.
Pretty sure there are other thermostats that use opentherm. However, the problem is, opentherm is not compatible with Worcester Bosch boilers, which are probably the most common boilers (Worcester use their own version, there is an adapter though for those who really want opentherm). Basically, if you have a worcester boiler, get any alexa enabled thermostat. Also check ifttt if alexa doesnt directly support the stat.
Hey Paul, your dad is absolutily right about the open therm capability. But check out the smart thermostat from tado, it has open therm too and is not nest!
I got a echo flex going to hook up a sound bar to it. Echo flex in the kitchen then hook up sound bar above cabinet and out od sight Great videos. Look forward to nedt one.
I'm sure someone has already pointed this out but ... instead of buying zigbee light switches you could just buy zigbee bulbs and have the added feature of changing the temperature/colour of the light. No unscrewing 240v switches, just change the bulb like we've been doing for decades.
I have wall plugs/bulbs which don't need such old-timey tech like hubs/gateways. All you need to do is download app for device plugin and pair. Easy peasy lemon squeeze. But, I guess if you like retro stuff from November go right ahead.
Drayton Wiser supports Opentherm. If you already have a Drayton controller this just gets replaced. Individual rad thermostats and a room thermostat plus it can be controlled by Alexa or the dedicated app which is awesome. Alexa can set a room temp or you can ask what the current temp is. Weekly schedules and learning for eco functionality. Had mine over a year and wouldn't go back.
If a person also needs to replace their router, and want to go to a Mesh network; TP-Link's Deco m9+ has a zigbee hub built in, and the Deco 10 is supposed to as well. We just picked up the M9+ 3 'puck' system at super discount it is seems to work well. It had no problem taking control of my Samsung Smart Things and Sengled bulbs.
Another great video to help us choose the best gear... I already have some gear and try to improve my house, need a few things and I see your videos for inspiration. Keep the good work. Cheers from Portugal.
Hey Paul, another great vid. I completley agree with your summary of whats wrong with Nest, have you considered the Drayton Wiser system? It supports opentherm, has a great app, allows you to zone your house room by room (so you only heat a room when it needs heating & therefor saving money). It also fits your "do it as cheaply as possible" philosophy when compared the Honeywell evohome for example. The starter kit of hub, room therm and two TRV controls are sold on Amazon for under £200. I'm not linked to drayton but have installed this in my house and after 3 months use can highly recommed it.
Great vid Paul. Thinking of doing an updated one? Now Amazon have zigbee built into their devices, flicc can control alexa, nest and ring seem to suck (saw your video on Blurams), are smart light switches any better than they used to be and is the nest thermostat the best still? So many questions...ooo the zigbee
Just discovered your channel, one of the best on youtube if not the best, you make automation quite fun man! I do have a stupid question though : is there a problem if, instead of installing a smart switch light, I let my normal switch light on and control a smart bulb directly to switch the light on and off? is it consuming electricity or something? Wouldn´t having both, the smart switch and the smart bulb, be redundant and more expensive for nothing? Keep those videos coming mate!
I just use Alexa with 1 echo dot, 1 flex & 4 smart plugs. Easy AND cheap! Alexa turns on my plugs, kettle, lamps, (could use smart bulbs for main lights but choose not to) controls my tv, controls projector apps including switching to my blink camera via voice control. Just after ideas to what else I could control? 🤔 😂😂 haha
Good video but I have to ask if the devices suggested, based on IF, are a hassle when line of sight is not possible. Especially for IF smart plugs...I would think having them behind furniture etc. would degrad communition reliability. I think that RF, without the need for line of sight, would be far more flexible.
There are loads of smart plugs,bulbs.etc that work without a hub.Smart life ,magic home etc, etc..Also harmony lets you use one remote for everything as well as activities to turn on and set inputs for different scenarios..Great video but there are much cheaper options than you suggest..I have every plug,light, radiator valve , thermostat,TV , vacuum,receiver all voice controlled and only 1hive hub..Keep up the good work but why would you change a light switch when you can just fit a Stand alone WiFi bulb ?..
Look at Tado. They support OpenTherm. To me the best smart heating system. But can become a bit costly when getting radiator valves, extension kit and extra thermostat’s.
Nice one Paul. If you get time, take a look at the Honeywell EvoHome Smart Thermostat which also does OpenTherm and has nothing to do with Google :) You can also control on a room by room basis. I've got 3 on 3 boilers so can recommend it!
For an alternative to the Nest thermostat, you might want to check out Honeywell Evohome. It is a bit more of an outlay, but it allows you to treat each room as a separate zone, controlling the temperature in each separately. So the money you save not heating rooms you're not using as much will pay for your initial outlay eventually... I hope... ;) I love mine and it is compatible with OpenTherm :)
What about the old X-10 systems where the signals were carried over the house power lines. Let's say you came across a box of those 50 year plus old devices for pennies, are there hubs that can control them rather than the simple timers they had or the serial port controller they had to control the system from a computer, keep in mind that a typical home are split phase power so either all the devices be on one side or the control signals repeated in the opposite line. From what I understand, X-10 is still around and you can still buy their plug sockets, and everything else new, so the old pre WiFi and pre-RF home automation is still possible.
