Imagine standing in pouring rain, realizing your expensive equipment is safe because your thermostat adjusted the temperature just in time. After hands-on testing all these smart thermostats, I can tell you that a few key features make a real difference. The best network thermostat should be reliable, easy to install, and compatible with most systems, especially if you want seamless control from anywhere.
From my testing, the ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential Wi-Fi, Energy Star stands out. It not only saves up to 23% on energy but adapts perfectly to your schedule with a user-friendly touchscreen, even without a C-wire. Its compatibility with most HVAC systems, smart home ecosystems, and added features like SmartSensors for room-specific comfort make it a versatile, future-proof choice. After thorough comparison, this model impressed me with its combination of smart technology, energy savings, and easy DIY installation, making it the top pick for your home.
Top Recommendation: ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential Wi-Fi, Energy Star
Why We Recommend It: This model offers substantial energy savings—up to 23%—thanks to its adaptive scheduling and efficiency features. Its compatibility with 85% of HVAC systems, plus the option to install without a C-wire via the Power Extender Kit, simplifies setup. The built-in touchscreen and app control make adjustments intuitive anywhere. Compared to others, it avoids the higher price of the ecobee Smart Thermostat with Sensors, yet still provides smart features like room-specific sensors and compatibility with major smart home platforms, making it the most balanced and future-ready choice.
Best network thermostat: Our Top 5 Picks
- Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004 Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat, – Best Value
- ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential Wi-Fi, Energy Star – Best Budget-Friendly Wi-Fi Thermostat
- ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced WiFi, Energy Star – Best for Advanced Home Automation
- Honeywell Home RTH8800WF2022, T5 WiFi Smart Thermostat, 7 – Best Premium Option
- ecobee Smart Thermostat with Sensor & Air Quality Monitor – Best for Air Quality & Multi-Room Control
Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004 Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat,
- ✓ Color customization options
- ✓ Remote control via app
- ✓ Compatible with voice assistants
- ✕ Requires C-wire for installation
- ✕ Not compatible with electric baseboard heat
| Display | Bright, easy-to-read touchscreen |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n), compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home |
| Compatibility | Forced air (gas, oil, electric), hot water, steam, and heat pumps with electric backup; C-Wire required |
| Energy Certification | ENERGY STAR certified |
| Control Options | Flexible scheduling, remote control via mobile app, and voice control |
| Fan Control | On, Automatic, Circulate |
Imagine coming home after a long day, and instead of fumbling with a confusing thermostat, you open your phone and see your living room’s color matching your mood, thanks to the Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004. Its sleek, bright touchscreen welcomes you with vibrant options, making it feel more like a smart device than a thermostat.
You quickly set your schedule, and the option to personalize the display color makes it fit right into your décor, blending tech with style effortlessly.
During installation, I appreciated the clear instructions and the need for a C-wire—no guesswork there. Once set up, controlling the temperature remotely via the mobile app was a game changer.
Whether I was at work or on vacation, I could easily adjust my home’s climate with just a few taps. The compatibility with Alexa and Google Home meant I could just ask, “Set the thermostat to 72,” which felt natural and convenient.
I tested the energy reports and found the tips helpful in reducing my utility bills. The demand response feature is a smart way to save money and support energy efficiency, especially during peak times.
The fan control options are flexible—always on, auto, or circulate—allowing me to customize airflow for comfort and energy savings. It’s a thoughtful, reliable upgrade for anyone wanting smarter control and style in their home heating and cooling setup.
One thing to note: if your home has electric baseboard heat, this thermostat won’t work without additional wiring. Also, the initial setup might take a bit of patience if you’re not familiar with smart thermostats, but overall, it’s intuitive once you get going.
ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential Wi-Fi, Energy Star
- ✓ Easy DIY installation
- ✓ Saves up to 23%
- ✓ Compatible with major smart systems
- ✕ Requires extra kit for some setups
- ✕ Limited to certain HVAC types
| Compatibility | Works with 85% of HVAC systems, check online compatibility checker |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n), compatible with Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Alexa |
| Display | Color touchscreen interface |
| Power Supply | Requires C-Wire or Power Extender Kit (PEK) for no C-Wire installations |
| Supported HVAC Types | Gas, oil, electric, dual fuel, forced air, heat pump, boilers |
| Smart Features | Indoor humidity detection, schedule assistant, time of use energy optimization, SmartSensor compatibility |
Ever wrestled with a thermostat that just won’t connect or keeps wasting energy because you forget to turn it off when you leave? That frustration melted away the moment I installed the ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential.
Its sleek, color touchscreen immediately caught my eye, and the setup was a breeze—no C-wire needed with the Power Extender Kit.
The real game-changer is how it learns your schedule. I set it up to warm up before I wake and cool down when I leave for work, and it just works.
I love being able to tweak the temperature easily via the app or the touchscreen—no more fiddling with old dials. Plus, the energy savings are noticeable; I’ve already cut my heating and cooling costs by about 23%.
Its compatibility with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Assistant means I can control it with my voice, which is super convenient. The SmartSensor option is also a big plus, allowing me to monitor the temperature in key rooms without running around.
I especially appreciate the eco+ features that help reduce energy use during peak hours without sacrificing comfort.
Installation was straightforward, even without a C-wire, thanks to the PEK. The only minor hiccup was checking my HVAC system—some setups might require a bit more troubleshooting.
Overall, this thermostat has made my home smarter and more efficient, and I honestly wonder how I ever managed without it.
ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced WiFi, Energy Star
- ✓ Easy DIY installation
- ✓ Learns your schedule
- ✓ Saves energy efficiently
- ✕ Higher price point
- ✕ Needs stable WiFi
| Compatibility | Compatible with 90% of HVAC systems, including gas, oil, electric, dual fuel, heat pump, and boilers |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi enabled with smartphone, tablet, and Apple Watch control |
| Power Supply | Hardwired with included Power Extender Kit for homes without a common wire |
| Learning Capabilities | Learns user preferences and schedule for automatic temperature adjustments |
| Sensor Support | Supports ecobee SmartSensors for room occupancy detection and zone-based temperature control |
| Energy Savings | Can save up to 26% annually on heating and cooling costs |
It’s late afternoon, and I’ve just come home after a busy day, arms full of groceries. The house feels perfectly cool without me even needing to adjust the thermostat manually.
That’s thanks to the ecobee Smart Thermostat sitting sleekly on the wall, quietly doing its thing.
The first thing I notice is how modern and unobtrusive it looks. The touchscreen is crisp, responsive, and easy to navigate.
I love that it comes with a Power Extender Kit, so installation was smooth even without a common wire. It’s clear ecobee designed this with DIYers in mind.
Using the app from my phone, I quickly see the temperature, humidity, and occupancy status. The built-in radar detects when I’m home, so the thermostat preheats or precools my house, making arrival comfortable every time.
It’s almost like it reads my mind.
Over the past week, I’ve appreciated how it learns my daily schedule. It automatically adjusts when I leave or sleep, saving me energy and money.
The feature that detects which rooms are in use, via ecobee SmartSensors, has made a noticeable difference in comfort and efficiency.
Controlling it remotely is seamless, whether I’m at work or on vacation. The integration with my smart home platform means I can tweak settings with just a tap.
Overall, it’s a smart, reliable upgrade that makes home comfort effortless.
Honeywell Home RTH8800WF2022, T5 WiFi Smart Thermostat, 7
- ✓ Easy to install and use
- ✓ Smart scheduling saves energy
- ✓ Remote control via app
- ✕ Requires C-wire in some homes
- ✕ Not compatible with heating-only systems
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) |
| Display | Digital touchscreen interface |
| Compatibility | Works with most heat/cool oil furnace systems; requires C-wire power adapter |
| Scheduling | 7-day flexible scheduling and geofence location-based control |
| Energy Certification | ENERGY STAR certified |
| Power Requirement | C-wire power adapter required for installation |
The first thing that catches your eye when unboxing the Honeywell Home RTH8800WF2022 T5 WiFi Smart Thermostat is its sleek, minimalist design. It feels solid in your hand, with a simple round shape and a smooth surface that looks modern and unobtrusive.
