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Keep It Clean - Cleaning Electronics the Right Way

Keep It Clean - Cleaning Electronics the Right Way

Technology Spring Cleaning

It's spring in Houston and things are starting to heat up. In the spirit of spring cleaning, we thought we would look at this annual tradition from a technology standpoint. After all, technology will last longer and function more efficiently if it is kept clean and cool.

One of the first rules of cleaning electronics is to never spray cleansers directly on the equipment. Using a feather duster or a microfiber cloth with a cleanser lightly sprayed on the cloth is our recommendation for cleaning. And always make sure the cloth you are using is clean to prevent scratching screens. To learn more, visit our YouTube page. https://youtu.be/I3RVOWMmkfY

Spring is also a great time to set an annual reminder to change out the batteries on the smoke detectors throughout your home, and if it has been greater than ten years you should consider changing the smoke detector units themselves out. Did you know that smoke detectors have a recommended lifespan? In this YouTube video, Luis talks a little bit more about smoke and heat detectors. https://youtu.be/uNFwDnjqLQc

How does the water taste in your home? How are your allergies? Have you been considering an air purification system to help mitigate the horrible pollen that accompanies the beautiful spring weather in Houston? It can get tracked in by your furry friends and your shoes. Echo Workshop offers both water and air purification systems to further clean things up for you this spring.

As always, Echo Workshop offers the most cutting-edge technology for your home or business. From motorized shades for your loggia, to Sonance Outdoor Speakers for around your pool, to smart thermostats so you can control the temperature of your home from anywhere in the world, Echo Workshop is here for all your spring technology needs.

LET'S GO AL FRESCO

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Are you dreaming of more poolside fun?  Then let Echo Workshop take your outdoor experience to a whole new level with a Sonance Landscape System.  While you cool off in the pool, immerse your family in sound.  This system offers even, balanced coverage that is directed where you want the sound - at you and not your neighbors. 

Firepits are popping up in a lot of backyards.  They’re a great place to engage with family and friends.  With Savant and Control4 systems you can integrate great sound from Sonance, lighting from Lutron, and maybe even an outdoor TV for the big game from Seura. 

Although movie theaters are back open, many of us still love the idea of staying home and watching movies in a bigger and better way.  We have just the product to take your outdoor viewing experience to the next level.  The Stealth Patio Theater Outdoor Series replicates a true theater experience right in your backyard.  Does the idea of technology in your yard make you shudder; well, we can integrate a vertical lift system and hide it away so it doesn’t take away from the aesthetics of your space.  Consider adding in some automated shades to keep the bugs and dust at bay from Screen Innovations, relaxing lighting and comfortable seating, and you are all set for family date night all year long.  Not only that, you will be able to control all of your technology with a single integrated system from Savant or Control4.

Finally, let’s consider a space that many of us use year-round in Houston – an outdoor kitchen or bar.  There are so many dynamic elements that can be added in this area.  Imagine color-changing lighting that sets the mood for any occasion from Environmental Lights.  Add a TV from Samsung and speakers from Sonance, and you may not want to cook in your indoor kitchen ever again! 

Echo Workshop can bring your dreams to life with the best technology.  Let us help enhance your lifestyle with a space to play, entertain, relax, and bring your family together – al fresco!   

A NEW YEAR HOME ADDITION JUST FOR YOU

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Maybe you're already dreaming of spring and summertime activities with your family and are thinking about enhancing your outdoor space. We have TVs from partners like Séura that are engineered to withstand Houston's extreme weather and reduce glare.  The picture is clear and bright in both direct sun and shade, making it perfect for poolside watching or movies in the evening with your neighborhood friends. 

If you're looking for a new experience, you may want to consider a projector?  We partner with entertainment gurus like Sony and Screen Innovations to provide the clearest picture and most up-to-date technology, making colors richer and blacks deeper, and also eliminating annoying glare.  And, again, you can hide the screen if you like.  Go with a motorized option and Echo Workshop can put the screen just about anywhere.

