Welcome! What's On Your Mind?

FAMILY NIGHTS

Studies show that regular routines, like having dinner together, increase the chance that a child becomes resilient to the changes in life. In our modern age, however, it can be hard to create such routines. We often eat on the go as we rush to sports or dance practice and don't have time to establish regular routines. Add to that the pressures of different schedules, and it can be difficult to get a family together. Having a home theater system gives your family an event that they can look forward to every week. You might not be able to afford to go to the movies every weekend, but you can watch a streaming movie on your home theater system and create the same kind of memories, and the snacks are much cheaper too.

SPORTS

No matter what sport you enjoy, you probably can't see it live as often as you like. Tickets to events are expensive, and it can also be costly traveling to where the game is. Seeing the big game on a home theater is the next best thing. You feel like you're actually there live as the size of the screen brings all the action to you. If you're watching football, you can see more of the field. If you enjoy pro wrestling, you get the feel of the fight in your living room. Not only can you enjoy the action, but your friends and family will flock to your home on game day, creating a party atmosphere. A home theater gives you the feeling of going to the big game without ever leaving your couch.

GAMING

If you've never played a video game in a home theater before, prepare to be amazed. It will feel like you're right there in the video game. Blast aliens and experience the action. Play Madden and feel like it's an actual football game. The level of detail a home theater system brings to gaming is unreal. If you're a competitive gamer, you need a home theater system to succeed. Your opponents will have a home theater setup, and if you don't have one, you won't be able to see the entire screen as well as they will. You'll be at a disadvantage before you even pick up the controller. A home theater system makes any video game session a video game experience.

SOUND

When you go out to the movies, you have no control over the sound. It can be too loud or too soft. A home theater system makes the movie seem like it comes alive all around you, and you can control how loud or soft it is. You can turn down the sound for action scenes that would hurt your eardrums in a theater and then turn it back up for soft dialogue. It puts you in control!

CONCLUSION

A home theater doesn't have to cost a lot of money. You can start with a Sony TV and surround sound speakers in your Houston home, or create a real experience with a Sony Projector to amp up your viewing experience! A home theater system with Sony innovations will save you money on the price of popcorn and turn your home into the place all the kids want to hang out. As your Houston Sony dealer, Echo Workshop is excited to help you elevate your entertainment experience. 

HOW DOES A PERSONAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE SYSTEM WORK? 

Picture a common scenario whereby a senior falls or cannot move for some reason. No one is there to help, and the senior cannot get to the phone to ask for help. This situation can be fatal, and this is where a PERS solution comes into play. 

A PERS essentially comprises an emergency distress signal. The device features a small radio transmitter and a console connected to the telephone. The transmitter essentially enables the user to use the telephone without picking up the actual phone. This is all powered by an emergency response center that monitors all calls made through the device. 

A senior in the situation discussed earlier will not be stuck if they have a PERS solution. The senior will only need to press a button to make a call to the emergency response center, a loved one, or any other emergency contact in their system. 

THE IMPORTANCE AND BENEFITS OF PERS 

A personal emergency response system is important because it can (and does) save lives. A quick response can mean the difference between life and death when a senior falls, and a PERS solution enables seniors to call for help immediately after an accident. Consequently, a PERS solution can save lives, which should be enough to get one. 

CONTROL OVER YOUR PRIVACY

While getting natural light is important, so is privacy. Instead of using curtains, tapestry, and shutter blinds, you can opt to install a privacy glass, which is the best way to attain privacy, while also reducing congestion. With a switchable privacy glass window or door, you can change from plain to semi-transparent to opaque. For instance, when you hold a meeting to discuss an important issue concerning the company, you may need a more private and distraction-free environment. A privacy window or door can help.

Besides having privacy settings, smart window films can also help reduce or regulate the noise from the outside environment. This enables attendees to concentrate while also creating a quiet and conducive environment to hold a meeting effectively. With privacy glass, you can redefine the room in seconds with ease.

At home, even though you want a well-lit house that allows the morning sun to penetrate easily, your privacy should never be compromised. You can ensure this by installing privacy glass at your front door, bedroom, living room, dining room, media room, or window. You can switch from clear to opaque at different times of the day and vice versa.

