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
15 articles on the ETG blog.
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.