Control4 Home Security Integration Archives - SoundVision Audio Video Shades

SoundVision Gives Back

March 11, 2022March 11, 2021 by michellerdhd

SoundVision Gives Back with IDS Society Narrow Passage Davidson

SoundVision gives back by sponsoring three show homes at The Preserve at Narrow Passage in Davidson. The event was organized by the Interior Design Society of Charlotte to benefit multiple local charities https://idscltshowhouse.com/charities/. SoundVision was involved from the prewire stages of wiring to completion. Each show home was sponsored by a different local builder. The builders included Southern Cottage Homes, Augusta Homes and Plattner Custom Builders. Although the home tours did not occurdue to COVID19, a fair amount of money was raised for several local charities.

The co-chairs of the 2020 IDS CLT Showhouse Organization are Starr Miller of Starr Miller Interior Design, Cornelius, and Audrey Clawson of Audrey Clawson Interiors, which has locations in Lake Norman and Connecticut.

This video endeavor will benefit Motor Racing Outreach, The Dale Jr. Foundation, The Hendrick Family Foundation and Operation Finally Home.

The Interior Design Society Charlotte Chapter partnered with three award-winning custom homebuilders: Ken Wrench of Augusta Homes Inc., Cornelius; Karl Plattner of Plattner Custom Builders in Davidson; and Chris Hoffman of Southern Cottage Corp. in Lake Norman.

The Interior Design Society (IDS) is an independent national organization comprised of more than 2,000 members. One of the country’s largest design organizations dedicated to serving the residential interior design industry, IDS embraces four core values including professionalism, community, influence and growth. The IDS National headquarters is located in High Point, NC, the world’s home furnishings capital. Founded in 1973 by the National Home Furnishings Association (NHFA) to support interior designers based within furniture stores, the Interior Design Society has long since expanded its focus to provide support to professional interior design entrepreneurs nationwide.

Read more about new construction projects https://www.svavnc.com/new-construction/

SoundVision and its’ industry vendors donated over $35,000 in equipment and services to the effort.

Security Mooresville Cornelius Davidson

February 25, 2022August 7, 2020 by michellerdhd

Continuing education, fingerprints and background checks for all of our team members.

How to get the best security in Mooresville Cornelius Davidson

**Not just any company should install security, camera systems or even Nest doorbells.**

Installation of security cameras or doorbells seem relatively harmless? Nest and Ring products are end user specific. Access to sensitive information is then, limited. Back ground checks and licensing of outside providers is crucial. These products will need passwords and access to the wifi.

For more information on security cameras : https://www.svavnc.com/security-camera-systems/

Licensing and why you should care

Fire and safety are categories of service that lend themselves to heavy liability and licensing requirements. These are LIFE SAFETY categories of service. Firms interested in providing security and fire alarm services must be licensed by the state of North Carolina. Two license categories REQUIRED are a Low Voltage license classification SP-AF-LV license in addition to an NC alarm license.

Requirements to obtain these licenses include:

Relevant work experience certification
Additional education with exams
Verifiable references with notarized affidavits
Federal and state background checks
Meeting with an alarm system licensing investigator
Approval of the actual NC Alarm Systems Licensing Board

Using a licensed provider is the best way to get security Mooresville Cornelius Davidson

Read specifications for obtaining licensing here

Requirements to renew an existing NC ALSB license:

Completion of a 3 hour state approved CEU course (which included an exam).
New fingerprints (every 2 years) at the local Police Department.
State and sometimes Federal background check.

security system cameras licensing — **Find out if your provider is licensed!**

It is frustrating for us to see unlicensed contractors doing this work. In the event of catastrophe, homeowners (and their insurance companies) will wish they had hired a properly licensed and insured professional. Be careful of who you let into your home. Click here to check if your contractor is licensed for security with the state.

Cyber Security for Your Home

March 1, 2022January 15, 2020 by admin

Cyber Security for Your Home is on the forefront of our minds for a number of different reasons.