CONTROL OVER ROOM TEMPERATURE AND LIGHT

High room temperatures and irritating glares can make you uncomfortable and lead to underperformance at work. If you are working in a position with direct sunlight, you may struggle when reading documents, thus having less productivity. With privacy windows, you can switch to opaque, which will not only reduce the room temperature by 60% but also block at least 98% of the UV rays. This will create a friendly working environment, which translates to high productivity.

Window films can also eliminate hot spots, thus preserving room temperature, which helps save energy. As a result, you can reduce the chances of your HVAC appliances wearing out.

YOUR DINING AREA CAN HAVE HIDDEN SPEAKERS

Instead of mounting speakers at the corners of the room, install invisible speakers on walls and ceilings. This is the best way to keep the speakers out of sight, yet lighten up the room with some enjoyable background music. You can choose to install hidden speakers in your dining space to upgrade your dining experience in any setting.

Interior designers can show you various ways to disguise the speakers and blend them with the walls in a way that does not compromise the sound quality. They can come up with multiple designs as well, so that you can choose one that you can be comfortable living with. Professional installers can then help to put up the speakers in a manner that maximizes their output and sound quality. This also includes using appropriate installation materials to ensure that the speakers remain fixed to the wall to lessen the chances of accidents or damage when they fall.  

Sonance Invisible Speakers allow you to appreciate the available space in your Houston home as they decongest the dining room, creating a fresh environment. When installing hidden speakers, it is advisable to deal with specialized personnel who have impeccable service delivery and can work to fulfill your custom requirements. 

YOUR DINING AREA CAN HAVE AN ENTERTAINMENT FUNCTION

You can make your dining room more functional by incorporating things like entertainment. You can achieve this by acquiring and installing the best speakers which have the best sound quality. You will enjoy the relaxing feeling that Sonance Invisible Speakers offer as you listen to magical music in your dining space with family and friends. This includes having some of your favorite tunes play in the background when you are hosting some friends to set up the mood or just avoiding a dull and gloomy mood during routine family mealtimes. 

INTERNET OVERLOAD

It won't be long before children and college students will be back in school, although, unlike last year, they'll likely be able to attend in-person throughout the entire school year. Still, most students will need almost daily access to the internet for school-related activities.

College Students — Students who attend local community colleges are online almost every day, whether they enrolled in an online course or two (or more), or if they need to do research for a homework assignment. Even in-person classes require fast internet speeds to keep up with emails, postings from instructors, etc.

High School, Middle School, etc. — Children at every level, including elementary school, are likely to have assignments that require access to high-speed internet on a fairly regular basis. 

Adults — In the past year, many adults have switched from their corporate environment to working part-time or even full-time from home. Quite a few of the companies they work for are deciding to make these changes permanent. Of course, remote-working adults will still be expected to deliver high-quality results, even though their children may be using the same internet access this fall. 

Leisure Time — In addition to education-related internet access and work-related access, families still want to have plenty of leisure time online access as well. Now more than ever, many households are switching to streaming TV and movies, and they still want to have plenty of bandwidth available to access their favorite social media sites, check email, etc. 

SECURITY PITFALLS 

Many vacation homes reside alongside other vacation homes, making the overall neighborhood an attractive target for thieves and home squatters. By targeting vacation homes, both of these groups know their unlawful actions are likely to go undetected for months. If a break-in should occur, the thieves will have long since gone on to other neighborhoods, leaving the homeowners to spend their time replacing essential household components, as well mourning the loss of irreplaceable sentimental items. 

Other problems that could arise over a long span of time are issues resulting from storm damage or property damage from wildlife. A shattered window or skylight as a result of a broken tree limb could cause major damage to both a home's exterior and interior. Even something as seemingly benign as a squirrel can find its way into a home and cause major damage in their desperate attempt to find their way out of the home.

PLANNING FOR SECURITY ISSUES

Here at Echo Workshop, we take pride in working with our clients to develop a comprehensive security package to protect their valuable vacation homes. We know that peace of mind for homeowners and protection of personal property are the utmost priorities for any security system. Our security packages are designed to encompass a home's exterior as well as the interior. They include critical features such as strategically-placed security cameras, a comprehensive alarm system, and other thoughtful features such as lighting and window shades that can be programmed to make it appear as if residents are home. 

