Primarily, homeowners want a fully integrated and unified automation system that ties together TV's, audio, climate control, lighting, security, cameras, door locks, etc. 
Many newer homes have "structure wiring". Smart homes require space for equipment so if you want your entertainment, lighting, communications, and security systems connected and accessible from your portable electronic devices plan a closet or space with easy door access for this additional equipment. This hub is where all the cables from Cox, CenturyLink, or a satellite dish are interconnected to the outlets in each room. New wireless equipment is available that is more compact but planning is necessary. In larger homes especially there may be dead spots. Add accordingly for Wi-Fi output.
Video doorbells, cameras monitored by your cell phone can add security and peace of mind. A single keypad can replace many switches. Alexa added to speakers give invisible control. Window treatments that are motorized can be added during the wiring phase.
Run wire for internet and TV even with wireless as streaming is taxing the Wi-Fi.
Some local companies are:
Artisan Systems
Desert Valley Audio Video (has showroom)
Insight Home Solutions
Creative Sound and Integration
Cybersound
Tip: Crestron’s iPhone app can be programmed to control security, HVAC, lighting, music. An app can control your home from anywhere.
Tip: Nest Protect is a smoke and carbon monoxide detector that you can silence by waving your hand (in case it is just toast burning). It is also networked and can notify you via your Smartphone when the batteries are low!
Tip: Check out the Nest thermostats for energ
y conservation and a great updated look! They can be connected for remote iPad use.
There is more inspiration and information on my Pinterest boards!
7 Things You Need To Know
Before Purchasing Any Home Entertainment System
By Buzz Jensen, Desert Valley AV
1. How to set goals and budgets
Learn as much as you can about the newest technologies, their benefits, and costs. As Wayne Dyer said, “Start with the end in mind.” Think of everything that you may desire for now and the future.
2. Some sample budgets that will depend on the quality of your investment
- 65” Ultra HD TV $799 to $1499
- 75” Ultra HD TV $1899 to $2999
- 85” Ultra HD TV $3499 to $4999
- Surround receivers for Ultra HD $499 to $1599
- Basic speaker bar & subwoofer $299 to $999
- A system including wiring, TV, speakers, receiver, remote $3999 to $7999
- Automation system with radio frequency remote $599 to $1499
3. How to pick the right screen size
TV size old rule of thumb for seating distance went out the window with 4K Ultra HDTV’s. The clarity is so good, like looking out a window, so you enjoy a much larger TV without eye fatigue.
Home theater rule of thumb – the screen size is based on where you like to sit in a movie theater. If you sit halfway back in a theater, your image ratio is about 40 degrees. So if your seating is 15’ from the screen, it should be 96″to 120” diagonal.
4. Wireless vs wiring your home
We suggest that all TVs, automation, audio, alarm, cameras and any important connections be wired.
Wi-Fi isn’t perfect as you may know. Trying to stream Ultra HD TV, cell phone, games, etc. take a huge toll on wireless so you will get a lot of slow buffering.
And there’s no such thing as a wireless speaker, they all have extension cords.
Same with surveillance cameras.
5. What’s already in your home that can be very helpful
You may have a wad of wires protruding from your family room wall. These are usually speaker cables for a surround sound system and music speakers in other rooms. Your system will be installed here. Also check in different rooms to see if there are speakers in the ceilings and volume controls in the walls for house music.
6. New automation technologies to help make your home more fun, safer and easier to live in
Unify all your electronics and add multi-zone audio by adding two, three or four additional audio speaker zones so you can watch a show in surround in the family room and at the same time listen to the same or different music through speakers in other areas.
Burglar alarms - easy to add to an existing home. Many use cell phone technology to contact the central station therefore no phone line is needed. They also use wireless connections to your doors and windows. In an event, the system can contact the central station and your cell phone.
Surveillance cameras can be overt so burglars see them or concealed (nanny cams). See what’s going on using your phone from anywhere. See who’s at the door or see how your sitter or cleaning crew is doing.
Never walk into a dark house again. Easy automation can turn on some indoor and outdoor lights at dusk.
Reduce power usage and costs with automated thermostats, drapes and shades.
7. Can’t understand TV dialog and have poor sound?
The new thin TVs sound very bad because there is no space for good speakers. Large rooms with smooth surfaces create echoes and make the sound even worse. These two issues cause big problems for anyone over 19 years of age. To solve the dialog problem, connect your TV to music quality speakers. Speaker bars are very popular because they sound good for TV and music. They’re usually easy to connect. To help eat up the echoes, add absorbent furniture, area rugs, etc. to the room.