However, let's just think about all of the possibilities.  Have you been considering converting that unused room upstairs into a theater?  Perhaps you're building or remodeling.  Echo Workshop specializes in designing and building unique, high-end home theaters.  Of course, TV and projector selection is an important part of the process, but getting us involved will also give you great insight when choosing audio for the room, as well as other fun features.  Imagine walking into your dedicated home theater and with the push of a button your motorized shades descend, your lights dim, and your new Screen Innovations Black Diamond screen descends.  Add to that some comfortable theater seating or a theater bed from Elite Home Theater Seating and you are ready for a perfect night in with the whole family.

Echo Workshop is your premier Houston smart home company, with TVs and projectors to fit every lifestyle and budget.  Contact us today to learn more about these great products or how to get started designing and building your next home media project.   

SOME OF ECHO WORKSHOP'S FAVORITE THINGS FOR 2022

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Landscape audio is another changing trend. It isn’t what I would consider a new offering, but it is finally catching some traction. The ability to place multiple speakers dispersed throughout your yard that point back towards your home creates a much more enjoyable experience in your space, as opposed to the old way of blasting your neighbors with speakers under your eves.  I hope this trend catches on more as it is a phenomenal solution for audio distribution.

Along the same lines, invisible speakers have certainly been around for several years now, but there has been a significant change in the technology behind this offering. Once upon a time, I used to say, “yes, they’re completely invisible to the eye, they are more expensive, and you’re giving up sound quality to gain the invisible feature.” The technological change is that we no longer have to give up sound quality to have an invisible speaker. Our partners at Revel, Artison, and Sonance have released some incredible sounding speakers that are now invisible.  Really great stuff!

This is just a snapshot of three standout trends in technology.  Since technology is an ever-changing industry, Echo Workshop makes it a top priority to keep up-to-date on the best products for your home and business.  Design, technology, lifestyle…that’s what Echo Workshop is all about!

                                                                                                                                            - Luis Cortes

SMART LIGHTING PERFECT FOR THE HOLIDAYS

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It's holiday time!  That means special time with family and friends, or maybe even some fun entertaining and parties.  Using smart lighting as part of your smart home system allows you to set the mood and the scene.  Echo Workshop partners with companies like Savant Systems and Lutron Electronics to create the perfect system designed for your home.  Scenes have pre-set on and off times, give you the ability to set brightness and color/warmth of the lighting and which rooms you would like illuminated.  With one touch you can be ready for an intimate dinner, a glitzy party, or game night with the family.   You can even set a scene to turn your holiday lights on and off at set times – talk about convenience! 

Like so many of us, you may be feeling a decline in your energy with the coming of winter.  Perhaps you can’t sleep through the night or just aren’t feeling as sharp mentally.  You may have seen talk on the news lately about wellness and how your circadian rhythm plays into this.  As we spend more and more time indoors, we need to be conscious of keeping our bodies and minds in balance.  By simulating the sun’s natural path through automated lighting, many sleep issues can be eliminated, mood disorders improved, and, as an added benefit, people often find themselves with far more energy.   

Finally, lighting can just make things prettier and more festive.  Things like additional landscape lighting and changing the color of your lights for special events can bring your holidays to life.  Does your family have a favorite holiday movie that you enjoy together every year?  Along with the hot chocolate and popcorn, adjust your lights to red and green for some added family fun. 

The possibilities are truly endless with smart lighting.  From setting the scene for a perfect Thanksgiving dinner to improving your overall health, lighting can have an immense impact on you and your family.  With our certified lighting designer, Echo Workshop can help illuminate (sorry, couldn’t help myself) the whole process, from design to installation. 

YOUR DREAM HOME THEATER

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Probably the first thing that most people think about is the type and size of the video display.  Do you want a TV or a projector and how do you determine what size is best for your space?  Both the size of the room and the distance that you will be sitting from the video display are determining factors that need to be considered.  If that isn’t enough to boggle your mind, there are numerous types of projectors (short throw or mounted) and numerous types of screens.  You also want to think about how much ambient light will be in your home theater.  Extra light can make your picture look washed out or cause a glare on the screen that can be frustrating and take the magic out of the whole experience.

Of course, the video display is very important, but the speakers and how they are placed is equally important.  We know you want surround sound, but what about Dolby or Dolby Atmos?  Do you want the speakers in the ceiling, in the wall, or mounted on the wall?  Have you considered how many subwoofers you would like or whether you want them hidden?  Whew!  There are already so many decisions to be made.  Did you know that producing great sound in a home theater often requires exact measurements for the best clarity and overall experience?  The acoustics of the room are also extremely important.  Are you planning on having wood floors or paneled walls?  There will be more sound reflection and that can possibly interfere with clarity and even cause an echo effect.  Carpet and drywall may be better materials, but there are other options, such as acoustical treatments, that can also improve overall sound quality.   

