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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:

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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.