The advantage of using Ethernet is it’s easier to set up, is arguably more secure, and provides greater speeds. It also frees up bandwidth for those devices that require WiFi, and don’t have an Ethernet option, like a smartphone. It is often recommended that larger devices such as televisions, scanners, and printers, or anything that isn’t mobile, connect via Ethernet because of these benefits.
The obvious advantage of WiFi is mobility but also retrofit ability. Especially in older homes, there is not always going to be an Ethernet connection available at the location you would like to put a device or appliance. So, unless you’re willing to possibly turn your walls into swiss cheese, WiFi might be the best option.
A quality home network provides time savings and efficiency. For example, connecting multiple devices or computers to a single printer via the network allows you to quickly print from anywhere in the house. Also, a home network allows you to access files, documents, music, videos, photos, and more, all from any of your devices on the network.
Bandwidth is an important factor that affects the quality and speed of your home network. It is often compared to traffic on the road. When you’re the only car driving, the trip is easy and fast; but as more cars join the road, the drive gets slower and more difficult, leading to a traffic jam. This is the same with a device connection: as more devices are trying to connect to the network, the bandwidth becomes crowded and slower. All the more reason to have a network with both Ethernet and WiFi connections. Using the same analogy, think of an Ethernet connection like a subway or train, and a WiFi connection like the freeway. By having some devices on Ethernet, and some on WiFi, you can optimize the amount of traffic and bandwidth being used. Performing an analysis on how much of your bandwidth is currently being used through your router settings or by downloading a third-party application will aid you in deciding whether you need to upgrade your network to improve its efficiency and speed.
Within your home network settings, you can prioritize devices and even types of content. For example, you can set a sequence for your work devices to connect to the internet before something like streaming or video games. With a smart home system, each connection takes up some amount of your internet bandwidth, so prioritizing devices assures that the most important ones will be able to connect with the strongest and most reliable speed.
Motorized outdoor shades have several convenient options, such as different levels of opaqueness for controlling how much light you want to come through, or a centralized control panel for home automation integration. They can be controlled via a remote or direct wall control, and you can even set a schedule for them to automatically transition at different times of day. Some motorized wall shades are Bluetooth-enabled and can be controlled from your smartphone or another device.
As well as the obvious shade in your outdoor environment, many people enjoy the extra layer of privacy that a shade affords — especially if neighbors or other people are visible from your yard or patio. Some motorized shades feature automatic sensors that can detect harsh weather conditions such as wind and rain and adjust their position accordingly. They can also keep out insects and other pests.
In addition to these practical benefits, motorized shades are visually pleasing. There are no hanging chains or cords in the way, and there are options to style them to match your home’s aesthetic.
There are two (2) main options for motorized outdoor shades:
- Battery-powered: These are simple and affordable as they don’t require extra wiring. They’re also the least disruptive to existing home infrastructure and are great for areas that may not be close to an outlet. Battery-powered shades are reliable and can last up to three years before needing a battery replacement.
- Hard-wired: These require a bit more effort to install depending on whether the shade location has been prewired for power. If not, a wire needs to be run to your home’s electrical supply. Once connected, you’ve eliminated the need to ever change batteries.
You can also install motorized outdoor shades on the exterior of your home to prevent the sun from entering your house through the windows, which helps to keep your house cool. It’s nice to have the convenience of a motorized shade you can operate from indoors, and that doesn’t take up any interior space.
WHAT Do You Want to Listen To?
When asked this question, the most common answer is, “I want to play music from my phone through the outdoor speakers.” There are two ways to accomplish this — wirelessly stream the music from your phone to the audio system OR use your phone to tell a media player located connected inside what to play.
Wirelessly streaming music from your phone can be done. But it may be problematic if you don’t have good WiFi coverage everywhere in your yard. There can also be issues with wireless interference or dropouts and interruptions due to incoming phone calls, texts, and push notifications. Oftentimes, the better option is to have your technology integrator specify and install a media player that can stream your favorite music services (Spotify, Pandora, SiriusXM, etc.) or access your music library. You can use your phone, tablet, or remote to tell the system what to play and not have to worry about disruptions.
But music isn’t your only option here. If you have a TV on the patio, we can route the TV audio through your outdoor audio system instead of relying on just the TV speakers. Some systems will also allow paging to the outdoor space or the ability to hear the front doorbell when you’re out by the pool.
