Why Your Should Make Your Covington Home Smart

A study done by Lowe's smart home automation found that while Rosie the Robot is the futuristic feature consumers would want most from "The Jetsons," more than 70 percent of smartphone users in America just wish they could control something in their home from their mobile device. Above all, families want to make their homes safer, more energy efficient, and easier to manage.

Read this blog to learn more about it: The Best Benefits of Lighting Control In this blog, we’ll show you how Acadian Home Theater & Automation partnered with Control4 to meet all of your smart home needs in Covington, Louisiana. Here are the top three reasons why investing in smart home automation is worth it.

1. Add Convenience

Whether it’s summer and you have big plans to take a vacation, or it’s the middle of the year and work and school is quite demanding, a smart home system will help you manage your household and daily schedule. Managing a home and a family requires a lot of attention. Your Control4 system can act as a personal assistant, monitoring your property for security, keeping the house at the best temperature to save energy, and planning parties for entertaining guests. The truth is that being able to control your home with a mobile device – like your iPhone – is super convenient. And the magic of automation even allows you to take a hands-free approach since your system can think and act on its own. Simply tell it what to do using your smartphone, tablet, or in-wall touch screen with the Control4 app, and then go about the rest of your day without a second thought. Control4’s interface is also easy enough for anyone to use, from your 10-year-old to your grandmother, so you don’t have to be the only one in control.

If you're like me, you already have used your smart phone or iPad around your house to stream music, control your DirecTV DVR or remotely control some device you have at home.

Of course, in my business, we create lots of home automation and control systems from manufacturers such as Crestron, Savant and Control4.  Invariably, everyone wants their smart phone or iPad to be programmed as a control device for whichever one of these systems we install.  And honestly, those phones and pads will work VERY well for that purpose.  Now as soon as I say that, let me be quick to add that those will not operate as seamlessly for that purpose as the manufacturer's own branded mobile device.

Still, for ease of use, each of those manufacturers has created apps for those commonly owned media devices for the simple reason that the consumer is already familiar with it and generally keeps them handy.  Those apps work as well as the control system manufacturer can possibly program those phones and tablets to perform that way.  But know that there will always be some kinda glitch--some incompatibility--that the consumer will experience when using their phone or wi-fi pad to control their home automation system.

Here's a good example of what I'm talking about.  Back in the day, you either owned a PC or a Mac.  If you created a document or spreadsheet in one type of platform and emailed it to s0meone who owned the other type of platform, they couldn't even open the thing let alone read it.  One day, the industry smartened up and started creating programs so the two could talk to each other.  Now the two could interface and everyone was happy.  But anyone will tell you that the two don't work together perfectly and your sometimes encounter formatting problems in documents or linkage problems in spreadsheets.

That's the way it is marrying the popular smart technologies with automated systems.  They WILL work and will be quite enjoyable when they do.  But for best results, use the mobile device designed for the product.

The Elevated Control Options of Smart Home Automation  

You’re likely already using smartphone apps to interact with the technology in your home. From playing music from your favorite streaming playlist to adjusting lights when you’re reading, all it takes is a few taps to manage your smart devices. But what if you could take this convenience a step further? That’s what smart home automation systems do.  

Enjoy a centralized smart home app for all your devices, available to you even when you’re at work or on vacation. Below, we outline the benefits of creating a one-app ecosystem in your Baton Rouge, LA, with the help of Control4. 

Get the Perfect Temperature for Any Room or Time of Day With Control4 

Comfort and energy efficiency are two pillars of any luxury home, yet many homeowners grapple with inconsistent temperatures undermining both. Whether it's an upstairs bedroom that's always too hot or a perpetually chilly media room, these temperature variations are more than a nuisance. They lead to frequent thermostat adjustments, escalating energy bills, and constant discomfort. 

But what if there was a way to maintain the perfect temperature in every room without breaking the bank? With zoned climate control, you can! It’s a game-changer for our clients in Baton Rouge when integrated with smart systems like Control4. You’ll have unparalleled control over your Louisiana home's climate. Below, we explain what causes these inconsistent temperatures and how a zoned climate control installation is the ultimate solution.

FUTURE-PROOF YOUR OFFICE WITH PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCE ROOM AV SOLUTIONS 

The hybrid work model is here to stay, and businesses recognize the need to adapt their technology to this new reality. According to a recent survey, 60% of IT professionals believe the workplace will be predominantly hybrid by 2030. As companies in Baton Rouge, LA, and beyond look to the future, upgrading conference room AV solutions becomes a priority. This blog will guide you through the unique requirements of a hybrid workforce, key considerations for selecting AV solutions, and why working with professionals is vital for success. 

EXPLORE THE FEATURES THAT DELIVER ENHANCED WELLNESS AND COMFORT

Smart home solutions are not just about control and convenience; they're a means to enhance your well-being. Imagine breathing cleaner air, enjoying better sleep, and experiencing lower stress levels, all thanks to your technology. We'll design your smart home automation to not only respond to your commands but also proactively cater to your health. This blog will explore the path to a better lifestyle in your Tampa, FL, home. 

