Welcome! What's On Your Mind?

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Design

Lighting design is an intricate skill that should be handled by an experienced professional. You may think all it takes is a lamp or on-wall fixture to illuminate a space. Still, intelligent lighting design enhances the beauty and functionality of your rooms while giving you more options for your lighting control system.

Beyond the apparent fixtures, consider under-cabinet lighting along the stairs, behind TVs and art, and more. Smart lighting design can illuminate your home in surprising ways, enhancing visibility while also improving your options. Raise, dim, and arrange your lighting in exciting new ways.

Installation

Installing fixtures is another part of the equation. For this service, electrical know-how is essential. Your installer will efficiently add fixtures, including recessed, chandeliers, on-wall fixtures, and more that fit your lifestyle.

In most cases, fixtures are installed by a certified electrician with wires run to a centralized panel for control. This panel lives in an out-of-the-way space so you can enjoy a clutter-free living environment with easy access to your panel for maintenance and service purposes.

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WHAT IS A SMART DISPLAY?

For fans of home automation, accessing your home's controls is effortless. You can use a dedicated remote, an on-wall touchscreen, or your mobile device. But in the bathroom or gym, where you're more likely to be busy with your hands, you can enjoy the convenience of Séura's Smart Display Mirror.

Rather than an on an independent remote, Séura’s Smart Display shows your smart home controls on your mirror. As you begin your day, you can access the control functions of your entire smart home, simplifying your morning routine.

A personalized digital hub, the Smart Display Mirror can tell you everything you need to know to get started with your day. From apps for weather, traffic, and morning news, you’ll stay ahead of the curve while you work out.

And when you’re done using your electronics? The Smart Display will disappear, and you’ll have a fully functioning mirror with zero electronics clutter in your bathroom.

See Also: HERE ARE 3 MISTAKES TO AVOID IN YOUR HOME THEATER DESIGN

SEATING

In a home theater setting, your couch or recliner probably won’t cut it. Theater seating is designed to keep you comfortable while providing the support you need to enjoy your favorite content. It shouldn’t impede sound from moving freely about the room, though the plush cushions will likely absorb echoes and help minimize reverberations.

Salamander seating is built to last and fully customizable, featuring modular designs that you and your home theater professional can configure to your specifications. Whether you want to enjoy multiple rows or a semi-circular design, your seating can fit your needs.

You can even customize your own seating, choosing from Salamander’s wide array of options, or supplying materials that fit your theater design theme and transforming them into unique furniture. With Salamander seating, your home theater will look and feel like a reflection of your personal style.

CABINETS

Of course, your components need somewhere to go, too. Salamander offers plenty of options for low-profile cabinetry that looks great and works as part of the room’s decor. They’re available in a variety of styles and finishes and designed to offer easy access to your components without dominating your space.

See Also: 3 THINGS YOU SHOULD LOOK FOR IN YOUR SMART HOME COMPANY

SAVANT OFFERS SMART ENERGY MANAGEMENT

Savant has remained at the forefront of smart energy management technology as part of integrated technology solutions. Their partnership with Racepoint Energy has produced exclusive microgrid technology, which allows dynamic control of a custom microgrid that’s compatible with any power source, whether it’s solar, grid, or backup power.

Racepoint microgrids allow you to stay running even when the local electrical utility is temporarily down, while also giving users dynamic control over which devices and or modes are most necessary for a functioning system. You can even let your system operate automatically based on conditional logic software.

If you’re trying to go green by switching to a renewable energy source, or you’re concerned with regulating your energy consumption, Savant can help you achieve your goals.

ENERGY MANAGEMENT FOR LIGHT CONTROL

One of the best places to start your energy management journey is with your lighting control system, and nobody knows that better than Savant. Their lighting and energy control modules will help you reduce energy consumption when partnered with fixtures from USAI Lighting, so you’ll have a system that operates efficiently while delivering modern convenience. As Savant CEO Bob Madonna said:

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HISTORY

If you’re building a smart home system, you want to work with someone who has a bit of history in the field. Not only does it indicate that they’ve completed satisfactory jobs in the past, but they also come to you with experience. A local professional is more likely to understand the needs of local residents. They can help suggest ideas that your neighbors are already enjoying, while still listening to you. Together, you’ll build the system of your dreams.

For more than 20 years, Echo Workshop has been serving the greater Houston area with AV and integrated technology solutions. We’ve seen devices and manufacturers come and go, and our experience has helped us partner with reliable companies that will take your home to the next level. And we have a proven record of collaborating with other local professionals like designers, architects, and builders for the best installation experience.

EXPERTISE

Any company you work with should be an expert in the field of technology. Of course, that may be hard to determine -- especially if you don’t know much about it yourself. Remember, you’re not looking for an expert on every manufacturer. You’re looking for an expert on the manufacturers and devices that can fit your needs. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. After all, it's your home system, and a good integrator wants it to be a practical part of your everyday life.

