Posted by Eileen Komanecky on Fri, Feb 03, 2012 @ 01:48 PM
Unfortunately, this is not a photo from a simpleHome project. We have never actually been involved with an automated under-the-driveway-garage-lift project. But this is such a cool picture that illustrates how smart home technology and a little creativity, can combine to achieve exceptional solutions that we wanted to share it with you.
Although we have not yet automated a car lift, we have been involved with many home automation applications that employ the same principles as shown above. Staying on the topic of garages, we often automate garage doors with detectors that enable the homeowner to remotely see whether they are open or closed. (How nice it is to never again have the experience of lying in bed on the verge of dozing off - and then having to get up and check that you closed the garage doors!)
Additionally, we often utilize automated lifts that keep TVs out of sight when they are not being used. With the touch of a button, they pop out (say, from a piece of furniture or under a bed) when the homeowner wishes to watch television. We also design and install projector systems that are, through the use of lifts and drop-down projection screens, nearly invisible when not in use.
Whatever the design challenge, we provide solutions that are both elegant and easy to use. If you want to see some examples, check out some of the projects we have completed in our portfolio.
Posted by Eileen Komanecky on Tue, Jan 31, 2012 @ 02:14 PM
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), lighting accounts for 19% of global electricity production. Around two thirds of current lighting is based on older, energy wasting technologies developed before 1970. This means that there is a great opportunity to save electricity by changing over to the more efficient lighting technologies that already exist.
The U.S. government is leading the charge to change the way Americans light their homes. Starting on January 1, 2012, incandescent light bulbs must meet more stringent lumens/watt requirements. In other words, the bulbs must produce the same amount of lumens (light output) for less wattage (energy).
The changes begin with the 100 watt incandescent light bulb, which must now use no more than 72 watts to produce a comparable brightness. Additional bulbs will be affected over the next several years. If you are interested in changing out your incandescent light bulbs to a more efficient, longer lasting option, the following chart may help you better understand your bulb options:
In addition to their long life and energy efficiency, LED lights also provide attractive light colors and ambiance. Also, LED lights do not contain the toxin mercury, as the CFL lights do, which makes their disposal more eco-friendly.
Another way to maximize efficiency, bulb life and ambiance is by utilizing a lighting control system. With a lighting control system in your home, it is easy to turn the lights on and off at the right times and have the lights dimmed to the level most appropriate for your needs through the use of pre-set "scenes" that are customized to your lifestyle. Being green and making life easier - what a great choice!
Posted by Eileen Komanecky on Wed, Jan 25, 2012 @ 10:34 AM
It's true that we live in an age in which technology evolves at a rapid pace. However, the principles that govern proper planning for technology in your home have not really changed.
The Custom Electronics Design & Installation Association (CEDIA), the international trade association of companies that design and install smart home and home entertainment systems, developed a list to help homeowners make smart decisions when they are purchasing electronics for their home. I think it's really good advice for those building a new home or planning a renovation so I wanted to share it:
- Wire for everything now - even wireless. The easiest time to pull wire is when the walls are wide open. This is the time to plan for your future needs and technologies.
- Insist on integrated systems. When systems communicate and are connected, they provide you with added peace of mind and make your life easier.
- Integrate lighting and heating control. Use less energy, save money, and benefit from the added convenience. Kind of a "no-brainer."
- Think with your wallet, but lead with your head. Quality and long-term dependability are the most cost-effective attributes that you can build into a home.
- Buy an experience, not a box. Make your choices based on overall performance and value and how the systems will affect the way you live.
- Simplify your controls. If things are easy to use, you will use and enjoy them even more.
- Increase your expectations. Your home electronics systems are a big investment. You deserve to work with professionals who will listen to your needs and wants, offer you a variety of options, a great design, thorough installation and outstanding on-going service.
- Think green. By utilizing green practices you can save energy, save money, and help save the planet. Using what you need and reducing waste just makes sense.
- Ensure the experts work together for you. By having your architect, builder, and interior designer collaborate and partner with an electronics systems contractor from the start of the planning process, you will maximize your system's capabilities and have systems that blend seamlessly with your home's design.
- Consult a professional. Today's integrated electronic systems grow, evolve and change over time, constantly adding entertainment, comfort and security features. Make sure that you choose an electronics systems professional you trust and with whom you can develop a long-term relationship to ensure your ongoing enjoyment of your home systems.
Posted by Eileen Komanecky on Fri, Jan 20, 2012 @ 02:23 PM
As we all know, the consumer electronics industry is large, dynamic, and rapidly changing. The Consumer Electronics Show (CES), that took place in Las Vegas last week, showcased the latest and greatest in consumer electronics. It was a great indicator of what is coming down the pike in the world of consumer technology.
We are clearly breaking the "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" rule, but here goes. Among the highlights from the 2012 CES:
- Smart, smart, smart. A pervasive theme that you cannot help but notice coming out of the CES, is that electronic devices are getting smarter. As a result, the connected home, home entertainment, and energy savings are all getting more attention than ever.
- Technology to keep you healthier and fitter. Staying with the theme that devices keep getting smarter, a number of new gadgets were introduced that can really help you improve your health and fitness.
- Televisions will continue to get flatter and bigger with even better sound and picture. And did I mention smarter too? Samsung showed off their new 55 inch OLED television. OLED (organic light emitting diode) is a technology that allows for thinner screens, better and brighter picture quality, and faster response times. It also does away with the need for backlighting, allowing it to weigh far less.
- We have the technology, so why not use it? Not all products are very practical or even necessary. That does not mean they are not fun to see. You might enjoy checking out some of the goofier gadgets on display at the 2012 CES.