The cyber security concern extends to our businesses and has a global face. It is less thought of in the way that maybe it should be MOST recognized, in our homes. The security of our home network is PARAMOUNT to keeping our personal information safe.

Cyber security has the potential to affect our lives in ways we aren’t typically conscious of. Let me give you an example. There have been documented cases of hacking into networks, looking at folks medication and changing them. Someday, this will likely be a case that is brought before the courts because it is crime that is on the rise and is not recognized as a serious threat.

The home wifi network has become a utility that is necessary in your home. You have to have electricity, plumbing and heating and air. You do not have to have audio and video. A strong network is a must have for work, school and entertainment. That network connects you to the outside world. The problem is it connects the outside world to you too where cyber security can become an issue.

This all begs the question, “What should I be doing to make sure my family is safe?” Herein lies the remainder of this blog post.

How is Your Cyber Health?

It seems that we’re seeing more and more “big data” breeches among major retailers and, with the holidays fast approaching and many of us shopping online, we need to be diligent to protect ourselves from cyber-crimes and be smart and take every measure to ensure the security of your networks, both at home and in your business. If your infrastructure is outdated, make it a priority to upgrade now!

Password Check Up

What is your network password’s strength?

It is critical to your network’s safety that you keep your passwords as strong as possible. Using things like “buddy123” or “password” (that’s the actual worst btw) is just like inviting hackers in.

Even one step up in password, like your cell phone number, your favorite sports team, your kid’s names and the like are things hackers can easily find online. These are not safe!

At SoundVision, we create passwords that are NEVER universal (meaning, we don’t use the same passwords for multiple homes), and conform to the latest in cryptography standards to ensure your network is safe and current with cyber security standards.

How about updates

Make sure your network is safe by having your wifi network professionally managed and updated.

With the internet changing things at literally light speed, these updates come at regular intervals. One of the biggest reason for the updates is to keep up with the latest encryption standards, which, in turn, keep hackers at bay. Your internet service provider (ISP) takes care of the modem directly.

Think of it like being the only home on a dark street that’s lit up at night. Thieves are more likely to target another home because it’s easier. Having the latest security measures on your devices works the same way.

All the networks we deploy include commercial grade equipment and allow us the ability to manage them remotely. This give us the ability to service your network without even coming to your home. If needed, we can reboot and even install the latest software updates remotely for you. We can even see what your in home internet speed is, to make sure that you are getting what you pay for.

All of this is accomplished through a safe and secure portal, protected by the encrypted password protocol mentioned above.

This is where our Service Memberships come in. Depending on the level of service you choose, we can take all the hassle out of it for you. We can manage everything for you and make sure your network is as safe and secure as it can be. In the event of an urgent issue, we can guarantee same or next day service.

Give us a call at 704-696-2792 and we can set up a time to take a look at your set up. We can recommend solutions ranging from additions to improve coverage.

And look out for our upcoming YouTube videos for more on the subject of networking, WiFi and cyber security. Check out some of the products we suggest to ensure a safer cyber security network. https://www.commscope.com/ruckus/

Remote Programming Macros Demystified

March 16, 2022October 15, 2019 by admin

Why is this remote so &!;!!?? complicated!!!!

Remote Programming Macros Demystified. Over the past few days, I have been explaining some of the challenges we have regarding making your system more consistent and reliable so that it just works when you want it to. Having a remote control in your home theater or even media room can make the experience so much more enjoyable! https://www.svavnc.com/home-theaters/

I have tried to explain why sometimes remotes seem complicated and why, if not programmed correctly, using discrete codes, remotes will not function reliably. These discrete codes were defined as independent commands for each function that you have (e.g. Power On and Power Off versus simply Power that toggles between on and off on each push).

There is another reason discrete codes are so important and that is because, with them, we can develop macros. When we go to continuing education (yes, we do that), instructors tell us never to use the word “macro” around a customers. The reason is, if you are not in the information technology (IT) field, it will just sound like a fancy word that means nothing to a customer. And they are right.