We partner with best-in-class manufacturers to provide you with the best and most versatile solutions. Our Tutorials page will show you how you can take advantage of your systems quickly and efficiently while providing you with easy-to-understand instructional videos. 

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WHY SHADES ARE ESSENTIAL

During the winter, window shades are essential. They help keep the heat in your home rather than escaping through the windows. Most of the heat in your space will leave the room through the thin pane of glass, and by covering them, you can prevent most of the heat loss.

But, of course, you probably have shades or blinds on your windows. They do more than just look good. They help add privacy, enhance security, manage light, and regulate your room’s temperature.

HOW MOTORIZATION HELPS

Motorizations means your shades move without you drawing them. With just a touch of a button, they'll move up and down instantly, and in unison, so you can enjoy quick adjustments to the light and temperature regulation of the room.

And as part of a smart control system, they do it automatically. Your shades, thermostat, lights, and other connected devices automatically adjust when the room gets too cold. That means less pressure on your HVAC system, and less time spent making adjustments to your rooms.

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WHILE YOU’RE AWAY

The holidays are a wonderful time of year. Not only do you get to enjoy time with your friends and family, but you also get to unwrap lots of fun gifts. Of course, more merriment means more foot traffic in and around your home. You’ll need a way to deter prying eyes from peering through your windows and ruining the festivities for everyone.

Your security system can help keep most potential porch pirates at bay, by merely being present. Most criminals won't target homes with visible security features like cameras and sensors. But your technology can do even more to keep your home safe.

With an integrated Savant home automation system, you can make it look like you’ve never left the house, even when you’re miles away. That is, as long as you have the appropriate smart technology systems installed.

Smart lights and motorized shades can alternate automatically at realistic intervals when you leave the house. All you have to do it tap the Away setting. Unnecessary systems like AV and HVAC will turn off or adjust to appropriate settings, while your lights and shades make it look like you’ve never left. The result is a home that looks occupied, even when you’re away.

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ADD VALUE

Did you know that 65 percent of homebuyers are willing to spend more on smart home packages? That means the potential value of your new home build will increase with the more integrated systems you add. While they’re not complex systems, smart shades are a perfect starting point for many new homeowners, who enjoy their convenience and practicality.

By working with an integrator from the beginning, it's easy to plan, design, and deploy a smart shading system that will benefit the entire property. Wiring and installation are simple when they're done before the drywall goes up, so you won't have to deal with added project time or re-work.

THEY’RE SIMPLE

All the demand for smart technology isn't as simple as it appears. Many homeowners want to benefit from it and are willing to pay more for it. But they also don't want systems that will jeopardize their privacy or go out of date within a year. They're looking for evergreen technology – not smart hubs and TVs that they'll have to replace quickly.

Motorized shades are relatively simple. While manufacturers occasionally upgrade the systems with quieter motors or more custom roller options, it’s a technology that doesn’t develop at the same pace as some other more visible components. In other words, adding Lutron shades (or other top-of-the-line components) will increase value without the risk of going out of style.

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A PLAYLIST FOR EACH ROOM

With an integrated whole-home audio system, you can craft the perfect playlist for each room with a few swipes on your tablet or smartphone. Keep track of what’s playing, adjust the volume, and fill your space with your favorite music no matter where you are in the house.

Thanks to Savant, defining your rooms’ soundtrack is easier than ever. A ‘now playing” bar shows you what track you’re listening to, sliders let you adjust the volume, and you can easily skip tracks. Plus, you can enjoy easily visible artwork and artist information directly from your screen.

Whether you want the same song to play throughout your property or you want to hear a different song in each room, you can do it, thanks to Savant.

ENTERTAINING FOR BIG EVENTS

With simple controls and lossless music streaming, it’s easy to entertain for the big events coming up soon. Whether it’s your favorite holiday, sporting event, or anything else, you can easily stream your favorite tracks and create a memory that will last forever.

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SAVANT AUDIO SOUNDBAR

Home audio has long been a cornerstone of Savant’s approach to home automation, and thanks to the Savant Smart Audio Soundbar, it’s easier than ever to start enjoying the benefits. But the device isn’t just a way to start building a home automation system -- it’s a great-sounding addition to any home theater or media room.

At first glance, it's easy to see Savant Smart Audio Soundbar is a performance product. Featuring an array of carbon-fiber, midrange speakers and woofers, the soundbar delivers high-end quality that competes favorably with other components in its class. Plus, Savant's device features side-mounted tweeters that offer a wider range for sound imaging. In other words, the Savant Audio Soundbar sounds much bigger than it actually is.

The 55-inch unit is perfect for similar TV displays, and it's L/C/R configuration offers versatility in mounting. It can connect to Wi-Fi, and it's self-powered, so you won't have to deal with complicated wiring and networking. Of course, as part of a complete Savant home automation system, the seemingly simple soundbar can deliver a lot more benefits.

