Welcome! What's On Your Mind?

LISTENING ROOMS

The right setting can make a profound difference in the quality of music you listen to. Consider the difference in sound between a symphony played in a skillfully designed opera house and one played in a high school gymnasium, for instance. Even if the music and performers were the same, the contrast in quality would be obvious. Or maybe consider how much better your singing voice becomes in the acoustically friendly environment of your shower compared to how it normally sounds.

Many factors go into engineering a high-caliber listening room: room geometry, acoustic treatments, and soundproofing, to name a few. An end result is a place that will provide you with the best possible interaction between the sound waves of your music and your ears. An opera house in your home. Transforming a room into a listening room is an investment that is worth every penny when you can close your eyes and listen to something beautiful and forget where you are.

Proper room design, however vital, is just one aspect of the journey. The medium you play your music on is integral to orchestrating a sublime auditory experience.

VINYL

Vinyl records bring a level of audio fidelity every bit equal to that of digital media. Some connoisseurs even prefer the warm sound and characteristic crackles which precede the music. Yet, the real power of vinyl comes from its effects on the mind.

Vinyl records hearken back to a time when the music somebody owned was a part of who they were. Instead of having immediate access to essentially every song ever made via streaming, people had only a precious few albums available to them. They would listen over and over, carefully placing the needle each time, becoming intimately familiar with every skip and jump in the track. Maybe this was something you yourself did in times past.

MAXIMIZE YOUR LISTENING EXPERIENCE

As a form of communication, music can play a big role in social bonding. Rhythm inclines us to move to the beat, which drives groups to sing, dance, or clap together. Plus, listening to music together can help a group grow closer; it gives them more to talk about and creates shared emotional experiences they can reminisce on together. 

On National Drummer Day, you aren't going to get the best listening experience by sticking in your headphones and listening on your own. Sure, you might be able to hear the underlying beat of your favorite tunes, but you'll miss out on all the benefits of listening to music as a group! Have some friends over, turn on the speakers, and enjoy a great night of bonding over the rhythm. Sharing your listening experience will enhance your celebration, along with improving your relationships. 

GREAT SPEAKERS, GREAT SOUND

It goes without saying that having high-quality speakers will make your music sound better. But what makes a great set of speakers?

Great speakers will emphasize the beat without letting it overpower the rest of the instruments. When your speakers are high-quality, you'll be able to feel every sound wave passing through your body—meaning a speaker upgrade will make your National Drummer Day unforgettable.

Looking for more specific speaker recommendations? To elevate the beat in your favorite songs, try Revel Speakers. They have great dynamic range and low distortion, which will balance out your music while highlighting the drums. 

EFFICIENCY

Every customer loves fast, personalized, and efficient service, but it is hard to deliver on these crucial aspects of hospitality when your waitstaff and customers can't hear each other. When orders are taken incorrectly because of miscommunication due to loud ambient noise, it not only slows down service and wastes valuable inventory, it upsets the customer; your most important asset.

With customized acoustical wall treatments from Echo Workshop, food orders are correct because everyone can hear each other, your management team is communicating efficiently with the staff, and your waiters are focused on the customer at hand, helping them feel special and cared for on their night out. Your restaurant is now operating like a well-oiled machine.

DESIRABILITY

You want your restaurant to be a first-choice destination, not a backup plan. You want your restaurant to be the spot in town people recommend to their friends and family, the restaurant CEOs take their clients to when they want to impress them. But it's hard to attain such a high status when the ambiance of your restaurant is ruined by unwanted noise.

By improving your restaurant with custom acoustical wall treatments, you will create a sanctuary for the senses for your patrons. Customers will no longer have to compete with other tables for the attention and ears of their guests; they will be able to fully focus on each other and their meals, improving their dining experience and increasing the likelihood of repeat business. Upgrading your restaurant with acoustical wall treatments can help solidify your business as a destination where guests, from CEOs to couples, feel comfortable being private in public.

AESTHETIC 

So you love the idea of acoustical wall treatments, you love the thought of becoming a more profitable and desirable restaurant, but maybe you are wondering how these panels will affect your restaurant's aesthetic? Worry not! Working with Echo Workshop, you can be assured that our experts will work with you to customize your acoustical wall treatments to suit your needs and desires. Panels can be customized and blended in many ways to fit all aesthetic and technical needs. They can help add a modern touch to a bland space or improve an elegant space without becoming intrusive. 

