SoundVision Audio Video Shades

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124 Poplar Pointe Drive, Suite 101
Mooresville, NC 28117

(704) 696-2792

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Home Theater

SoundVision Gives Back

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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

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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

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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!

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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

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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/

 

Bringing the Immersive Movie Theater Experience to Your Home Theater

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Blown away. You’ve just watched, no, experienced, the summer’s blockbuster action film at your favorite movie theater. Your heart is pounding, your head is spinning. For the past 2.15 hours you were completely immersed in the film. Every sight, every sound, perfectly orchestrated to put you at the center of the action. So, how did they do it? And, more importantly, how can you replicate this immersive experience in your home theater?

The sharp, Ultra HD imagery was certainly a factor, providing details that would previously have gone unseen. The same holds true for the audio. Whether DTS:X technology, Auro 3D or Dolby Atmos, 3D sound systems are bringing a new dimension to movies, gaming, television and music by adding a multi-dimensional level of realism.

Hear the pin drop and pinpoint where it was dropped from

Close your eyes and listen to all the sounds around you; your HVAC system, a slamming door, a barking dog or the wind whistling through an open window. You’re able to determine exactly where that sound is coming from. For a movie or game to simulate a real-life experience, it must recreate that same multi-sensory experience.  Surround sound systems, having made a comeback in 1976 with the introduction of Dolby Stereo, ushered in a new era for audio. Popularity for the new technology exploded in 1977 with the release of Star Wars and its engaging rear-channel effects. By the early 90’s we were enjoying 5.1 surround systems and who could forget 1999’s famous Matrix Lobby shootout in 5.1 HDR? Eventually, the 7.1 surround sound system brought audio to the rear of the room.  By 2004 we were enthralled with the breathtaking precision of the blind dancer in House of Flying Daggers as she meticulously replicates the strike of each surrounding drum with her scarves. And do you remember watching in awe as the Star Ship Enterprise navigated to the space dock in 2009 or being charmed as Wall-E catapulted himself through space using a fire extinguisher? Audio places a dimension to the event.

How 3D audio is achieved

There are distinct differences between DTS and Dolby Atmos technologies, but each accomplishes an immersive audio experience by routing sounds to their place of origin. DTS:X adds a height element to a surround sound system which improves sound accuracy. Without the need for additional speakers, and irrespective of the channel assignment or speaker placement, a compatible receiver can interpret and isolate an object’s location and direct its movement and volume.  

In contract, Dolby Atmos creates the realistic effect through the use of multiple speakers. In a commercial movie theater, 64 speakers are used but the technology may be replicated in your home theater using only 14. Essentially, Dolby Atmos avoids the constraints of sounds being routed to specific channels. Instead, they are routed to particular speakers.  This demo video explains it well: Dolby Atmos Demo Sound Test.  

Legendary performance

The blockbuster sensation “Bohemian Rhapsody” took full advantage of Dolby Atmos technology and, in addition to a 4K image, provides a number of scenes showcasing Atmos on its UltraHD Blu-ray. The clearly defined sounds take you in and out of a recording booth and have you feeling like you’re a part of Live Aid 1985 singing along with “We are the Champions.”

According to Dolby, manufacturers can embed Atmos in both hardware and software, so that your game console, laptop, soundbar and even your smartphone, can support the technology. Are you ready to make immersive audio part of your home theater? Call SoundVision for a demo or in-home consultation and we’ll make your theater legendary!

Additional Resources:

Dolby Atmos Explained: What It Is, How It Works and Where to Get ItSurround Sound – The Audio Side of Home Theater

What is Dolby Atmos? All you need to know

The Immersive Audio You’ve Never Heard that could Revolutionize Virtual Reality

Top 10 Most Cliché Home Theater Demos

Today’s Home Theater

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Today’s home theater … The Ultimate Entertainment Experience!

Ultra HD, 4K…the quality of content these days is amazing!  So are the number of ways we have in accessing it! Is your home theater or media room up to the task? Is it able to make the most of the high definition audio and video available? With summer blockbusters available for streaming,  there’s no better time to add the home theater you’ve dreamed.  OR, maybe considering an upgrade to your existing theater so that you may enjoy the best digital entertainment experience.

Are you a movie lover, serious gamer or avid sports fan? A dedicated home theater makes an exceptional space for your home entertainment. Wiith technologies like Dolby Atmos and 4K, enjoying the content in a room specifically designed for performance audio and video can be spectacular!

So what’ll it be, Home Theater or Media Room?

Your home media room offers a great space for enjoying some family-time movie-watching and for hosting your friends on game day. It can boast a stunning 4K laser projector or a surreal OLED display along with Smart TV streaming.. A well-designed and outfitted media room can also take advantage of exceptional audio through a surround sound or Dolby Atmos system. However, one potential disadvantage is today’s open floor plans often place the media room adjacent to the kitchen. This is generally the busiest hub in the home. While this is great for engaging conversation, it is not ideal for either sound or picture quality.  The room is open to the back (uncontrolled sound) and likely flooded with natural light and hese features may be distracting.

Get lost in an immersive experience

A dedicated home theater includes technologies specifically designed to perform in a controlled space. Acoustic issues have been addressed for optimal sound. Noise-control has been considered and addressed in adjoining spaces. Custom seating is ideally positioned for viewing and comfort instead of working around window placement.  Speaker systems, like Martin Logan’s iconic Masterpiece Series, can be positioned and calibrated in the defined space as designed.  Inan a thoughtfully designed environment, it won’t take long to understand why they have earned the tagline “the art of Truth in Sound!”

