SoundVision Audio Video Shades

Service Request

124 Poplar Pointe Drive, Suite 101
Mooresville, NC 28117

(704) 696-2792

Follow us on social!

Facebook-f
Linkedin-in
Instagram
Twitter
Youtube

Mooresville

SoundVision Podcast with Michelle Ferlauto

by
Previous
Next
Click here to listen to the podcast

On this episode of “Simplifying Life Through Technology,” Mark and Andrew from SoundVision sit down with Michelle Ferlauto, our Chief Operating Officer at SoundVision.

As the COO, Michelle oversees virtually all departments at SoundVision and plays a vital role in the day to day logistics of the company. Michelle has filled several roles within SoundVision over time. We touch on her role in creating our Service Membership program and the marketing efforts that brought in a million dollars in business last year.

For over a decade, Michelle Ferlauto has been in the Charlotte Lake Norman smart home industry. Previously with Today’s Audio Video until 2013 and then until 2018 with Interactive Interiors. In understanding how important a good service and process foundation is to the core structure, Michelle has been very successful at cultivating relationships with manufacturers and suppliers while advocating on behalf of her clients best interests.

Michelle discovered her passion for small business’ early on after accepting a position on behalf of the Seattle Police Guild to convert their off-duty program into a non-profit business. She completed the small business administration and finance program at Green River College and most recently, Digital Marketing Sciences through UNC Charlotte. A native of both Coos Bay, Oregon and Palm Desert, California, Michelle has lived in the Lake Norman area since 2006.

Michelle’s background

Fun facts about Michelle:

  • She has two children – Joey, 24 and daughter Haille, 26.
  • Her first job was for the Desert Post newspaper as a high school student columnist for .13 a word.
  • Michelle founded the Lake Norman Transportation Safety Partnership in response to road safety concerns during toll road construction. She worked with the NCDOT to have over 11,000 dangerous seven pound lane markers removed from the I-77 construction zone.

Simplifying Life with SAFE Podcast

by
Click here to listen to the podcast!

“Streets are not just for motor vehicles. They are transportation pathways used for many types of vehicles, motorized or otherwise. We exist to make these streets safe for all users including bicycles, pedestrians, and motor vehicles.”

On this episode of “Simplifying Life Through Technology,” Mark and Michelle from SoundVision sit down with President Kevin Elder and Member at Large John Finney from Street Access for Everyone (SAFE).  

In honor of local cyclist Earl Gillon:

Learn how Kevin and John’s passion for cycling transitioned to promoting change for road safety. Kevin and John discuss the goals and impacts of SAFE and what initiatives they are taking to provide change.

“We are your Lake Norman area advocacy group for safer streets. Streets are not only for motorized vehicles. They are transportation pathways used by cars, motorcycles, trucks, cyclists, and pedestrians. We exist to make these streets safer for all users. 

Street Access for Everyone, Lake Norman (SAFE) is a 501(c)(3) born out of a need to increase the safety of cyclists and pedestrians on our local roadways. This occurred following a spate of accidents involving local cyclists, including the death of a local cyclist, and several local pedestrians.”

SAFE’s Mission:
  • “To encourage and drive advocacy for the safety of all road users.”
  • “To effectively collaborate with town councils and law enforcement in the Lake Norman area.”
  • “To drive positive change and improvements for our current and future road users.”
SAFE Activities and Outreach:
  • “Attend Town Council Meetings.”
  • “Collaborate with Law Enforcement.”
  • “Collaborate with local driving school(s).”
  • “Work with local town advisory boards (e.g., Cornelius Transportation Advisory Board).”
  • “Clear road signs to increase visibility.”
  • “Replace all “Share the Road” signs with ‘Bikes May Use Full Lane (BMUFL)’ signs.”
  • “Educate all road users regarding current NCDOT laws.”
  • “Collaborate with local towns regarding pedestrian and cycling safety issues.”

To learn more about SAFE:

Visit their website: https://safelkn.com/

Check out their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/safelkn/

Read More About SAFE’s Outreach: https://safelkn.com/about-us/in-the-press/

Who are Kevin and John?

Kevin Elder has an extensive background in Engineering. Kevin has been a designer for Ingersoll Rand for almost 30 years. Currently, he designs industrial air compressors for Ingersoll Rand.

John Finney has been an IT Pro for over 20 years. Currently, John works privately in Cyber Security. 

More about the accident that took the life of local cyclist Earl Gillon. 

https://newsofdavidson.org/2020/01/13/22105/pillar-of-local-cycling-community-killed-when-struck-by-car-on-hwy-115/

Check out SoundVision’s Podcast with Kevin Elder and John Finney, as well as our other podcasts, on Apple and Spotify. 