A NEW NORMAL FOR HOLIDAYS

Seura Outdoor TVs are designed to turn outdoor spaces into event-worthy areas that are sure to impress and bring comfort to your family. Although it's tempting to simply place an indoor TV outside in order to facilitate a last-minute tailgate, an indoor TV is simply not going to give the same performance. Indoor TVs aren't waterproof and will not function well in extreme temperatures. Additionally, the picture will usually suffer, as the screens of indoor TVs are calibrated to function indoors, so they aren't bright enough to be seen in sunlight. 

In contrast, Seura Outdoor TVs are specifically designed to function outside. They withstand moisture, as well as extreme temperatures and, are three times brighter than indoor TVs, so they're actually visible in full sunlight. If watching football is part of your Thanksgiving tradition and celebrating outdoors is one of the ways you've considered modifying your holiday this year, an outdoor TV would be an excellent investment. There's no comparison to the performance you'll receive from a Seura Outdoor TV.

Additionally, if TV isn't really part of your traditions, you can still upgrade your outdoor space into something magical by adding in outdoor lighting and audio systems. Outdoor lighting design can completely change the mood of your backyard or patio. While in the past we may have associated outdoor lights with dim, unreliable offerings, now we have available lights that can completely transform the way you use your space. Lutron Lighting Control can remember your favorite lights and sync them to your schedule, as well as offer energy-efficient options and adjustable dimmers.

Having an outdoor audio system professionally installed can offer the good vibes that you want to groove to when you bring your holiday celebration outdoors. While you could simply bring your phone outside to play music, the quality of the sound would simply not compare to the quality (or even the ease-of-use) of a professionally installed outdoor audio system. Everyone enjoys a crisp, clear sound that floats at an even tone throughout the yard, allowing easy conversations over the music. A perfect ambiance that transforms your outdoor space into something incredible.

BEYOND THE HOLIDAY SEASON

This kind of technology also offers year-round benefits. Who doesn't want to enjoy their favorite entertainment while simultaneously enjoying everything nature has to give? The same technology that can help bring family and friends together during sports games can upgrade summer parties and create memorable birthdays. 

ELEVATE YOUR ENERGY

Have you ever noticed how good you feel when you breathe fresh air? How invigorating it is when you step outside? Well, there's a reason for that: the air outside your home actually tends to be cleaner than the air inside your home! Yes, you read that right. According to the EPA, indoor air pollution tends to be 2 to 5 times greater than that of outdoor air pollution. Higher air pollution in your home means poor health and poor sleep, which means it's going to be difficult to get up at 5:00 A.M. for that home workout. At Echo Workshop we have partnered with Pure365 to bring you the premiere home air purification systems: the "Super V" Whole House Air Cleaner and the Ultrafine 468 for single room and area purification. When you're breathing cleaner, you're living better.

IMPROVED WELLBEING

There's something else about clean, fresh air that I'm sure you've noticed: it helps you sleep. Ever fall asleep on the beach? On a picnic blanket? I bet you have and that is because fresher air means better sleep. A 2017 study by the American Thoracic Society found that high levels of air pollution over time may get in the way of a good night's sleep, and we all know how terrible we feel and look after a night of restless sleep. With a Pure365 air purification system, you can rest easier and better knowing your home's air quality is safe and pure. Furthermore, with all that sound sleep you'll be getting you'll be looking and feeling younger—and who wouldn't want that? 

SAFE AT HOME

Your home is your sanctuary. A place of safety and security. It is the place where you raise and love your family; it is important to protect them. Echo Workshop can help you ensure your family's safety and health for years to come by finding the air purification system that is right for your home. According to the first WHO Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health young children and elderly adults are most at risk for health problems related to air pollution, especially indoors. The Super V Whole House Air Cleaner from Pure365 utilizes technology that is currently used by hospitals and the military. It's patented DFS (Disinfecting Filtration System) technology deactivates mold, viruses, fungi, and bacteria all the way down to 0.007 micron, which is smaller than most viruses! It also helps to reduce harmful gases and odors. With an air purification system in your home, you'll never have to worry about whether the air your family breathes is safe because you'll know it is.

