Simplifying Life Through Home Automation Part 1

October 11, 2023July 1, 2023 by michellerdhd

Simplifying Life Through Home Automation Part 1

SEASON: 2

EPISODE: 6

On this episode of “Simplifying Life Through Technology,” Mark and Andrew from SoundVision sit down to discuss Part 1 of Home Automation.

“Enhance Your Lifestyle”

We Talk About:

What is Home Automation
How Home Automation is used in your home
Home Automation Possibilities
What can be controlled through Home Automation
Professional vs DIY Automation
Pros of Home Automation

Common Home Automations:

Security
Lights
Door Locks
Thermostats
Voice Control

To learn more about SoundVision:

https://www.svavnc.com/

To listen to more “Simplifying Life Through Technology” podcasts:

https://www.svavnc.com/podcast/

Eric Bassingthwaite – Lead Technician

January 30, 2023October 3, 2022 by michellerdhd

Originally from Massachusetts, Eric has over 20 years of experience within the smart home industry. Eric spends his free time canoodling with his wife Heather and two dogs.

Mike O’Dowd – SoundVision Service Manager

January 30, 2023October 3, 2022 by michellerdhd

Mike O’Dowd was the longtime SoundVision Service Manager before relocating to Cozumel, Mexico. Mike is our first triage level of support for remote troubleshooting and diagnosis of any incoming service issues.

Originally from Colorado, Mike who had his own AV enterprise before joining SoundVision and has decades of experience in the smart home industry.

Control4 Certified Showroom

March 11, 2022February 25, 2022 by michellerdhd

Lake Norman’s only Control4 Certified Showroom is now open!

Control4 Certified Showroom. SoundVision, LLC has opened a new showroom in Mooresville, North Carolina.

The showroom features a mangerie of home automation, audio, video and lighting options. Visitors can experience 3.2, 5.2 and 9.2 audio systems. Also included in the 3100 square foot showroom is a fully functional podcast studio. The space took just over a year to upfit. SoundVision LLC has been a Lake Norman home technology provider since 2010. The showroom is suplemented by a 2200 square foot warehouse that includes Service and Engineering departments.

**Classe 2 Channel Audio Experience with the Delta Pre-Amplifier and Power Amplifiers with an Apple Mac Mini**

Unique to SoundVision is the ability for visitors to experience a multitude of listening experiences. From Martin Logan electro stat and Bowers and Wilkins towers, to residential in-ceiling, commercial and outdoor grade speakers. Indoor and Outdoor televisions, media and a home theater as well as a Hunter Douglas window treatement center are all featured at the new space.

Learn more about Control4 https://www.control4.com/dealer/soundvisionllc11-28117/mooresville-nc/

With one touch, dim the lights, play music, turn up the heat, lock the doors and arm the security system. Check in on your home from your smartphone, no matter where you are. Press a “Goodnight” button that will put your house to sleep, turning off all lights and locking all doors. With Control4, your options are virtually limitless. A Control4 Certified Showroom is a hands on experience for the home automation technology.

SoundVision’s Technical Designers are now accepting appointments. Apointments can be made by calling (704) 696-2792 Ext 1 or submitting a request online https://www.svavnc.com/contact-us/

SoundVision offers a variety of options for home technology. Read more about the technology of the ectrostatic speakers on display at Martin Logan.com. https://www.martinlogan.com/en/electrostatic-esl-theory

Sony is also a featured partner!

In addition to multiple Sony television and OLED displays, a 4K Sony projector can also be experienced in the SoundVision theater.

Product highlights

X1™ processor for projector brings you the best of Sony’s image processing
Advanced SXRD panel for outstanding contrast
Dynamic HDR Enhancer brings a wider contrast range scene by scene for striking and realistic picture quality
Digital Focus Optimizer for more accurate focus
350,000:1 dynamic contrast with Advanced Iris makes every scene spring to life
Motionflow™ provides smooth motion for both 4K & HD resolutions¹
High brightness of 1,800 Lumens
Advanced Reality Creation for upscaling and sharpening images without sharpening picture noise ²
Enjoy the latest 4K content1 services with HDCP 2.2 compatibility on both 18Gbps HDMI inputs ⁴
Input lag reduction ensures faster response time for gamer

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.

Sony 4K Home Theater with a FullSwing Golf Simulator

February 25, 2022July 27, 2020 by michellerdhd

Sony 4K Home Theater with a FullSwing Golf Simulator

This Lake Norman theater project began as a custom new spec home. SoundVision systems designer Zach Simpson was able to integrate theater design and a golf simulators because of the builder’s flexibility, quality and design capabilities. Lighting and audio were integrated as well. We were able to engage valuable vendor partners like Cinema Tech and Full Swing Golf simulators.

Learn more about Full Swing Golf:

https://www.fullswinggolf.com/

The theater features two projectors. The first is a 4K Sony laser projector for the golf simulator. The latter being a Sony 4K home theater projector. The Martin Logan models used in the theater included ElectroMotions, Edge and Helos and two DYN800XD subs. The theater is a full 7.2.4 Dolby Atmos audio system and features a 130″ Screen Innovations motorized screen. This provides the viewing experience, while the FullSwing Golf Simulator features it’s own dedicated screen. Our team enjoyed breaking in the golf simulator with the homeowner.