START AT THE BEGINNING - THE ENTRYWAY

One of the foundational components found within our comprehensive security package is the DoorBird entry system. The DoorBird is a video door intercom and video doorbell system. Its usefulness quickly becomes evident whether homeowners are away, or simply in their backyard enjoying relaxation time with family and friends. The DoorBird works with both the Android and iOS operating systems, allowing homeowners to answer the doorbell of their vacation home whether they are halfway across the globe, or spending some downtime in the backyard pool. 

YOUR WALLS CAN CAMOUFLAGE POWER OUTLETS

Your home has stunning stone countertops, gorgeous accent walls, and smooth marble surfaces. It's time to stop letting power outlets ruin carefully crafted designs. Trufig is like a chameleon that can change its skin color to hide in plain sight. Whatever pattern, design, color, material, or texture your wall has, your power outlets will now be able to replicate its surroundings and blend right into the wall. This design solution is also trimless and flush with the wall, so your power outlets won't stick out or stand out. Now, you can put invisible power outlets anywhere you need them, instead of having to worry about what they will look like in that location. You can now keep your living room and kitchen walls clean and clutter-free.

YOUR WALLS CAN SEAMLESSLY HIDE YOUR ELECTRONICS

Instead of mounting smart home devices on your wall, put the devices in your wall. Your lighting and smart home controls will be exactly where you need them, without ruining the aesthetic appeal of your space. Control your lights with the touch of a discrete button, and mount an iPad inside your wall for easy, yet unobtrusive, smart home control. The electrical components and wires will stay safely hidden inside your walls. Trufig's mounting system is compatible with many touch screen devices to fit your preferences.

YOUR WALLS CAN KEEP YOU COOL

Stay cool and refreshed, without bulky vents and units. With Trufig's mounting technology, even your HVAC grilles and linear diffusers will be fully integrated in your home. The vents and grilles become so hidden that it's almost like your walls can breathe on their own. Imagine HVAC grilles and wall or ceiling linear diffusers that are flush with the wall, match their surroundings, and still function perfectly. Trufig's mounting system for linear diffusers offers a seamless transition between the air opening and wall or ceiling surface. This integrated system helps you breathe clean air, while also keeping your walls clean and streamlined.

YOUR WALLS CAN PLAY MUSIC

If your walls could talk, they would tell great stories about your family and home. You also wouldn't have to look at bulky sound systems and tangled cords. With Trufig's integrated Sonance speaker system, your walls will do more than talk. They will play music. Relax on your couch while peaceful ambient music gently plays, or enjoy a get-together with friends and family with lively music in the background. Enjoy the benefits of background music, without having to look at the obtrusive speaker system that takes up space. Let the speakers blend into your walls with Trufig.

YOUR HOUSTON TRUFIG DEALER CAN HELP

You don't have to compromise anymore. With Trufig's integrated mounting system and design solutions, you can enjoy your home with all of its features, without any bulky electrical outlets or devices.

1. ENERGY EFFICIENT

Although most home automation systems focus mainly on the convenience of smart technology, you can do more to reduce your overall carbon footprint and monthly energy bills with Lutron motorized shades. With a touch of a button, they can control the amount of sunlight coming into a room for a more energy-efficient surrounding.

Do you know that your AC works twice as hard to create a comfortable indoor climate during the summer's heat? You can create a weather-specific schedule such that your windows remain unobstructed when it's too hot, as your Lutron motorized shades or drapes draw to conserve the energy used for heating and cooling. By so doing, you reduce the amount of heat and temperature in your home while reducing the amount of energy your air conditioning will need to use to create a comfortable atmosphere.

Additionally, you can also create an eco-friendly and perfect ambiance by integrating your home's lighting and Lutron motorized shade system. The lights adjust accordingly to provide electricity, as will the shades when it's time to close at sunset.

2. CONVENIENT AND EASILY MANAGED

Unlike non-motorized blinds that you have to manually operate, anyone can use a remote to open and shut Lutron motorized shades. Additionally, manual blinds and shades might be versatile and fit any window; however, the panels or slats are expensive to repair and replace once they are heavily damaged. 

Because Lutron motorized shades are not manually operated, plus they are made to fit your window perfectly, they do not get tangled up, thus creating a clean-looking space.