You work hard to provide the best life for you and your family. You deserve clean, pure, safe air to breathe at the home you have built for them. This Respiratory Care Week, let our home customization experts at Echo Workshop help you choose the air purification system that is right for you and your family. Whether it is for your entire home or just one room, we have an air purification system to suit your needs. Contact us today to start living a better, happier, healthier you.

WHAT IS “WALL ACNE”? (AND WHY YOU SHOULD CLEAR IT UP)

We all want our homes to be "smarter." We'd love to walk into a room and effortlessly dim the lights, turn on the music, adjust the shades, turn up the heat—and even make a movie screen descend from the ceiling, all with the touch of a button. The more smart features we add to a space, however, the more challenging it is to seamlessly integrate all our high-tech devices — and make sure they're not an eyesore.

Devices require power outlets, keypads, switches, data jacks, dimmers, touch panels, and more all around our home. Most often, they need to be in less-than-ideal spots, usually in our direct line-of-sight. Typical electrical outlets and light switch covers will interrupt a room's design flow and create unsightly bumps, A.K.A. "wall acne."

To further complicate the issue, you may find decorative hardware that you like, but chances are it won't be compatible with devices from different manufacturers.

WE MAKE FUNCTIONALITY BEAUTIFUL

Our team at Echo Workshop combines a well-thought-out plan with the right tools to overcome these challenges. We specialize in making functionality beautiful. Trufig systems are our secret weapon because they can power up all types of electronic and high-tech devices, invisibly.

Once your wall acne clears up, your interiors will be perfectly smooth—and your space will feel instantly upgraded. Your furnishings and artwork will suddenly pop against a seamless backdrop.

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

Having the perfect audio/video system in your garage will not only make your garage a man cave, but it will also take it to next level man cave status. Creating the right sounds in your garage will allow you to create an atmosphere around your car, give it even more mystique than it already has just by being a classic, and of course give you some great music to keep you going as you work on your car. You can also listen to the game, of course. Having a TV or monitor hanging on the wall is another way to up the level of your man cave garage. There is nothing like having the game on, tweaking your classic car, and spending Sunday afternoon in your man cave to make a guy's day. 

INTEGRATION

Integration is a popular word these days with technology being integral to our lives. It's now more important than ever to have all of our technology connected and working in sync. Integrating your audio/video system in your garage is another way to make your man cave more enjoyable to use.  By integrating all of your technology, you can control everything from the audio to the visual to the cameras in your garage with one remote. This means your garage now not only has a hot classic car inside, it also has the most up-to-date technology available, making your garage your new favorite place to hang out in your house.

FINDING THE RIGHT TECHNOLOGY

Finding the right technology to show off your classic car and your man cave can be overwhelming. There are many options to choose from, so knowing what you want and what would work best for your home can go a long way toward narrowing those options down.  However, that can be easier said than done if this is your first trip down this road. Echo Workshop can help with that. We have customer service representatives that know just what you need to do to create the perfect man cave for you and your classic car. We can help you choose just the right items, as well as help you set them up and integrate them. In no time at all, you will be showing off your gorgeous car in your ideal space.

There is nothing like stepping into your perfect space. The space that is all yours, all you, and you can relax in. Your garage can be that space for you. The addition of an A/V system can contribute to creating the ideal space in your garage to show off your beautiful classic car, as well as be your man cave and sanctuary from the world outside.  

UPDATE YOUR AUDIO/VISUAL EQUIPMENT

More and more people are working remotely, and meetings via Zoom, Google Meet, and other platforms are becoming increasingly common. As meetings evolve, it becomes more important than ever that you have the proper equipment to host and participate in virtual meetings. Good audio/visual equipment ensures that your message is properly communicated and your team may continue to connect and move forward as a unit. If your screen fails to transmit your image, or your audio cuts out or gets fuzzy, proper communication becomes impossible. Instead of building morale with the meeting, you are causing frustration and lowering team spirit. A great Sony projector and Screen Innovations motorized screen, along with a good laptop or computer, can extend the quality of the meeting and help foster a sense of camaraderie within the team, regardless of individual locations. The right equipment can go a long way toward making the meeting run smoothly, easily, and in the most positive and productive manner possible. 