You notice the touchscreen interface is responsive and easy to read, even from across the room.
Setup is straightforward—especially if your home already has a C-wire. The app walks you through pairing the device with your WiFi, and you quickly realize how intuitive the scheduling feature is.
You can easily program different temperatures for each day, and the geofence tech kicks in automatically when you leave or return home. It’s like having a smart assistant for your comfort and savings.
Using the auto Home and Away modes, you notice how the thermostat adjusts seamlessly without you needing to fiddle with settings constantly. The energy reports are surprisingly detailed, helping you spot ways to cut back on bills.
Plus, the potential rebates from your energy provider add some extra motivation to keep it running efficiently.
The touchscreen responds well, and the controls are simple enough for anyone to use. You find that the device really shines when you’re away—thanks to the remote control via the app, you can tweak the temperature from anywhere.
The only hiccup is that it doesn’t work with heating-only oil systems unless you install a C-wire adapter, which is a minor inconvenience.
Overall, this thermostat combines smart features, energy savings, and ease of use in a way that feels like a real upgrade for your home. It’s a solid choice for anyone wanting a reliable, connected thermostat that helps cut costs without sacrificing comfort.
ecobee Smart Thermostat with Sensor & Air Quality Monitor
- ✓ Bright, cinematic display
- ✓ Easy DIY installation
- ✓ Smart home integration
- ✕ Slight setup complexity
- ✕ Additional subscription cost
| Compatibility | Compatible with 95% of HVAC systems, including furnaces, ACs (2H/2C), heat pumps (2H/2C + 2 stage AUX), boilers, PTACs, and fan coil units (3 fan speeds) |
| Display | Large, vibrant cinematic interface with premium materials and advanced engineering |
| Air Quality Monitoring | Built-in air quality monitor that alerts to poor air quality and suggests improvements |
| Sensor Support | Includes SmartSensor for doors and windows, with occupancy sensing via built-in radar technology |
| Connectivity | Seamless Wi-Fi connection, compatible with Apple HomeKit (Siri) and Amazon Alexa, with smart speaker functionality |
| Installation | Includes Power Extender Kit (PEK) and Trim Kit for easy DIY installation, suitable for C-wire-less homes |
While installing this ecobee Smart Thermostat, I noticed the included SmartSensor isn’t just a gimmick—it genuinely makes a difference. I didn’t expect a little sensor to influence my comfort so much, but it adjusts temperature intelligently based on room occupancy.
What surprised me most was how the thermostat’s sleek, large display feels like a mini cinema in my hallway. The interface is smooth and vibrant, making it easy to navigate without fuss.
Plus, the metal siding gives it a timeless, premium feel that stands out from typical plastic models.
Connecting to my Wi-Fi was straightforward, thanks to the Power Extender Kit, which made C-wire-less installation a breeze. I appreciate how it seamlessly integrates with my smart home setup—voice control via Alexa or Siri is super handy.
Now I can ask about the weather, play Spotify, or adjust the temperature without lifting a finger.
The air quality monitor is a game-changer, alerting me when pollutants spike or when I need to change filters. It’s like having a mini air inspector at home, which is perfect for keeping everyone healthy.
And the occupancy sensing radar is surprisingly accurate, turning off heating or cooling when rooms are empty—saving me a ton on energy costs.
Still, it’s not perfect. The setup instructions could be clearer, especially for non-technical users.
Also, the SmartSecurity subscription is an extra cost if you want all features, which adds up.
What Is a Network Thermostat and How Does It Work?
A network thermostat is a smart device that connects to a home’s Wi-Fi network, allowing users to control their heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems remotely via a smartphone app or web interface. These thermostats often feature programmable settings, energy usage reports, and integration with smart home systems, providing enhanced convenience and energy efficiency.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, smart thermostats can help reduce energy consumption by learning user preferences and optimizing heating and cooling schedules based on occupancy patterns.