WHERE Do You Want to Hear It?
When we plan for audio on the inside of the house, we generally specify which rooms we want speakers in and the quality of sound we desire for each space. Outdoors is no different. Even though one might think of the backyard as one big space, it makes sense to break it up into sections or zones.
Some of those areas might be semi-enclosed, like a screened-in patio. Others like the pool area have no ceiling or walls that direct or contain the sound. The characteristics of each zone will significantly influence the type of speakers that make sense for that area.
Scheduling Scary
By day, your house is brightly lit, the shades are up, and the lights off. But as the darkness of night starts to draw near, your system automatically adjusts your lighting and shades to the schedule you set. Your guests sit there, a gasp, as they find themselves draped in the perfectly controlled and lit Halloween setting, they now find themselves in.
Even better, having it set to go by itself can also be used to scare, as well. You could schedule blinds to go up and down during a Halloween party, or use an app to control the lights and turn them on and off as people enter and exit certain rooms. Flickering lights are sure to add some spooky atmosphere to any shindig you throw, and you’ll be able to do it all from the palm of your hand! That’s some high-tech Halloween scaring, right there.
You are probably wondering how one takes their current lighting and shading system and makes it set for such scares, though. That’s what we’re here for! Give us a call today, and we’ll walk you through all of your integration options for lighting and shading.
Dementor Dimmers
There’s nothing Halloween-y or scary about regular, plain, boring, light switches. But dimmers? Now, those have potential for sure.
Dimmers come in a whole array of styles and possible switches, giving you something that will match whatever you are looking for to fit your home. They also save you money compared to traditional light switches.
We Take Care of it All
We will inspect and test your equipment to make sure it's functioning correctly. We can also update the system’s software and firmware when necessary, calibrate all systems to make sure they are working properly together, and perform general maintenance (e.g., cleaning monitors, removing dust internally). We are here to be responsive to your technology needs.
Optimized System Performance
Proactive maintenance keeps your technology running in the best possible conditions, prolonging its life expectancy. This allows you to protect your investment and get the highest usage possible.
No Unnecessary Roadblocks
Keeping a regular maintenance schedule ensures that you'll always be able to use your technology when you need it. Nobody wants to try and get some work done or sit down to watch a movie, and have the system crash unexpectedly.
A service contract ensures that you get the response and help you need in a timely manner. Technology replacement or repair can often be expensive. With a service contract, you're likely to save money with reduced response & labor fees, which can add up quickly over time.
Remote Management for Convenience
With smart door locks, there’s no more worrying if you locked the doors or not as some models allow you to check on your phone’s app. Smart door locks integrate into your home system and allow you to manage your home straight from your phone or home automation system.
When installing, you’re usually able to keep your existing deadbolt hardware in place too, for an added layer of protection. Many smart-lock systems are very accommodating and allow you to have a spot for a key, making it easy to use for people who have trouble with technology.
Know Who’s Coming In and Out
Smart door locks can alert you when doors open and close, and some systems even allow you to give different people their own passcodes, so you know exactly who is entering.
You can also pair your lock with a smart doorbell camera, allowing you to physically see who’s at your door with the click of a button. The personalized passcode feature is perfect for kids, guests, in-home deliveries, or if you’re renting out your home as a vacation spot.
Seating
Seating is one of the most important elements of an enjoyable home-theater experience. Tiered systems that imitate a sloped theater ensure that everyone can view the screen. You’ll want to place seats far enough away from the screen so that viewers are not overwhelmed by the screen size.
Many options are available for materials and design to ensure everyone has a comfortable seat in the house. And with features such as USB charging, built in LED lights, and more, personalizing your home theater can provide you with a seating experience much better than movie theaters can.
Lighting
To embody the true theater setting, you’ll want your room to have as little ambient light as possible, as more light reduces your ability to see the content. That is why dedicated home theaters typically do not have any windows in the room.
That being said, accent lighting to help minimize eye fatigue, rope lighting to improve the ambiance, and having it all controlled by the same system that controls your audio video will help make it easy to push one button and have everything set up perfectly and ready to go.
Screen Type and Size
There are many options when choosing a screen for your home theater, such as a flat-panel display or a projector with a fixed, electric, or auto-masking screen. If you’re going with projection, depending on the length of the room, learn whether your room is more suitable for a high-throw or short-throw projector.
