Welcome! What's On Your Mind?

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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.

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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.