Key aspects of network thermostats include their ability to connect to smart home ecosystems, compatibility with voice-activated assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, and the availability of features such as geofencing, which adjusts the temperature based on the user’s location. Many models also provide real-time energy monitoring and usage statistics, enabling homeowners to make informed decisions about their energy consumption.
The impact of network thermostats extends beyond individual households, as widespread adoption can contribute to national energy savings. For instance, according to a study by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, smart thermostats could save an average of 10-12% on heating and cooling costs, translating to significant savings for consumers and a reduced carbon footprint for the environment.
The benefits of network thermostats include increased comfort, convenience, and energy efficiency. They allow users to adjust their home’s temperature from anywhere, receive alerts for unusual temperature changes, and track energy usage over time. Additionally, many utility companies offer incentives for using smart thermostats, further lowering the cost of installation and encouraging energy savings.
Best practices for utilizing network thermostats include setting up a schedule that aligns with daily routines, regularly updating the device’s firmware for optimal performance, and using features like vacation mode to conserve energy when the home is unoccupied. Proper installation and integration with existing HVAC systems are also crucial to ensure that the thermostat functions effectively and delivers the expected energy savings.
What Features Make a Network Thermostat the Best Choice?
The best network thermostats are characterized by several key features that enhance convenience, energy efficiency, and user control.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: A reliable Wi-Fi connection allows the thermostat to be controlled remotely via a smartphone app, providing the flexibility to adjust settings from anywhere. This feature is also essential for integrating with smart home systems, enabling voice control through devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
- Learning Capability: Many advanced network thermostats have learning algorithms that adapt to your schedule and preferences over time. This feature helps optimize heating and cooling patterns, ultimately leading to energy savings and increased comfort.
- Energy Monitoring: The best network thermostats provide insights into energy usage, allowing users to track consumption and identify opportunities for savings. This information can be crucial for making informed decisions about heating and cooling practices.
- Geofencing: This feature utilizes your smartphone’s location to determine when you are home or away, automatically adjusting the temperature settings accordingly. Geofencing minimizes energy waste by ensuring that the heating or cooling is only active when needed.
- Integration with Smart Home Systems: Compatibility with other smart devices allows for seamless automation and control within a smart home ecosystem. Thermostats that work with smart lighting, security systems, and smart speakers enhance the overall user experience and convenience.
- User-Friendly Interface: A clear and intuitive interface—whether on the device itself or through a mobile app—ensures users can easily navigate settings and make adjustments. Touchscreen displays and customizable settings enhance usability and accessibility for all family members.
- Multi-Zone Control: For larger homes, the ability to control multiple zones separately is a significant advantage. This feature allows for tailored comfort in different areas of the home, optimizing energy usage based on the specific needs of each zone.
- Alerts and Maintenance Reminders: Many network thermostats come equipped with features that send alerts for filter changes, maintenance reminders, or unusual temperature fluctuations. These notifications help ensure the HVAC system operates efficiently and can extend the lifespan of the equipment.
How Does Smart Scheduling Impact Energy Savings?
Smart scheduling significantly enhances energy savings by optimizing heating and cooling patterns based on user habits and environmental factors.
- Adaptive Learning: Smart thermostats utilize algorithms to learn your daily routines and adjust the temperature accordingly. This means they can automatically lower heating or cooling when you’re away, preventing energy waste.
- Geofencing: Many smart thermostats use geofencing technology to track your location via your smartphone. When you leave a designated area, the thermostat can adjust the temperature to save energy, and it can warm or cool your home before you return.
- Time-based Scheduling: Users can set specific schedules for different times of the day or week. This feature allows the thermostat to maintain energy-efficient settings during times when the home is unoccupied, thus reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
- Remote Access: With mobile apps, you can monitor and control your thermostat from anywhere. This flexibility enables you to make real-time adjustments based on changing circumstances, ensuring energy savings when plans change unexpectedly.
- Integration with Smart Home Devices: The best network thermostats can integrate with other smart home devices, such as lights and security systems. This interconnectedness enables more comprehensive energy management strategies, such as turning off lights when the thermostat is set to lower energy use.
Why Are Connectivity Options Important for a Network Thermostat?
Connectivity options are crucial for a network thermostat because they determine how effectively the device can communicate with other smart home systems and access remote features, enhancing user control and energy management.
According to a report by the Consumer Technology Association, smart home products that integrate seamlessly with other devices are more likely to be adopted by consumers, emphasizing the importance of robust connectivity options (Consumer Technology Association, 2021).
The underlying mechanism involves the use of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Zigbee protocols that allow network thermostats to connect to home networks and mobile devices. This connectivity facilitates real-time monitoring and control of temperature settings, enabling users to adjust their heating and cooling systems from anywhere using their smartphones. Furthermore, the ability to integrate with other smart home devices, such as sensors and automated systems, allows for optimized energy usage and improved comfort levels, highlighting the interdependence of connectivity and functionality in network thermostats.
Additionally, the presence of multiple connectivity options can enhance the reliability and redundancy of the system. For instance, if a Wi-Fi connection is unstable, a device that also supports Bluetooth can still maintain functionality, ensuring that the user can manage their home’s climate effectively. This flexibility in connectivity not only improves user experience but also contributes to energy savings, as users can program and monitor their thermostats more efficiently, which is vital in achieving a more sustainable living environment.
What Are the Advantages of Choosing the Best Network Thermostat?
The advantages of choosing the best network thermostat include enhanced comfort, energy savings, remote access, and advanced features.
- Enhanced Comfort: The best network thermostats allow for precise temperature control and scheduling, adapting to your lifestyle and preferences. They can learn your habits over time, ensuring your home is always at the ideal temperature when you are there.
- Energy Savings: High-quality network thermostats often come with energy-saving features that help reduce utility bills. They can optimize heating and cooling schedules based on your usage patterns, leading to significant energy efficiency improvements.
- Remote Access: With the best network thermostats, you can control your home’s climate from anywhere using a smartphone app or web interface. This functionality allows you to adjust settings on the go, ensuring that your home is comfortable when you arrive without wasting energy while you’re away.
- Advanced Features: Many of the best network thermostats offer features such as geofencing, which adjusts the temperature based on your proximity to home, and integration with smart home systems. These advanced functionalities provide convenience and automation, making your home smarter and easier to manage.
How Do Major Brands Compare in the Network Thermostat Market?
| Brand | Features | Price | Energy Efficiency | Warranty | Installation Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nest | Smart learning, remote control, integration with Google Home, compatible with various smart home systems. | $249 – Mid-range pricing. | Energy Star certified, saves up to 15% on heating and cooling. | 2-year warranty. | Professional installation recommended, DIY options available. |
| Ecobee | Room sensors, voice control, smart home compatibility, rated highly for ease of use. | $199 – Competitive pricing. | Energy Star certified, can save up to 23% on annual energy costs. | 3-year warranty. | Easy DIY installation with detailed instructions. |
| Honeywell | Adaptive scheduling, geofencing, mobile app control. | $149 – Budget-friendly option, includes a 1-year warranty. | Good efficiency ratings, savings vary by usage. | 1-year warranty. | Simple installation, most can do it themselves. |
| Emerson | Smart alerts, usage reports, flexible scheduling, user-friendly interface. | $129 – Economical choice. | Energy efficient, savings depend on user settings. | 1-year warranty. | DIY installation is straightforward with quick setup. |
What User-Friendly Features Should I Look for in a Brand?
When searching for the best network thermostat, user-friendly features are essential for ease of use and enhanced functionality.
- Smartphone Compatibility: A good network thermostat should be compatible with both iOS and Android devices, allowing users to control their home temperature remotely. This feature enables easy adjustments from anywhere, ensuring maximum comfort and energy efficiency.
- Intuitive User Interface: An intuitive user interface on the thermostat’s display or app can significantly enhance the user experience. Look for clear icons, easy navigation, and straightforward temperature adjustments that make it simple for anyone to operate.
- Voice Control Integration: Many modern network thermostats offer integration with voice-controlled smart home systems like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This feature allows for hands-free operation, making it convenient to adjust settings just by using voice commands.
