SoundVision Wins ProSource Award

August 12, 2022March 11, 2022 by michellerdhd

SoundVision wins ProSource Award

On March 6, 2022 industry trade group ProSource named SoundVision, LLC Member of the Year for the Sourtheast division at the Caesar’s Palace Expo Forum in LasVegas, Nevada. On hand to receive the award were SoundVision owner, Mark DiPietro, his wife Kristen DiPietro, Zach Simpson Vice President of Design, Michelle Ferlauto, Vice President of Marketing and Project Manager Phil Harrington. SoundVision has been a partner with ProSource for over 5 years.

“Each member selected for this award is an innovator,” says Dave Workman, CEO and president of ProSource. “The award is based upon a member’s ability to meet or exceed the established criteria, including a member’s participation within the group, support of group brands, conducting business in a manner that stands as an example to other members, and selection for industry awards and recognition. We extend our heartiest congratulations to each of the 2021 Members of the Year, honor their ability to evolve and adapt to the rapid changes in technology and market trends, and applaud the investment they have made in their people to create a winning team.”

SoundVision Wins ProSource Award

“I am very impressed with the team that Mark DiPietro has put together at SoundVision,” says Frank Marengo, ProSource District Manager for the Southeast Region. “Their business model includes custom audio/video, shades, and now lighting fixture sales and design, and they focus on their direct relationship with the end user. I admire their focus on elevating their staff and always being positive, and the level of service they provide to their customers.”

The award reflects the hard work by ALL SoundVision team members. SoundVision was founded in 2011 my Mark DiPietro and has been serving the great Lake Norman community ever since.

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.

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.

Why is this remote so &!;!!?? complicated!!!! – Non-Video Equipment

July 24, 2020October 22, 2019 by admin

In our last post, we outlined the power of macros with the Control4 remote configuration. How they can make your life easier by doing some of the things you do every day (or night), all the time, and automate those same tasks. We went over how, with the press of a button, many different devices can turn on or off.

Now, let’s elaborate a bit more, with respect to non-audio video equipment. If you will take my word for it, there are a number of pages, like the one you see below, all activated by the previously discussed macro.

I don’t want to belabor the point; rather, I wanted to give you a glimpse into how many different things a single macro, or group of macros can do. For example, see below….

This string comes in the programming right after the one we showed in our previous blog. To take a look at that one, click here.

The above macro first checks to see if the garage doors are open, and if so, closes them. As an aside, guys, how many times have you been in bed and your wife asks you if the garage doors are closed? This fixes that request. BTW, the app also shows you when the doors are opened or closed. I’ve included a screen shot below to show you what this looks like.

Next, the macro tells the system to lock the Yale door lock on the basement door. This is SUPER helpful once you are in bed, upstairs, and asked if the basement door is locked. There is another icon on the app confirming this as well.

The system then runs the bedtime lighting scene. It turns off over 15 lights at this time, all at different times.

The system then waits 55 seconds (which is the rough time it takes us to get our things together to head upstairs to bed), and turns off the basement lights and ceiling fan.

After another 60 seconds of waiting, the system locks the Yale door lock in the Great Room and arms the Honeywell alarm system to Instant mode for bed.

Finally, after waiting another 46 seconds (about the time it takes us to get ready for bed), the system turns on the TV in the Owner’s Suite (my wife has to watch a show before she falls to sleep) and starts a 90 minute timer to turn the TV off in the event we fall asleep and forget.

Remember, a macro is only limited to our or your imagination! This truly shows the power of the automated or “smart” home.

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/

Complicated Remote Controls Stink!

March 16, 2022October 12, 2019 by admin

Have a remote like this one? It’s crazy, right. Too many buttons, to hard to read.

Complicated Remote Controls Stink! Quick question, how do you turn on the TV? Stumped, don’t feel bad. I was too.

We hear all to often that today’s audio video systems are just to hard to use and the remotes are even worse.

The thing to remember is that the remote and the equipment are, like I said before, a SYSTEM. For them to work in concert, they have to be able to “talk” to one another.

Simply put, the remote needs to know what “state,” on or off, the system is. This is the first problem. With older equipment, and even some of today’s cable boxes, there is no way for the remote to know if they are on or off.

That’s because they don’t use “discrete” codes. Now, that’s a fancy way of saying, either on or off. Meaning, you could press the power on 100 times and it would never turn the TV off; conversely, you could press the power off command 100 times and the TV would never turn on. Now we are getting somewhere!

Quick, look at the remote above. You only see a POWER button, NOT a power on and power off button. Even the system on / off does not know whether the components are on or off. And, therein lies the problem.

Without knowing for sure if the TV is on or off, the remote doesn’t know what command to send when you push the power button. Worse yet, some older TVs internally don’t even have a power on and power off command. Whew, that’s a lot to take in.

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

One of the things we do when we program all our remotes is to make sure that the equipment we are working with always has these “discrete” codes so our systems work all the time. In fact, if we work with a client that has older equipment, we check to make sure it works. Otherwise, we tell them that they need to have newer equipment so their system will work consistently and efficiently ALL THE TIME, EVERY TIME!

And all this is just for power. Wait til I tell you how we take charge of multiple services, like cable TV, DirecTV, Dish Network, Apple TV, Roku, and any other video source you can think of. We can even cut the cord.

But that’s for next time…. https://www.svavnc.com/switching-remote-sources-demystified/

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

(704) 696-2792

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