HAVE A HIGH-QUALITY HIGH-SPEED NETWORK

A high-quality, high-speed network is imperative to take your conference room and your meetings to the next level. You may have the highest quality equipment, however, it won't work to its full potential if your network is less than capable. Having a network that is fast, able to transmit high levels of quality data, and reliable is a big factor in utilizing technology to the best of its ability.  Your team will need to be able to share materials and discuss them without being hindered by slow lag times and downloading issues. Having a network that seamlessly works with your team is priceless to your meeting quality, your team, and you. 

SMART CONTROL

Smart control and integration of your technology will go a long way toward making your conference room, and your meetings, better than ever. Integrating your technology so that everything works seamlessly together makes meetings run smoother—and that means your team's morale is better. Moreover, having integrated technology that runs off a smart control will give your team confidence in your equipment, in the team's ability to communicate, and in your company. Savant Systems automation integration enables you to run your meeting without having to stop, restart, and pause in the flow of things to use different aspects of technology. Savant Systems is smart control that lets everything run without interruption, allowing your team to work together virtually and effortlessly.

Technology is one of the most influential factors in our lives today. Technology touches every aspect of our lives, both personally and professionally. Especially when it comes to our professional lives, technology is front and center. Echo Workshop is here to help you set up the technology your conference room needs to take your meetings to the next level. Contact one of our Houston representatives today to see how we can create the conference room that builds relationships and grows success. 

MUSIC THAT MOVES YOU

We all know the feeling: it's been a long week and an even longer day. You're in the middle of a workout and you hit the wall. You're just not feeling the motivation. But then, your favorite song comes on and all that changes. According to a 2018 study, music can help increase strength endurance performance, so it's not just in your head that music helps motivate you to go the extra mile.  Here at Echo Workshop, we specialize in electronic room customization so you can be sure you have the audio equipment you need, exactly how you want it, so you're always motivated to go the extra mile.

TOUCH AND GO

Upgrade your custom fitness studio with Savant, the ultimate automated home smart system. Among many other features, Savant Music Playlists allow you to create the perfect playlist for all your workout moods: calming and relaxing playlists for yoga after a long week, high energy, and intense music for your strength training, and playlists for everything in between.  Savant allows you to access all your music subscription services in one convenient place and at the push of a button, you're off and running, literally!

CAN'T STOP, WON'T STOP

Regardless of what fitness program you subscribe to, it's important to have that face-to-face interaction with your trainer. Having a customized video set-up in your home gym is a crucial way to make sure you receive the motivation and attention you need to help you reach your fitness goals. Have a favorite workout video? Great! Just pop on the video with our Savant system and you're ready to go. Is your personal trainer out of town? No problem! You can stream a training session right in your fitness room, and with customizable options such as hidden screens and speakers, you can create a multi-purpose room that is accessible at the touch of a button. 

GET YOUR TIME DOWN

With a busy and demanding schedule, finding the time to work out can be difficult, so when minutes count, Savant works in seconds. Our customizable automated system works in sync with your personally tailored fitness room so the space is always ready when you are. Climate control, lighting control, music, and more are preprogrammed and ready for action at the click of a button. With our customized set-ups, you won't waste a second of your day preparing your space; you've worked in the time, now you have the time to work out.

So what can our customized audio and visual set-ups do for you? The better question is what can't they do for you? From climate control, lighting, audio, and visual customization to security, mood-setting, and more, Echo Workshop has specialized in enhancing people's lives through electronic integration and customization since 1999, from the Greater Houston Metropolitan Area to New York City. Contact us today to find out how we can make the home fitness center of your dreams come true.

TOP-NOTCH SECURITY AND SAFETY

Perhaps the most paramount concern that you might have about yourself or a loved one choosing to age in place is safety. Thankfully, home automation addresses many of these concerns. Home automation allows for much more consistent communication and monitoring of a security system than previous systems do, as much of the controls can be handled remotely. The Savant system, for example, can be controlled with the touch of a button on your smartphone, allowing you or your loved one to activate alarm systems, see 24/7 security camera footage of different rooms, and monitor the surrounding neighborhood (and who's on their doorstep) whether you're near or far.  