Ethan Durand – Production Assistant

by

I’m Ethan. I just started here at SoundVision at the start of this year! I enjoy every second of it! I am looking forward to helping continue to build something special here! I was born and raised in Arizona, and I loved my time there in the Valley! I have been here in Mooresville for about 4 years now and continue to enjoy it. On my free time, I like to go to the gym and play basketball and enjoy some late-night games with my brothers! I am currently looking for a school, with hoping to study Sports Management.

Remote Programming Macros Demystified

by

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/

 

Captivate with Digital Signage

by

Captivate with Digital Signage! What does your potential
new client or all-star candidate see when they enter your lobby? Imagine presenting
them with a stunning videowall that conveys your brand, piques their interest or
entices them to interact! Make an impact by greeting them with a digital
signage display, dynamic video wall or interactive wayfinding display. You’ll
be setting your brand apart from the competition! And you’re just getting
started…

The Dynamic Digital Marketplace

With its
ever-changing content that can hold the interest of viewers, digital signage
plays a very important part in digital marketing whether a corporate
environment, retail store, educational institution or healthcare facility. Static
signage is a “one and done” experience for the viewer, whereas constantly
changing content on a display keeps viewers engaged longer and decreases perceived wait times.

Learn more about SoundVision commercial projects: https://www.svavnc.com/business-wifi-cornelius-mooresville-davidson/

What is Digital Signage?

There are two
basic elements of a successful digital signage application; hardware and
software. The hardware component, which may be a projection system or, more
commonly, a display such as an OLED or Direct View LED, and a Media Player. The
software provides the platform for the content. On more sophisticated
deployments there may be sensors that provide metrics on content engagement or Bluetooth
connectivity for a more interactive experience.

The display is
a critical component of a digital signage application. The display needs to be
large enough for viewers to comfortably view the content and bright enough to
overcome the light levels in the space. Since the typical digital signage
display is in use an average of 12 hours a day (with some commercial
applications requiring 24×7 uptime), consumer TV’s should not be used as they
are not rated or warranted for this type of application.

Digital signage
players provide a way to show dynamic video content. A player can show multiple
video “windows” on the screen that translates into multiple messaging (or
advertising!) opportunities. Additionally, they can receive real-time streams
from weather channels, stock markets, traffic reports and more. As a signage
system designer, we will work with you to understand the type of content you
need and the software you use to provide the best signage player for your
applications.

Sony created a great resource on digital signage. Check out “A Handbook on digital signage.” https://cupdf.com/document/sony-digital-signage-handbook.html

Content, Content, Content

Captivating
content is key to attracting viewers. It is recommended that new signage
deployments not rely on basic applications such as “power point” or a built-in
picture player that may be included with the display. Content delivered in this
manner is stagnant and viewers do not stay engaged. Instead, content software
allows you to take full advantage of the media player, while providing real
time tools for announcements and other “ad-hoc” content applications.

The pros at SoundVision
can help navigate the various applications and display choices and determine what
you need to effectively communicate your message to your customers, students, parishioners,
patients or staff. Call us today and let’s get started!Captivate with Digital Signage

SoundVision partners with Nest

by

Innovative Design, Revolutionary Results

SoundVision partners with Nest …Which is the right solution for you? At SoundVision, we believe in simplifying life through technology, but that technology solution is different for everyone. Just as no two homeowners are alike, no two technology systems are either and that’s why, as Lake Norman’s premiere technology systems integrator, we offer a variety of solutions from leading manufacturers so that we can custom tailor each solution to meet the needs of each home. https://www.svavnc.com/home-automation/

In designing a home automation system, we start with a thorough needs analysis that documents your wants, needs and must haves. We’ll review your life-safety and security needs, network infrastructure, and more to engineer a solution that suits the needs of you and your family. So, whether you need automated door locks and a camera system, or a fully integrated home automation system to control your motorized shades, indoor and outdoor lighting, audio and video, we’ve got you covered.

SoundVision partners with Nest

To be the best in design, installation and service for our customers and to meet the rigorous demands of the manufacturers’ lines that we are privileged to represent, our engineers, programmers and installation technicians undergo continuous education and hands-on training. We participate in industry and manufacturer-led sessions and continually seek new and innovative solutions to bring to our overall product offering. https://www.control4.com/company/privacy-and-security/

We are proud to be one of the very first partners in the whole country with revolutionary lines such as Google Home and the Google Home Hub and the Nest line of products including the Nest thermostat, hello doorbell and camera system. Nest Protect is a life-safety pioneer. It not only detects smoke and carbon monoxide, but “speaks” when there’s a problem and can even text your phone.