INTEGRATED CONTROL

Don’t be fooled by the sleek design. The Savant Smart Audio Soundbar packs a slew of smart home features. It's a high-resolution audio server so that you can stream your entire personal digital music collection. And it's compatible with the most popular streaming services, like Spotify and Tidal.

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PRE-WIRING

The primary benefit of working with a smart home integrator is the opportunity to pre-wire your projects before the drywall goes up. Homeowners expect technology that will work quickly, efficiently, and doesn’t clutter the space with visible components and cabling.

We can work with you to create detailed plans that take the architectural design into account, so the system works flawlessly the first time around. Homeowners benefit from increased property value, and you won’t have to re-work anything to accommodate their needs.

SYSTEM DESIGN

You can also benefit from understanding the complete system design. Wiring will hide behind drywall, but outlets, lifts, and architectural speakers require pre-planning and calibration to function correctly. By collaborating with a technology professional, you can design around the technology, and the devices integrate seamlessly with the room.

Additionally, many homeowners look for flush-mounted installations to avoid unsightly wall-acne. We work with specialized bracket manufacturers to provide the best possible look for every room of the new home construction. With your help, we can integrate the keypads and other controls to blend with the design. The homeowner will be happier, and you're ready to move on to your next project quickly.

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ACOUSTICS

There are few things worse in the world of AV than a sound system that doesn’t work right. No matter how high-end your speakers are, they won’t sound their best in a room that can’t accommodate them. Whether you’re building a custom home theater or modern media room, your installer should consider the acoustics of the space. Furniture, carpeting, windows, and more will affect sound reflections and high and low frequencies, so they should plan accordingly.

LIGHT

Home theaters tend to be installed in back rooms and spaces where there’s not a lot of ambient light. But media rooms tend to work as more open spaces, often featuring a lot of windows and overhead fixtures. Ask your installer about light management options, like lighting control systems and motorized window treatments. That way, you can reduce or eliminate the chance of glare ruining your experience with the touch of a single button.

VIEWING ANGLE

One of the most exciting things about 4K (and now 8K) resolution is that you can enjoy a larger TV screen in a smaller space, without seeing any deterioration in the image. But consider this: is the flat-panel you’re eye-balling too big for your media room? You’ll want to avoid having to turn your head every time an object moves across the screen. Your installer should plan where the seating will go and offer suggestions for a comfortable and immersive viewing experience that won’t give you whiplash.

SOURCES AND SWITCHES

You don’t have to be a technology expert to understand this simple concept: changing sources should be simple and intuitive. If you want to watch a movie in the morning, catch a football game in the afternoon, then play videogames in the evening, your system should make it easy. A quality integrator will store your sources in an out-of-the-way space and simplify switching between them so you can start enjoying your content without hassle.

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THE PROBLEM WITH LIGHTING

Your lighting system is probably the most-used technology in your home. When you wake up in the morning, you likely turn on a fixture. If you want to read at night, you do it by the light of the nearest lamp. And when it’s time to fix a midnight snack, you do it in a well-lit kitchen.

Artificial light makes our lives better, and recent advances in types of light have enhanced our experiences. Where fluorescent systems contributed to the sick building syndrome of the 1970s, and incandescent bulbs increase your carbon footprint, LEDs have revolutionized both the quality and environmental impact of residential lighting.

But too much exposure to artificial light -- no matter what kind -- can throw off your internal clock. Your body naturally reacts to the subtle changes of sunlight throughout the day. As the sun rises, the light is brighter, and you're ready to move. As it sets, you begin to relax and prepare for sleep. However, the consistent glow of a bulb or fixture can negatively impact these natural circadian rhythms, causing you to lose sleep and become sluggish during the day.

HOW TUNABLE LIGHTING HELPS

A tunable lighting control system works by automatically mimicking the changes in natural sunlight. By adjusting the color temperature of each fixture gradually throughout the day, your body experiences a more natural response to artificial light.

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ALARMING STATISTICS

According to a 2013 study by UNC Charlotte, 80 percent of thieves look for an alarm system before trying to break into a home. Moreover, 60 percent will look for another target if they find one.

Porch pirates operate differently. They don’t want to break into your home. In fact, they probably didn’t even plan to steal your packages at all. Most package thieves steal because the opportunity presents itself. 

By making sure your security features are visible, you can help prevent crime from coming to your front door. Surveillance cameras, floodlights, and other components will make your home appear less like a target, so you’re less likely to become a victim.

COMMUNICATION IS KEY

When you're preparing to visit family out of state, the US Postal Service suggests you let a trusted neighbor know. They can pick up deliveries and keep an eye on your home while you're gone.