One of the biggest mistakes people make when designing their own theater is not checking to make sure all of their components are compatible.  This can cause big issues when one device won’t “talk” to the other.  Also, have you considered where these components will be stored (in a cabinet, on a shelf, in a closet) or the cooling device you will need to keep your equipment healthy?  Sound generated from this equipment also has to be carefully thought through.  You don’t want something as simple as noise from a fan ruining your theater experience!    

Don’t forget about perfect lighting - like art lights to highlight those movie posters and special fixtures to set the mood.  We also have you covered when it comes to comfortable seating.  And if you’re looking for something to take your home theater to a whole new level, you may want to consider a starry sky.  The sky is the limit here - with the ability for you to have constellations and even shooting stars. 

I know!  There are so many things to consider that you may be feeling overwhelmed, but the experts at Echo Workshop can walk you through the whole process.  With thoughtful design and a vast knowledge base about all things home theater, we can take the confusion out of what to choose and help you make thoughtful and informed decisions.  Contact Echo Workshop today to learn more about our design and installation process.

TECHNOLOGY CAN IMPROVE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE

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Smart technology can also simplify your life and save you time.  We spend many of our days rushing from activity to activity, and having automation in our home that we can simply activate with our voice, or that automatically sets the scene with scheduled lighting, shade control, and music, can immediately set you up for a more relaxing experience in your home.   

Of course, the safety and security of our loved ones is always at the forefront of our minds.  Smart home security allows you to view your property remotely, monitor smoke alarms, and lock and unlock doors for family and service technicians.  Just imagine, you no longer have to be home to let your trusted plumber in.  Consider how much time that feature alone can save you (no drive time to get home and no missed work while you sit waiting for their arrival).

If saving money is something you enjoy, smart technology again comes into play.  Energy efficiency can be achieved not only with the convenience of programmable thermostats, but also by the convenience of turning off lights remotely.  Appliances and TVs can be set to automatically turn off when not being used. Pre-set scenes can turn the lights on in the morning and off when you leave for work or at bedtime, not only saving you time, but money too.

If your list of priorities for a better quality of life includes having more time to yourself, a comfortable, safe, and secure home, and more money to spend on what you want, then smart home technology is something that you should consider.  Echo Workshop specializes in designing and integrating smart home systems that are simple to use and improve your quality of life.

THE PERFECT SPACE TO LEARN AND WORK

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Have you heard the saying “a clean home equals a clean mind”?  The same is true for your work/school desk.  Having things clean and organized allows you to work and learn uninterrupted, without searching for the necessary supplies needed for success.  Proper desk and keyboard height are also important considerations, along with a comfortable chair positioned at the correct height. 

One of the most frustrating things about working or learning from home can be unreliable internet and WiFi coverage.  There are a few simple things you can do to improve your overall reliability, such as checking for damaged cables and making sure that cables are pushed in all the way.  Next, consider the age of your router and the devices that you are using via WiFi? Older devices have limited capabilities and it may be time for you to consider an upgrade.  It’s also important that you make sure you are running the latest system software.  If your speed or WiFi coverage still have you down, consider getting the experts at Echo Workshop involved.  An access point can go a long way in covering the WiFi dead spots in your home, and with WIFi6 options available, coverage and speed are better than ever.

Now that your space is set up to learn and work optimally, here are just a few friendly reminders!  Make sure that you get up and take a little walk around your house now and then to get your blood (and brain) flowing.  Set time aside to stretch.  Drink plenty of water and make sure that you have nutritious snacks and meals available. 

All of us at Echo Workshop wish you a great start to the new school year, and remember, we are here to help with all of your technology needs.

STORM PROTECTION

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So how do we protect our homes?  Surge suppression and surge elimination equipment are the best solutions for these worries.  While these terms sound very similar, and they do both work at limiting excess voltage, their effectiveness and the way they protect your home are very different. 

