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smart homes
ALL DIGITAL is a full service electronic systems integration company. We specialize in designing and installing a full range of electronics systems including automation, home theater, lighting control, multi-room audio, networking, smart rack systems, media rooms, and integration for your home or business. Founded in 2004, we have successfully brought technology into client's homes and businesses throughout the region.
Installing smart technologies into key rooms enhances comfort and style in any home.
Comfort and personal style are key to designing any home; and implementing smart technology into your design can provide a seamless, custom solution to give you full control of your favorite space. Equipping key rooms in your home with technology can provide the ultimate in accessibility, while still complementing your individual style.
As with any design, aesthetics are key. Seamless built-in panels, hidden television units and in-ceiling speakers are just a few ways you can customize your audio, video and lighting, without compromising the appearance of the room.
As selfbuilder & homemaker says, with the proper technology in your design plan, “you can have full control of the technology in your room, and around your house for that matter, from the convenience of your bed.” Discreetly enclosing television in a beautiful cabinet that matches your décor, for example, is an excellent was to hide bulky and aesthetically displeasing equipment. You can even hide in-wall speakers with wallpaper.
But the trend expands beyond just the bedroom. More and more, homeowners are deciding to add technology in their bathrooms and kitchens – ensuring that you never miss your favorite show. While having your favorite playlist and even your home’s surveillance at an arm’s length.
And while integrated lighting, video and audio technology are important in your indoor living spaces, it’s easy to do the same outside. Mood-lighting and discreet surround sound speakers can provide the same level of comfort and style outside as they do inside.
Adoption of new technologies is on the rise, and so are cybersecurity threats. Gartner reports that in five years our typical households could contain several hundred smart devices. While it’s important to be cognizant of cybersecurity issues, rest assured that All Digital is staying ahead of the cyber criminals to keep you and your family safe. Let’s explore the potential vulnerabilities of smart devices and measures taken to make them secure.
We’ve all heard about baby monitors being hacked, but according to Fox News contributor and CyberGuy Kurt Knutsson, the leading causes for the hacks might surprise you. The simple, avoidable reasons include: parents simply not changing the default password, the home Wi-Fi network password being easily-guessed and security flaws with the monitoring device itself. Knutsson’s article goes on to share steps that parents can take to deter hackers, but there are dozens of other smart devices and appliances that may not immediately come to mind and are beyond the abilities of the average do-it-yourself homeowner to secure—such as cable boxes, video game consoles and even HVAC systems. Professional-level security measures should be taken to ensure that your network is secure and that the equipment is safe and up to standards.
At All Digital, our clients’ security is critical. In addition to working in partnership with our manufacturers, we collaborate with fellow members across the country as a CEDIA (Consumer Electronics Design & Installation Association) Electronics Systems Contractor to ensure we stay current on threats, as well as trends, in technology. To keep your systems secure from hackers, here are some precautions we recommend.
Networks:
● Have a certified automation/security pro set-up an encrypted network. Always change the SSID (network name) and use the most up-to-date encryption (WPA2 currently) with a custom, strong password.
● Safeguard your guest network. Establish parameters such as controlling time-of-day access, MAC (Media Access Control) addresses of specific devices and restricting the number of devices allowed.
● Regardless of protocol, use only certified equipment.
● Change all factory-set passwords.
● While we do not recommend that you share passwords, we do suggest you record them in a secure place. We create a passcode document for our clients, should they forget or lose them.
● Use temporary passwords for occasional use access by housekeepers, etc.
● Set up a separate network for your automation system.
● If you need to allow access to various devices from outside (typically called port forwarding) such as being able to control your security or automation system via an app, never use the same inbound and outbound port.
● Set up “parent/child” relationships, allowing you to share a specific username and password with access to designated devices (like the music server so your friend can stream on your system) and at the times you specify to prevent people from having access to your system without your knowledge.
● A VPN (Virtual Private Network), such as Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Connection, is another solution. This is a “private tunnel” to give you, or anyone you deem, access to your network from anywhere in the world.
Equipment:
● Never leave the generic username and password on any network device. Devices include routers and access points, as well as camera DVRs (digital video recorders), NAS (network access server) drives and any other piece of gear that resides on the network.
● Replace any outdated or incompatible components.
● Buy only reputable brands, which are more likely to have a high level of security and regular updates. The National Security Alliance advises “Do your research: read reviews and learn about consumers’ experiences with the products from a security and privacy perspective.”
