Author profile
Richard Machemehl
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
- Smart home automation
- Architectural lighting
- Home theater and AV systems
- Networking and Wi-Fi design
- Security and surveillance
- Low-voltage infrastructure
Articles by Richard
33 articles on the ETG blog.
Home Theater · September 10, 2026
Should You Put a TV Over the Fireplace? What ETG Reviews First
Before mounting a TV above a fireplace, review heat, viewing height, wall construction, wiring, equipment access, sound, and finish details.
Smart Home · September 7, 2026
Will My Smart Home Still Work If the Internet Goes Down?
Some smart-home functions can keep working during an internet outage. Here is what ETG checks so control, access, and cameras fail well.
Smart Home Planning · September 1, 2026
Don’t Build or Remodel Your Home Until You Read This
Building or remodeling in Houston? Learn what to wire before drywall for WiFi, TVs, cameras, speakers, motorized shades, and future upgrades.
Smart Home Planning · August 28, 2026
Whole-Home Surge Protection for Smart Homes: Why a Power Strip Is Not Enough
A surge can reach smart-home equipment through more than an outlet. Richard explains how ETG reviews layered protection and backup power.
Security · August 27, 2026
Security Camera Placement for a Custom Home
A practical guide to camera views, mounting locations, night conditions, wiring, storage, and the field tests that make footage useful.
Planning · August 26, 2026
When You Hire ETG, You're Hiring Me
Executive Technology Group is the company name, but the real value is having one experienced person design the system, tell you what is worth doing, and stay involved after the work is done.
Lighting · August 25, 2026
I Can Open the Shades Myself. Why Would I Pay for Motorized Shades?
Manual shades work in plenty of rooms. Here is when motorized shades earn their place through reach, privacy, glare control, and daily use.
Networking · August 22, 2026
My Internet Provider Already Gave Me a WiFi Router. Why Would I Pay for Something Else?
Fast internet and good WiFi are not the same thing. Here is when the free provider router is enough and when better coverage matters.
Home Theater · August 21, 2026
I Can Buy a 75-Inch 4K TV for Around $500. Why Would I Pay More?
A $500 TV may be enough for bedrooms and game rooms. Here is when a better TV or Frame TV makes sense for the main living room.
Lighting · August 20, 2026
Planning Outdoor Lighting for a Custom Home
Plan outdoor lighting around nighttime views, planting, hardscape, wiring routes, controls, and service access before the yard is finished.
Lighting · August 13, 2026
Recessed Lighting Planning for a Custom Home
Plan recessed lighting around architecture, ceiling details, finishes, beam spread, dimming, and field conditions before custom-home rough-in.
Networking · August 10, 2026
Wi-Fi Access Point Planning for a Custom Home
Plan Wi-Fi access point locations, wired backhaul, ceiling coordination, outdoor coverage, and testing before custom-home finishes close access.
Planning · August 6, 2026
Smart Lock and Gate Access Planning for a Custom Home
Plan smart locks and gated entry before trim-out by coordinating door hardware, power, pathways, credentials, intercoms, failure behavior, and handoff.
Home Theater · August 6, 2026
Outdoor Audio and TV Planning for a Custom Home
Plan outdoor TVs, speakers, Wi-Fi, power, cable paths, and controls before patio, pool, planting, and finish decisions are locked.
Lighting · July 30, 2026
Smart Lighting Control Planning for a Custom Home
Plan smart lighting controls room by room by coordinating load schedules, keypad locations, scenes, dimming, finishes, and final programming.
Lighting · July 29, 2026
Motorized Shade Wiring Checklist for a Custom Home
Plan motorized shade wiring before drywall by coordinating power, motor side, pockets, trim, controls, access, and final field measurements.
Home Theater · July 29, 2026
Home Theater Prewire Checklist for a Custom Home
Plan a custom home theater before drywall by coordinating seating, screen, speakers, projector, power, cable paths, lighting, HVAC, and documentation.
Planning · July 20, 2026
Low-Voltage Rough-In Checklist for a Custom Home
A pre-drywall checklist for device locations, AV, network, security, lighting controls, shade wiring, ceiling coordination, and documentation.
Planning · July 17, 2026
Where Should Smart Home Equipment Go? Planning the Technology Closet Before Drywall
Before drywall, ETG reviews the closet location, internet or fiber entry point, cable paths, airflow, power, and access so the system can be serviced later.
Home Theater · March 15, 2026
AV in 2026: What Homeowners Should Actually Prioritize Now
What Houston homeowners should prioritize in an AV project: the right display, clean control, room-fit audio, and design-conscious integration.
Smart Home · March 14, 2026
Matter 1.5 and What It Really Means for Smart Home Projects
What Matter 1.5 improves, where it still falls short, and how Houston homeowners should evaluate it in a professionally integrated smart home.
Networking · March 13, 2026
Wi-Fi 7 in 2026: When It Is Worth It and When Design Matters More
When Wi-Fi 7 is worth the upgrade for a Houston home, and why access-point placement, wired backhaul, and network design often matter more.
Lighting · March 12, 2026
Smart Lighting in 2026: What Is Actually Worth Doing
A practical look at layered lighting, dependable dimming, scene control, and the smart-lighting features worth considering in 2026.
Lighting · June 4, 2025
Outdoor Lighting for Luxury Homes: Transform Your Space with ETG Houston
How custom outdoor lighting extends living space, highlights architecture, and blends security with ambiance in luxury homes.
Home Theater · April 21, 2025
TV or Projector for Your Media Room? Here's What You Need to Know
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
Level Up: How to Maximize Your Gaming Setup's Internet Connection for Minimal Lag and Maximum Speed
A practical guide to reducing lag, improving reliability, and building a stronger home network for gaming and streaming.
Networking · March 23, 2025
How Fast Does My Internet Need to Be?
An explanation of internet speed, bandwidth, latency, and why network design matters as much as the plan from your provider.
Planning · March 15, 2025
The Top 5 Things to Avoid When Building Your New Home
Five common mistakes during new-home construction, especially around low-voltage planning, infrastructure, and future-ready decisions.
Smart Home · March 3, 2025
2025 Smart Home Trends: Expert Insights from Executive Technology Group
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
Smart Living Simplified: URC Total Control and Smart Home Technology
A primer on integrated smart-home control, scenes, and why a unified interface can make connected homes easier to use.
Commercial · January 28, 2025
The Rise of Commercial Technology: Why Businesses Need Advanced AV Solutions
Why AV systems, communication tools, and technology-forward environments matter for modern businesses and customer-facing spaces.
Home Theater · January 22, 2025
The Future of Entertainment: Exploring OLED, QLED, 8K, and Outdoor TVs
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
Designing the Ultimate Home Theater Experience
A breakdown of what goes into a premium home theater, from screens and acoustics to seating, control, and immersive design.