Setting up a music system outside isn’t as simple as placing a regular speaker on your patio. For a fully immersive experience in your backyard, you are going to need to work with a local expert like us. Why? In this blog we are going to share some basic tips with you on renovating your Charlotte, NC home with outdoor audio video.

SEE ALSO: An Expert’s Guide to Outdoor Video

#1 Use Weatherproof Speakers

Some wireless speakers you see in the store may be marketed as travel friendly, but that doesn’t mean they can withstand the rain, sun, and wind. You need speakers that have been engineered to survive nature’s elements. But you can’t pick up high-quality weatherproof speakers in your run of the mill storefront. That’s why working with a local dealer is so important. 

The Integrated Home has relationships with speaker manufacturers like Sonance that have been designing and making these smart outdoor devices for decades. Sonance Landscape Series Speakers are waterproof, can withstand the harmful UV rays of the sun, and still operate in freezing temperatures as low as negative 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Their color-molded composite construction also won’t chip, peel or fade over time.  

#2 Use Wireless Technology 

Running wires over your patio or pool area is first and foremost not safe because someone could trip over them, and it’s also an electrical hazard. Today, we get to enjoy the convenience of wireless technology so you don’t have to worry about connecting all of your speaker with wires. 

Amazon’s voice control devices the Echo, Dot and Tap are dominating the voice control market space according to an article on Fortune.com. Amazon has reported they have sold more than 10 million Alexa-powered devices since its inception in 2015. However, adding the Echo to your home doesn’t automatically turn it into a smart home. You need a full smart home installation and Alexa to make true automation possible. Our partner Control4 was one of the first to integrate Alexa in smart homes.  In this blog, we'll show you how easy it is to enjoy integrated voice control with your smart home system in your Charlotte, NC property.

See Also: Update Your Charlotte Home with These Three Trends

Your Personal Voice Assistant

We get a lot of questions about the different types of wireless music systems available. The truth is the answers often have to do with your lifestyle, routine, budget, and home structure. While our team can certainly provide a unique solution for you, no matter what you situation is like, we do want homeowners to know exactly what they can encounter during an installation and stay knowledgeable about what is available. This blog will be a great resource for those of you who have a lot of questions about home audio.

Do I have to upgrade my Internet service to enjoy wireless music?

You may or may not have to upgrade your Internet service. However, problems with streaming music often have more to do with the quality of your home network, not you Internet Service Provider. Simply upgrading your service to a faster speed may not do the trick. Buying a better modem or router and working with an expert to strategically place your equipment and set-up the network is a better option. If you regularly stream a lot of music or video, then you’ll need some kind of Internet upgrade. We can give you an assessment and some recommendations.

What kind of wiring is involved?

The relationship between the projector and a screen in a home theater is important. You need just the right match up to get the best picture. Unlike a TV that you can simply hang on the wall, this home theater system setup requires more attention to detail, but the results will be well worth it. You can enjoy a large image and crystal clear picture quality in your Charlotte, NC home. Stick around to get the full scoop on our blog.

Dedicated Theaters

If your system is going to be installed in a closed room, like a basement or extra bedroom, then you don’t have to worry about where the projector is going to be positioned or light affecting the image on screen (unless there are tons of windows in the room). Dedicating a room to enjoying entertainment gives you more control over the environment so the setup is more straightforward. Our team will install the projector at the back of the room and position the screen across from it according to the size of the room and the technical specifications.

Recommendations:

Sony 4K Home Cinema Projector: Sony offers a number of great 4K projectors for the home that include native 4K quality, high lumens count for brightness, and detailed high-dynamic range.

We’ve all been there—you leave a key under the door mat for a friend, babysitter, or relative who needs to visit while you’re away. But it seems too obvious right? If everyone left a key under the welcome mat for emergencies, it would just be too easy for a person to break in and steal your belongings. You could get creative hiding the key in plants or lawn decor, but leaving it out is still a risk. Smart locks not only eradicate this problem, but they also offer a lot of other practical benefits related to home security. Read this blog to learn more.

SEE ALSO: How to Protect Your North Carolina Home with Security Cameras

How to Use Smart Locks

Most smart locks have a numerical keypad that enable you to unlock the door with a personalized code instead of a physical key. You can create a code for each member of your family, and even temporary codes for guests. The Integrated Home can even connect these smart locks to your control system, allowing your family to open and close doors at any time with mobile devices. For example, if your spouse forgets his or her code, you can simply open the door using your smart phone. Smart locks can also send you an alert if the door is ever left open, or when anyone comes inside your home. You can stay informed of when your kids come home from school and also if anyone leaves. If you have a full smart home automation system, these smart locks can connect to your Away and Welcome scenes. For example, press “Away” using the Control4 app on your smartphone and all the doors will lock, the security system will arm, the thermostat will adjust to an energy-saving level, and all the lights will turn off.

Connecting Your Gate or Garage