And you may not think of a home technologies integrator when buying a door lock but think about that keyless touchpad being integrated into your home control. Yale keyless door locks are as beautiful as they are functional, safe and convenient. We can integrate them into your home’s system so that they operate with your home’s lighting and shades and be controlled from your home’s keypads and touchscreens or from a convenient mobile app.

Among the choices in voice control, Josh.ai adds a layer of artificial intelligence that makes accessing your systems seamless. Josh can control everything from your Yale door locks to your existing system. SoundVision partners with Nest, Control4 and Lutron Homeworks to help provide automation options.

With so many amazing choices in smart home technologies, how do you know which is the best fit for you? It’s not just about the choosing the right stuff, it’s about making the right technologies work together. Give us a call and we’ll help navigate the myriad collection of high-tech gear, define the features and applications you’re looking for, and put together the perfect combination for you. “Josh, call SoundVision!”

WHY upfit a smart MDU?

by

WHY a smart MDU? As cities’ populations grow and the need for building upward grows, the trend toward multi-dwelling units (MDUs) has exploded. Not only are these MDUs in demand for the builder and buyer alike, but they’re increasingly more exclusive, high-tech and luxurious. The good news is: with technology from Control4, this level of modern luxury is affordable.

Our advice: Include smart home automation in the blueprints
The best way to incorporate smart home automation into your units is to include it in your plans from the beginning. Structured wiring, strategically-placed outlets and connectivity designed for the best internet connection, power capability and equipment placement increases the value of your units and allows for minimal interior design disruptions – ensuring your vision comes to life without having to worry about unsightly wires or bulky equipment getting in the way of the details. By wiring before the walls go up and considering features like built-in speakers, storage for entertainment features or a whole-home control center at the front door, design and convenience stay the center of attention.

Smart MDUs mean safety, connectivity, convenience and more
Buyers have placed convenience, connectivity and energy efficiency at the top of their must-have lists when it comes to shopping for their homes. By incorporating smart home technologies like climate control, automated shade and lighting control, they can improve their energy efficiencies, whether they’re at home or out-of-town.

Smart home automation also offers endless options that increase safety – from cameras at the lobby door to smart locks to timed settings for your shades and lights – that protect both the occupants and the building itself. Some systems can even alert residents and building staff about fire and water damage before they become a widespread or serious issue. Now, residents can know what’s happening in their homes, while it’s happening.

Make it easily customizable – SMART home technology in an MDU https://www.control4.com/dealer/soundvisionllc11-28117/mooresville-nc/
One thing is for sure – anyone buying a home wants to make it feel like home and there’s no better way to accomplish that than offering a smart home system that’s customizable to their needs. Custom climate control, security features and entertainment systems with personalized moods and functions make your buyers happy. Even better, consider implementing connectivity to the concierge desk and any entry points like doors, automated gates and garages to ensure your residents are only a touch away from communicating with property staff and their visitors. All of these features are even more attractive when residents are able to connect them to their personal cell phones and tablets.

By making your MDU’s smart, you can increase the value of your MDU, while also making it more attractive to buyers. Moreover, you’re more likely to retain your residents if you’re ahead of the trend, as there’s less for you to update later on. Talk to us about how we can help you with the best tech for your next MDU!

Learn more about home automation options: https://www.svavnc.com/home-automation/ 

Set UP for the World CUP

by

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.

 

 

 

Selecting the Best Conference Display

by

Selecting the Best Conference Display  …Effective communication and collaboration relies on the participants’ ability to comfortably engage with the shared content. Content should be visible and any text being displayed, legible from any seat in the room. Determining the proper display size, type and placement is key in creating an engaging collaborative environment.

Consider the technology early in the planning phase.

This allows for the most flexibility in design options and provide the best possible outcome. An analysis of the requirements and goals will help in determining the ideal display for the space.

Viewing Distance Drives Display Type

There are various methods to determine proper viewing distance and screen size. The commercial AV industry association, AVIXA (Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association), offers the specification “ANSI/INFOCOMM V202.01:2016, Display Image Size for 2D Content in Audiovisual System”. The standard uses multiple calculations that factor content, viewer positions from multiple locations, image size, font size, ambient light, off-axis viewing, the human eye’s range of sight at various angles, and more.