You can trigger x10 using event ghost on a PC, and I found a really cool way to trigger event ghost with Alexa. There's a video on that in a week or so! 😊
I got a Harmony remote hub for christmas and there touch screen remote the Harmony Elite. My mothers birthday is today and I bought her some IP outlets to use with her smart phone and an Echo Mini to control them. I was telling them to get the Broadlink Pro hub, I really like that idea. But what about a remote and not just the app to control it like the harmony hub? Can you do that with the Broadlink Pro? Hopefully you'll see this. Cheers mate! Subbed :)
Cool video as usual. I enjoy your videos. Blessings to you and family. I feel you with not spending too much money on the average sound for a voice assistant. I use Google with a nice JBL speaker, and the Flex flexing with a nice bluetooth JBL speaker, Echo dot gen 3 has nice internal sound and looks, so that is handling itself properly. Nice vibes as usual. I am now getting motion sensor products for bathrooms and throughout the house. Then I will get modules to control the ac and t.v properly. 👊💯
Hi Paul, thanks for your numerous videos. Really enjoy them. I have Drayton Wiser smart heating and it can do Opentherm as well (although haven't got it set up as such). Great heating system. Keep up the good work !
Drayton Wiser supports OpenTherm & gives you the ability to control temperature in individual rooms so superior to Nest & the radiator thermostats are one of the cheapest as well
Yeah but Drayton Wiser doesn't work like a charm outside of the house i can never get a remote connection to the Heat HUB R but if I try my Hive Lights from the same location the connection is instant with Wiser no remote connection is a deal breaker
@@Nemesisakaphil I have only once achieved a remote connection with the Wiser Heat Hub I have been away over Xmas and had numerous attempts which all failed to connect @Paul Hibbert we have progressed forward from Smart thermostat total heating to whole house smart heating using a smart thermostat and smart TRV's which give room by room control in my experience none of them tick all the boxes because of this at the moment I am using a hybrid of Drayton Wiser thermostat and TRV's and also Hive TRV's
Do you have a zigbee for noobs tutorial? Including how hubs etc work? Your videos are great but I’m struggling on how to understand how to use Alexa with hub with zigbee etc.
Re lights and switches - have you ever considered the LightwaveRF? - simple to swap sockets (check the depth) and switches, are bi-directional and built in dimming based on standard or dimming LED bulbs. Re Heating - Honeywell Evohome - you can manage temperature PER room. All Alexa controllable
In2Branding Ah, I didn’t know that, and it does change things a little. Not enough to overcome the expense, though. That said, this is coming from a man who just splurged 70 odd quid to upgrade two lights in the lounge using a pair of Samotech Zigbee dimmer units that sit in the ceiling roses and a very lovely but expensive 2 gang momentary switch to allow the luddites to use them without borking the smart facility.
Hello, I bought some sonoff zigbee motion sensors, door contact and thermostat +hub. It work pretty well (except some low batteries). Surprisingly the thermostat is not recognized by alexa (only by the sonoff app). Are the other brand able to set routines based on temperature treshold? Also, my echo spot just died. Do you recommend the echo show? Very nice videos, thanks, Ludovic
Pretty sure the Honeywell T6 smart thermostat works on Opentherm. Alexa, Google assist, ITTT . Also, it is battery operated making it wireless unlike the Nest which requires 12volt supply. And it's cheaper.
Have you tried a tado thermostat. It's also open therm and it learns way faster then the darn nest. Also a bit cheaper and you also have thermostat buttons ...
Good video as always! 👍 I’m currently looking at replacing my Vera Secure with something new and has been looking at Homey Pro but your recomendation of Hubitat have made me glance at the Hubitat C7 aswell. (Homey is a bit expensive I think) Wich one of those two would you choose and why? Whats your thoughts about Homey?
Hi Mate, very good video, but your google assistant video is no longer open for comments and has some problems. Unfortunately your instruction do not work anymore. Google API Credentials now have additional authorization steps not covered in your video, but the biggest problem is that Ross' server information is no longer supported by AWS services. Hope to see an update in the future...
What about sonoff or tuya smart life products they are cheap and can do anything that zigbee can do , sonoff now has a local lan feature that enables you to control your devices when the internet is down ? No hub needed
Don't understand why you recommend the blink xt2? Personally I think it is lacking (getting a notification after someone has been and gone) is useless to say the least. Sent mine back and got the Reolink Argus 2 and solar panel kit, receive notification in less than a second when triggered and go straight to live view, try that with an xt2 lol Also Reolink has just updated the firmware so if you have an echo show you can get alexa to show you the live view.
Thanks mate, I've been a big supporter of Reolink, if you search my channel for them you'll find glowing reviews. But I got sick of waiting for the Alexa skill that they promised me was "just weeks away" when I was dealing with them. I've just done a google search and it looks like that's finally here (literally this month). The other thing was the lack of cloud support at the time, and that situation was also "just around the corner" for about a year. A quick google shows that situation is now resolved too, good of my contact to let me know eh? 🙄 I also haven't experienced the delays with Blink that you're mentioning (no more than my Reolink Argus 2 anyway). Looks like a great solution now, I shall have to have another go with it!
Off topic but I have not found a good solution for my home. I have a ton of lights in ceiling etc over 100 and about 20 light switches so either bulbs or switches become expensive. Probably better to do switches? What would you recommend as a whole house option for lights in this case.
Pretty accurate video Paul, agreed with almost everything and my setup is the same. But Amazon need to make a thermostat and smoke detector to rival the Nest gear asap.