● Keep all devices updated with the most current software, and download any patches to mitigate risk.
● Turn off listening devices when not in use.
Mobile:
● Install security software on mobile phones and tablets used to control IoT devices.
● Restrict application access on your phone. Be aware of privacy settings and sharing capabilities on apps, such as calendars, email, location and photos.
● We recommend passcode apps to keep passwords secure.
First and foremost, work with a known, trusted networked home/security provider. As a CEDIA Electronics Systems Contractor, All Digital has access to up-to-the-minute industry news and solutions. CEDIA leverages the expertise of global technology leaders and manufacturers to educate its membership on key topics such as cybersecurity and the connected home and have recently worked in collaboration with InfoComm International to present at ISE (Integrated Systems Europe) on the subject.
Be aware, be smart and count on trusted professionals when needed.
Seek Professional Help! From a Certified Motorized Shade +/or Lighting Specialist, that is!
Resist! It’s a beautiful South Florida afternoon and you find yourself in your favorite home improvement store. You stroll down the electrical aisle in search of a replacement wall plate and, BAM, there it is, DIY lighting control. Dimmers, outdoor lighting…Oh, just imagine…”Honey, did you turn off the patio lights? No? Ok [picks up remote], I got it.” Bliss. Sigh. You round the corner and on the end-cap display, spotlighted as if the clouds have parted and sopranos are welcoming a new dawn….motorized window shades! With a remote! Simple, elegant…You’ve been dreaming about blackouts for the Master Bedroom and Home Theater…maybe a lighter weave for the family room to protect the furniture, ease glare on the TV and block the heat…sounds perfect but….not so fast!
While DIY has its place, we caution you when it comes to automated lighting control and window shades. We’ve recently experienced many homeowners calling to ask us to re-program their lighting and window treatments, integrating their weekend project into their system, only to find out that what they’ve installed is a single-room solution. For us, the beauty of whole-home lighting and shade is just that – a whole-house integrated system. Pre-set configurations; all-on/all-off, entertain, away, Good Morning!, Goodnight! modes– Portrait lights on with shades down, can lights on with shades at 50%....elegance, control and plenty of options!
So, be tempted by that jaw-dropping display…be inspired…but before placing anything in your cart, please check with us to learn your options. We want to be sure you’re happy with your investment.
Transforming an Integrated System into Your Integrated Lifestyle
More than incorporating various electronic components, an electronics systems contractor integrates your lifestyle – in your home, in your office, at the gym, while you’re away. In today’s digital world, it’s what we’ve come to expect. Don’t let those expectations fall short.
Proven methods ensure positive outcomes
A true differentiator in the digital environment, as a CEDIA Designer we subscribe to a proven design-build process: Discovery, Systems Design, Engineering, Implementation, Service & Support. This process begins with a thorough “discovery”, a conversation about your current and future needs and wants, along with your budget and anticipated timeline. This is a critical step that develops your system design. Equally as important however, is the documentation that communicates that design.
More than a list of “gear”
When presented with a design, it is critical that you understand how the system will perform, not simply what products are included. Too often a business or homeowner is presented with a list of components that adds up to the bottom line, but fails to describe what the system will do. How will it function in each space and how can you trust it will perform as specified? Along with expert system design and engineering, you should be presented with a comprehensive document package that demonstrates proven design; project drawings, schematics, easy-to-understand scope-of-work, hardware and labor requirements. Once we get your approval, this package then communicates the design to the installation team, programmer, architect, interior designer, plumber, electrician, millwork carpenter, etc.
Lifecycle to Lifestyle
Once engaged, the scheduling and installation process begins. We manage the project throughout its lifecycle, communicating during each phase to keep you informed and in charge! Designing your integrated lifestyle is more than a list of stuff. Let us show you. We want you to know what to expect. Expect to be blown away!
Building a new home? Why not make it a smart home? Control4 smart home solutions will make your new home both beautiful and brilliant. With Control4, you can coordinate virtually all the connected devices in your house to create a personalized experience with solutions that maximize your comfort, convenience, entertainment and peace of mind. Do something special for your new home and give it the smart it deserves!
ALL DIGITAL is a full service custom integration company. We specialize in designing and installing a full range of electronic systems including automation and control, home cinemas, lighting controls, multi-room audio and video, networking, smart racks, media rooms, and integration for your home or business.