Let us know if you would like to design your dream home theater! https://www.svavnc.com/contact-us/

This home was designed as fully integrated Control4 panelized lighting system. David Stevens of David Stevens Construction of Sherrill’s Ford, North Carolina was the builder for this home and was awesome to work with. The homeowner was kind enough to offer a letter on our behalf to the CEDIA awards community for consideration in the event we wanted to pursue an award category. In addition to the theater project, the home was also outfitted with a wi-fi network, surveillance system, 7 zones of audio and multiple Sony 4K TV displays.

By using a dealer like SoundVision, our homeowner can look forward to a custom service experience. In the event a piece of his new equipment should need to be serviced, we will work directly with the manufacturer on his behalf for potential warranty claims. Whereas, most big box and online providers will only offer a 30 day warranty because of return restrictions.

Learn more about Sony projectors:

https://www.sony.com/electronics/projector/vpl-vw695es

Learn more about Martin Logan audio:

https://www.martinlogan.com/en/category/our-speakers

SoundVision Recognized as a Rising Star by CE PRO Magazine

March 1, 2022July 24, 2020 by michellerdhd

SoundVision has been recognized as one of 9 “rising stars” across the United States by audio video industry publication, CE PRO. This included a financial review of SoundVision’s earnings and financial structure. This also included a review of internal processes during the interview with our CEO, Mark DiPietro. Why would this matter to current and potential SoundVision clients? Well, it speaks to integrity, planning and vision. How many fly by night companies are out there to make a quick buck and an even quicker departure? Many will deliver the product at he lowest price and quick exit as quick as possible. IF they finish the project with no loose ends. In the future who does the client call for service? Most AV companies won’t service projects they didn’t design. Whereas, customer service is a critical component to our success with our service memberships. Our team is staffed with seasoned professionals, who have experienced different roles in our industry and others as well. We have learned in some cases, the hard way – what NOT to do. Our team embraces active collaboration and we work extremely hard to make sure the client’s overall experience is our top priority. Further, we support vendors who support our clients. Examples of this include Control4, Lutron and the team from Snap AV who will involve their own resources and engineers when needed. We aren’t in this to make a quick buck and leave, neither should our vendors. We value these relationships and are very selective about whom we partner up with. In short, we want to grow old with our clients. Financial stability and consistent service nurture this. This recognition is in line with achieving our overall goal. Read the entire article here from CE PRO http://digitaledition.cepro.com/publication/?m=59704&i=666645&p=48.

The power of remote control macros!

February 25, 2022October 17, 2019 by admin

The power of remote control macros! Now that we know what a macro is, let me give you an example of how powerful a macro can be. Below is a screen shot of a macro I use in our home every day. The idea behind this macro is when we turn off the TV at night and are headed to bed (from between the hours of 8:30pm and 11pm on the weekdays and midnight on the weekends) the following sequence of events happens. The reason I have chosen to have specific ending times, is I have recognized that if someone is up extra late, and other folks are sleeping, I don’t want lights or TVs coming on and waking them up.

Spoiler alert!!! This one is VERY long and detailed.

OR you can reach out for a Service Call and we can help! https://www.svavnc.com/contact-us/

The macro starts simply enough by turning off some audio / video devices. This is a very common use of a macro (i.e. to turn off (or on) any number of devices from TVs to audio video receivers (AVRs) to anything you can think of). After turning these off, things get a bit interesting. You can see a lighting scene, called Intermission is activated. What this does is slowly bring up the lights to a level that allows us to see and take up and dishes or glasses or else we might have (as the lights were probably off while we were watching a movie). Yes, that would be another macro.

Macros also allow for you to select certain times they can be run. Here, you see that if it’s between 7pm and 12:30am, ANOTHER macro (called a nested macro (which, in English means one macro inside another macro)) is run for the thermostats to go to specific “sleeping” temperatures. After a few delays, another “nested macro” runs a Bedtime series of steps.

As an aside, you might be asking, why have a macro inside a macro? Why not just list all the steps under one main macro. The reason is, this way, you can change things associated with one and use it in different places or instances. Let’s say I want the temperature to change when I go to bed and be executed EITHER when I press the off button on the TV remote OR when I press a button on a lighting keypad in our bedroom. I can insert the same Temperature Night macro under both buttons. Now, let’s say I want to change the temperature from, say 68 degrees to 70 degrees, every time I press either button. I can change this in ONE place, the Temperature Night macro, and it will change the action when I turn off the TV or when I press the button on the lighting keypad.

This is one the first step in a long series of this one macro that we live with every day. I will go more in depth, next time, showing you alarm arming, door locking, lighting changes, ceiling fans, TVs turning on and off, delayed lighting scenes and more. For now, just remember that macros are intended to do anything action you normally do, over and over, and automate that action to happen how and when you want it to.

If you have any questions, give us a shot at 704-696-2792 or email me at mark@svavnc.com. We LOVE talking about this stuff!

https://www.control4.com/dealer/soundvisionllc11-28117/mooresville-nc/

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/

124 Poplar Pointe Drive, Suite 101
Mooresville, NC 28117

(704) 696-2792

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