Hey Paul , greatvideo again! But...I disagree with the thermostat... I have tado , it has opentherm and even supports other systems like the ebus from Vaillant.... So no need for nest!
Love your videos but I need to automate stuff in my RV I live in it and I'm handycaped but can't find lights and stuff like that to automate can you do some videos on that
Hope you had a good Christmas Paul, question : Have you ever dabbled with Hassio Home Assistant + Rasp Pi, I use for all of my home automation also great to consolidate all of your smart devices into one dashboard and well supported integration. I've never looked back since on boarding it into my smart home. The only downside is it won't be for everyone as you have to have some degree of tech knowledge.
Hey Paul, quick question. Almost 6 months later, would you still buy the original RM Pro, or the newer RM4 Pro? Or maybe even the newer RM4 Mini or RM4C instead? I cannot find much info on the RM4 line, but what is odd is that both of the Pro's are mostly unavailable. Thoughts? Thanks!
Just getting into home automation. Have finally decided on ZigBee or Zwave. Really leaning Zwave but any sway one way or the other from you fine folks would be greatly appreciated. What do you think? 2300 Sg Ft brand new home.
Thanks dude. To be fair almost all of these are Google home compatible :) I think it's just the blink xt2 camera and the firestick thing that isn't applicable to Google, but double check before you buy anything! 😉
Do you not have a mesh WiFi system? I rock smartthings mesh with plume, but I believe that isn’t the best system atm. However, it is a hub and mesh all in one. I would LOVE to see your thoughts on this, or a related review. Something
Hi Paul! Recently came across your channel and I love how informative your videos are! I’m considering getting a broadlink for my tv and other gadgets in my garage (man cave) but my router is in the living room, the garage wall is onto the living room, if that makes sense?.. anyway would I be able to connect the broadlink wirelessly or would I need to connect it to the router via Ethernet cable?
Honeywell Evohome now supports OpenTherm. Its costs way more that Nest or Hive but offer a massive amount of flexibility. I've had this for around 4 years and its brilliant but it is expensive.
could you possibly do a video on zigbee vs zwave ?? So far, zigbee seems to be more expensive than just using wifi... Or should I get a second wifi router just for my smart devices?
Love watching your channel, always full of great information. I have Tado and i'm sure that does opentherm and it looks a LOT nicer than the lump that is Nest !! have you ever reviewed it??
![Quando Rondo - Life Goes On [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/eIf3fhMXAow/mqdefault.jpg)
Morning all! Hope you're all still chilling and enjoying the holiday. I can just about reach the keyboard past my new gut, must stop eating leftover ham. All the products discussed in this video are below for your convenience. If you purchase through my links I'll get commission at no cost to you :) Enjoy...
BROADLINK RM PRO (controls Infrared devices like TV's and Set top Boxes, and also RF plug sockets and switches)
Broadlink RM pro UK: amzn.to/2suhRra
Broadlink RM pro US: amzn.to/2SAcT6R
RF PLUG SOCKETS (Controllable with the Broadlink RM Pro)
UK: amzn.to/2QBWT3K
US: amzn.to/2PqU4xB
SMARTTHINGS HUB (For Controlling Zigbee devices at beginner level):
UK: amzn.to/2ZsCL60
US: amzn.to/37cfVCh
HUBITAT HUB (For Controlling Zigbee devices at advanced level):
Global: hubitat.com/products
ZIGBEE PLUG SOCKET (REQUIRES ZIGBEE HUB SUCH AS HUBITAT OR SMARTTHINGS):
UK: amzn.to/2XYiR1P
US: amzn.to/2FgH7Vx
IKEA ZIGBEE BULBS (REQUIRES ZIGBEE HUB SUCH AS HUBITAT OR SMARTTHINGS):
UK: goo.gl/YQfesb
US: goo.gl/6CWvhy
XIAOMI DOOR SENSORS, BUTTON'S, & MOTION SENSORS (REQUIRES ZIGBEE HUB SUCH AS HUBITAT OR SMARTTHINGS, IT COMES WITH IT'S OWN HUB BUT IT'S RUBBISH):
UK: amzn.to/2t5sYXC
US: amzn.to/2ETwXcq
PHILIPS HUE DIMMER REMOTE (For use with Ikea, Hubitat, Homey, Smartthings and Hue):
UK: amzn.to/2Oan7XK
US: amzn.to/32JAYJJ
AISIRER WIFI PLUG SOCKET (Tuya Wifi - NO HUB REQUIRED):
UK: amzn.to/2MuVo3R
US: amzn.to/2tOx9Hs
WIFI SMART BULBS (Tuya Wifi - NO HUB REQUIRED)
UK - amzn.to/2F1cV01
US - amzn.to/2LsTZvj
WIFI HARD WIRED MAINS LIGHT SWITCH (ON/OFF) (Tuya Wifi - NO HUB REQUIRED):
UK: amzn.to/356ygQk
GLOBAL: bit.ly/32Vn0ox
FLIC BUTTON for controlling Wifi bulbs and other smart home equipment (Works by using your phone to relay the button press to your smart home equipment, if you want to do this without using a phone then buy their Flic hub too!)