EASE OF USE WITH ENTERTAINMENT

As people age, it may be harder for them to perform tasks that they have been doing their entire lives. Fidgeting with the knobs and buttons on a radio or television set may become difficult, and with home automation, these finicky things can be a way of the past. Home automation, like the Savant system, allows for voice-controlled media systems, allowing you or your loved ones to turn on the big game, increase the volume when the home team scores, and turn down the volume after the team has won all by speaking it into existence. 

MORE EFFICIENT ENERGY CONTROLS

Home automation controls so much more than security and entertainment. Much of the energy that a home uses can also be controlled remotely or from within the home with the touch of a button. Lighting controlled this way can be particularly useful, for example, if someone wakes in the middle of the night and needs to use the bathroom. Controlled lighting from a nearby smartphone can allow the person to see where they are going and ensure they get there without walking into anything accidentally. Gone are the days of walking completely in the dark and feeling around for a light switch, only to run head-on into a door. 

Aging in place is important as it can be seen as a way to maintain independence and dignity as we all grow older. The safety, security, and ease of use that a home automation system can provide for you and your family are second to none. With home automation, you'll no longer have to worry about consistently checking in with someone who has chosen to age in place. They will be able to continue life as they had already been living it, with some marked improvements. 

To learn more about what a home automation system can do for either you or a loved one in the greater Houston, TX, area, give us a call. We are a family-owned and operated smart home company that has been working with the Houston community since 1999. 

GOTHAM IS A DARK AND AMBIENT PLACE

Ambiance can turn a small, cozy night into a backdrop for something magical. With the proper lighting, no matter the size or grandeur of your home theater you can obtain that dark, solemn cave-like feel of The Dark Knight. Turning off all the lights is one way, but using Lutron smart lighting technology you can take it to the next level. It is a small piece of the puzzle, but lighting does play a huge role in getting you in the right mood. 

FEEL THE NOISE

If you want the gruff voice of Batman trembling throughout your room, you'll want to turn up the volume on your perfectly calibrated surround sound system. Turn it up as loud as the neighbors will tolerate or soundproof your theater to get it as loud as your ears can stand. Action movies rely on sound effects to make you feel as if you are a part of the action, so don't let that budget go to waste and fully wrap yourself in audio splendor. 

HIDDEN PROJECTOR TO MAKE THE MAGIC

So far, it's just been you enjoying a popular hero classic, if you have a friend or family member who is equally obsessed with the cape crusader, let them have some fun, too. Why not give them a Batman Day to remember as well? With the easy installation of an automated roll down projector screen, you could be making movie magic in your own home. Imagine the look on their face as you press a button and your regular living room transforms into a perfect hero worthy entertainment space. Hidden screens also have a dual benefit of allowing you to maximize space. Smaller homes can still have a home theater worth its salt, as having a screen hiding in your ceiling gives you more space.

INTEGRATED CONTROL

Every facet of a home theater on its own is grand, but if you link them all together something greater can be achieved. Tying ambiance, sound, and the display are a lot simpler than you imagined. Integrated control can mean that from the comfort of your own couch, you can close the blinds, turn the lights to perfection, roll down a hidden screen, and get the sounds going at the click of a button. Alfred is also a wonderful name for a remote controller, don't you think?

We all miss the theater, but there is no reason to dim the lights on fantasy.  Just like Batman, our home theater is the hero we deserve during these times. Enjoying a little night to ourselves can melt our troubles away and remind us of the joys in life. Whether big or small, your needs matter, and we want to help. If you live in the Houston, Texas area, contact us today. We may not wear capes, but we do want to serve our local community in any way we can.

SEE ALSO: 3 WAYS TO ENJOY YOUR MEDIA ROOM INSTALLATION

IT’S TIME TO UPGRADE

Many people are experiencing slower home internet speeds due to the increase in people using their networks to attend classes and work from home, using up the internet providers bandwidth. Average speeds will only continue to slow as school starts in the next few weeks, and service providers are overloaded with traffic. You can have a backup option using your smartphone's hotspot feature, but this will eat up your cellular plan's data limits. You need a more reliable solution to deal with the long-term effects of social distancing, as working and learning from home becomes the new normal.