Spruce Up Your Smart Home With the Help of a Control4 Dealer 

Control4 is our go-to home automation platform because of its constant innovation. More than any other company in the industry, it’s regularly adding new features and integrations to create the ultimate luxury experience. The best thing about being a Control4 dealer serving the Lafayette, LA, community is the opportunity to showcase these new features to our clients first hand at our Control4-certified showroom. 

Get a chance to interact with the technology in person to see if it would fit your lifestyle! Before you schedule a visit, we wanted to preview two new additions to look out for when you come. 

Focus on the Experience, Not the Specs for the Ultimate Viewing Environment 

Outfitting your home theater with the best audio and video equipment available is a no-brainer. Most AV professionals should be able to guide you on the right speakers, projectors and screens for your theater–especially if they’re dealers for the top AV brands. However, a truly stellar home theater installation delivers more than the sum of its parts. 

Not only should your theater be a place to show off stunning visuals and immersive sound, but it should deliver an unforgettable viewing experience whether you’re watching movies, TV shows, or the latest Saints game. From purposeful, non-obtrusive lighting to custom seating, find out what it takes to deliver a luxury theater environment in your New Orleans-area home.

Enjoy Easy Access to High-Quality Audio in Every Corner of Your Home

In the 1970s, audiophiles would sit in front of their record players for hours-long listening sessions. Then, in the 1980s came the cassette tape with greater portability, easy fast forward and rewind functions and the ability to create custom mix tapes.

The 1990s brought the CD players, which let audiophiles easily pick out tracks, shuffle, and repeat songs. Then the turn of the millennium saw downloadable MP3s that let music lovers bypass albums and pick out their favorite singles. Finally, in the last decade and a half, there's been a new player in music reproduction—streaming which provides access to massive music libraries in increasingly high-quality formats.

Over the years, our whole home audio solutions have helped clients adapt to the ever-changing world of music and this time is no different. Below are some of the ways we help our clients embrace streaming in their Tampa, FL homes.

Increase Your Technology’s Efficiency and Gain Peace of Mind With These Upgrades

Known for its commitment to innovation, Control4 always comes up with new ways to improve the smart home experience. Our role as Control4 dealers is to educate both existing and potential clients on the smart home control upgrades that would most improve their lifestyle. The features we outline here are ones we recommend both for new constructions and retrofit installations. So how do they offer greater convenience and customization in your New Orleans, LA home? Keep reading to find out!

Debunking Common Misconceptions About Smart Homes 

A smart home connects all your devices—from motorized shades to multi-room audio—to one centralized controller. Automation makes managing a home easier than ever, but many people still have their doubts about how the tech works, how much it costs, and its benefits. 

Said reluctance may be due to common misconceptions about smart homes. And if you don’t have first-hand experience with home automation and its benefits, it can be easy to believe some of these myths. 

So, let’s look at the four most common myths about home automation and debunk them. This will paint a clear picture of how smart home automation will add luxury and relaxation to your New Orleans, LA, home.

How a Professional Goes Above the DIY Smart Home Experience

Every day a new smart device hits the market, promising a revolutionary way to manage lights, shades, climate, security and more. On top of that, they promise to be easy plug-in-and-play installations. DIY smart homes, though, come with many limitations and headaches. 

Not only could you end up with a clutter of apps that end up slowing down your day rather than improving it, but you could also be adding dangerous vulnerabilities to your network. Our technicians make smart home control a breeze, offering safe, reliable solutions tailored to your lifestyle. 

This blog highlights the main reasons going with a professional installation is the best option for your Baton Rouge, LA home. 

New Technology Helps You Improve Your Home Energy Management  

One reason many people reach out to us about smart home technology is wanting a more efficient home. And at no time is efficiency more important than when it comes to your home’s energy management. Having a strategic approach to your energy use not only means lower energy costs and a smaller carbon footprint, but it also results in added reliability across all your technology systems. 

What steps can you take to ensure you have a proactive home energy management solution in place in your New Orleans, LA home? Start with energy-saving features like lighting control and climate control and expand to energy backup systems that reduce your dependence on the grid. Some of the most essential steps to an energy-conscious lifestyle are outlined below. 

Discover the Latest C4 Smart Products Like the Chime Doorbell at the Upcoming “C4Yourself” Event

Knock, knock . . . no more! Instead of answering the door, the Chime video doorbell by Control4 does it for you. But it offers so much more than that. It’s also smart, boasting a range of state-of-the-art features that monitor the entry points around your house. Best of all, you don’t need to wait to test-drive a Chime. During the C4Yourself event this month, stop by Acadian Home Theater & Automation for a closer look.

At our Control4 certified showroom in Baton Rouge, LA, we feature a wide range of audio-video, security, and home automation products to ensure a smarter home. Keep reading to learn how a trusted Control4 dealer improves your home’s security, luxury, and livability.