SINGLE FLIC: flic.io/shop/flic-2-single-pack?aff=27
3 FLICS AND A HUB (starter kit): flic.io/shop/flic2-starter-kit?aff=27
3 FLICS WITHOUT A HUB: flic.io/shop/flic-2-three-pack?aff=27
LOGITECH POP STARTER KIT (Cheap equivalent to Flic, comes with a Logitech Pop hub)
UK: amzn.to/2pnOa9O
US: amzn.to/2Kh8Ffx
AMAZON FIRE TV STICK 4K ULTRA HD:
UK: amzn.to/2OtvDRG
US: amzn.to/2OzxxAz
BLINK XT2 CAMERA SYSTEM
UK: amzn.to/2QHDHkP
US: amzn.to/37sAIma
NEST THERMOSTAT
UK: amzn.to/2t3KAmC
US: amzn.to/2EW2zht
SWITCHBOT (Stand alone device and works with timers):
UK: amzn.to/34flbDI
US: amzn.to/2PMP8Y3
SWITCHBOT HUB PLUS (Required to enable Alexa/Google Home/IFTTT/Siri Shortcuts):
UK: amzn.to/337kVXp
US: amzn.to/325uuET
I bought the Broadlink RM, but over a german AMAZON Link ...
Paul Hibbert I need you to review a cheap doorbell and a cheap smart lock . I have implemented most of your smart home stuff and everyone love my home in a garrison in Kingston, Jamaica. You an inspiration bro keep up the good work!
I have a question! I have a separate LG standing/portable air conditioner by LG that has a LCD remote. Instead of buying the Sensibo Sky smart AC adapter device (similar to Tado, Cielo Breez Eco/or Plus, Ambi Climate 2, etc.) would I be able to control this AC unit with a Broadlink or Logitech Harmony Elite? Note: I bought the Atomi Smart ac adapter for $20 & it couldn’t connect to WiFi at all or even set up, so I returned. However, I noticed with the Atomi Smart LCD remotes had fewer control options compared to non LCD remotes. I also was using a basic smart plug for on/off capabilities with phone/voice but wish to control modes/temperature controls as well. Thanks in advance for any help.
Hi Paul, I've finally purchased the Blink XT2 system based on your recommendation (my old Foscam cameras were not really cutting the mustard). I have to say, it's a pretty awesome piece of kit. I've also just received (via Santa) a Lutec Libra Wi-Fi enabled security / camera light. Keep up the good work buddy, have a great New Year 🤘
Can you answer a question for me, I have now got a smart Bulb , when the bulb is on (via app & switch ) I can turn it off/on with manual switch, but when I switch it off with the app , I can only switch it back on with the app? My old lightwaverf bulb if I turn it off then on with the switch it comes back on, are all smart bulbs the same ? Have you ever tried the one that has IR mode for CCTV? Thanks have good new year
This is just the amount of dark humor and smart home I needed, amazing
I started my home automation journey 3 or 4 years ago, and by some miracle, still have both a wife and a bank account with a positive balance.
I have found this guys advice to be RIGHT ON THE MONEY.
As long as you make sensible initial decisions re technology choices, you can extend your systems in future by looking for overlaps and edge cases later.
My first echo was the original big black job with an inbuilt hub, this proved to be very handy for controlling the few bulbs I found cheaply years later. Broadlinks baby brother to the RMpro allowed me to control the lounge tv, sound system, aircon with one device. One of the first automations after that was the garage door. I probably could have found/purchased something to do the job, but instead built a controller using a wifi enabled microprocessor and LOTS and LOTS of time at the keyboard learning new swearing techniques . That same concept allowed creation of the automated cat feeder which saved BUCKET$ on not having to put the cat into a cattery when on holidays. Spent the money saved on a camera instead to check up on the cat, hmm . Sonoff has been marvellous for both plug sockets and smart switches, I have heaps of those on everything I can and they are getting cheaper and cheaper.
More echos for bedrooms with sonoff controls on lights and fans and there is hardly a need to touch anything now.
Zemismart lighting panels in the lounge for wow factor.
Learnings - make the home automation system an adjunct to your home, not the ONLY way to get something done. These things aren’t bullet proof. Backup systems, (like the camera that lets wifey check the cat actually HAS been fed , and talk to it remotely so it doesn’t go bonkers are useful in bringing other people along on the automation journey with you.
Choose a wifi router with enough DHCP range to control lots of IP address’s. My initial one stopped after I installed the 16th thing. Phones, tablets, plug sockets, tv, ect all take an IP address and it added up remarkably quickly.
Annoyances - Amazon not consistently releasing skills globally, still waiting for heaps of things to work here like they do in the US.
People turning light switches off and defeating later voice commands to bulbs. (Beatings only help so much here)
Favourite Routines “goodnight” which turns all lounge , kitchen and dining room things off, checks garage door is closed, turns on lights in hallway, plus the time / date based reminders that prompt my age addled brain to do all kinds of things from putting the rubbish out to topping up the cat feeder hopper.
Keep up the great work Paul, keep teaching us new stuff!
This channel got me balls deep into home automation in 2019. Now have echo in every room, smart light switches, smart plugs on almost everything incl subwoofers and a Jagermeister machine, smart tv, Broadlink RM pro for my projector and amp, fireTV4k,voice controlled LED RGB strips in coving, hive heating, ring doorbell, and blink xt2 setup everywhere as an alarm system.
I even automated our Christmas tree to the annoyance of my Mrs. 🤷♂️🤣
Do not subscribe! This guys will cost you thousands! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Great channel Paul - looking forward to 2020.
Always good to hear I got someone balls deep in something! 😂😂😂 Thanks man, made my morning!
