Home Automation | SoundVision

My Favorite System – By Scott Klein, SoundVision Technician

Posted on: 09-23-2011 in: Blog

Until fairly recently, if you wanted different music sources playing throughout your house, a common solution was a 2 zone system configuration. This gave you the ability to mirror music playing in the family room (where system is) to other rooms with in the house, or you could play something else entirely. For example, with a 2 Zone system configuration you could watch a DVD in one room, and play music in the others. The challenge we had with this particular configuration was that it is fairly limited. If you were in a different room and wanted to switch what you were listening to, you would have to go all the way into the family room to change the source. Additionally all of the rooms set up on Zone 2 have to be on the same source. So, if someone was watching a movie in the family room and you were listening to Journey in another room, the other rooms could only listen to Journey (which might be ok, if you are a huge Journey fan).

Over the past couple years Sonos has been taking over the Job of Zone 2. Sonos is a networked music system. What this means to you is; you can now listen to your entire music library, internet radio, podcasts, etc. in any room of your home, even your backyard. Unlike the 2 Zone system configuration, you can listen to whatever you want in whichever room you like, and you are no longer limited to two sources. Sonos also allows you to control the source (Ipod, XM Radio, Spotify) and volume from within the room via your smartphone or iPad. All that, without having to purchase an big expensive system

With Sonos you get a lot more flexibility and control than you ever got out of a 2 Zone System. The good news is that you can easily replace your 2 Zone system by using your existing equipment and purchasing a Sonos Zone Player from SoundVision. Because of the ease of installation and the flexibility of the Sonos system, this has become my favorite system to install. It’s really great to see how excited our clients get about the Sonos system once they make the switch from a 2 Zone configuration.

If you are currently only enjoying 2 zones in your house and you want more, give us a call. I would love to come out and install my favorite system in your home.

Outdoor Entertaining, Home Theater Style

Posted on: 08-18-2011 in: Blog

The Bay Area is a truly incredible place to live. I can’t tell you how often I’m on the phone with people from all over the country that would trade places with us in a heartbeat. One of my favorite things about living here is the weather. It’s warm, mild and perfect for outdoor entertaining. Beautiful weather, family, friends and good food are really the key to making an outdoor get together memorable.But what makes a patio party a remarkable entertainment experience? SoundVision does.

Ever wanted to watch the big game from your patio bar? Control what song you are listening to and the volume while you are in the Jacuzzi? Or maybe crank up Led Zeppelin as you BBQ while the kids listen to Justin Beiber at the pool? Now you can.You can pretty much have anything you want in the world of outdoor HDTVs. You can choose from LCD or LED Flat screens or even projection screens. These can be installed wherever you like, flush mounted to an exterior wall , on a motorized lift at the end of your pool, the possibilities are endless. A motorized lift gives you control to have it ascend from its hiding spot whenever you’re ready to watch. Next, you can enjoy high-performance audio all around your patio, yard, pool house, bocce ball court, etc.There are several attractive speaker options and designs– popular choices are speakers that resemble rocks, speakers mounted under eaves, landscape lighting speakers and even underwater, underground speakers and subwoofers. These come in all shapes and sizes andwill be expertly installed to fit into your landscaping and match your home exterior. Your swimming pool and spa equipment can even be automated, heating hot tubs and turning on underwater lights from your web enabled smart phone.

Not only can these electronic enhancements make your outdoor space extremely impressive, it’s easy to use. You can control everything from wherever you are; home, office, vacation home etc. Weatherproof keypads and volume controls can be installed on an exterior wall, allowing you to choose sources and set the volume without having to go back inside. Or, lose the wires and enjoy even more control with a wireless remote, touchpanel, tablet or smartphone.Now that almost everything you love about your home theater and home audio systems are available outside, trust me, you’ll discover a new appreciation for the great outdoors.If you would like to explore your outdoor options or have any questions, feel free to call our office at (415) 456-7000, send me an email or visit our website today.

What is the Best A/V System on the Market?

Posted on: 07-25-2011 in: Blog

We were recently on a project where the homeowner had the electrician take care of the A/V system. This was a good electrician, and he did an admirable job proposing and installing the one system he was familiar with. When he started getting in over his head, he brought us in to help.It very quickly became evident that the system the electrician planned for, was not the best system for the client. When the client asked him why he did not consider other options, he found himself in a very uncomfortable situation.The builder took me aside and asked me “What is the best A/V system on the market?”It can be confusing, as there are a lot of A/V and control systems to choose from: Sonos, Savant, AMX, Control-4, Crestron, Elan, Niles, Nuvo, Speakercraft, Russound, Colorado-VNet, URC , Harmony, HAI, Insteon, Lutron, RTI, etc.Each of these products are great. If you talk to the manufacturer, or believe what they say online, every one of them will meet your needs.However, we have had the opportunity to work with every one of these product lines, and we have discovered that they are not interchangeable, and there is no “One size fits all”.In this case, we were able to remove the system and install a less expensive, more flexible system that the homeowner is thrilled with.We have 13 years of experience using all of the major A/V and control systems on the market. We are constantly having in-house trainings and attending seminars to stay current on all the major technologies.We are fortunate enough to work with very good architects who know that you can’t shoe-horn every customer into the same design. They have a process where they interview the client, introduce them to various concepts and help them determine the best design based on their preferences.A good electronic systems contractor should have a similar process.When you are considering a new system, let us show you what is available so you can see which solution is best for you.