UPGRADE YOUR INFRASTRUCTURE

Now is the perfect time to address your home networking infrastructure. If your Wi-Fi signal is weak in individual rooms, consider adding wired connections to your home office and the place where your children are attending classes, so the connection is more stable. Another option is to invest in a mesh Wi-Fi system that allows you to connect multiple wireless access points, blanketing your home in a more reliable connection. It might also be time to upgrade your router for greater bandwidth and security while upgrading your broadband plan to a faster speed.

A PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION

The best way to ensure that your network can support your family working from home is to trust a professional home network installer to create a system that fits your unique needs seamlessly. They will have the technical expertise necessary to complete your project and are highly trained on all of the latest technology. Best of all, you will save time and avoid the frustration that comes from doing a DIY home network installation. Now that your livelihood and your children's education rely on your home network, it is best to go with the option that gives you peace of mind.

Are you ready for a networking installation in your Houston area home? Echo Workshop has been serving the local community since 1999. Want to find out more? Click here now.

SEE ALSO: PREPARE FOR SUMMER FUN WITH AN OUTDOOR SPEAKER SYSTEM

GAMING

A great summer activity is playing video games with friends. Whether you are playing vintage consoles like the N64 or more modern consoles like the PS4, you need an audio video system that will give you the best performance possible. For an exceptional experience, consider installing a video wall of multiple televisions. You can display one picture across multiple TVs, or you can use split-screen mode to enhance multiplayer gameplay.

For example, if you are playing a competitive game, separate screens enhance player privacy and avoid revealing your location to your opponents. In co-op play, a split-screen mode can help you explore different parts of the map more effectively. Hi-fi surround sound systems completely immerse you in the world of the game. A Savant home automation system will allow you to control various aspects of your home's technology without hitting pause.

MOVIE NIGHT

Summer is the perfect time for watching blockbuster movies, but with social distancing orders in place and movie theaters closed, you miss out on those classic movie nights. What if you could bring the experience of the cinema to the safety of your home? Stream 4K content from a variety of services to watch all of your favorite movies and TV shows. Movie services like Kaleidescape and Prime Cinema offer you access to brand new movies before the theaters reopen. And with many commercial theaters closed, many releases are hitting streaming services in just a matter of weeks.

 If you are set on having a video wall for gaming purposes, consider installing a projector screen in the ceiling that rolls down in front of it for movie night. Integrate your audio video equipment with a home automation system and create a scene called "Movie Night." With just the press of a button on a remote or smart device of choice, roll down the screen, dim the lights, close the shades, turn up the AC, lock the doors, and start your movie without leaving the comfort of the couch.

SEE ALSO: 3 EXCITING WAYS MULTI-ROOM MUSIC ENHANCES YOUR LISTENING EXPERIENCE

STREAMING SERVICES

The most popular way to listen to music nowadays is through a streaming service, and for a good reason. For just a few dollars a month, you have access to thousands of songs wherever you have an internet connection. Whether you prefer Spotify, Apple Music, or Tidal, you can enjoy your favorite playlists on your whole home audio system. If your family has vastly different tastes in music, they can play their favorite songs in their respective rooms. If you wanted to, you could even play a different song in every room of your home, all at once. Best of all, it will be hi-fi quality, no more listening to music on cheap Bluetooth speakers.

CD AND RECORD PLAYERS

If you are into more old school methods of listening to music, worry not; your audio system is compatible with those as well. For example, Rega and Mark Levinson turntables and electronics are a fantastic way to listen to your favorite records over a hi-fi whole-home sound system.. CD players are also another popular way to listen to music. The audio on both records and CDs is not as digitally compressed as it is on streaming services, meaning the sound is higher quality. Play all of your favorite vintage music throughout your home at a dinner party or burn CDs of your favorite music for date night!

AUDIO-VIDEO SYSTEMS

Your multi-room audio system doesn't have to be limited to just music. You can connect it to your television or your projector to incorporate it into movie night, whether it be outdoors on your porch or even in your customized home theater. If you need to grab a drink in the middle of the movie and don't want to hit pause, the audio will follow you to the kitchen, so you don't miss out on meaningful dialogue. With your audio system integrated with your TV, you’ll be able to broadcast sound everywhere and manage everything seamlessly from your device of choice.