Macros are the secret to making the magic happen

Ever wonder how ALL your equipment turns on, the input changes on the TV and your AVR (audio video receiver), the channel changes to your favorite or the movie starts playing with the touch of one button? Of course you haven’t! But, that’s a macro.

Simply put, a macro is a series of steps that are programmed in a particular sequence after a something else happens first. The most common of these is after the Power On button is pressed.

Once this “trigger” happens, the system can process the event (pressing the Power On button) and then tell other components to turn on, go to particular inputs, change channels, dim the lights, lower the shades, change the volume or any other host of things you might want to happen. The amount of things that can happen are infinite and only limited by your imagination.

What are discreet codes?

This is another reason that discrete codes are SO important. One series of events can happen when the Power On button is pressed. Another series of events can happen when the Power Off button is pressed. Macros are not limited to power commands either. They can be “triggered” by any button press, time event (think dawn or dusk or midnight or when you wake up), motion from security sensors, doors opening or closing, and the list goes on and on. Essentially, anything that is tied to your system’s brain, can trigger anything else tied to the system. Remote Programming Macros demystified.

This is one reason why, at SoundVision, we implemented the 30 day “live in” program. We will, AT NO CHARGE, come back out to your home and make programming changes and RE-TRAIN YOUR FAMILY. This give you the opportunity to live with the system for a period of time and actually figure out what you would like these magical macros to do.

Next time, I’ll elaborate a bit more on macros and actually show you some from our projects. This will give you some ideas on how we can make your home or place of business smarter. It’s just another way we are trying to Simplify Your Life Through Technology.

If you have ANY questions, please feel free to reach out at info@svavnc.com or give us a call at 704-696-2792. We are here and happy to talk with you.

For more information on smart home automation: https://www.control4.com/dealer/soundvisionllc11-28117/mooresville-nc/

Protecting your security

March 17, 2022November 14, 2018 by admin

Protecting your Security…It is a new world and our personal security is again weighing on our minds. We’re constantly reminded of day to day security risks. We find ourselves asking, ”What can I do”?

Stay Alert

First and foremost, we must be alert. Take a proactive role to ensure the cybersecurity safety of your family, employees, clients and community. Install a CCTV (closed circuit television) camera system. We’ve all seen how effective doorbell cameras are. Visible cameras are an excellent deterrent for would-be criminals. A monitored system is invaluable when tied in to a comprehensive life-safety and security system that includes smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, motion and glass-break detectors and window sensors. Imagine the comfort of having a single panic button to call out to police, fire fighters or paramedics.

Criminal’s Dreaded Foe

Light it up! Automated Lighting and motorized shades can be an effective deterrent for would-be criminals because they can be programmed to mimic occupancy. Interior and exterior landscape lighting can be programmed to sunset or sunrise. Protecting your security with automation can help!

Protecting your security with automation can help!

It seems that we’re seeing more and more “big data” breeches among major retailers and, with the holidays fast approaching and many of us shopping online, we need to be diligent to protect ourselves from cyber-crimes. Take every measure to ensure the security of your networks. Your home and business are worth protecting. If your equipment is outdated, make it a priority to upgrade! Smart home automation can help take the guesswork out of security.

SoundVision prides itself on using companies who will not sell your data or breach your personal security. Many companies will seel your information because they profit from the data sale. This is not the case with “Do it youself” products. Check out how Control4 automation protects your privacy https://www.control4.com/company/privacy-and-security/

Be Proactive and Prepared

Take time to formulate a plan. What will you do in the event of a robbery or natural disaster? Does everyone know how to alert authorities, access fire extinguishers, engage smart door locks, etc.? Take the time to check your community’s resources and formulate a plan.

Please share links to any resources you’ve found to be valuable from your school, our local law enforcement and fire departments, etc. Together, we can make our community a safer place.

Additional Reading from our blogs: https://www.svavnc.com/soundvision-blogs-check-out-the-soundvision-blog/

124 Poplar Pointe Drive, Suite 101
Mooresville, NC 28117