Every day, home owners are looking for ways to enhance their homes for enjoyment and leisure. There are some common misconceptions that keep them from fully enjoying the technologies available to them. Here, with the help of our friend Max Ruddy, owner of InHome Technologies, we will demystify some of those notions and illustrate that transferring in-home technology to the backyard to enhance your entertainment spaces can be effortless.
Misconception #1: “I only need a couple of speakers near my patio to enjoy music outside.” Where you place the TV or speakers in an outdoor entertainment area affects sound and picture quality, plain and simple. Max advises: “There has been a significant amount of outside speaker technology advances in the last few years. Multiple satellite speakers that blend in with the landscape is the most advantageous. Ideally you want to situate the speakers in a semi-circle arrangement if you are using the multiple system. Otherwise, the standard stereo pair speakers should be pointed down toward ear level off the wall of the house where possible.
Misconception #2: “Hanging a TV on an outside wall is a DIY job.” While it’s true that finding and hanging a TV outside seems fairly straightforward, it’s the surrounding components and details that either enhance or detract from an outdoor entertainment space. “When it comes to mounting a TV outside you have to take in account what substrate your are mounting to. You may have veneer stone, brick, stucco, concrete siding, or traditional wood siding.” A television placed outside should have the cable or satellite receiver indoors. But how do you wire the two so the workings are invisible? Do you have to go into the house every time you want to change the channel? These are questions best addressed by an electronic systems contractor who understands how to conceal wiring and implement remote frequency technology to control everything inside and outside the house.
With today’s increased interest in outdoor living, it’s not surprising that homeowners want to move the TV outside for added enjoyment at home. There are more requests for theater-size outdoor projection screens, which require special attention to elements like ambient lighting, brightness, resolution and care. Since each backyard is so different, a professional should customize the layout of technology components to maximize entertainment enjoyment.
Misconception #3: “I can’t handle the complexity of multiple technology systems or the 12 remote controls that come along with them.” Addressing the number one issue of successful home technology integration - complexity - is why a professional is your best friend. The goal when your professional walks away from your home should be one remote that controls everything - inside and outside - that’s simple enough for Grandma to use. Technology may be complicated on the back-end, but it should be simple and easy to understand on the front end of everyday use. It’s reassuring for most homeowners to know they can easily operate one remote to control security, energy usage, and lighting and entertainment options.
Technology is there to expand our entertainment options and keeping it simple really allows us to enjoy it.
New Ideas and Factors in Your Technology Plan: Max says that what has captured attention is “the introduction of more advanced glare resistant outdoor TV’s as well as multiple outdoor speaker systems are creating an indoor living space outside. However, there has also been a surge in whole house surveillance systems that allow the homeowner to keep an eye on their property while away on business or vacation which is gaining in popularity.”
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InHome Technologies.....................303-941-8956.................. www.in-home-technologies.com