This isolated room rarely features windows, so images are true and free from glare. If there are any windows, they will have been treated with black-out shades to maintain the perfect environment. So, enjoy an afternoon of football or binge-watch your favorite streamed series free from interruption.

Another advantage is that, in a purpose-built space, décor doesn’t depend on the rest of the house. You can also add a custom fiber-optic constellation mural on the ceiling! A home theater is also a place that reflects your personality and style.

The set up can be a single or multi-screen configuration, or a hybrid of multiple screens ideal for watching sports with a large projection screen that rolls down for serious movie watching. Integrated controls allow the user to choose from a variety of streamed or local content. The content may be exclusive to the theater or shared across the home’s systems from a movie server.

Trending now

Aside from incredible imagery and sound, what’s trending in custom theaters now?

  • Establishing a seamless connectivity across a robust network
  • Experiencing virtual reality through wearable technology & virtual reality that transforms your movie-watching experience.
  • Connecting in real-time through Social Media integration
  • Integrated control throughout the home, with access to content sources, control of security features, whole-house lighting, HVAC and more
  • Voice Control – Limitless searching, command and control of the theater and smart home’s multiple features including the ability to order your showtime pizza via a voice control interface such as Josh.ai!

Where will you be hosting Thanksgiving Day game-watching and cozy mid-winter movie nights? Give us a call and let’s get started planning the best seat in the house!

Set UP for the World CUP

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Set UP for the World CUP …This summer is the stuff dreams are made of for sports fans! FIFA World Cup, the US Open and the College World Series all taking place. Before huddling in your living rooms around your old TV, make sure you’re hooked up with a prime audio-video setup! KEY for the most immersive, bright and connected viewing experience for you and your guests this season.

LCD or OLED technology?

You have an overwhelming number of options. Should you opt for LCD or OLED technology? Or maybe a big-screen 4K projector is more your speed? And which audio setup will deliver that immersive audio experience? What’s more, it’s important to consider which cable or streaming service to use.

GO BIG!

Regardless of your setup, a few things are clear: for the ultimate viewing experience, you’ll need a large screen. Add a most clear, bright picture possible and fluid motion display. Finish with a clean setup with no clunky speakers or wires distract you from the on-screen action, and strong network capability.

GO BIGGER!

If you’re ready for the ultimate realistic experience, a home theatre with custom seating, a large screen projector with 4K HD and surround sound will help you feel thrown into the game. If a TV-based setup is more of what you’re looking for, some key features to look for are motion smoothing technology and color accuracy, as well as bright picture, since most of the matches are during the daytime. But if you’d rather be outside by the pool, maybe an outdoor setup equipped with weatherproof speakers and televisions is your solution.

 

Whether you’re a dedicated fan looking for the most high-tech, immersive experience possible or you’re simply hosting your first watch party, you need an experienced team of professionals to help ensure your home is equipped with the best technology and support to make you feel like you and your guests have been transported into the stadium.

 

 

 

Home Theater Dreams

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White puffy clouds have their place in design, but imagine that fanciful daytime scene transitioning boldy into a dramatic moonlit night or raging lightning-filled sky, accented by black light and fiber optics! Introducing Muralusions by Curtis Stokes.

As an innovative technology solutions provider, SoundVision strives to provide best-in-class solutions and services to our clients and surely, the artwork of Stokes fits that profile. Having produced artwork for Hollywood and Vegas celebrities including Steven Spielberg and Paris Hilton, Stokes is passionate about his work and has been honing his craft since the age of four. Through a process he developed himself, he can transform a ceiling masterpiece from day to night with the flip of a switch (or touch of an integrated touchpanel!).

Designs are not limited to celestial anomalies but are as wondrous as your imagination. From a tropical paradise to adventurous safari, the sky is truly the limit!

But seeing is truly believing. Check out the video and explore his work. We’re excited to have the opportunity to work with Curtis and offer SoundVision clients this amazing level of elegance, sophistication and jaw-dropping awe to feature in their home!

Luxury is What’s Trending in Home Automation

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If you think smart home luxury ends with fancy shades, think again!

Gone are the days of home automation and luxury being two separate conversations and design concepts. More and more, luxury living is merging with home automation in order to provide optimal solutions in comfort.

Imagine walking into your home and your eye being immediately drawn to the artwork in your foyer – highlighted by precise lighting design. Entertain guests with your high-tech wine cellar, complete with automated climate control and inventory management system. Even more, control the quality of the air inside your home.

The options are still endless when it comes to your outdoor living spaces. Control luxury water features, audio and video entertainment systems, even operate a summer kitchen by the pool or listen to your favorite music from the lake with dockside audio.

Home automation technology provides the epitome of luxury when combined with your own design style. The right technology will allow you complete control everything in your home – from the window shades and lighting, to the temperature and air quality, and even your security system. Advances in this technology provide you access to your entire home from your phone or tablet, and some systems can even operate via voice-activation.

Whether you want a top-of-the-line smart kitchen, a lakeside retreat, or an over-the-top outdoor movie theatre – there is a perfect mix of home automation technology for you, which can be designed to suit your individual design style.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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