Want to really love your music?

Posted on: 07-15-2011 in: Blog

Try listening to it on a great audio system.

I remember in college I would just sit and listen to one CD after another. Remember being excited to hear a new album? I couldn’t wait to hear each new track. We had a pretty good stereo system, and we listened to music all the time. Of course, the system was just in the living room, so we would crank it up so we could hear it throughout the house.I love music, I listen to it in the bathroom when I get ready in the morning, I listen in the car, on my bike, in the office. It just makes the day feel less serious and more enjoyable.Now that I have “grown-up” my family’s house has an audio system with speakers in every room. We can turn on whatever we want with the touch of a button on a keypad, iPad, iPhone, etc.. It is definitely an upgrade from the college system, and I still use it all the time.I recently set up a high performance audio system in my garage. I spend a fair amount of time out there in my workshop, and we had some gear in the shop that I wanted to listen to.I think I had forgotten how good a high performance audio system could sound. I find myself just sitting out there and listening. I am actually excited to hear the next song. It reminds me of being back in college. I think I feel like the guy in the old Maxell commercial, remember that one… Maxell ad.I can’t tell you how many times I have had clients tell me they do not want a high performance audio systems because “ they cannot tell the difference”. Well I can guarantee you can tell the difference, anyone can. The difference is huge. It is one thing to decide you do not want to spend the money on a performance audio system because you can’t afford it, or you do not like music very much (yes, sadly these people do exist). But please do not deceive yourself. With a high performance audio system you can feel the music. It is not necessarily louder, just more clean, clear, crisp and powerful. It is an experience I had taken for granted for a long time, and now that I have immersed myself in it again, I cannot believe I have missed the music for so long.It is a totally different experience to close your eyes and feel like the artist is sitting right in front of you. It makes it fun to re-discover your music library. Enjoying each song to a degree you forgot was possible. It is an experience I would love to share. Let me know if you are interested.

SoundVision Now Offers Yet Another Impressive Option in Home Automation!

Posted on: 06-23-2011 in: Blog

Earlier this month, Andy Ross (an extremely talented SoundVision programmer) and I flew into Salt Lake City, Utah to attend the Control 4 Training.Control 4 offers affordable automation and control solutions for lighting, music, video, HVAC, security and energy management systems.

SoundVision is now an authorized Control4 dealer and we are excited to add them to our list of remarkable home automation choices.If you think you want to give home automation a try contact us to set up a consultation with one of our experts to find the best solution for you!

Top 6 benefits of Central Vacuum Systems

Posted on: 11-12-2010 in: Blog, TechNotes

1) 5x more suction power than a regular vacuum means less debris is left behind and floors are cleaner.

2) The small dust particles that go through regular vacuum filters are re-introduced into the air to remain in the living environment. Central vacuum systems exhaust the dust outside of the living area, resulting in 70% fewer allergens than homes without central vacuums.*

3) Vac-pan automatic dustpans make sweeping easier. Just sweep to the vac-pan, press the button with your toe, and the debris is sucked away.

4) Central vacuum heads are lighter than standard vacuums so they are easier to use.

5) The filter is very large, so it does not need to be emptied as frequently as a standard vacuum.

6) Central Vacuums on average last around 20 years, making it a wise investment.

*According to a study at UC Davis in 2006.

Hose attached to a central vacuum inlet

Central Vacuum systems are a shining example of technology making home life healthier. Central vacuums are a simple system of wall inlets distributed throughout a house that connect to a high powered central vacuum unit. Each inlet allows for a hose or accessory attachment rendering it a fully functional vacuum for lightweight but powerful vacuuming.The central vacuum unit is typically installed in a discreet and easily accessible location of the house such as a basement or garage.

Automatic dustpan

The systems can also include automatic dustpans attached to the wall for an extra quick and efficient clean-up.One of the best aspects of a central vacuum system is how well they completely remove dust, pollen, & animal dander from your home. Traditional vacuums don’t have the power or ability to vent outside of the living area, which makes central vac systems perfect for families with children, pets or allergy sufferers.

Central Vacuums have a limited lifetime warranty and on average last around 20 years which makes it a wise investment.