Are you ready to install a multi-room audio system in your Houston area home? Echo Workshop has been serving the local community since 1999. We can install a whole-home audio system that fits your family needs. And now is the perfect time to incorporate outdoor audio as well with the Sonance outdoor speaker promotion. Want to find out more? Click here now.

SEE ALSO: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LIGHTING

IMPROVE PHYSICAL HEALTH

Research shows that the average person spends 85% to 95% of their time indoors, which is unhealthy. Circadian lighting has a positive impact on physical health. Our sleep patterns are heavily dependent on natural light. LED lighting mimics the sun's patterns to assist in the release of melatonin and dopamine to make people tired at night while suppressing these hormones and releasing cortisol to keep them awake during the day. A healthy circadian rhythm will improve their immune system and metabolic function.

IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH

The health benefits of circadian lighting are not just limited to physical advantages. Lighting control has a positive effect on your mental health. Your customers will be able to adjust their lighting to invoke a particular mental state.

For example, cooler light that mimics sunlight in the morning will increases their productivity and alertness. Warmer, dimmed lighting will help them to wind down after a long day. Studies have also shown that circadian lighting can decrease depression instances caused by spending extended periods indoors. Attract potential customers with a home that will both house them and improve their health.

SAVE MONEY AND ENERGY

Lighting control will save your customers money by reducing energy costs. LED lighting reduces energy consumption by 85% and extends the life of their light bulbs so that they will spend less replacing bulbs. Lighting control also offers the option to dim their lighting, decreasing energy usage from 4% to 9% even when used at the highest setting. Homeowners can also schedule their lights to turn off when not in use, which further decreases energy consumption. Your customers will see the appeal of a home that offers a high return on investment.

SEE ALSO: MOTORIZED BLINDS WILL IMPROVE YOUR INTERIOR DESIGN PROJECT

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SPEAKERS

It is difficult to install a high-performing outdoor audio system because there are no walls to contain the sound, and there are landscaping elements that may absorb or change what you hear. To get even audio throughout your open area, you must work with a professional integrator that will create a personalized plan for your outdoor space.

Another obstacle is choosing the correct speakers for your project. Sonance offers a variety of high-quality, weather-resistant speaker lines that are sure to please even the most discerning audiophile. For those concerned about the aesthetic of their backyard, some speakers blend seamlessly into the landscape of your outdoor space, whether embedded in flowerbeds or cleverly designed to look like natural elements. Another audio brand that we recommend is the Revel XC series. All components are created and tested to perform to Revel's exacting standards in extreme climates, ensuring they can withstand a variety of environmental abuses without being damaged.

THE BENEFITS OF OUTDOOR MUSIC

Once a professional integrator has installed your outdoor audio system, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy high-quality sound throughout your backyard. Connect your speaker system to your favorite playlists and streaming services with an intuitive control system. Enjoy evening pool parties with upbeat party playlists, or wind down to classical music with wine on the porch.

You don’t have to limit yourself to audio outdoors. Bring in a display component to create a complete entertainment system. Elevate your outdoor entertainment setup with a weatherproof Seura television or projector. Take movie nights outside under the stars without having to worry about sound or picture quality. Bring game day onto the porch so you can grill without missing a crucial play. An outdoor entertainment system will turn your backyard into a second media room just in time for the warmer summer weather.

Echo Workshop, a custom electronics provider in Houston, TX, provides a level of service unmatched by the competition, making us a leader in the home technology industry today and in the future. To learn more about outdoor speaker systems and more, click here or call at (713) 589-9222. We look forward to hearing from you!

SEE ALSO: 3 WAYS TO INCORPORATE MOTORIZED BLINDS INTO YOUR NEXT PROJECT

HOW TO PICK THE BEST SHADES FOR CERTAIN ROOMS

Automated shades are not a one-size-fits-all solution. You must pick the best shades for specific rooms, considering both style and function. Some different styles and patterns provide the right solution for each room. Consider what each room needs; for example, home theaters and bedrooms might require minimalistic roller shades with sheer or blackout fabrics.

