The Technologist

The Emergence of the Technologist

An interesting shift is occurring in integrated technology. In this fast-paced race to digitalization, the role of the technology integrator has transformed once again. As more devices, features, systems, services, apps and appliances exist on the network and integrate or “talk” to one another, the technology integrator is transpiring as the single-source service provider for all things “technology.” Hence, 2017 has seen the residential systems technology integrator, a low-voltage provider specializing in everything from network infrastructure, communications, security, energy management and HVAC to elegant lighting and shade control, home entertainment and fully integrated control systems, emerge as the “Technologist.”

As a Technologist, we design, build, program and service our clients’ connected “smart” homes, ensuring seamless compatibility of systems across the platforms for a simple, intuitive user experience. We make your home safe, comfortable, productive, convenient, entertaining and beautiful. We partner with you, exploring your wants and needs, developing a technology strategy that will grow with you and your family. We stay current on emerging technologies and inform you of your myriad choices. We stand by you through the years, offering valuable service coverage to keep your systems running efficiently, effectively and trouble-free. We make life simpler.

All Digital’s extensive training and years in this evolving field have allowed us to foster valuable partnerships with design professionals and adjacent trades. From inception to implementation, we work with an outstanding team of architects, interior designers, builders, landscape architects, electricians and plumbers, managing all aspects of your home project. We communicate the technical and aesthetic requirements of your connected home and make sure provisions are made for future needs. From the simple to the sophisticated, we strive to be your go-to resource for all things technology, your trusted technology partner, the Technologist.

Smart Home Basics: Locks 101

Smart Home Basics: Locks 101

Smart locks and smart garages are a great place to start when implementing tech into your home.

If you’re one of the 70 percent of people who use their garage as a primary entrance, or if you’re prone to forgetting to lock the door behind you on the way to work, smart locks or a smart garage are a perfect place to begin with smart home technology.

There are several apps available that allow you to have, give and remove access to your home, whether you’re in the driveway or across town. Smart locks are a great alternative to the age-old trick of leaving a spare key under the mat, and it allows you more peace of mind.

When purchasing a smart lock, the three key things to look for are keyless entry, remote locking and alert options. We suggest assigning different codes to each member of your family and visitors, which trigger alerts sent to your smart code whenever used. Should someone forget their code, rest assured you’ll be able to both lock and unlock your door remotely. Some locks also come with added technology, including reminders to lock your door and close the garage, or even a video doorbell. 

Style is no longer a compromise when selecting smart locks. Kwikset and Yale, for example, offer a luxurious selection of keyed and keyless entry options, complete with all the bells and whistles including, you guessed it, a slick feature-rich app. Baldwin, a trusted name in luxury door hardware, has launched its “Evolved” line claiming “Evolved is the perfect blend of smart lock technology and luxurious architectural design. Pick your perfect style.” And did we mention their app is called an “Augmented Reality App”? That IS evolved!

Want more? Integrate your smart locks and smart garage into a Control4 smart home system. By using your automated apps to lock up, you can automatically trigger your security system to turn on and turn the lights off.

With top-notch surveillance system, such as Luma Surveillance, you can even access remote playback and view live feed via their app. Accompany this tech with a professionally-monitored security system, and you can rest assured that your belongings (and family) are safe.  Call us today to get started!

How to Play Music Outside

Your patio is an extension of your home’s living space.  It can also be a valuable addition to your seaside restaurant’s seating area.   Taking in all the South Florida lifestyle has to offer, we flock to the outdoors, gathering around the grill, relaxing poolside or enjoying an intimate dinner at an outdoor bistro.  Whether you’re engaged in an intense Bean Bag Toss Tournament, puttering in your garden, or sipping cocktails under your tiki, there’s one thing that could really add to your enjoyment: music. 

Choices in Outdoor Speakers

Outdoor audio comes in all shapes and sizes!  So, where do you start?  Here are some things to consider:

·       How would you like to use the system?  If you have an automated home control system, such as Control4, your outdoor entertaining space can be added as an audio zone, allowing you to select any of the available sources (streaming subscriptions, AV receiver, audio library or CD Player).  This integration also allows for signal interruption when the phone or doorbell rings – handy when throwing a party!

·       Where would you like to have the music play?  Your outdoor area may consist of one or multiple zones.  You may find that you enjoy the ability to play music in some areas and broadcast the big game in others.  You may also enjoy having separate volume controls in each area. Even if you elect not to do so now, it is easier and more cost-effective to wire for these future upgrades at the project’s inception.

·       Do you want to play the TV’s audio through the outdoor speakers?  The system can be set up so that you may select either a music source or audio from your outdoor LCD.

·       How do you want to control it?  You can choose from simple remotes or waterproof styles, either independent to the system or integrated onto a whole house remote.  And, of course, your smart phone makes a reliable, familiar control device too!

What’s the difference between indoor and outdoor speakers?

Outdoor speakers are designed to endure the elements and to complement their environment.  They are durable, featuring specialized finishes and enclosures.  Speakers intended for interiors can’t brave the brutal, tropical conditions of sun, sand, sea, rain or even wind.  All-weather speakers also offer various installation locations. Speakers can be mounted under the eave or up in a tree, placed as an elegant patio planter, installed in your landscaping resembling a spotlight or rock (yes, they look real now! Check out the variety from Episode), or even buried underground as a subterranean subwoofer.

System Design meets “Interior” Design

Outdoor speakers are sleek and aesthetically designed, but the most important part of designing an outdoor audio system is proper speaker placement.  Sound travels from yard to yard if no walls are there to obstruct it.  In fact, pools and waterways can actually help to amplify it. Speakers offer varying dispersion patterns that can be aimed and controlled within a specified area for smooth, consistent volume.  Here’s a great example from Martin Logan, Plan a Scalable System.  If you rely on having a pair mounted under the eave to cover a large area, the volume close to the source may be uncomfortable, while those at the edge of the patio can barely hear it.  Or, while you may be listening at a comfortable level at your lanai, your neighbors may be subject to a rock concert!  This is where a few well-placed landscape speakers would serve well, allowing for background level audio to play evenly throughout. 

At the core

Control of the system requires connectivity.  You’ll want to make sure your Wi-Fi is accessible. This may mean setting up a separate network (think about the conveniences of a guest network) or at least ensuring adequate antenna coverage for a reliable signal from every corner of the space.

Years of enjoyment

Your outdoor audio system will provide years of entertainment and enjoyment.  While it will endure everything Mother Nature (and Florida!) has to throw at it, you can rest assured knowing that your high quality, professionally installed system will be supported by the manufacturer warranty and your integration specialist.

Additional Reading:

https://www.newhomesource.com/resourcecenter/articles/bring-it-outdoors-the-latest-in-sound-and-tv-for-your-deck-yard-or-patio

http://www.cepro.com/article/6_tips_for_tackling_outdoor_audio

https://www.electronichouse.com/home-theater/planning-your-outdoor-audio-and-video-system/