Surge suppression is the more basic protection of the two.  No, we are not talking about the power strips that most of us have around to extend power and provide extra outlets.  Proper surge suppression devices divert and/or diminish excessive current and voltage.  However, depending on the amount of voltage, surge suppression cannot always eliminate the threat to your electronics.  It’s also important to note that the individual electronic devices that you are trying to protect must be plugged directly into the surge suppressor. 

On the other hand, surge elimination is used to protect your whole home by diverting excess voltage into the ground before it reaches your electronic devices.  While surge elimination is more costly, it also protects things that are wired directly to your electrical panel such as your costly HVAC system, stoves, washers, dryers, etc.  This device is installed near your home’s electrical panel and offers protection for your entire home.  Since we experience frequent storms here in Texas, whole-home surge protection offers the greatest protection for all of your devices.

If you are concerned that your home and electronics are not properly protected, Echo Workshop can assess your home or business and offer solutions designed to best protect you.  Don’t wait until after the storm, when it’s too late to save your costly devices, to look into the best solution for you.

SECURITY SYSTEMS

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A security system can do more for you, including notifying you and a central monitoring station that an event is taking place, and if the situation calls for it, the monitoring station can report it to the appropriate emergency service.  A standard security system monitors the opening of windows and doors, and also gives you the ability to add additional features that monitor for fire, smoke, heat and other environmental emergencies. 

While family and home security are the number one reasons any of us consider a security system, there are added benefits you may not have considered to securing your home or business.   With many people adding a Smart Home System, you can monitor more than just your cameras.  Have you considered the convenience of being able to unlock and lock your doors when you need to let family or a neighbor in?  What about scheduling lighting to simulate your activity when you’re away or turning lights off and adjusting your thermostat to save energy and money?

Is your head still swimming with all of the options available?  Do you still have questions about what type of system is best for you?  Let the experts at Echo Workshop help.  We can evaluate your needs and design a system to help protect what is most important to you.

TECHNOLOGY: INSIDE & OUT

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Speakers:  Are you dreaming of music throughout your home, but don’t relish the idea of seeing speakers on your shelves or speaker grills in your ceilings or walls?  Then the Sonance Invisible Series may be just what you’re looking for.  These speakers are installed in the ceiling or wall and then finished over with the same material as the surrounding surface, making them completely invisible.  Yes, you can have beautiful sound with no visible speakers.  If you’re looking for outdoor options, the Sonance Patio Series blends in beautifully with your landscaping, while filling your pool or patio area with great sound.

Televisions:  We all love to watch TV, but that doesn’t mean we want it to be the focal point of all of our rooms.  The Frame by Samsung is a great option for any room.  Display beautiful artwork when you aren’t watching TV and a crystal-clear QLED screen for viewing your favorite programs.  Or maybe you prefer the aesthetics of a mirror instead of artwork, or like to watch television in the morning while you get ready for work.  Then the Séura Entertainment TV Mirror or a Vanity TV Mirror is just what you’re looking for.  You can experience a great picture when you want to catch up on your favorite program and a stunning mirror when the TV is off.  Séura also makes fully weatherproof TVs that function beautifully in extreme cold and heat, with a picture designed for outdoor viewing in bright sunlight.

Lighting & Shades:  Automating your lighting not only has the ability to beautify every room in your home, it also has the ability to improve ambiance and beauty on your patio or surrounding your pool.  Just imagine have a pre-set scene for the morning, evening, bedtime, or even entertaining.  Change the color and intensity of the light to customize your design and set the mood for any activity - indoor or out.  You may also want to consider outdoor shades from Screen Innovations.  They not only make it easier to keep those pesky Texas mosquitos at bay, they also help keep the dust out and the cool air in.

Of course, there are a multitude of technology options for your home and outdoor area, and Echo Workshop has the ability to make your home as beautiful and smart as you like.  Contact us today to learn more about all of the new, and often hidden, technology available for the home of your dreams.

WIFI ISSUES?

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Building materials are a big one.  If you have marble or concrete floors, you’re probably going to have issues with your WiFi signal between floors.  Are your walls concrete, stone or metal?  These are beautiful aesthetically, but also amazing WiFi blockers.  Even things like energy-efficient glass or a fish tank can impede your WiFi signal (we know – Goldie is fun to look at, but he isn’t good at boosting WiFi). 