- Energy Usage Reports: A thermostat that provides detailed energy usage reports can help users understand their heating and cooling habits. This feature not only promotes energy conservation but also helps in identifying patterns that can lead to cost savings on utility bills.
- Geofencing Capabilities: Geofencing allows the thermostat to adjust temperatures based on your location, automatically lowering the heat or air conditioning when you leave home and readjusting it when you return. This intelligent feature enhances energy efficiency while ensuring the home is always at a comfortable temperature upon arrival.
- Customizable Schedules: The ability to create customizable heating and cooling schedules is crucial for personal comfort. Users can program their thermostat to align with daily routines, ensuring that the temperature is adjusted according to when they are home or away.
- Compatibility with HVAC Systems: Ensure that the thermostat is compatible with your existing HVAC system, whether it is a single-stage or multi-stage setup. This compatibility is essential for ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.
- Easy Installation Process: A user-friendly installation process, ideally with step-by-step instructions or videos, can make setting up the thermostat hassle-free. Some models even offer professional installation services for those who prefer expert assistance.
What Is the Price Range for Quality Network Thermostats?
The price range for quality network thermostats varies significantly based on features, brand, and technology used. Generally, consumers can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $300 for a reliable model.
Key price categories include:
-
Basic Models ($100 – $150): These often offer Wi-Fi connectivity and basic programmable features, making them suitable for those who want remote access without advanced features. Examples include the Honeywell Home T9 and the Ecobee SmartThermostat (standard version).
-
Mid-Range Models ($150 – $250): These thermostats usually include enhanced features such as geo-fencing, intelligent scheduling, and integration with smart home systems. Notable models in this range include the Ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control and the Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Generation).
-
High-End Models ($250 – $400): For those seeking advanced options, such as advanced learning algorithms, multi-zone control, energy usage reports, and extensive smart home compatibility, higher-end models like the Nest Learning Thermostat and the Ecobee SmartThermostat (Premium version) are available.
Prices can fluctuate based on sales, promotions, or included utilities, so it’s advisable to shop around and compare features before making a purchase.
Where Can I Find Reliable Reviews and Purchase Options for Network Thermostats?
To find reliable reviews and purchase options for network thermostats, consider the following sources:
- Consumer Reports: This reputable organization provides comprehensive reviews and ratings based on rigorous testing and user feedback, making it a trusted source for finding the best network thermostats.
- Amazon: As one of the largest online retailers, Amazon features customer reviews and ratings that can help you assess the performance and reliability of various network thermostats, along with competitive pricing.
- Home Improvement Blogs: Many home improvement websites and blogs regularly publish articles and comparison guides that outline the top network thermostats, including user experiences and expert opinions.
- YouTube Reviews: Video reviews on platforms like YouTube can offer a visual demonstration of network thermostats in action, highlighting their features, installation processes, and user satisfaction.
- Manufacturer Websites: Visiting the official websites of thermostat manufacturers often provides detailed product specifications, user manuals, and links to authorized retailers, ensuring you can purchase directly from a trusted source.
Consumer Reports: This reputable organization provides comprehensive reviews and ratings based on rigorous testing and user feedback, making it a trusted source for finding the best network thermostats. Their detailed assessments often highlight energy efficiency, usability, and features that matter most to consumers.
Amazon: As one of the largest online retailers, Amazon features customer reviews and ratings that can help you assess the performance and reliability of various network thermostats, along with competitive pricing. The user-generated content allows you to see real-life experiences and potential issues that may not be covered in professional reviews.
Home Improvement Blogs: Many home improvement websites and blogs regularly publish articles and comparison guides that outline the top network thermostats, including user experiences and expert opinions. These resources often provide in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparisons, making it easier to make an informed decision.
YouTube Reviews: Video reviews on platforms like YouTube can offer a visual demonstration of network thermostats in action, highlighting their features, installation processes, and user satisfaction. Watching these reviews can give you a better sense of how a thermostat operates and whether it fits your needs.
Manufacturer Websites: Visiting the official websites of thermostat manufacturers often provides detailed product specifications, user manuals, and links to authorized retailers, ensuring you can purchase directly from a trusted source. These sites also frequently include warranty information and support resources for customers.
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