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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.

SEE ALSO: Is Home Lighting Control Right for You?

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.