From a technical perspective, there are a few easy things you can do to troubleshoot your signal issue.  First, check for damaged cables and make sure that cables are pushed in all the way.  Next, have you considered the age of your router and the devices that you are using via WiFi? Older devices have limited capabilities and it may be time for you to consider an upgrade.  It’s also important that you make sure you are running the latest system software. 

With so many things to consider when troubleshooting WiFi signal issues, we know that it can feel overwhelming at times, but we are here to help.  Echo Workshop has lots of networking upgrades like Wireless Access Points (WiFi 6 is available and WiFi 7 is on its way) to help boost your signal, as well as expert technicians to help you diagnose the culprit and improve your WiFi signal. 

THE AESTHETICS OF TECHNOLOGY

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Do you want the convenience of a television in your formal living room, but hate the idea of technology ruining your design aesthetic?  Echo Workshop has a couple of beautiful options for you to consider.  If you enjoy the look of a mirror above your fireplace, the Séura Entertainment TV may be what you’re looking for.  This gorgeous mirror transforms into a television when switched on.  Or if you would like to take a more artistic approach, The Frame by Samsung would be a perfect addition.  The Frame displays a stunning 4K picture when on and your favorite art when turned off.

Your lighting should adapt seamlessly to your activities and schedule.  Echo Workshop personally designs each project to meet your specific needs.  Lutron lighting not only improves the ambiance in your space, it helps save energy and money, enhances the safety and security of your home, and can even improve your health.

Technology devices and fixtures can be bulky and, quite frankly, ugly.  Trufig is designed to make things like power outlets disappear.  With no trim and finishes to match every surface, your eye is no longer drawn to it and it blends into your space. 

The Sonance Invisible Series produces beautiful ambient sound with no impact on your design.  These speakers are installed in your ceiling or walls and are finished over with the surrounding surface, making them invisible.  Yes, you heard that right – they are completely invisible.

There are so many options for integrating technology into your home without compromising your design dreams.  From TVs that will go completely unnoticed until you want to watch them, to speakers that are invisible, Echo Workshop has the ability to integrate all of the most advanced technology into your home while taking nothing away from its beauty.

TECHNOLOGY & CONSTRUCTION PLANNING

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In this day in age, good connectivity is everything and we want to be able to connect with ease in every room in the house!  Having a solid cabling infrastructure is the beginning of that.  Where do cables need to be run for cameras, TVs, WiFi access points, and other tech devices, where will your computer sit in your new office, where will you house your modem, will you need a rack for your technology components, does your rack room need a vent, where will the optimal location for your wireless access points be, do you know where your main cable from your internet service provider will be entering your home?  There is a lot of planning that goes into this and our experts can help.

You may have heard that there are current supply chain challenges in the building industry.  The same holds true with technology.  Having an expert guide you through options in entertainment, lighting, shades, and networking takes a lot of the sting out of the planning.  Our experts can see what is available or when your favorite brand may be available again.  Early planning is also optimal when it comes to selecting smart home features that can save you time and money and improve your quality of life.  Features like programmable thermostats and automated shades and lighting by Lutron are big energy savers.  Smart locks, fire and carbon monoxide detectors, and whole-home security will give you the peace of mind that your family is protected when you’re home or away. 

Technology is evolving daily and is an extremely important aspect of our work and leisure time.  Getting all of your choices outlined and sourced before the day of installation is obviously the best plan.  At Echo Workshop we spend a great deal of time listening to what you want and designing a system specifically for you – a system that not only works today, but is designed to grow with you in the future.

SMART HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

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Lights and Shades:  To simulate human activity, just like your parents were attempting, you can now set your TV, lights, and shades to varying schedules.  With one touch you can set your smart home to “vacation mode” to make different rooms throughout your home “come to life” on a schedule that will make it seem like your home.

Smart Thermostats and Locks:  Oh, no!  You’re at the airport and forgot to set the thermostat to “vacation mode?”  You can take care of that remotely, via an app.  Does Aunt Martha need to get into your house to borrow your rolling pin?  You can unlock your door remotely, and then re-secure your home when she’s gone. 

Security:  We could talk about options in security all day, but taking some simple steps like motion-sensor lighting, cameras, smart smoke detectors, and video doorbells are a great start.  Give yourself the ability to monitor your home while you’re away.

