You've just unboxed your new smart bulbs, screwed them in, opened the app—and nothing happens. Compatibility problems derail more smart lighting installations than any other factor, yet most people don't know what to check before they buy. This episode walks you through every compatibility requirement you need to verify, from protocol matching and hub requirements to electrical constraints and automation platforms. Whether you're building a smart lighting system from scratch or expanding an existing setup, you'll learn exactly what works together and what doesn't before spending a dollar.

• Protocol mismatches cause roughly 60% of smart lighting setup failures—Zigbee bulbs need Zigbee hubs, Z-Wave needs Z-Wave controllers, and mixing them without checking compatibility is the most common mistake new users make.

• Z-W ...