WHAT IS AN ENERGY SURGE?

Any major storm has the potential to cause damage to buildings, electrical relays, and cable lines. Pole-based lines are the most susceptible to damages caused by major weather, like the 2020 hurricanes. When the electrical wires are damaged, a buildup of power, or a surge, is created and released into the neighboring connected homes and businesses. This can damage any appliances or electronics that remain connected to the energy grid.

Houston experienced a large energy surge with the landfall of Hurricane Laura in August 2020. More than 113 thousand homes and businesses in Southeast Texas were without power. In the days that followed, energy began being restored. This created a new danger for those electronics and equipment still connected to the grid: the surge back to power. As lines were repaired and re-energized, it created an inward surge that continued to have the potential to damage electronics that had not been disconnected.

All this being said, it’s important to note that most surges actually come from within our own homes, not from storms. You can read a detailed explanation about this from our owner here. 

WHAT DOES A POWER SURGE DO?

Everything from alarm clocks to high-tech computers that are connected to a wall socket has a form of a power converter in it. With the influx of too much power, the tiny transistors and capacitors are unable to handle the load. In essence, it floods the system and burns out the device's ability to transfer power from the electrical grid into the device itself. Devices that are charging when a power surge occurs have a greater risk of exploding the battery, as they can not hold enough power.

WHAT TO DO IN INCLEMENT WEATHER

Major storms caused most of the damage that created the energy surges in August 2020. However, all storms have the potential to damage systems. It is not only the storm creating electrical surges that can damage equipment either, but water damage can also occur from flooding and downed trees on homes. How do you protect your important electronics from storms?

LUXURY LISTENING

Imagine the dad in your life coming home after a long day at work. Whether he's been downtown at the office, in a back corner of the shop, or even just down the hall in his at-home studio, chances are high he's spent the majority of his day listening to sounds that, while necessary for his work, were nonetheless underwhelming. Horns honking during the commute; co-workers droning on in meetings; phone calls projecting through tinny earpieces.

None of these sounds struck joy in his heart. 

Once dad's home and settled in for the evening, however, he can enjoy some luxury listening on his high-end Revel speakers.

• Home screenings of classic movies
• Favorite studio albums
• Video chatting
• Podcast binging
• Top-notch gaming

After we gift our fathers some high-end audio equipment, all their listening experiences from that point forward will be amplified through top-quality speakers. 

SOME MANLY OPTIONS

Whether dad hangs out in the living room with everyone else or likes to retreat to his own space to enjoy his downtime, the high-end audio options available from your Houston Revel dealer, Echo Workshop, are sure to fit right in.

ENTERTAINMENT, WITHOUT THE WIRES

Flying looks a lot more impressive if you can't see the wires. When you walk into your living room, you shouldn't be able to see all the wires and electronics that make your technology work. You should be fully immersed in the impressive, exciting, and comfortable entertainment space, with no bulky wires or electronics on display. With custom furniture, you can maintain the illusion of full technological integration.

Imagine a state-of-the-art, fully customizable credenza that is specifically designed to seamlessly store and hide all the cords and electronics for your TV. Salamander A/V furniture not only hides the electronics but also protects and integrates them into your space. These sleek modular cabinets offer cable management, a cooling system to protect your electronics, and can even integrate an impressive sound system right into the cabinet. The vented cabinet's built-in cooling system keeps your electronics from overheating.

Now, you can shrink down the capabilities of an entire movie theater to fit inside a sleek A/V cabinet that integrates effortlessly into your home. 

CUSTOM, NOT "ONE SIZE FITS ALL"

Every room in your home should feel like it was designed specifically for you and your family. Your style, your preferences, and your wants and needs should all be reflected in your home. Furniture sets the tone for the entire space, so you need to be able to customize it. With custom furniture, you don't have to compromise.

You can customize your A/V cabinet to perfectly fit into the design of your home. Change the size, shape, layout, finish, color, material, and much more so that the furniture will blend harmoniously into your home. With custom furniture, your specific requests can turn into reality because of the modular design of Salamander furniture. This furniture works with you so that you don't have to settle. 