A Breakdown of Home Automation Interfaces

Posted on: 10-15-2010 in: Blog, SoundVision Guide

As home automation technology progresses the options for Home Automation interfaces has grown. Choosing the right interface for your family can be a tricky decision to make. We’d like to explain some of the benefits of each type to help clear up any questions you may have and keep you well informed of the latest technologies.Wireless Remotes – Wireless remotes offer customers the comfort of a familiar method of control in an ultra portable package. An infra red universal remote is perfectly suitable for a simple home entertainment system. As the home automation needs grow an RF or WiFi capable remote like URC will be needed to expand the range and usage of features like shading or lighting control.Touch Panels – A touchscreen can offer much more flexibility, including video surveillance, additional control options, internet access, and complete customization. They provide graphic based control that covers a broad range of devices and systems. Touchpanels can come as wired or wireless.

Wired - Wired touchpanels are often installed in the wall at a central or convenient location of the home. They can be used in conjunction with wireless touchpanels and keypads.
Wireless – Wireless touchpanels can move from room-to-room and offer the greatest amount of flexibility of any home control interface. Like your cell phone or other portable devices it does need to be charged on a regular basis. iPad and iPhone software developers are quickly taking note and creating a multitude of home control apps, to even further expand the capabilities of home control. Click here to learn more about home automation apps on the iPad and iPhone.

Keypads - Keypads are a simple, but cost effective type of interface that compliments homes needing intelligent lighting and shading control at multiple zones. They can range from simple on/off switches to multiple options based on events (entertaining, dining, movies, etc). With keypads you lose many advanced features, but they are extremely easy to operate and maintain.If you or someone you know would like more information on what you read here or have any questions, feel free to call our office at (415) 456-7000, send me an email or visit our website today.

6 Awesome iPad and iPhone Apps for Home Automation

Posted on: 09-21-2010 in: Blog, SoundVision Guide

The iPad and iPhone are singlehandedly changing the world of home automation. With its ease of use, popularity and unmatched usability, software developers are jumping at the opportunity to develop home control apps. Here are a few of the very best apps we’ve found for ipad and iphone home automation.Cre stron – Crestron Mobile Pro puts the critically acclaimed Crestron touchpanel user interface right on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, enabling all kinds of customizable control features. Expect the same high level of performance you’re used to with Crestron home control, but completely mobile.DVR Remote – Forget to schedule your DVR to record your favorite show? No problem. Set up the recording while you’re at the office, on vacation, or anywhere else. DVR Remote is designed for TiVo Series3 DVRs. Also note that there are apps for DirecTV, DISH Network, AT&T and more.Lutron Home Control – This app allows you to interface with your RadioRa 2 lighting control system over a wifi network. Lutron also offers a Homeworks Light control app that can connect to your Homeworks system lighting control system over WiFi, Edge or even 3G network.Sonos Controller for iPhone – This app is a full-fledged Sonos Controller that works over your home WiFi network. Simply touch the screen to pick a room, point and flick to choose a song, and hit play to enjoy.Off Remote - Off Remote is a simple app that can tell your computer to Sleep, Restart, Lock and Hibernate or turn off. It’s designed to work on any computer in your local network. Great for energy management.Sherwin Williams Color Snap – This handy little app isn’t necessarily a home control app, but is very useful for the planning stages of a home theater remodel. With Color Snap you simply snap a picture from your iPhone of a wall or decoration and the app matches the closest Sherwin Williams paint color. From there you can create a custom color palette.If you have experience with any of these or other home automation apps please feel free to share!

Crestron - Crestron Mobile Pro puts the critically acclaimed Crestron touchpanel user interface right on your iPhone, iPad oriPod touch, enabling all kinds of customizable control features. Expect the same high level of performance you’re used to with Crestron home control, but completely mobile.

DVR Remote – Forget to schedule your DVR to record your favorite show? No problem. Set up the recording while you’re at the office, on vacation, or anywhere else. DVR Remote is designed for TiVo Series3 DVRs. Also note that there are apps for DirecTV, DISH Network, AT&T and more.