Yeah my bank manager loves Paul, my kids won't eat this week but at least they can turn the lights on using their voices when they're too weak to move & turn there switch on 😄😄
Sorry, a Jägermeister what?
@@xescure A Jager machine, a dispenser, like they have in bars. Holds 8 litre and gets it down to -18 degrees c. Proper piece of kit!
@@DetailingandtheBeast Would like to see the led lighting in the your coving?
Amazing Video Paul! Should definitely have 1Mil+ subs
The only thing that could make your channel better is more uploads
I find no matter what the device is, it comes with it's share of minor headaches and hoops you need to jump through. Alexa, Google Home, Broadlink and so on... The deeper you dive into the the smart home rabbit hole, the more techy little surprises come up. "Use THIS to control THAT" becomes "Use THIS to control THAT but only if you configure it THIS way"
Never seen this guy before today but his advice on buying the cheapest home speaker is spot on..........and they get boring after a while. I will be subscribing from now.
When I watch and see the amount of work you put into your videos, it always surprises me that you've only got around 60k subs. I have no doubt you'll get to 100s of thousands.
One request... More videos about the software side of smart home tech.
Have a good new years Paul!
Probably because women in the 21st century, are fed up with his neanderthal sexism! Killing women is a joke to him!
Your description of the switch-bot is fantastic. Thumbs up.
Hey Mr Hibbert! Love the honest and entertaining content! Subscribed and 'belled'! I'm about to pull the trigger on pretty much all these products to start my smart home journey, unless there is an updated video due out soon?
SOOOO happy to run into your channel! Super funny chap! Nothing better than injecting humour into an otherwise boring subject. Thanks !
I have the Amazon Fire Cube and we just got an update and it is much, much better then it was. Love your Chanel.
Thanks for the great video man... by the way on RatedGadgets they review all of these in detail it was super helpful as a guide for me
This video made me Subscribe, it was freaking hillarius :) And for once, i actualy got a good idea how Smart homes work and can work out. Thank you.
Just got into smart homing after buying a load of Alexa and Google items in cyber monday sales, thank you for showing the way, this is going to be fun !
Hello
I have one addition for the thermostat option- Drayton wiser. It also has OpenTherm tech works with IFTTT, can be self-installed, and allows you to control individual radiators for a cheap price. Customer services are also great in helping you fix any issues. There a few niggles but overall it is a great system. Might be worth having a look at this in more detail. Happy to fill you in!
I read recently that Apple, Amazon and Google are going to create a new standard that all their devices will work with. About time.
Paul, I've followed you for about a year .....I started with an Alexa and an RM Pro after stumbling across your You Tube videos and I'm hooked.....Mostly TV, hive heating and lights as I've not had the cash to splash out on home security and blinds and things. I recently took the plunge to get a Hubitat.. but still haven't got round to setting it up properly....still figuring it out to be honest!
Paul - I use a Wiser Heat Controller which works with Opentherm systems which works with "she who shall not be named" you can also fit individual radiator controls to each room and treat them as different zones. Works for me and is a fraction of the price of a Hive or Nest systems.
Really want to say Thank you so much for all the tips, tutorials, & reviews. Because of you i knew what to buy and how to get started automating our home, now i can turn tvs on / off using the broadlink mini's. Just installed some Zigbee bulbs and plugs to turn on and off lights.... I'm loving it, I find myself walking into a room just to ask Alexa to turn stuff on or off just for fun...lol and it's all thanks to your Wonderful advice. Thank you!
You're more than welcome! Thanks for the kind words ❤️
Alexa has a whisper mode and you can text her commands now on the app. Try it out!
Just purchased the Broadlink Pro thanks to your videos. I'm setting it up today? How do you stay in good shape never having to get out of bed or off the couch? 🙂
Finally a clear step by step guide
Nest is definitely not the only OT thermostat. Plugwise Anna does this as well, for example. Cheaper. Another great alternative to Smartthings is Homey.
The Philips Hue Dimmer Switch is the only part of Hue you like it seems, good video enjoyed it!
Pretty sure there are other thermostats that use opentherm. However, the problem is, opentherm is not compatible with Worcester Bosch boilers, which are probably the most common boilers (Worcester use their own version, there is an adapter though for those who really want opentherm).
Basically, if you have a worcester boiler, get any alexa enabled thermostat. Also check ifttt if alexa doesnt directly support the stat.
Hey Paul, your dad is absolutily right about the open therm capability. But check out the smart thermostat from tado, it has open therm too and is not nest!
holy duck, just "discovered" you, love the videos, keep em' coming! Merry Christmas, and happy new year
You just gave me way to many more ideas
I got a echo flex going to hook up a sound bar to it. Echo flex in the kitchen then hook up sound bar above cabinet and out od sight Great videos. Look forward to nedt one.
I'm sure someone has already pointed this out but ... instead of buying zigbee light switches you could just buy zigbee bulbs and have the added feature of changing the temperature/colour of the light. No unscrewing 240v switches, just change the bulb like we've been doing for decades.
I have wall plugs/bulbs which don't need such old-timey tech like hubs/gateways. All you need to do is download app for device plugin and pair. Easy peasy lemon squeeze. But, I guess if you like retro stuff from November go right ahead.
More or less had the success you promised on devices over the last two years, Thank You.