Of course, using your smart home technology when you’re home for the holidays can also streamline your life.  Consider having your holiday lights or winter village programmed into your smart system.  Or set your favorite holiday “scene” in your smart system for the perfect lighting, sound, and video with just one touch.

Whether you already have a smart-home system and need help making it work right for you, or are considering upgrading your home with smart technology, Echo Workshop is here to help.

HOME OFFICE WELLNESS

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Lighting matters!  Our bodies naturally want to follow the light cycle of the sun (circadian rhythm).  This is not only important to our overall daytime feeling of alertness and wellbeing, but also our sleep cycle, and when our bodies are not getting enough sunlight, we may feel fatigued and experience insomnia. Echo Workshop has LED lighting available that can replicate sunlight and give you that extra boost you’re looking for.  Experience an improvement in mood, mental acuity, and better sleep with the right lighting for your space.

Are you a biophiliac?  You may have heard a lot about biophilia lately and how our connection to nature increases our wellbeing.  Bringing the outdoors into your office with plants can reduce stress, increase productivity, and even increase the rate at which we heal.  Can you believe something as simple as a succulent can have so many health benefits?

Do you have allergies?  Perhaps you are noticing increased headaches.  Air quality is an important consideration when assessing your office space.  A good quality air purifier can combat viruses and bacteria and improve seasonal allergy symptoms.  Echo Workshop can provide you with a superior quality air purification system for just one room or help you with a whole-home solution. 

The space you’re in matters.  Separating work and living spaces gives us the ability to truly “leave work” at the end of the day.  If you have a dedicated office space – great.  If your office space is far removed from the activity in the rest of your home – even better.  However, if you are using part of your living room or bedroom for you home office, there are ways to give yourself some separation.  That way when the workday is through, it will be easier to leave your work mindset behind and truly be “home.”  Try a foldable room divider, curtain, or standing shelf with plants interspersed (remember biophilia). 

Finally, let’s get back to the basics.  Do your best to keep your workspace clean and uncluttered.  Removing the chaos also lends itself to our overall feeling of wellbeing.  Turn on your favorite music and maybe even try a few dance moves or a quick walk around the house to get your blood flowing, loosen tense muscles, and increase alertness.

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ALZHEIMER’S AND TECHNOLOGY

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Tech can improve quality of life.  Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning (thinking, reasoning, and remembering).  Imagine the frustration of wanting to watch a favorite TV program or simply listen to the radio and not being able to.  Virtual assistants can help.  If the client is able to perfect the use of basic voice commands, then an Alexa or smart remote may simplify use and relieve frustration.  Virtual assistants can also be programmed to give reminders at set times throughout the day (i.e. medication reminders, appointments), taking a little pressure off the caregiver.

Remote Monitoring.  There are so many options today when considering how to best protect our loved ones.  From camera installations to motion detectors to door sensors, all areas of a home can be set to be monitored remotely.   We now have the ability to help monitor the safety of our parents from across the country or from our office across town if needed.  Did your dad leave all the lights on, turn the thermostat up to 90 degrees, or forget to turn off an appliance?  With smart home technology, this can all be accessed off site and adjusted immediately.

Technology is not just about safety, but also about independence and quality of life, allowing people with Alzheimer’s the ability to stay comfortably in their own homes for longer (aging in place).  And, when it comes down to it, that’s all we really want for our parents – as much comfort and ease as they gave us growing up.

OUR HOMES CAN CARE FOR US

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Wellness is an ongoing hot topic, and the technology industry is no different.  At Echo Workshop we offer air and water purification systems from Pure365 and Bluewater to help eliminate allergens and toxins.  Whether you’re looking for a single room or a whole-home solution, Echo Workshop has the technology to help keep you and your family healthy. 

Have you been feeling tired lately?  Perhaps you can’t sleep through the night.  Echo Workshop has partnered with companies like Savant Systems and Lutron Electronics to simulate your circadian rhythm.  We spend more and more time indoors and to keep our bodies and minds in balance, we not only crave the outdoors, but truly need it.  By simulating the sun’s natural path through automated lighting, many sleep issues can be eliminated, mood disorders improved, and, as an added benefit, people often find themselves with far more energy.   