Posted by Eileen Komanecky on Mon, Jan 09, 2012 @ 10:58 AM
Do you ever wonder how today's rapidly advancing computer technology could affect the way you live and work in the future? The truth is, nobody really knows the answer to that question, but it's still fun to think about. Who would have imagined the impact of smart phones and tablets that so many people rely upon to manage their lives. (Okay, maybe Steve Jobs had an inkling.)
This video, from the glass company Corning, presents their vision of how life might be for one family of the future. Although the video comes across as very futuristic, many of the features highlighted in the video, such as hidden televisions, motorized shades, lighting control, and whole home automation systems, are the types of solutions we currently provide our clients every day.
Posted by Eileen Komanecky on Fri, Jan 06, 2012 @ 01:32 PM
It used to be that homeowners reserved video projector systems for their dedicated home theater. In their multi-purpose media/family room, most folks liked to have a nice flat screen TV on the wall to meet the television and movie watching needs of that space. However, as projectors continue to improve, become brighter and have quieter fans cooling them, more and more people are opting for projector systems in their family/media room.
As a result of this trend, those of us involved in the home entertainment business needed a new name for this type of space. Hence, the birth of the term "flex room." So far, the flex room is off to a great start. Let's just say that our clients who have them love them. Whether they are watching a big game or a blockbuster movie, playing a game of pool, or just hanging out with family and friends, the big screen enhances the kick-back and chill-out vibe of the space. Long live the flex room!
Posted by Eileen Komanecky on Tue, Jan 03, 2012 @ 11:02 AM
I have to start off with a mild disclaimer. I grew up in the 70's when big headphones were cool. Because of teenage budgetary constraints, I never owned any back then. By the time I could afford headphones, the big boys were out so I joined the masses and sported ear buds to listen to my iPod. Although ear buds clearly serve a purpose (I prefer listening to music over my gasping for oxygen during a hard run), I never forgot how much better the music quality sounded (especially the bass) with the big, cushy headphones of my youth.
So you can imagine my delight when I noticed high-profile celebs, including 50 Cent, donning the big headphones. And it's more than just a fashion statement. Celebs like 50 recognize that it's not just about content; music quality matters. For the last few years, most people have been so focused on the different ways of getting audio content, they lost sight of making sure that music sounded great. This trend toward quality is fabulous news for audiophiles (like many in the simpleHome community) who want others to share in their love of great sounding music.
I'm happy to report that I finally got my big headphones!
They are the B&W P5 model and they are super cool - especially by middle-aged woman standards. I really enjoy them. But when I really want to enjoy listening to music, nothing beats cranking the tunes on a professionally installed, high quality home entertainment system. No doubt, 50 Cent would agree with that - he's got a killer system at his home.
Posted by Eileen Komanecky on Fri, Dec 16, 2011 @ 10:27 AM
Time magazine gets a lot of publicity annually with their announcement of their "Person of the Year." In case you missed it, their "person" this year was not one person, but rather a composite of the many protestors who evoked so much change in the world in 2011.
For CEPro magazine's selection of Person of the Year, the person who had the most impact on custom electronics seems pretty obvious: the late, great Steve Jobs. You could argue that Steve Jobs would have been a good choice for Time magazine, too. But for those of us involved in the custom electronics industry, who provide easy to use smart home and home entertainment systems to our clients, the impact of Steve Jobs and his iPad in 2011 was game-changing. With the iPad, Steve Jobs created (and brilliantly marketed) an interface that was sleek and attractive, intuitive to operate, amazingly powerful, and fun. And did I mention a great bang for the buck, too.
iPad users quickly learned how many things they could accomplish via their iPad. They liked it and demanded more and more apps. And the apps kept coming. Many custom electronics companies, including simpleHome, jumped on the iPad bandwagon from the start. As a result, the number of homeowners who use their iPad (and iPhone and iPad touch) to control their home systems, such as lighting, heating & cooling, security & surveillance, energy monitoring, has grown dramatically. The world of home entertainment has been greatly affected by the i-devices, too. The iPad makes it easy, fun and simple to watch and listen to what you want, when you want it. This trend seems to be continuing as consumers "think differently" about how they manage the electronic systems in their lives.
For those of us who provide the smart home and entertainment systems and services to homeowers, it's been a crazy, fun and exciting year. Thanks Steve Jobs.
Posted by Eileen Komanecky on Tue, Dec 13, 2011 @ 12:54 PM
After spending two summers crawling through 120 degree attics pulling low-voltage wire for whole-house music systems, among other things, former simpleHome intern Pat Rutan is now the one making the music.
As a member of Yale University's oldest and most famous a cappela group, the Whiffenpoofs, Pat and his group will be visiting the White House tonight to sing and entertain the First Family and their guests with holiday songs. (He's the one in the back row with a beard). Having seen the Whiffs perform, I know that President Obama and company are in for a real treat. If only Pat can get a moment with the President and talk him into a "whole-whitehouse" music system so he can listen to his Whiffenpoof CD, then Pat can have a nice assignment this summer in DC.
Posted by Eileen Komanecky on Thu, Dec 08, 2011 @ 09:20 AM
Talk about peace of mind. This video from CEPro online magazine illustrates a compelling case for adding surveillance cameras to your home.
I'm not sure why the homeowner in this video decided to check in on her house this particular day. Most likely, it was to see what her pets were up to. She got way more than she bargained for when, instead of simply viewing a lounging feline, she saw her home in the process of being robbed. Fortunately, this movie has a happy ending. Chalk one up for smart home technology!