West Hollywood Resident Is Technology Maven to the Stars

When Oliver Stone, Rob Lowe or Khloe Kardashian need help with their home theater setup, the phone rings in West Hollywood.

Lately, it's been ringing so often that Janna Robinson was able to parlay her home electronic expertise into a new cable TV series, Hollywood Hi-Tech, and a growing reputation as the authority on consumer electronics.

After 11 years of being known as "The Chic Geek," the former New Yorker is reveling in her new success as well her life in West Hollywood.

"I've been here for five years," the electronics expert with runway model looks told Patch. "The reason I chose West Hollywood and where I am specifically is because I set my life up so I can walk everywhere. I hate sitting in traffic so I set my life up so that all my favorite restaurants and boutiques and coffee shops are all walking distance."

Robinson calls herself a "lifestyle technology consultant" who aims to educate consumers about how to make the latest technology fashionable and fun. She's given tips to viewers of the Today show and produced videos for Panasonic and Intel.

"I'm definitely not a geek," she said, despite her on-air nickname. "I'm somebody who's really into lifestyle electronics and finding the best solutions to fit into an individual's life."

Her series started airing last week on the DIY Network at 9:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. Five episodes were produced and Robinson expects more will be ordered in August.

"While other TV shows have occasionally included short segments about custom installation home entertainment, it's never been the focus, much less had an entire TV series devoted to it," said DIY Vice President Ross Babbit. Hollywood Hi-Tech changes that "as we bring the latest and greatest technology for the home to a new, nationwide audience."

Appearing in the first round of episodes, in addition to director Stone, is Kevin Connolly of HBO's Entourage and comedian Adam Carolla.

"Celebrities love technology, just like everybody else," Robinson told Patch. "And they're as confused as everybody else. There's a lot of advice out there, but it's not always the right advice for the right type of products."

Besides, she mused, "We have every other television makeover from bathrooms to living rooms to kitchens, so why not a home technology makeover show?"

Robinson moved her residence to the West Coast to advance her career. At the same time, though, she found a lot to like about living in West Hollywood.

"Almost every morning, I go to Joan's on Third (8350 W. Third St.) for my coffee," she said. "I love their coffee."

She gives first place to nearby Toast (8221 W. Third St.) for having "the best breakfast in town. It's an extension of my kitchen."

Yet another tempting eatery for Robinson is Izakaya Yuzo (8711 Santa Monica Blvd.). "That's right by my house, so I'm there all the time. They have the best sushi."

"Los Angeles is definitely my home," Robinson said. "As much as I would like to say that I'd love to be back in New York City, the truth of the matter is it's a much easier life out in L.A. And the weather, I'm a beach girl. Seventy-five and sunny. I'll take that every day."

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