Our Top Home Automation System Picks
Best Overall: Control4
It’s a common misconception that to have a smart home, you must get it installed during the building phase. Well, we’re here to tell you that Control4 home automation has completely debunked that myth. Whether your home is yet to be built, in the construction process, or has been around for years, Control4 home automation has the power and functionality to make it the smartest one on the market. You’ll be equipped with a universal remote for all of your entertainment equipment ― no matter the manufacturer, meaning you may want to add a few smart lights, door locks, or security cameras as you’re ready to expand. With Control4 home automation, your home can do all of this (and so much more) on an easy-to-operate system the whole family will love and enjoy.
Creston
When it comes to technological innovation, there aren’t as many brands that have been as successful as Creston. Founded in 1972 and available from commercial dealers, Creston has been creating home automation solutions that transform the way people live their lives, making every day easier by improving the overall efficiency and productivity from smart devices around the home. With Crestron, you aren’t just buying the best automation system for home. You’re investing in state-of-the-art and customized solutions while also gaining 24/7 global service and support along the way. Creston offers premium home automation platforms, devices, and systems across residential properties including, but not limited to, homes, yachts, MDUs, and even hotels.
Lutron (lighting control only)
If you’re only in the market for automated lighting control, or looking to add it to your modern home space, Lutron is the best option to complement your home automation system. In the fast-growing smart home market, Lutron provides the ideal solution for any space and any budget, whether you’re building a new home or want to upgrade your existing one. Lutron works with more smart home devices than any other smart lighting control brand, making it the perfect pairing for your home automation system. You’ll now be able to control the lights in your home with the slightest ease at the touch of a button, and can even operate from the car to turn lights on as you approach the house. Plus, groups of dimmers can be controlled remotely from an electronic device or universal remote control to make life that much more convenient and relaxing.
Know Your Budget
In a new construction project or major remodel, product and installation costs will likely total around 4-10% of your home’s value, however, minor projects generally will be less. It’s important to select an integrator during the early stages of a new build or a remodel to avoid running out of budget or causing delays in your project build cycle.
An integrator can also offer value adds to the architectural and construction team since they must work with most of the trades at some point during the project. Most importantly, they can help you create a budget up front based on your needs and ensure your goals are met at the end of your project.
Consider Your Home and the Project
It’s important to hire an integrator who specializes in working with homes similar to the size and value of yours. You can get references from past clients or ask to see some of their previous work for similar projects. The larger the home, the more complex your project is likely to be and it's important to hire a company that has the experience.
Knowing that your integrator is capable of a project to your scale will relieve stress. In addition, an integrator who provides a range of services is your best option, so if there’s a new project you want to take on, you won't have to go looking for another professional.
Why is a Home Network so Important?
- A home network enables you to connect to the internet from multiple devices and share music, images, and files on devices connected to the network.
- It makes it possible to stream movies, music, and other entertainment across multiple devices.
- Streaming devices, gaming systems, and intelligent televisions have made it possible to soak in a wide range of content.
- It enables you to share equipment, such as printers and scanners. For example, multiple computers can print to a single printer when connected to a home network.
- It creates a simplified way to manage smart home devices, such as thermostats, cameras, and security devices.
- It empowers you to enhance your smart home devices by seamlessly connecting them to an automated home.
The home network is the heart of all connected technology within a home. It supplies connected devices with the necessary data to keep them operating seamlessly. In recent years, there has been an explosive growth in the number of devices that require a connection to the home network. The expansion of a network with new devices and technologies can put a strain on the network equipment.
Your entertainment enjoyment, for example, is tied to a home network. No one wants to experience a spinning wheel or shuttering display while trying to watch a favorite show or movie — which is why a robust and healthy home network is essential.
How do you Ensure your Home Network is Healthy?
- Protect your home network with necessary security features, such as a firewall and network password.
- Manage cables and wires to help to maintain cables’ basic functionality and protect devices from a clogged airflow.
- Keep a close eye on your network speed to determine any issues with your home network bandwidth.
- Take care of your networking equipment by keeping it away from light, heat, moisture, and dust.