Enjoy Greater Entertainment, Health and Safety with a Control4 Audio System

How do you typically integrate audio and video into your day? Do you listen to music when you get home  to relax after work? Do you like to hunker down with friends on the weekend to watch the Saints and LSU play?

We all integrate entertainment differently into our homes. Sometimes due to our personal preferences, but a lot of times, it has to do with ease-of-use as well. If it's hard to access your music, movies and shows, then it's no surprise if they don't become a mainstay in your daily routines.

Unleash the full potential of your home’s audiovisuals with a multi-room av solution that makes it easy to access what you need at the press of a button. Explore some of the unique ways you could put this technology to work in your New Orleans, LA home.

Leisure Meets Luxury with These High-End Entertainment Features

It's almost the end of the decade, and everyone is already looking forward to what 2020 has in store. Even though for many, the focus will be on career goals or dream trips, why shouldn’t the focus also be on the things you use every day? Do you have any idea how you could upgrade the entertainment in your Baton Rouge, LA home just in time for the new year?

We showcase three technology features that can transform your home audio video experience. Revamp your entertainment with a crisp, lifelike 8K video resolution. Embrace the comfort of wireless audio without sacrificing any of the quality. Enjoy the latest voice assistants in whole new ways by integrating them with a Control4 smart home system.

Optimize Your Technology with Tailor-Made Solutions for Your Home

Smart home control is all about simplifying the way you interact with your technology. Typically, people associate this with mobile apps that let you play music on wireless speakers, open your door locks, or turn off the lights. Although that’s what you’ll get with a DIY solution, professional smart home control offers much more convenience for your family.

Unveil the true potential of your smart home technology with a system which not only places everything under one umbrella but offers diverse control options as well. Go with a Control4 smart home with intuitive user interfaces, advanced voice control, and the ultimate universal remote. Have the best in luxury living with automated changes that anticipate your needs.

Explore the Benefits of Architectural, Floor Standing, Wireless and Bookshelf Speakers

Not all speakers are built the same. Each is made for a specific purpose. Similarly, everyone listens to music differently. Researching speakers shouldn't be all about looking at specs explaining power, quality and tonality. Start by figuring out which models make the most sense according to your unique musical inclinations.

Some people pay a premium on hi-fi sound with dedicated listening spaces to sit down with their favorite recordings. To others, music is simply a passive soundtrack in the background as they go about their day. In this blog, we'll outline four popular speaker types. Knowing better than anyone how you listen to music in your Baton Rouge, LA home, it’ll be easy for you to figure out which is the best option for your whole home audio.

SEE MORE: FAQ: Answering Your Biggest Home Audio Video Questions

Architectural Speakers

Designed to disappear into your walls and ceilings, architectural speakers are often the go-to option for whole home audio solutions. You can listen to music everywhere without having to worry about speakers crowding your décor. Have our audio experts professionally lay these out, so you get a uniform sound as you move throughout a room or from room to room. Control4 then makes it easy to choose where you want to play music, change tracks, and adjust volume as needed without needing direct access to the speakers.

Relish in Technology Designed with Your Unique Needs in Mind

Many clients ask us why they should work with a smart home company when they first reach out. Very few realize we’re there to provide a service rather than just sell them products. Which is why many think going to their local electronics store is a better move. As the go-to smart home company in Lafayette, LA, we bring our own set of experience and expertise to advise you on the best technology. We then design it in a way that elevates your everyday lifestyle.

Though greater reliability may be the biggest perk of working with a smart home company, getting a system tailored to you is just as important. How do you want to interact with your technology? Everyone will have a different answer which is why all our projects have a personal touch in the ways outlined below.

SEE MORE: Raising a Family with Home Automation

Manage Technology Your Way

The most significant selling point for many smart devices is the ability to manage everything from a mobile app. However, there may be times when a mobile app is not the best approach. During a movie marathon, a handheld remote will still feel more natural. Need to turn on the lights when your hands are busy? Enjoy hands-free control by linking your smart home to your favorite voice assistant. Each of our installations includes various control solutions, depending on what you feel fits best.

Design Your Dream Home in the Most Efficient Way Possible

The rising popularity of IoT devices has made it easier than ever to embrace the power of smart home control. Once considered a niche industry, smart homes have gone mainstream. With so many options available now, it can be tough for people to navigate this terrain without a little bit of help. Having a smart home professional on hand will make a huge difference.

To get the most out of this emerging technology in your Baton Rouge, LA home, you want to have a professional installation. Integrated homes get all your devices working together and let you manage them all from one central interface—like the brand new Control4 OS 3. The next step after choosing to upgrade to a custom smart home is figuring out the best way to budget for success.

SEE MORE: 17 Questions to Determine if You’re Ready for a Smart Home

Network Infrastructure

A smart home functions in part by getting all your devices to communicate with each other through your network. So, a big bulk of your budget needs to go to bolstering both your hardwired and wireless connections. There also need to be security measures included like firewalls and encryption to keep anyone from hacking your devices.