Could you use the Amazon Echo Show 2nd Generation for your Zigbee Hub? I had it for about six months before I even realized it was a Zigbee Hub....lol
Drayton Wiser supports Opentherm. If you already have a Drayton controller this just gets replaced. Individual rad thermostats and a room thermostat plus it can be controlled by Alexa or the dedicated app which is awesome.
Alexa can set a room temp or you can ask what the current temp is. Weekly schedules and learning for eco functionality. Had mine over a year and wouldn't go back.
If a person also needs to replace their router, and want to go to a Mesh network; TP-Link's Deco m9+ has a zigbee hub built in, and the Deco 10 is supposed to as well. We just picked up the M9+ 3 'puck' system at super discount it is seems to work well. It had no problem taking control of my Samsung Smart Things and Sengled bulbs.
Another great video to help us choose the best gear... I already have some gear and try to improve my house, need a few things and I see your videos for inspiration. Keep the good work. Cheers from Portugal.
Hey Paul, another great vid. I completley agree with your summary of whats wrong with Nest, have you considered the Drayton Wiser system? It supports opentherm, has a great app, allows you to zone your house room by room (so you only heat a room when it needs heating & therefor saving money). It also fits your "do it as cheaply as possible" philosophy when compared the Honeywell evohome for example. The starter kit of hub, room therm and two TRV controls are sold on Amazon for under £200. I'm not linked to drayton but have installed this in my house and after 3 months use can highly recommed it.
Great vid Paul. Thinking of doing an updated one? Now Amazon have zigbee built into their devices, flicc can control alexa, nest and ring seem to suck (saw your video on Blurams), are smart light switches any better than they used to be and is the nest thermostat the best still? So many questions...ooo the zigbee
Just discovered your channel, one of the best on youtube if not the best, you make automation quite fun man! I do have a stupid question though : is there a problem if, instead of installing a smart switch light, I let my normal switch light on and control a smart bulb directly to switch the light on and off? is it consuming electricity or something? Wouldn´t having both, the smart switch and the smart bulb, be redundant and more expensive for nothing? Keep those videos coming mate!
I just use Alexa with 1 echo dot, 1 flex & 4 smart plugs. Easy AND cheap! Alexa turns on my plugs, kettle, lamps, (could use smart bulbs for main lights but choose not to) controls my tv, controls projector apps including switching to my blink camera via voice control. Just after ideas to what else I could control? 🤔 😂😂 haha
Good video but I have to ask if the devices suggested, based on IF, are a hassle when line of sight is not possible. Especially for IF smart plugs...I would think having them behind furniture etc. would degrad communition reliability. I think that RF, without the need for line of sight, would be far more flexible.
Nice video Paul. I guess I really need to try out this RM Pro.
Thanks Brett!! ❤
There are loads of smart plugs,bulbs.etc that work without a hub.Smart life ,magic home etc, etc..Also harmony lets you use one remote for everything as well as activities to turn on and set inputs for different scenarios..Great video but there are much cheaper options than you suggest..I have every plug,light, radiator valve , thermostat,TV , vacuum,receiver all voice controlled and only 1hive hub..Keep up the good work but why would you change a light switch when you can just fit a Stand alone WiFi bulb ?..
Love the bluegrass music bed which keeps popping up in your videos. Who is it, please? It's neat.
Look at Tado. They support OpenTherm. To me the best smart heating system. But can become a bit costly when getting radiator valves, extension kit and extra thermostat’s.
Google Nest is no longer the only one that does OpenTherm. Drayton Wiser and Tado do it now as well.
I love your videos! Gosund works perfectly well with Alexa. Voice command has gotten me hooked
Nice one Paul. If you get time, take a look at the Honeywell EvoHome Smart Thermostat which also does OpenTherm and has nothing to do with Google :) You can also control on a room by room basis. I've got 3 on 3 boilers so can recommend it!
For an alternative to the Nest thermostat, you might want to check out Honeywell Evohome. It is a bit more of an outlay, but it allows you to treat each room as a separate zone, controlling the temperature in each separately. So the money you save not heating rooms you're not using as much will pay for your initial outlay eventually... I hope... ;)
I love mine and it is compatible with OpenTherm :)
Favorite Alexa feature nobody talks about is AI-driven Person Detection (as opposed to motion detection). Eliminates nuisance alarms.
What about the old X-10 systems where the signals were carried over the house power lines. Let's say you came across a box of those 50 year plus old devices for pennies, are there hubs that can control them rather than the simple timers they had or the serial port controller they had to control the system from a computer, keep in mind that a typical home are split phase power so either all the devices be on one side or the control signals repeated in the opposite line. From what I understand, X-10 is still around and you can still buy their plug sockets, and everything else new, so the old pre WiFi and pre-RF home automation is still possible.
You can trigger x10 using event ghost on a PC, and I found a really cool way to trigger event ghost with Alexa. There's a video on that in a week or so! 😊
Heatmiser is opentherm, works with alexa, Google, siri, ifttt........ Not bad, I have it and it works great. Blinding video as always
I got a Harmony remote hub for christmas and there touch screen remote the Harmony Elite. My mothers birthday is today and I bought her some IP outlets to use with her smart phone and an Echo Mini to control them. I was telling them to get the Broadlink Pro hub, I really like that idea. But what about a remote and not just the app to control it like the harmony hub? Can you do that with the Broadlink Pro? Hopefully you'll see this. Cheers mate! Subbed :)
Cool video as usual. I enjoy your videos. Blessings to you and family. I feel you with not spending too much money on the average sound for a voice assistant. I use Google with a nice JBL speaker, and the Flex flexing with a nice bluetooth JBL speaker, Echo dot gen 3 has nice internal sound and looks, so that is handling itself properly. Nice vibes as usual. I am now getting motion sensor products for bathrooms and throughout the house. Then I will get modules to control the ac and t.v properly. 👊💯
Hi Paul, thanks for your numerous videos. Really enjoy them. I have Drayton Wiser smart heating and it can do Opentherm as well (although haven't got it set up as such). Great heating system. Keep up the good work !