Lutron Home Control – This app allows you to interface with your RadioRa 2 lighting control system over a wifi network. Lutron also offers a Homeworks Light control app that can connect

The iPad and iPhone are singlehandedly changing the world of home automation. With its ease of use, popularity and unmatched usability, software developers are jumping at the opportunity to develop home control apps. Here are a few of the very best apps we’ve found for ipad and iphone home automation.Crestron - Crestron Mobile Pro puts the critically acclaimed Crestron touchpanel user interface right on your iPhone, iPad oriPod touch, enabling all kinds of customizable control features. Expect the same high level of performance you’re used to with Crestron home control, but completely mobile.DVR Remote – Forget to schedule your DVR to record your favorite show? No problem. Set up the recording while you’re at the office, on vacation, or anywhere else. DVR Remote is designed for TiVo Series3 DVRs. Also note that there are apps for DirecTV, DISH Network, AT&T and more.Lutron Home Control – This app allows you to interface with your RadioRa 2 lighting control system over a wifi network. Lutron also offers a Homeworks Light control app that can connect to your Homeworks system lighting control system over WiFi, Edge or even 3G network.Sonos Controller for iPhone – This app is a full-fledged Sonos Controller that works over your home WiFi network. Simply touch the screen to pick a room, point and flick to choose a song, and hit play to enjoy.Off Remote - Off Remote is a simple app that lets Sleep, Restart, Lock and Hibernate or turn off any or all computers in your local network. Great for energy managementSherwin Williams Color Snap – This handy little app isn’t necessarily a home control app, but is very useful for the planning stages of a home theater remodel. With Color Snap you simply snap a picture from your iPhone or iPod of a wall or decorations and the app matches the closest Sherwin Williams paint color. From there you can create a custom color palette.

to your Homeworks system lighting control system over WiFi, Edge or even 3G network.

Sonos Controller for iPhone – This app is a full-fledged Sonos Controller that works over your home WiFi network. Simply touch the screen to pick a room, point and flick to choose a song, and hit play to enjoy.

Off Remote - Off Remote is a simple app that lets Sleep, Restart, Lock and Hibernate or turn off any or all computers in your local network. Great for energy management

Sherwin Williams Color Snap – This handy little app isn’t necessarily a home control app, but is very useful for the planning stages of a home theater remodel. With Color Snap you simply snap a picture from your iPhone or iPod of a wall or decorations and the app matches the closest Sherwin Williams paint color. From there you can create a custom color palette.

Fall 2010 HD Living – Available Now!

Posted on: 09-20-2010 in: Blog, Inside SoundVision, News

The Fall 2010 issue of HD Living magazine has been mailed out to select homeowners around the North Bay area. If you weren’t one of the lucky ones who received one in your mailbox, don’t worry! We have your online copy available right here.In addition to an updated profile all about SoundVision, some of the other topics inside this quarter’s issue of HD Living include:

Lifestyle Control: Touch screen devices for home automation
Home Networks: A complete guide to home networking
The Everything Gadget: How the revolutionary iPad is reshaping home entertainment and control.

Plus much more. It’s all waiting for you in the Fall 2010 issue of HD Living Magazine!

What’s the Difference?

Posted on: 08-27-2010 in: Blog, Inside SoundVision, TechNotes

This week, we thought we’d switch it up here on the SoundVision ShowTimes blog and let one of our technicians do the talking. I sat down with our Lead Technician, Kenny Meligan to chat about some of his experiences with other companies in the industry in comparison with SoundVision. Kenny also offers up some advice on choosing the best custom electronics integrator for your next project. Kenny has been a Lead Technician and Control Systems Programmer for over 5 years and has worked with a number of different integrators.Kenny thanks for chatting with me. In your past experience with other companies how did a typical day begin?

At other companies my day would start by being briefed on the spot about the day’s job. The boss would always prepare the schedule at the last minute in hopes of just throwing bodies at projects. There was rarely a plan of action and never any scope of work, design meetings, or project checklists given in advance.

Sounds like a tough start. How did that affect the projects?

Well, once I figured out where I was going for the day I’d go into the warehouse to stage the equipment only to find that we didn’t have half of the parts needed. On a few occasions I remember informing the boss, and he said, “I forgot to order that. Tell the client that it’s backordered.” So, I would leave the shop with no information on the project, very little parts, and a lie to tell the client!Once I arrived at the site, I’d rummage through my set of inferior tools and prepare to start work. There wasn’t much in the way of documentation which resulted in way too much time on the phone with tech support or my project manager. That was just to get up to speed on the project and figure out how the system is supposed to work.

How was your experience with the other technicians and support staff?

I found that often times at most other companies my coworkers weren’t CEDIA certified and had little experience. So, that meant a bit of babysitting onsite. The kicker was that after a long frustrating day onsite I’d finally get back to the shop to find my boss drinking a beer and acting as if everything was great.

Techs ensure their vans are kept well organized.

How is it different here at SoundVision?

SoundVision always stresses process and preplanning. Our schedules are literally booked weeks in advance. Each project gets a project binder that we take onsite. The binders include everything from scope of work, project management checklists, to wiring schematics & floor plans. At SoundVision we always follow a carefully laid out set of tasks and milestones for each project. In terms of parts, we have a purchasing manager who orders all our parts and stages them for us each morning. Our vans are always fully stocked with the right tools for the job.
Continue reading “What’s the Difference?” »

Page 1 of 212 »

All Posts Tagged Tag: ‘Home Automation’