If you are looking for motorized shades that blend in seamlessly with your décor, Roman shades feature understated elegance and layered design. Choose colors and styles that integrate well with your client’s home: Lutron even offers customized color options. No matter the aesthetic of your choice motorized blinds, it is vital that you don’t sacrifice function for décor. Your customers will be equally impressed by the convenience of automated blinds as they are with their style.

TAKE IN THE VIEW WITH STYLE

While it is important to have window coverings, it is also vital that your client can enjoy the gorgeous view from windows on a daily basis. Sheer roller shades can maintain your client’s privacy while also allowing them to enjoy your scenic views through the window.

Protect your precious artwork and furniture by blocking out harmful long-term exposure to UV rays. Use a smartphone or wall panel to control the shades with ease, and your clients can create automated schedules to fit their family’s routine. They will also enhance the security of their homes. Program the shades to move up and down throughout the day while your clients are on vacation to simulate their being home.

Finally, your clients will love the energy-saving benefits that come with motorized shades. The heat that passes through windows can warm up a room and cause an air conditioner to work overtime. Install a sensor that signals the shades to close when the sun is at its brightest.

See Also: ECHO WORKSHOP IS STILL SAFELY SERVING OUR CUSTOMERS

FEVER DETECTION CAMERAS

If you want to measure the temperature of delivery, keep an eye on overheating electronics, or detect fever in the people at your door, modern temperature detection cameras can help keep your property safe.

Fever detection cameras monitor heat on objects and people and determine appropriate temperature ranges. These ranges are based on differences in temperature between multiple people, objects, or the surrounding area. Cameras work in real time to prevent costly mistakes. Moreover, you can set limits and send alerts when your system detects temperatures outside above your safety standards. In other words, you can rely on your system to prevent sick people from entering your home.

Systems offer accurate readings, with some offering margins of error as small as 0.54 degrees or lower. So it’s a reliable means of limiting unwanted pathogens in and around your property. Objects, people, and animals with high readings stand out. Plus, cameras integrate with other security features for a more robust solution.

Our partner manufacturers produce a wide variety of smart security features and surveillance systems, including recorders, video analytics, and facial recognition software. We only work with best-in-class companies, so you can count on our technology to help protect your home.

See Also: SUMMER SECURITY CHECKLIST

PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION

Your integrator can guide you to the right solutions for your space and install them efficiently and safely. Reliability is the key to a successful system, and a professional integrator can ensure the most dependable connections.

Devices like Amazon’s Ring offer plenty of useful video doorbell capabilities, and they can provide ample visibility for your entryways. There are plenty of cool features and expanded capabilities that are easy to use and offer an affordable starting point for anyone looking to jump into smart video doorbells.

And if you want an even more robust system, like remote access control, your integrator can recommend technology that’s even safer, more efficient, and more private. Whether you invest in Ring or a full-scale entry automation system, your technology won't fail when you need it.

SIMPLIFY YOUR SYSTEM WITH APP-BASED CONTROLS

Whether you’re halfway around the world or, more likely these days, comfortably on the couch, you should have access to your system from anywhere. Controls centralized on your smartphone or tablet are available to carry around and manage wherever you are.

Technology integrators have been labeled an essential business by the Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) in large part since we’re vital to homeowners setting up home offices and learning environments. Integrators are also recognized for their role in keeping a strong networking infrastructure throughout the country as other essential organizations also need support during this challenging time. 

During this critical period, we are committed to helping our clients stay connected, support remote learning for the nation’s children, and protect our clients’ properties and families. 

Though networking and communications infrastructure are the primary reasons for our essential business designation, we will also be available for any service, support, and installation of vital home technology systems including security, surveillance, lighting control, entertainment, and more. A strong network is essential for much of the country right now, and we are here to support your needs.

While the DHS has provided these general recommendations, it is still up to the states to set their own regulations and restrictions. While Governor Abbot has left it up to local municipalities to set their own status in Texas, most major metropolitan areas are putting “Shelter in Place” restrictions in effect, meaning all non-essential businesses will be forced to close. As an essential business Echo Workshop will remain open with some restrictions (like office personnel working from home).