The CEDIA Expo Announces the Latest Award Winners

At Horner Networks, we are proud to have won several CE Pro Home of the Year Awards, from Best Wow Factor to Best Themed Theater. However, this year, as the winner of the Best Health & Wellness Project and the Best Specialty for the Mentor CARES project, we feel truly honored. This project was a labor of love. 

The CARES house in Mentor, Ohio, began as a shared vision to help children on the autism spectrum develop life skills and gain greater independence. Today, it is a reality. 

Here, we’ll explore the impact the home has had on students with autism and the technology we incorporated. 

Which Approach Results in the Best Swing

Golf simulators have come a long way since entering the market as indoor driving ranges. Today, with integrated technology that includes smart sensors, cameras, and simulator software, these advanced systems create a virtual environment, providing immersive, lifelike golfing experiences. With features like swing path analysis, shot accuracy tracking, and customizable course conditions, many players are wondering whether simulators can replace the need for a live coach. 

Here, we’ll explore how today’s golf simulators stack up against traditional coaching methods, what they do well, where they fall short, and how you can use both together for the best results.  

Lighting Techniques That Elevate Architecture, Set the Mood, & Add Real Value

Ever step into a home, or even a restaurant or store, that stops you in your tracks? Maybe it’s a warm glow spilling down a stone wall or the way the artwork catches your eye from across the room. It’s hard to pin down at first, but more often than not, the “wow” factor you’re experiencing comes down to lighting.

Now think about the opposite. You’ve probably walked into large, expensive homes that feel cold and sterile, as if it would be uncomfortable to live there. The architecture and size might be impressive, but the ambiance falls flat. 

Here’s the difference: in luxury homes, lighting is architectural. It’s atmospheric. And when it’s done right, it becomes part of the design, not just a switch on the wall.

So how do high-end homeowners across Greater Cleveland use lighting to elevate their spaces? Let’s break down a few key techniques we regularly design and install at Horner Networks.

Custom Technology Helps Autistic Students Develop Life Skills 

The Cardinal Autism Resource and Education School (CARES) was founded over a decade ago with the help of Mentor Public Schools in Northeast Ohio. Its directive is to develop independence skills for autistic students aged 5 to 22, supporting students through non-traditional teaching methods and exposure to real-life experiences. 

It provides a nurturing environment designed to help students reach their full potential by addressing individual needs and developing students’ strengths. Christy LaPaglia, CARES Director, shared one of their goals, “Along with academic skills, we wanted to teach kids how to live independently.”

As they recognized the success of their program and the changes it was making in their students' lives, Christy realized the need for a custom home that would embody an authentic learning environment. 

The CARES house was born and officially opened for the 2024-2025 school year. Today, CARES hosts students from 16 school districts in Northeast Ohio and has designed the program and the house to be replicated in other school districts nationwide. 

At Horner Networks, we feel privileged to be a part of this impactful project. Our task was to integrate technology that could help empower the autistic students in the home. We worked alongside ThenDesign Architecture, a firm that donated its services to support this extremely worthy cause, and the Mentor Public Schools’ IT department to create the unique customized technology that improves students' lives.  

Here are a few of the technologies we provided.

Explore Whole-Home Audio, Motorized Shades, Smart TVs, and More

Home automation provides extreme convenience and ease, an incomparable luxury lifestyle. It encompasses much, if not all, of a home’s systems, including lighting, climate control, security, automated window coverings, and home entertainment. 

At Horner Networks, we’ve been helping our customers enjoy the magic of smart home living for over 20 years. We find that, for those just entering the sphere of automated technology, the nearly limitless options can feel overwhelming. Choice paralysis sets in, and you find yourself sitting on the sidelines for another year, wondering what life is like in a smart home.

That’s where we come in.

We’re not here to sell you all the bells and whistles and the technology you may not need. We’re here to help you realize the possibilities and the solutions that would make the biggest difference in your life. 

To that end, we’ve decided to share the five most common questions we get from our customers. We hope they’ll help you ease any uncertainty and provide you with the information you need to experience the wonders of home automation. 

A Year-Round Haven for Active Entertainment

A home theater used to be a luxury for movie nights and the occasional big game. But homeowners are getting smarter about their investments – they're creating spaces that work overtime. The same room that delivers an incredible viewing experience for Browns games and OSU matchups can double as your personal golf course when Ohio weather keeps you off the links.

It's a brilliant approach, really. Instead of building a single-purpose theater that sits empty most weekdays, you're creating an entertainment hub that pays dividends year-round. Watch the Cavs make their playoff run in winter, then practice your swing for spring golf season – all in the same beautifully designed space that elevates how you experience both passions.

Let Your Smart Home Manage Everyday Living for You

For those of you who have started accruing smart devices, you know the ease of living they provide. No more getting up from the couch to close the shades and dim the lights when it’s movie night. Now, you pull one app up for the shades and another for the lights, allowing you to manage each device separately from the comfort of your den. 

So, where does home automation fit in? 

This smart technology takes an unfathomable leap into smart home living. It creates the perfect atmosphere for life's unique occasions with one touch or voice command, or simply by your presence. At Horner Networks, we partner with Control4, the global leader in home automation platforms. Together, we make life easier, more beautiful, and incredibly fun. 

Let’s see how it’s done. 

Discover the Latest Features in Luma Security Cameras

Security cameras have come a long way since green blobs depicted humans in the dark. Today, they are ultra-clear, intelligent, and proactive. They alert you when something unusual occurs, or a stranger enters your property. They know the difference between rustling leaves, humans, animals, and vehicles. 

Are you still getting annoying notifications whenever the wind blows, or a cat sets off the motion detector? 

If so, it’s time for a change.

Luma 4K security cameras are one of the brands making headlines due to their innovations and extremely bright images. Here, we’ll explore their latest customized 4K high-definition cameras and how they’re designed for smart home living. 

Create the Perfect Gathering Spot with Outdoor Solutions

Outdoor living is all about bringing people together in a space that’s both functional and inviting to enjoy the natural world. Ohio is famous for its outdoor environment, and smart technology is key to turning patios and backyards into linking your home to the wilderness. Imagine throwing a movie night under the stars, jamming to your favorite tunes in the garden, or setting a relaxing mood with innovative lighting. With a little creativity and the right tech, these dreams can easily become reality. Here’s how to enhance outdoor areas while keeping things sleek and stylish.

Enjoy Your Favorite Sport Rain or Shine

Spend an hour or two watching The Masters or the PGA Tour, and you begin to feel that too much time has passed since you swung a club. You look out the window and see snowflakes carpeting the sidewalk. Checking the forecast makes you wonder if you’ll see the greens before spring. 

It’s the price of living in the Midwest and loving a sport played outdoors. Or is it?

With today’s technology, there is a way to continue to improve your golf game, even during the snowy month of January and the frigid wind chills of February. They’re called golf simulators, and they are used by some of the top players.

So, are you wondering where you can find them?

That’s the best part. Golf simulators are installed right in your home, giving you access to your favorite sport 24/7, rain or shine. 

Here, we’ll explore what you need to get started and how golf simulators can improve your game.