Unfortunately, when not safeguarded, a home network can be a playground for malicious activities caused by people with ill intent. As we rely more on a home network, it’s crucial to invest in the upfront design and technology to ensure you’re receiving the fastest speeds and the highest levels of security.
Increased Efficiency
By helping you make sure lights are off when not in use, lighting control systems save you energy and money. You can set different lighting levels for different scenarios, such as cooking, reading, or watching TV.
Lighting systems allow you to control your use of light when and where you need it; light sensors can even measure the brightness of the outside light and adjust interior lights accordingly, ensuring that just the right amount of energy is used.
An Added Layer of Security
Paranoid that potential intruders will know you’re miles away and helpless to their attacks? Lighting control systems can set “vacation scenes,” turning lights on and off throughout the day or night to make it seem like someone is home.
They can also automatically turn on outdoor lighting at night so there are never any dark areas, and can use motion sensor technology to show when people are near your home.
Aesthetics and Design
Having large groupings of 2 or more light switches together can take away from the design of your home and create a lot of wall clutter. With a lighting control system that is designed while your house is being built, you can replace those large banks of switches with a single elegant keypad which can control individual lights, scenes (multiple lights together), and even other devices like the volume for music in the room or channels on a local TV.
And ... Scene
Life isn’t so much one big moment as it is a tapestry of little moments, strung together by our human memories. And if we can improve upon all of those little moments, we can make life just that much better.
Enter smart shading.
With smart shading solutions from Savant (say that ten times fast!) you can easily set your home’s shading for the seasons or the weather. Your shades can be scheduled to move with the time of day or the position of the sun. It’s pitch-perfect control over life’s little moments, but on a grand scale.
Cultured Convenience
After a long day of cleaning, working, chasing the kids around, and all of the other “super fun” things that make up being an adult that our parents never warned us about, adding another task to the chore list can sound like, well, a chore.
Take this, for example: You sit down after a long, hard day and sit down to watch the TV. The setting sun is behind you, and the glare from it is coming through the WINDOWS AND RUINING YOUR TV OH MY WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO?
Sound is special. It’s the difference between watching somebody strum a weird wooden shape and listening to somebody perform Bach on bass guitar.
The importance of sound isn’t just limited to concert performances or watching your kid’s school band play “Alexander’s Ragtime Band” for the millionth time, either. It’s also important at home and can bring a whole new level of immersion to your music, TV shows, and movies.
For those of you that aren’t quite convinced -- or are still on the fence about ditching your old dusty system and upgrading to something new -- we took the liberty of putting together some reasons why – and how -- a new hi-fi home audio system will change your family’s life for the better.
Technology is constantly looming in our lives. Smart thermostats regulate our household temperatures. Security devices keep our houses safe while we’re away. Our health is continuously monitored with wearable technology. A camera watches our pets at home. We can’t escape technology, so we might as well embrace it. As we add more technology to our everyday life, it can be pretty confusing to understand the terms for different technologies.
It’s common to hear “smart home” and “home automation” used interchangeably, and while they are related, there is a big difference between the two.
It’s time to take music everywhere.
Back in the day, listening to music used to be tethered to the physical realm: The vinyl goes on the platter or the disc goes into the player, you sit close by, and you listen through speakers or headphones connected to player. And that was pretty much it.
But that’s not the way it is anymore.
With multi-room audio systems, you and your music are free of physical wires and media. Music can flow throughout your whole house — all wirelessly. Let’s take a look at what is possible for multi-room audio, and what awesome features you are missing out on.
Summer is exciting for many reasons: No distance or in-person school, beach vacations, poolside staycations, and of course, the warm weather. But what about when you are inside and want to keep some of that sunlight out?
That’s what smart shades are for!
Different projectors are designed for different uses. Whether you’re hosting a moving night or leading a business meeting, a big-screen projector with vivid color output leaves a lasting impression. For movie aficionados and gamers, a projector offers a larger screen size on a reasonable budget, particularly in comparison to a flat-panel display. For business professionals, a projector is a flexible tool for sharing presentations with any size audience.
Selecting the right projector from a crowded field of models with a wide range of prices, features and capabilities can be a daunting task. Unlike most televisions, a projector’s performance is impacted by the room’s environment and the type of screen that the projector is paired with. To obtain the highest-quality picture — whether you’re using your projector for leisure or business — you’ll need the appropriate type of projector for your particular use case.