SEURA MIRRORS MAKE YOU GLOW

You deserve a "mirror mirror on the wall" that makes you feel like the fairest of them all. You deserve to have professional quality lighting built right into your mirror so that you truly glow. You know the difference between a high-quality mirror and a bad one. You know that boost of confidence you feel when you see your reflection in a luxury hotel mirror, versus the frustration you feel when a bad mirror casts annoying shadows and doesn't light your face properly. With Seura lighted mirrors, you can turn your home bathroom into your private spa. No more squinting your eyes while you put on your make-up, or needing to find better lighting while you are busy with intricate tweezing work. Seura lighted mirrors have seamlessly built-in LEDs that offer unparalleled brightness. You will feel like a model at a professional shoot for a beauty ad campaign. You should enjoy your time in front of the mirror every day instead of feeling like it is another chore. Seura mirrors reflect your true beauty and make your skincare and make-up application effortless. These lighted mirrors can also be customized to match your personal style, so you can finally have your dream beauty salon right in your own home.

Seura mirrors are just as useful for men. Think of how easy shaving is when the mirror is also a light source. You will appreciate how Seura lighted mirrors transform any bathroom into a luxury space. You can also multitask in the morning with a built-in TV screen in your Seura TV mirror.

ENHANCE YOUR WORKOUT STUDIO

A TV mirror will take your Houston at-home gym to the next level. From the comfort of your home gym, you can stream videos of your personal trainer, yoga teacher, ballet instructor, or coach to your TV mirror. With your reflection and your video screen conveniently in one place, you will perfect your form in each exercise and yoga pose. You will be able to compare your positioning directly to your instructor's. Think of how much farther you'll stretch, how many more sets you will do, and how much better your form will look when you have your workout videos right next to your reflection in the mirror. 

You can also watch TV from your built-in screen to keep you entertained during a grueling cycling session, or play a relaxing video during a yoga routine. If you don't want any distractions, just switch the TV off, and the screen will disappear.

MORE COMFORTABLE OFFICE ENVIRONMENT

While your office is hard at work, Savant Multistat is working just as hard to make sure your space remains perfectly comfortable. Your office will become much more welcoming with Savant's climate control system. It monitors and corrects the temperature to accommodate for humidity, outdoor temperature changes, or even the changing seasons. No more uncomfortable sweating while wearing a suit or the annoying guesswork of trying to get the temperature just right. 

Savant can also control the shades on the windows to eliminate unwanted glare or shadows during the workday. Your Savant system will also be more efficient and can save you money by turning off lights and other equipment when not in use. When your employees do not have to think about the temperature of the office, the sun getting in their eyes, or other annoying office inconveniences, they will be more productive, focused, and happy. A more comfortable office is a more productive office. 

IMPROVED AUDIO AND VIDEO CAPABILITIES

Imagine it is time for an employee to give a big presentation. Instead of wasting time setting up the projector, telling someone to dim the lights, and fixing the sound equipment, what if your Savant system did all of that for you? No more inefficient presentations with outdated technology. With the Savant automated system, dim the lights from your chair by touching your phone screen. Connect to any device for professional sound quality that is easy to control. Get impressive sound and video for all presentations, conferences, and calls. Work quality and attitude will improve with the help of improved audio and video technology. 

UPGRADED OFFICE SECURITY

Everyone feels more comfortable working in a secure office, and you will feel reassured knowing that security is now made easy with the Savant system. You can now easily monitor all entry points of the office building through the Savant Entry Service. You can "answer the door" through your phone first before letting an unexpected visitor come in. When it comes to office security, peace of mind goes a long way in the overall atmosphere of the office. This security system is easy to use for you, comforting for employees, and a strong line of defense against any potential threats. 

IMPRESSIVE POSSIBILITIES

With the ability to control lighting, window shades, climate, audio, video, and security all through simple and elegant devices, the possibilities are really endless. Your employees will feel inspired by the options that an automated office provides. From upgraded video presentations with professional sound systems to impressive event hosting with easy-to-control lighting that sets the mood, the potential of an automation system this sophisticated is overwhelming. The Savant system is the perfect boost to morale and "welcome back" that every office worker needs right now. 

WHAT IS OUR CIRCADIAN RHYTHM?