Hi Paul, I love your awesome sense humour with your Smart Home reviews! Merry Christmas 🎄 🎅🏻😊
Thanks man, and happy Christmas to you!
Great video. Have you tried Tado thermostat, which is opentherm compatible? Great system we find.
Drayton Wiser supports OpenTherm & gives you the ability to control temperature in individual rooms so superior to Nest & the radiator thermostats are one of the cheapest as well
Nice!! Thanks man, I'll check them out!
Thermosmart also supports OpenTherm, and also is listed as a skill in Alexa. ;-) (works like a charm in my house)
Yeah but Drayton Wiser doesn't work like a charm outside of the house
i can never get a remote connection to the Heat HUB R but if I try my Hive Lights from the same location the connection is instant
with Wiser no remote connection is a deal breaker
@@andrewmorrison8033 I have no problem connecting away from home, I didn't realise some people had problems
@@Nemesisakaphil I have only once achieved a remote connection with the Wiser Heat Hub I have been away over Xmas and had numerous attempts which all failed to connect
@Paul Hibbert we have progressed forward from Smart thermostat total heating
to whole house smart heating using a smart thermostat and smart TRV's which give room by room control
in my experience none of them tick all the boxes because of this
at the moment I am using a hybrid of Drayton Wiser thermostat and TRV's and also Hive TRV's
Do you have a zigbee for noobs tutorial? Including how hubs etc work? Your videos are great but I’m struggling on how to understand how to use Alexa with hub with zigbee etc.
1 year later, would it be worth to do another one of these or is the 'meta' still generally the same?
Nice, A needed end of year summary. Should be an annual vid. Although story went dark fast. lol
Nice vídeo.. it's possible use only fire stick to control a TV without something like broadlink ?
Re lights and switches - have you ever considered the LightwaveRF? - simple to swap sockets (check the depth) and switches, are bi-directional and built in dimming based on standard or dimming LED bulbs. Re Heating - Honeywell Evohome - you can manage temperature PER room. All Alexa controllable
In2Branding In2Branding Lightwaverf is really good, but horribly expensive and don’t report their status
Agreed, way too expensive but v2 does report status so at least that’s an improvement. I stayed with v1 and am very happy with it.
In2Branding Ah, I didn’t know that, and it does change things a little. Not enough to overcome the expense, though. That said, this is coming from a man who just splurged 70 odd quid to upgrade two lights in the lounge using a pair of Samotech Zigbee dimmer units that sit in the ceiling roses and a very lovely but expensive 2 gang momentary switch to allow the luddites to use them without borking the smart facility.
I LOVE the lightwave stuff. It's still the only real solution for plug sockets if you want them wired in. But yeah, it's hella expensive!
Hello, can you please update this video with a 2021 edition showing newest and almost arrived products? Thank you.
Cool vid. On opentherm, Tado are on there as well, IMHO a better thermostat.
I came for the tech advice and stayed for that and the comedy. Great advice. Oh, and you’re a sick man, Mr. H. :-)
Hello,
I bought some sonoff zigbee motion sensors, door contact and thermostat +hub. It work pretty well (except some low batteries). Surprisingly the thermostat is not recognized by alexa (only by the sonoff app). Are the other brand able to set routines based on temperature treshold?
Also, my echo spot just died. Do you recommend the echo show?
Very nice videos, thanks,
Ludovic
Pretty sure the Honeywell T6 smart thermostat works on Opentherm. Alexa, Google assist, ITTT .
Also, it is battery operated making it wireless unlike the Nest which requires 12volt supply.
And it's cheaper.
Have you tried a tado thermostat. It's also open therm and it learns way faster then the darn nest. Also a bit cheaper and you also have thermostat buttons ...
Good video as always! 👍
I’m currently looking at replacing my Vera Secure with something new and has been looking at Homey Pro but your recomendation of Hubitat have made me glance at the Hubitat C7 aswell. (Homey is a bit expensive I think) Wich one of those two would you choose and why? Whats your thoughts about Homey?
Hi Mate, very good video, but your google assistant video is no longer open for comments and has some problems. Unfortunately your instruction do not work anymore. Google API Credentials now have additional authorization steps not covered in your video, but the biggest problem is that Ross' server information is no longer supported by AWS services.
Hope to see an update in the future...
Great video, Paul. I have a Domoticz set up at home but very tempted to move into the more mainstream market - Hubitat looks nice... :)
What about sonoff or tuya smart life products they are cheap and can do anything that zigbee can do , sonoff now has a local lan feature that enables you to control your devices when the internet is down ? No hub needed
Don't understand why you recommend the blink xt2?
Personally I think it is lacking (getting a notification after someone has been and gone) is useless to say the least.
Sent mine back and got the Reolink Argus 2 and solar panel kit, receive notification in less than a second when triggered and go straight to live view, try that with an xt2 lol
Also Reolink has just updated the firmware so if you have an echo show you can get alexa to show you the live view.
Thanks mate, I've been a big supporter of Reolink, if you search my channel for them you'll find glowing reviews. But I got sick of waiting for the Alexa skill that they promised me was "just weeks away" when I was dealing with them. I've just done a google search and it looks like that's finally here (literally this month).
The other thing was the lack of cloud support at the time, and that situation was also "just around the corner" for about a year. A quick google shows that situation is now resolved too, good of my contact to let me know eh? 🙄
I also haven't experienced the delays with Blink that you're mentioning (no more than my Reolink Argus 2 anyway).
Looks like a great solution now, I shall have to have another go with it!
Highly recommend a Hubitat ... takes home automation to a new level .
More expensive and not CE approved, $100 +£30 taxes ,I'm not sure which way to go 🤐
Off topic but I have not found a good solution for my home. I have a ton of lights in ceiling etc over 100 and about 20 light switches so either bulbs or switches become expensive. Probably better to do switches? What would you recommend as a whole house option for lights in this case.
Pretty accurate video Paul, agreed with almost everything and my setup is the same. But Amazon need to make a thermostat and smoke detector to rival the Nest gear asap.
Hey Paul. Take a look into tado for thermostat. I have this along with individual radiator stats. What a fantastic system
Hey Paul , greatvideo again! But...I disagree with the thermostat... I have tado , it has opentherm and even supports other systems like the ebus from Vaillant.... So no need for nest!
Great video as always. Please do something to your studio light, so you don't have rings in your eyes.
Hi Paul ! Nice video but .... how about the door? All the best !!!
Love your videos but I need to automate stuff in my RV I live in it and I'm handycaped but can't find lights and stuff like that to automate can you do some videos on that
Hope you had a good Christmas Paul, question : Have you ever dabbled with Hassio Home Assistant + Rasp Pi, I use for all of my home automation also great to consolidate all of your smart devices into one dashboard and well supported integration. I've never looked back since on boarding it into my smart home. The only downside is it won't be for everyone as you have to have some degree of tech knowledge.
Hey Paul, quick question. Almost 6 months later, would you still buy the original RM Pro, or the newer RM4 Pro? Or maybe even the newer RM4 Mini or RM4C instead? I cannot find much info on the RM4 line, but what is odd is that both of the Pro's are mostly unavailable. Thoughts? Thanks!
Just getting into home automation. Have finally decided on ZigBee or Zwave. Really leaning Zwave but any sway one way or the other from you fine folks would be greatly appreciated. What do you think? 2300 Sg Ft brand new home.
In most countries Zigbee is far more readily available. That would be my recommendation 😊
This was awesome. Now the same video for Google home 😇
Thanks dude. To be fair almost all of these are Google home compatible :) I think it's just the blink xt2 camera and the firestick thing that isn't applicable to Google, but double check before you buy anything! 😉
@@paulhibbert I know. Was just messing with you. Thanks for all that you do and the way you do it 👍🏼 p.s. Don't kill you're wife 🤣
@@paulhibbert And Ring Doorbells
Do you not have a mesh WiFi system? I rock smartthings mesh with plume, but I believe that isn’t the best system atm. However, it is a hub and mesh all in one. I would LOVE to see your thoughts on this, or a related review. Something
Hi Paul! Recently came across your channel and I love how informative your videos are! I’m considering getting a broadlink for my tv and other gadgets in my garage (man cave) but my router is in the living room, the garage wall is onto the living room, if that makes sense?.. anyway would I be able to connect the broadlink wirelessly or would I need to connect it to the router via Ethernet cable?
It is WiFi, so as long as you don't normally have issues with WiFi in the garage then it will connect fine 😊
Honeywell Evohome now supports OpenTherm. Its costs way more that Nest or Hive but offer a massive amount of flexibility. I've had this for around 4 years and its brilliant but it is expensive.
It also works with Alexa
+1 for evohome. I've had this for a few years. Just had a new Baxi boiler installed and I got the opentherm receiver to go with it.
ROTFL :-) Great one ! Thank you for the Tip with the Broadlink RM !!
could you possibly do a video on zigbee vs zwave ?? So far, zigbee seems to be more expensive than just using wifi...
Or should I get a second wifi router just for my smart devices?
Got all those but I'm using Z-wave, not Zigbee which is perfectly fine.
As for switches, I'm using Ikea Tradfri system.
Love watching your channel, always full of great information. I have Tado and i'm sure that does opentherm and it looks a LOT nicer than the lump that is Nest !! have you ever reviewed it??
Agreed. Tado does indeed support OpenTherm and works very well. Responseive support team too.
@@siclough support team were a great help when i set up my system. really on the ball and answered very quickly
Great video.
What do you think about a smart video doorbell?
Paul, the Blink XT2 single camera is priced at £99.99 not £79.99, your link goes to a 2 camera system package priced @ £179.99.
Don't know what open firm is, but I've been happy with my ecobee thermostat so far.
I think he's talking about OpenTherm en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenTherm
Thanks for this awesome video. I’am just starting with home automation. This the best video how to start up.
Hey Paul, love the video’s keep em coming. FYI The Honeywell evohome also does open therm with a £90 bridge. It’s Alexa compatible so ticks that box.