LavIT Blog

Bytes & Insights

Researched, practical insight on smart homes, business technology, security, and AV from the team that designs and installs it every day.

SecurityOctober 27, 20266 min read

ONVIF Profile V and Signed Video: The Two Standards to Write Into Your Next Camera Bid

Cloud video is getting an open standard and surveillance footage is getting a signature. Here is what to ask for before you buy your next camera system.

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Business ITOctober 20, 20266 min read

64 Day Certificates Arrive in February 2027: What Shorter TLS Lifetimes Mean for Your Business

Let's Encrypt drops to 64 day certificates in February 2027 and the industry cap falls to 100 days. Here is what businesses should automate now.

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Smart HomeOctober 13, 20266 min read

Home AI Finally Has a Rulebook: What a Code of Conduct Means for Your House

A voluntary code of conduct for AI in the home landed in September 2026. Here is what its twelve rules ask for, and how to judge a system against them.

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Commercial AVOctober 6, 20267 min read

AV Over IP Finally Has a Checkmark: What IPMX Certification Means for Your Next Room

IPMX now has independent testing and a public registry of certified products. Here is what that changes when you specify AV over IP.

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SecuritySeptember 29, 20266 min read

The Key Moves Into the Phone: What Aliro Certified Locks Change About Your Doors

Aliro certified locks are finally shipping. Here is what the new mobile access standard changes, what it does not replace, and how to plan your doors.

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IT ConsultingSeptember 23, 20267 min read

IT Consulting Costs: Typical Rates and What Is Included

Hourly, retainer, and fixed scope pricing explained, what actually drives the number, and how to judge the return before you sign anything.

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IT ConsultingSeptember 23, 20268 min read

How to Choose a Reliable IT Consultant: 10 Expert Checks

Ten checks that separate a dependable IT partner from a good sales pitch: security posture, service levels, documentation, change control and references.

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IT ConsultingSeptember 23, 20268 min read

IT Consulting for Startups: What to Look For in 2026

Cloud architecture, DevOps, cost control and security basics for early stage companies, plus how to compare consulting firms on substance rather than brand.

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IT ConsultingSeptember 23, 20268 min read

Cybersecurity IT Consultants: Services That Reduce Risk

The services that measurably lower risk for smaller businesses: risk assessment, MFA, hardening, monitoring, incident response and practical compliance.

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IT ConsultingSeptember 23, 20267 min read

What to Expect From an IT Consulting Service: A Guide

Discovery, assessment, roadmap, delivery and support explained, with the deliverables and success metrics a good engagement should produce at every stage.

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Business ITSeptember 22, 20267 min read

October 13 Is a Double Deadline for Business PCs: Windows 10 ESU and Windows 11 24H2

Paid Windows 10 security coverage for businesses reaches a renewal point on October 13, the same day Windows 11 24H2 Pro stops receiving updates.

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Smart HomeSeptember 15, 20267 min read

Matter 1.6 Is Here: What Cameras, Shared Control, and NFC Setup Mean for Your Home

Matter now covers cameras, shades, and shared network control. Here is what the latest releases mean for homeowners and builders planning a smart home.

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Commercial AVSeptember 15, 20267 min read

BYOD Huddle Room or Dedicated Teams Room? How to Choose Now That Laptops Can Run the Room

Microsoft's new room optimization mode makes laptop driven huddle rooms smarter. Here is how to decide which rooms still need a dedicated system.

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Smart HomeSeptember 15, 20268 min read

Building a Smart Home? Five Decisions to Make Before the Drywall Goes Up

The most remarkable smart homes are engineered at framing, not retrofitted after move in. Here is what to settle while the walls are still open.

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Business ITSeptember 15, 20268 min read

Why Your Office WiFi Keeps Dropping, and How to Fix It for Good

Frozen video calls and stubborn dead zones rarely originate with your internet provider. The culprit is usually the network inside your walls.

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SecuritySeptember 15, 20269 min read

What a Modern Business Security Camera System Should Look Like

Grainy footage and a recorder in the back closet no longer suffice. Here is how today's intelligent, compliant video and access systems should be designed.

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