Our circadian rhythm is our body's natural 24-hour sleep-wake cycle. It basically acts as an internal clock, influencing nearly every system in our body including the production of hormones that make us feel sleepy,hungry, energetic, and more. If we don't listen to our body's natural signals, it's easy for this rhythm to get thrown out of whack, resulting in a poor mood, low energy, slower metabolism, lost productivity, and other negative health effects. To maintain optimal performance in all of our body's systems, it's important to pay attention to our circadian rhythm and do our best to maintain a regular sleep cycle.

HOW DOES LIGHT AFFECT CIRCADIAN RHYTHMS?

While the circadian rhythm is mostly an internal process, some external factors influence it as well. It can be affected by our behavior, like if we stay up later than we should. It can be affected by certain medications we are prescribed or other substances like caffeine. And it can be influenced by our environment as well. Light, both indoors and outdoors, is one of the biggest environmental factors that affect our circadian rhythm because it tells our body to stop producing melatonin, which is the hormone that makes us feel tired.

When there's plenty of light in our environment, it's an environmental cue for our body to wake up. When the sun starts to set and there's less light in the environment, it tells our body to start producing melatonin, so we can prepare to sleep. Daylight Savings can cause a serious interruption in our body's internal clock. Some studies show that in the weeks following the start of Daylight Savings, people lose out on up to40 minutes of precious sleep as their bodies adjust.

While 40 minutes doesn't seem like a lot, this lost sleep seems to result in mood changes, an increase in traffic accidents, and more workplace injuries. But luckily, keeping lighting consistent throughout our home can help our bodies adjust to Daylight Savings more easily. With the use of smart technologies in our homes, we can create the right environment with light that is beneficial to our bodies. We can't control the light outside, but we can use technology to overcome environmental factors that affect our sleep. 

FEATURES OF THE SEURA OUTDOOR TV 

A Seura outdoor TV is not just a normal TV that you put outside. It is designed specifically for outdoor entertainment. Just like hearing about a hotel's amenities, let's explore what makes the Seura outdoor TV the right outdoor entertainment source for you:

BEST PICTURE QUALITY

When picking a beach to go to, you want to choose the one that looks the prettiest. When choosing an outdoor TV, you also want to choose the one that looks the prettiest. The Seura outdoor TV has the best picture quality. When you are on a beach, it is hard to see your phone screen because the sun creates glare that your phone's brightness cannot compensate for. The Seura outdoor TV is designed to be bright enough to prevent that annoying screen glare. With vivid 4K UHD and HDR technology, whatever is on your screen will look like an extension of your backyard because it is that life-like. 

LARGE AND SLEEK DESIGN

Part of the appeal of a vacation is being able to see an impressive and beautiful new landscape. Your new TV will be your staycation's impressive feature that everyone wants to take pictures of. Your new screen can span all the way up to 86 inches, with a soundbar the same length, for a sleek and seamless design.

WEATHERPROOF

No one likes rain or wind on their vacation, especially if the weather causes cancellations of outdoor activities. This year, your outdoor activities don't have to be canceled. With an outdoor TV that is designed to be weatherproof, you can carry on with your staycation adventures, no matter what the weather is. This TV has built-in thermal controls and can withstand dust and water ingress, so you don't have to cancel any staycation activities. 

BEST SOUND SOLUTIONS

An outdoor TV has to project powerful audio to fully immerse your backyard in the staycation experience. The Seura outdoor TV has a front-facing soundbar that will deliver high-quality sound to your whole backyard.

RECORD PLAYERS FOR A GREAT VALENTINE'S DAY NIGHT

We are all used to the tradition of giving flowers on Valentine's Day. However, going against this tradition might turn out to be a great thing, especially if you consider going for turntables. A turntable would be a perfect option for a memorable Valentine's Day Night. It will not only blend function and beauty, but also it will set up the mood for the entire night, giving you and loved one a moment to cherish!

WHY REGA TURNTABLES CREATE THE BEST VINYL EXPERIENCE

Listening to vinyl is so nostalgic, and if you are a lover of vinyl, then listening to it on the Rega should be your bucket list this Valentine's Day. Rega makes the vinyl sound more nuanced harmonically, better focused, and emotionally compelling. There is no better way to capture your attention much longer and with an airier and much bigger picture than listening to vinyl on the Rega.

