Author profile
Founder and Operations Director
Richard Machemehl began his technology career in the U.S. Air Force, working on complex aircraft systems before launching his AV company in 2003. Today he leads Executive Technology Group and writes about smart-home planning, lighting, AV, networking, security, and technology design for Houston homes and businesses.
Areas of focus
Articles by Richard
Home Theater · March 15, 2026
The strongest AV projects in 2026 are not about more hardware. They are about better screens, cleaner control, immersive audio that fits the room, and integration that respects the design.
Smart Home · March 14, 2026
Matter keeps improving, and Matter 1.5 is a meaningful step forward. Here is what it helps with, where it still falls short, and how homeowners should think about it in real projects.
Networking · March 13, 2026
Wi-Fi 7 is real and fast, but most bad networks are still design problems before they are hardware problems. Here is where the upgrade makes sense and where layout matters more.
Lighting · March 12, 2026
The best lighting projects still come down to restraint, layering, and good control. Here is how the newest entertainment and smart-lighting trends translate into high-end homes.
Lighting · June 4, 2025
How custom outdoor lighting extends living space, highlights architecture, and blends security with ambiance in luxury homes.
Home Theater · April 21, 2025
A comparison of large-format TVs, projectors, and newer display options for media rooms based on space, light, and viewing goals.
Networking · April 21, 2025
A practical guide to reducing lag, improving reliability, and building a stronger home network for gaming and streaming.
Networking · March 23, 2025
An explanation of internet speed, bandwidth, latency, and why network design matters as much as the plan from your provider.
Planning · March 15, 2025
Five common mistakes during new-home construction, especially around low-voltage planning, infrastructure, and future-ready decisions.
Wellness · March 13, 2025
A consumer-focused article on how everyday lighting choices affect sleep, mood, and comfort more than most homeowners realize.
Wellness · March 10, 2025
Why harsh, outdated lighting can work against health and comfort, and what better design and fixture choices can change.
Lighting · March 9, 2025
An overview of how modern LED lighting supports better ambiance, energy efficiency, wellness, and control across homes and businesses.
Smart Home · March 3, 2025
A look at the smart-home shifts shaping 2025, including automation, security, user experience, and what Houston homeowners are asking for now.
Smart Home · January 28, 2025
A primer on integrated smart-home control, scenes, and why a unified interface can make connected homes easier to use.
Commercial · January 28, 2025
Why AV systems, communication tools, and technology-forward environments matter for modern businesses and customer-facing spaces.
Home Theater · January 22, 2025
A guide to current display technologies and how to choose the right screen for media rooms, living spaces, and outdoor entertainment.
Home Theater · January 22, 2025
A breakdown of what goes into a premium home theater, from screens and acoustics to seating, control, and immersive design.