I think most of us can admit that over the past couple of years we have learned that we like being at home, and our homes don’t just provide sanctuary, they can provide us with a lot of fun.  Have you been thinking about turning an extra room into a theater, or perhaps adding audio and video features outdoors?  Echo Workshop has the newest technology available from Samsung, Sony, Sonos, Revel, and Sonance, to take your family’s fun to the next level.

Home automation helps make our lives just a little easier.  With a smart home system that will monitor your security, improve your living environment, adjust shades, lights, and your thermostat, and allow you to enjoy whole-home audio and video, our homes truly can take care of us.  Let Echo Workshop help your home take care of you.

MAKE THE MOST OF OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT THIS FALL WITH SONANCE OUTDOOR SPEAKERS

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GO AHEAD, THROW A PARTY

Picture hosting a Halloween party in your own backyard. You've prepared all the delicious themed food you'll need, your decorations are ready to go, and you're confident you'll crush the costume contest. The best way to set the mood for your event and keep the energy exciting and positive is with music. The Sonance Garden Series is the perfect system to level up your party. This system is ideal for outdoor gatherings and comes with everything you need for ideal performance and quality. You won't have to worry about your guests being able to hear the music, regardless of where they are in your backyard due to the 8 aluminum cone woofers that are spread throughout your space. Volume will never be an issue.  As a Houston Sonance dealer and installer, Echo Workshop makes purchasing and installation easy. We'll take care of everything. You'll love your new outdoor system and your guests are sure to be impressed. Gone are the days of the portable Bluetooth speaker that is carried around throughout the night to take your music with you. Your whole outdoor space is covered. 

Maybe you're not the type to throw large holiday gatherings in your backyard, but enjoy a more intimate and relaxed occasion. As the nights begin to get cooler, you may be tempted to enjoy a dip in your private hot tub on your backyard deck. You've got your glass of wine and the temperature is perfect to wind down and truly relax. Now, imagine cueing up your favorite playlist for relaxation to really complete the mood.  Don't worry about getting your phone or portable speaker wet, your system has you covered. The Sonance Patio Series is absolutely perfect for occasions like this, and Echo Workshop can make installation and maintenance a breeze. You won't have to worry about a thing. This outdoor speaker system is great for coverage in a smaller space, coming with 4 satellite speakers and 1 in-ground subwoofer, all powered with 1 amplifier. The sound is crisp, clean, and detailed.  Make your Houston outdoor space a true escape with this system. 

You won't have to worry about a thing when it comes to your Sonance Outdoor Speaker System in Houston, as every little detail has been thought of. You'll impress your guests with the system's gorgeous aesthetic that's made to blend into its surrounding environment. No one will be able to even tell you've had the system installed until you decide to use it. If a storm is coming through or the weather has turned more severe, you don't have to worry about this either. These outdoor speakers have been specifically designed to withstand weather conditions, humidity, and UV light. 

So, go ahead and plan that next celebration. Just don't be surprised when you end up being the most popular house on the block. Don't worry, you'll still have plenty of time for relaxation and tunes in the hot tub. Contact Echo Workshop today for more information about all the products and services we offer. 

SAMSUNG FRAME TV: A HOLIDAY TREAT FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

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CREATE A SLIDESHOW ON THE SAMSUNG FRAME

What about a family slideshow to revive memories, trigger laughter, and maybe embarrass a few (former) youngsters? The Samsung Frame makes it easy to create a slideshow of cherished family memories.

Upload old family portraits along with your own photos to create a slideshow as unique as your family. You can even show dance recital or wrestling match videos that you took with your phone.  

ENJOY YOUR FAVORITE ARTWORK

When it's not being used for entertainment, the Samsung Frame transforms into a beautiful piece of framed art on your wall. Suddenly, the TV is no longer the bane of a home decorator's existence. 

The most beautifully designed and decorated room was marred by that big black rectangle on the wall. These modern necessities just aren't attractive when the screen is off. As television screens became larger, the problem of how to draw attention away from them became even worse. Everything from hiding them behind shutters to encasing them in custom furniture was tried. 

Enter the Samsung Frame! This designer-inspired TV becomes artwork when the screen is off. First, choose a customizable monitor bezel from a selection of different styles and colors. When you're ready for a change, the built-in magnets make it easy to swap one bezel for another. Then hang your Samsung Frame flush against the wall like any other piece of fine art.

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