Gemstones vs Trimlight Permanent LEDs

[BigNumbers]

Looking at getting some put up, as the wife wants christmas lights - so might as well bight the bullet and do the permanent LEDs, even if they're overdone (IMO).

Got quotes from both Gemstones and Trimlight - both say they're better than the other... Has anyone else got a view on which is better?

[FlamingHomer]

We went with Gemstone and their lights are probably similar to others but we had a great installer.

[SportsJunky]

We went to the home show yesterday. I swear there was a good half dozen booths for companies like this. Many had show specials. Might still?

[WhiteTiger]

When we looked into this, I decided to put this on hold because there's no hardpoint control device/ability. It's app only. If anything happens to the company/app, no more control of the lights.


I was also not impressed that you could only transfer control of the account once (say, to a new homeowner).

[Jimmy Stang]

Originally Posted by WhiteTiger

When we looked into this, I decided to put this on hold because there's no hardpoint control device/ability. It's app only. If anything happens to the company/app, no more control of the lights.


I was also not impressed that you could only transfer control of the account once (say, to a new homeowner).

Gemstones don't have a limit like this. You would simply factory reset the controller, create an account as a new user, and away you go. You can also control it locally with Bluetooth.

Fair point about the company potentially disappearing. We went with Gemstones (back in 2020) as they were the most established company in the market at the time (and probably still are, despite new entrants) and are Calgary-based.

[Titan2]

Is there not a DIY/wholesale option out there? They seem very expensive for what you get. I understand a big part is the labour but still, you could rent an airlift and diy, no?

[Sliver]

I think the cool factor of these came and went. They're pure cheese now. I wouldn't do it.

I think soffit pot lights with replaceable smart bulbs (like Hue) is a way cooler option that would probably be cheaper and would look classier.

[topfiverecords]

Originally Posted by Sliver

I think the cool factor of these came and went. They're pure cheese now. I wouldn't do it.

I think soffit pot lights with replaceable smart bulbs (like Hue) is a way cooler option that would probably be cheaper and would look classier.

The number one rule in architectural lighting is light the architecture, don't make the lighting the architecture.

[Jimmy Stang]

Originally Posted by Sliver

I think the cool factor of these came and went. They're pure cheese now. I wouldn't do it.

I think soffit pot lights with replaceable smart bulbs (like Hue) is a way cooler option that would probably be cheaper and would look classier.

I guess it depends what you're after. I'm not really into obnoxious, animated light shows. Mine are barely on with the exception of holidays (mostly Christmas) and maybe the odd special occasion.

The main selling point for me, and it remains so, is not having to hang and take down Christmas lights. Sure, it isn't the most difficult task in the world, but every year I save some time and hassle.

[Buff]

Originally Posted by Sliver

I think the cool factor of these came and went. They're pure cheese now. I wouldn't do it.

I think soffit pot lights with replaceable smart bulbs (like Hue) is a way cooler option that would probably be cheaper and would look classier.

One more thing to the list of things Sliver hates... you do realize we're not talking about animals though, right?

[Knut]

Originally Posted by Jimmy Stang

I guess it depends what you're after. I'm not really into obnoxious, animated light shows. Mine are barely on with the exception of holidays (mostly Christmas) and maybe the odd special occasion.

The main selling point for me, and it remains so, is not having to hang and take down Christmas lights. Sure, it isn't the most difficult task in the world, but every year I save some time and hassle.

90% of the time we have Architectural lighting on our gemstone. For 2 weeks in October it is Halloween themed and then Christmas themed in December.

[3thirty]

We've had both and I would get Gemstone over Trimlight. Better app and product by far.

We cheaped out with trimlight in our current house and regret it.

[3thirty]

Originally Posted by Sliver

I think the cool factor of these came and went. They're pure cheese now. I wouldn't do it.

I think soffit pot lights with replaceable smart bulbs (like Hue) is a way cooler option that would probably be cheaper and would look classier.

Disagree.

90% of the time we have just a simple white accent light, but come Christmas or holidays the kids love the options.

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by 3thirty

Disagree.

90% of the time we have just a simple white accent light, but come Christmas or holidays the kids love the options.

Yeah, but you can do the same thing with pot lights and I think they are actually a value-add to your home and curb appeal.

If I bought a house with the strip lights I'd keep them and have fun with them, but I certainly wouldn't pay a dime to add them.

[Bill Bumface]

Actual Christmas lights look so much better than anything you guys are talking about haha.

[Calgary14]

Sorta related on the holiday theme but as of today you can now change the Nest doorbell to a spooky theme instead of the regular doorbell ring

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by Bill Bumface

Actual Christmas lights look so much better than anything you guys are talking about haha.

But nothing beats junking up your yard with a bunch of low-effort inflatables amirite.

[Fuzz]

Originally Posted by Sliver

But nothing beats junking up your yard with a bunch of low-effort inflatables amirite.

I'm personally a big fan of the one string of small bulb multicoloured lights, kinda wrapped around a single bush or hedge. Just so low effort I gotta admire the "there, I did it" yielding to obligation.

[Jimmy Stang]

Originally Posted by Fuzz

I'm personally a big fan of the one string of small bulb multicoloured lights, kinda wrapped around a single bush or hedge. Just so low effort I gotta admire the "there, I did it" yielding to obligation.

That was my father-in-law, rest his soul. Maybe this year I'll light up a memorial bush in his honour.

And he knew exactly what he was doing and saw the humour in it. He declined many offers for more lights, for me to go up and hang them from the eaves, etc.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by Fuzz

I'm personally a big fan of the one string of small bulb multicoloured lights, kinda wrapped around a single bush or hedge. Just so low effort I gotta admire the "there, I did it" yielding to obligation.

I ####ing hate Christmas.

My daughter loves it.

I put up 1 string of lights along our eaves.

I also caved and put up one of these