Rega turntables communicate the emotional content and message of the music more clearly. The available versions of the Rega turntables add a touch of authentic analogue warmth to their sound. The perfect combination of skill and accuracy knitted together help expertly display diverse music strands. In addition, you will notice a unique close of authority and scale with a Rega turntable. Often, these turntables deliver large-scale dynamic shifts enthusiastically and simultaneously handle subtler variety shifts with outstanding finesse.

Listening to vinyl is so nostalgic. Having a turntable for a Valentine's Day night could create the most romantic moment for you both to enjoy. For instance, the Rega Planar 1 is the perfect record player that would pass as the best and thoughtful gift to your music lover. Besides having a glossy and sleek finish, Planar 1 has an outstanding design that would match any traditional or modern home.

YOUR SCREEN—THE CENTERPIECE OF YOUR MEDIA ROOM

The centerpiece of any media room is the screen. All eyes will be turned to the screen for the duration of the game and that makes the quality of your screen one of the most important aspects of your media room. One of the characteristics you will want in your screen is for it to be ambient light rejecting or ALR. This means that your screen will reject other light sources, such as the lights in the room or sunlight through a window. They will enable you to watch the game with the lights on without glare thereby allowing you the opportunity to fully invest and enjoy the game. These screens will also produce a higher level of contrast when they are compared with matte screens making every image more vibrant and crisp.

FIXED SCREENS

Before you embark on purchasing the perfect screen for your media room, you will need to decide if you would like a fixed screen or motorized screen. The choice you make will have an influence on the types of materials you have to choose from for your screen. The choice to go with a fixed screen enables you to choose from materials such as Black Diamond, Black Diamond film, Slate, Flex Glass, and many more. Many of these materials are usable both in a fixed or motorized manner. However, there are also some, such as Black Diamond, that is only an option if it is being used in a fixed capacity. Screens, such as the Black Diamond, communicate images that go way beyond simply watching a game or television show. They create an immersive experience that allows you and your guests to feel like you are right there in the thick of things. 

MOTORIZED SCREENS

Motorized screens, on the other hand, can give your media room a wow factor that fixed screens may not. Screens such as slate screens, which can be found in either a fixed or motorized capacity, can create a hush that falls over the room when they drop from the ceiling. Slate screens are made from a special material that reject the light in such a way that makes it popular with many people, including astronauts. That's right, slate screens are the projection screen material used by the International Space Station. Slate screens make content quality good even in space so just imagine what they could do in your Houston living room and your Super Bowl experience.

You are prepared and ready for the biggest game in football. You have the food ready, the drinks ready, and the perfect people to watch the game with you. The only thing that remains to be done is making sure your media room is as ready for the big game as you are. The right screen, such as one from Screen Innovations, is the key to creating the perfect Super Bowl experience. Echo Workshop can help you choose the right screen to make your team, your friends, and you have an incredible Super Bowl experience. 

A FRESH START

We commend those who make a New Year's resolution to improve their overall health. Committing to a health and wellness program is one of the most important measures a person can take to ensure they will remain active and vibrant for themselves, their family, and their employment. 

Pure Air — Of course, one of the most important lessons of 2020 that everyone learned, is that the quality of the air we breathe is of critical importance. Breathing clean and healthy air provides a number of benefits, including avoiding potential illness. It also reduces the load of dust, chemicals, and other allergens and irritants we would normally breathe in from unpurified air. This is especially important for asthmatics, as well as those who are sensitive to chemicals and/or have a dust allergy.

Pure Water — Part of maintaining good health means drinking plenty of clean, pure water. Keeping nasal, respiratory, and other vital tissues well-hydrated means our body will be better able to fight illness. When a person has access to pure, good-tasting water they tend to drink more of it. In turn, this will help prevent them from becoming dehydrated, which is a well-known detractor when faced with germs that can cause illness.

BENEFITS OF A PURIFICATION SYSTEM

A whole-home purification system is great for improving the overall quality of the air and water throughout the home, including key areas such as a home gym, a yoga room, or a meditation room. Family members will also enjoy improved sleep, as they breathe in purified air that is free of allergens such as dust mites, chemicals, and other irritants. 

WHAT IS IT?