Selecting the Best Conference Display – Calculating for Content

Calculations for huddle spaces and small-to-medium conference rooms… Using a multiplier factor can provide a close estimation of display size that can help guide the design. Screen size and distance calculations are directly impacted by the content. However, because the type of content dictates the multipliers (or factors) used in the calculation.

Spaces where presentations will be shared, a large image will allow participants to read the content more clearly and comfortably. To calculate for this scenario, use a multiplier of 6 times the display’s image height (based on 1920 x 1080P resolution) to determine the furthest seating position. If data-rich content such as CAD drawings, Word or Excel documents or Web pages are to be shared, a factor of 4 should be used for added clarity. In conference rooms using video conferencing, a multiplier of 4 is also recommended.

The 45° Rule of Thumb

Viewing angles are a critical consideration.  A general rule-of-thumb, participants should be within 45 degrees from the center of the screen. The top of the screen should be within 30 degrees above the audiences’ eye level. AVIXA’s standards are much more detailed. However, this general guideline will help set the expectation of screen size and positioning for initial design purposes.

Aspect Ratio

Widescreen aspect ratios of 16:9 are currently the most common. Laptops have also landed on 16:9.

By providing a screen that maximizes your content, your participants will remain engaged and your meetings will become more productive. Do you have a meeting space that could benefit from a more engaging video experience? Call us for a complimentary on-site assessment.

https://www.svavnc.com/contact-us/

 

 

 

 

Sound Masking, Simplified

by

A variety of elements can be employed to address noise control and speech privacy for added worker productivity, comfort and confidentiality. Collectively referred to by the architectural community as the ABC’s of acoustic design, solutions can either absorb, block, scatter (officially called “diffusion”), or “cover” sound. An effective solution may include involve one, two or a combination of all three methods. Designed to cover noise, sound masking checks the “cover” box.

In contrast to acoustic treatments which absorb noise, sound masking is actually the addition of sound created by digital generators.  Sound Masking is an ambient sound that’s engineered to the match the frequency of human speech, targeting conversational noise and make it less distracting by rendering it unintelligible. Sound masking is not white noise and does not cancel sound or eliminate all speech noise in an environment; it simply reduces how far conversations can extend and be clearly understood by others. Its frequency varies significantly from the irritating, garbled static of white noise. Instead, it is engineered to match the pleasing frequency range of the human voice. When implemented properly, sound masking will simply fade into the background of a workplace while simultaneously making speech more difficult to hear and, more importantly, to understand.

Sound Masking, as a means of contributing to speech privacy, is a desirable solution for financial institutions, doctors’ offices, law offices, hotel lobbies and more. By rendering speech intelligible, it not only protects the privacy of students, clients and workers, but can contribute to HIPPA compliance of patients’ confidential information.

Sound Masking: How and when to Activate

It’s human nature. You’re sitting in a room and suddenly something “turns on”. Is it the HVAC…an appliance…? You’re now aware of it. Instead, if you were to enter that same space after it was already “on”, you very well may not even notice it was on at all.  That’s how sound masking should be considered. Rather than activating it while the room is occupied, workers will find it more pleasing if it’s activated while they are away and walking in once implemented. For the best ongoing results, activate and deactivate automatically while the space is unoccupied.

Sound In-Sync

For environment having widely varying noise levels, an “active volume control” can be added to the system to measure the conversational speech levels and adjust the system’s output as the noise levels rise and fall. With the system staying in-sync with the environmental noise and, therefore, performing at optimal levels, the occupants would be unaware of any variance in sound level. Manual volume control, on the other hand, is not recommended and defeats the transparent operation of the system.

Acoustical treatments are another solution for noise control, providing barriers and sound absorption which lessen overall noise levels and reduce reverberation from hard surfaces but, unlike sound masking, does not contribute to speech unintelligibility.

So, what’s the right combination of noise control solutions? Do you want to make your office environment more comfortable and productive and your waiting area or private offices more secure? Call SoundVision today to schedule a complimentary consultation for your space.

http://www.soundandcommunications.com/reversing-abcs-acoustics/

Additional Reading:

Good Acoustics Are Crucial, Commercial Architecture Magazine

SERVICE

NOTE: EMAIL REQUESTS FOR SUPPORT ARE ON A SLOWER RESPONSE TIME FRAME!

Membership Clients can expect a response by noon the FOLLOWING BUSINESS day.

MEMBERSHIP CLIENTS  EXPEDITE service – PLEASE CALL (704) 696-2792 ext. (2) and leave a detailed message for our ON CALL Service Team. 

Clients without a membership have a 24 hour best effort response window. 

Custom Membership

Send us your contact info and we will contact you to discuss our custom membership option.