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PERFORMANCE SPEAKERS

Whenever you read about high-end audio, most of the focus is on the speakers. That’s because performance speakers are delicately crafted, intricately designed masterpieces of acoustical reproduction. While Sonos speakers may deliver what you want for background music or a workout soundtrack, they don’t compare to high-end audio components.

Manufacturers like Revel and Triad use rare materials and unique cabinet construction to create perfect audio playback. By crafting drivers from rare metals like beryllium and continually experimenting with everything from metal to paper to ensure cone rigidity, high-end speaker manufacturers keep edging closer to the perfect construction.

Though speaker concepts haven’t changed much over the decades, new materials and new science help manufacturers improve performance and develop more realistic sound imaging capabilities.

LOSSLESS AUDIO

Once, there were vinyl records. Though their size made them inconvenient for travel, they boasted some of the best sound quality possible. That's because they played a continuous wave format. Music was reproduced precisely the way it was recorded, as a movement of vibrations through the air.

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INTERIOR DESIGN LEADS TO PRODUCTIVITY

The survey found that workers respond best to an office that's well designed. According to ADPro:

"Based on a broad sample of 2,500 professionals from New York, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco, and Washington D.C., the survey results clearly show that cubicles and conference rooms just don't cut it anymore. Eighty-two percent of participants said that a workplace must exhibit innovative design in order to truly foster a culture of innovation where they can do their best thinking. The how of work also seems to be just as if not more important than the where: Nearly two-thirds of those surveyed said that the overall workplace environment is equal to or even more important than an office's physical location."

The article goes on to say that 62 percent of respondents said that natural light was a critical factor in a comfortable and productive working environment. And one-third of the candidates indicated that design for wellness and relaxation played a factor in their productivity.

HOW SMART TECHNOLOGY HELPS

When considering modern interior design, you need to go beyond fixtures and furniture. You need to think about how users will interact with the room and control the technology within. Here are a few essential systems for any commercial design:

See Also: HOW HOME SECURITY HELPS PROTECT YOUR SPACE FOR THE HOLIDAYS

CLEAR THE VIEW

If you want your surveillance system to work correctly, you'll have to ensure the cameras have a clear view of your home. Make sure you trim hedges, remove spider-webs, and clear other obstructions that may impede visibility.

It's also an excellent time to check that your cameras are working correctly. If you don't want to rely on battery-powered IP solutions, consider upgrading your surveillance system with hardwired cameras. A hardwired system is more reliable, harder to hack, and offers better quality than IP surveillance.

TRIM BRANCHES

Make sure to trim back any tree branches that may make it easy to climb into your yard or windows. It’s a good idea to check for any overgrown foliage in and around your property. Most criminal activity happens when it's convenient. By removing easy-to-exploit elements like overgrown branches, your home becomes a much less appealing target.

Additionally, installing a surveillance system that’s easy to see from the street will help. According to the UNC School of Criminal Justice, 60 percent of criminals surveyed said they would re-think breaking into a home if they knew there were security features present.

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Control Everything with a Single App

Savant is all about simplicity. That means, you only need one app to control all the technology in your home. From a dedicated touch-panel controller, the smartphone in your pocket, or even your Apple Watch, you can command your smart home features with ease.

The Savant app is designed for unique homes and bold statements. You can do more than just dim your lights and adjust the volume on your whole home audio system. Take control of every lighting fixture, all your AV, security, comfort, and more. Savant even offers native controls for water fixtures, irrigation, and pools.

Set the Scene

With Savant scenes, you can use multiple devices with the touch of a single button. Whether you want to control the lights and AV all at once, simplify a romantic evening, or ensure your home is locked up before bed, you can assign the appropriate technology under a single button.

Choose from a library of pre-set names or customize your own scene with just a few taps on your smartphone or tablet. Once you’ve arranged everything to your ideal settings, save it and return to it whenever you’d like.

See Also: HOW COMMERCIAL AUTOMATION HELPS YOUR OFFICE RUN MORE EFFICIENTLY

AUDIO VIDEO

An AV system in your boardroom will help you command attention during meetings, facilitate training and information exchange, and help you communicate with coworkers and clients throughout the day. But you don’t need a complex system to get started. A projector, screen, and strong business network will help you immediately. You can install a lift to hide your projector in the ceiling when not in use and centralize control in a console that sits on the table.

Essential Technologies:

• Projector
• Motorized Screen
• High-Bandwidth Network

COMFORT

A comfortable environment is a productive environment. And, according to a study published in the Journal of Facilities Management, the comfort conditions workers consider the most important to their productivity are temperature, ventilation, noise, privacy, and daylight. Smart technologies can help manage these. Motorized shades with integrated sensors can lower to regulate temperature, sunlight, and privacy. Smart thermostats can automatically adjust to the right temperature. And sound masking systems can block the noise of coworkers.

Essential Technologies: