Invisible Touch

Or: How RTI’s T4 Universal Controller taught me to stop worrying and love my custom installer.

The other day I asked my 9-year-old nephew what he wants for his birthday. He responded with the usual list of toys and games, but when I asked his mother the same question, she summarized her desires with one phrase: “I wish life could be more convenient.”

What she needs is a lighting control system.

Monster Cable’s EP 2450 power conditioner makes it easy to hide your components away.

Through touchscreen technology, eSommelier makes a large wine collection manageable.

Control4's integrated and singular approach to home automation makes A/V control a pleasure rather than a chore.

Is the Philips Pronto TSU9600 a great mid-priced touchscreen controller, or just a middle-of-the-road compromise?

It’s incredible to think that only a few years ago, we had no idea what music we were playing. When we hit the track skip or disc change buttons on our CD changers, we didn’t know what was coming up—unless our memory was really good. Digital technology changed all that, though. Suddenly, we’re scrolling through the menus on our iPods to select our favorite music. Or glancing at a display to see what tune is playing on Sirius satellite radio’s Underground Garage channel.

Ever had a perfect day? I have. I recently enjoyed a night’s stay in the Skylofts at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas—a collection of penthouse suites appointed as stylishly as the chicest apartments on Park Avenue and automated to a degree few other lodgings in the world can match.