The Samsung Frame TV is a designer TV inspired by a picture frame. It features a QLED (quantum light-emitting diode) screen that enhances and improves color and brightness, 4K resolution, and highly customizable monitor bezels. When you're not watching your impressive screen, it transforms into a beautiful work of art. Let's take a closer look at what it can do. 

DESIGN

The design of the Samsung Frame TV is meant to be versatile and personal, making it a great fit for any Houston residence. Available in multiple sizes, it's able to blend in or stand out in your space. First, choose your size and bezel, from a range of different colors and styles, and the ability to change with built-in magnets that attach and detach with ease. Then, easily hang your frame like a piece of art, flush against the wall with a clean, sleek finish. You'll be impressed with the beauty of your new TV before you even turn it on. When it's time to watch your favorite show, enjoy the brilliant color, adaptive picture, and active voice amplifier. This means your screen will adjust its picture due to the surrounding light and its sound due to existing background noise. When you have to change the channel to share the wealth with your family, you can always temporarily split the screen and mirror your phone's screen on the other side. Yes, that can even include checking scores on that game you're missing out on. Make everyone happy. As it is compatible with your other devices, you can easily enjoy the various features you expect from a Smart TV, such as voice recognition and app configuration. The Samsung Frame TV takes the features you already anticipate while adding and enhancing them. 

ART MODE

This is the exciting part. Improve your home's decor or showcase your best family moments by turning your TV into a work of art. Curate your own collection from an impressive archive of over 1,200 pieces that is constantly growing. Classics, modern, eclectic, eccentric, choose whatever works best for your space. You're even given a free trial to the Art Store, meaning you can play around and experiment before deciding what you like. Have a single classic you enjoy displayed at all times, or flip through a personalized list of pieces to keep your space fresh and exciting. You can even upload your own photography and family portraits to proudly display.  You also have the option to filter and edit the photos to truly make them your own. Whenever the TV isn't on, you can engage Art Mode in order to display your favorite art pieces and elevate the room. Then, when you leave the room, you can program the art to turn off and conserve energy. Don't worry, it will turn back on when you enter the room again.

With Samsung Frame TV, you don't have to settle. Watch the big game with incredible sound and quality visuals. You don't even have to worry about a glare. Then, elevate your space with fine art, or with cherished family moments. Echo Workshop is your Houston Samsung Dealer, so contact us before the holidays sneak by!

A GREAT DETERRENT

Studies show that outdoor security cameras are a huge red flag for anyone considering a break-in. No one wants to risk their face being captured in the process of a crime, and it's much easier to find an alternative target than risk exposure. Avoid the worst-case scenario, and protect your valuables with the best and most effective deterrent on the market. The price of a security system is little in comparison to what could happen without one.

KEEPING TRACK OF LOVED ONES

While it might be an invasion of privacy to spy on your significant other, keeping track of your pets has never been easier. We all worry about accidentally leaving a pantry door open for a ravenous feline or curious puppy. Instead of racing home or worrying all day, you can simply check the display of a Savant System. Technology has paved the way to keep your loved ones safe and allow you to take some stress out of your day. Even for children, you can feel good knowing they are safe in bed. With these systems in place, you never have to be kept up at night thinking about the things you can't control.

ANSWERING EVERY DOOR IS OLD SCHOOL

Ever been disturbed while sitting down watching TV in the afternoon or had a knock in the middle of the night? One is an inconvenience, the other mildly terrifying; in both situations, a front door camera like DoorBird is the best way to alleviate any concerns of who is at the door. DoorBird is a door intercom and camera system. You can view and answer using the DoorBird app, or have it integrated with your Savant System so you can check your front door from a tablet and never worry about getting up for any unwanted solicitors again. 

SAVE MONEY ON INSURANCE

Many homeowner's insurance companies offer discounts for homes that have security systems installed. Whether to protect from risks of fires or document any loss of property, a home security camera keeps your house safe in more ways than one. The discounts that companies offer customers vary depending on the system's features but even without a discount, these types of systems still protect your investment. 

THE LITTLE THINGS

Not everything is a dire situation, and sometimes you just want to monitor your homes in small ways. Making sure you didn't leave the lights on and being able to turn them off with home automation. Anxiety can rear up in many ways, and being able to see your property on live footage can help.