SEE ALSO: Bring Out the Beauty of Your Home at Night with Landscape Lighting

ENHANCING AESTHETICS 

Outdoor lighting can breathe life into your property, transforming it into a captivating sight, even during the darkest hours. By utilizing home automation, you can effortlessly adjust the intensity, color, and even the patterns of your outdoor lighting, creating a dynamic and visually stunning atmosphere. 

INCREASED SAFETY AND SECURITY 

A well-lit exterior serves as a powerful deterrent against potential intruders. Home automation provides the means to intelligently manage your outdoor lighting, ensuring your home remains safe and secure in the ways that suit you.

With programmable schedules, motion sensors, and remote access, you can create an impression of an occupied home, even when you're away. Smart outdoor lighting can automatically turn on when someone approaches your property, providing security and peace of mind. 

EXTENDED LIVING SPACES

Your outdoor areas deserve attention and care just as much as your indoor spaces. By utilizing outdoor lighting in conjunction with home automation, you can seamlessly extend your square footage beyond the four walls of your house. 

SEE ALSO: Enjoy Convenience, Security, & Beauty with Motorized Blinds

ENHANCED PROTECTION

Smart security systems provide advanced features and technologies to enhance the overall protection of your property. They offer a multi-layered approach to security, combining various components, such as motion sensors, door/window sensors, security cameras, and alarms to provide comprehensive coverage.

REMOTE MONITORING & CONTROL

One of the significant benefits of smart security systems is the ability to monitor and control your system remotely! You can access your security system using a smartphone or a computer, allowing you to view live camera feeds, receive alerts, and even arm or disarm your system from anywhere. This flexibility enables you to keep an eye on your property even when you're not physically present.

REAL-TIME ALERTS

When a security event occurs, smart security systems can send real-time alerts to your connected devices. Whether it's a motion detected in a restricted area, a door or window being opened, or a fire or carbon monoxide alarm going off, you will receive instant notifications. This prompt information allows you to take appropriate actions quickly, such as contacting the authorities or verifying if it's a false alarm.

INTEGRATION WITH YOUR HOME AUTOMATION

Smart security systems can integrate with other smart home devices and platforms, creating a connected ecosystem across your whole home. This integration enables you to automate various actions based on security events. For example, you can set your lights to turn on automatically when motion is detected or have your security system interact with your smart door locks for added convenience and control.

SEE ALSO: Upgrade to Wi-Fi 6 for Faster Speeds & Better Connections

Wired Networks

Wired networks, primarily using Ethernet cables, have been the traditional choice for home networking connections. One of the main advantages of this installation is that they provide a stable and consistent network experience. They offer higher speeds, lower latency, and reduced susceptibility to interference compared to wireless connections. This makes them ideal for online gaming, video streaming, and large file transfers.

Wired networks are also inherently more secure. Wireless networks broadcast the signals over the air and can be intercepted by nearby devices, potentially compromising the network's security. In contrast, wired connections are not susceptible to eavesdropping or unauthorized access unless physical access to the cables is obtained. This makes wired connections a preferred choice for environments where data privacy is paramount.

Another great perk of Ethernet networks is  they are easily expandable. You can add switches and connect multiple devices without compromising network performance. This scalability is especially beneficial for larger homes or with numerous wired devices. Are your kids playing online video games while you are trying to hold a business video meeting? No worries; your wired connection can support it all!

Wireless Networks

While wired networks have many fantastic benefits, you can also find unique advantages to a wireless internet connection. For example, wireless networks allow you to connect devices without needing physical cables, providing freedom of movement and flexibility in device placement. This is especially useful for mobile devices like laptops, smartphones, and tablets, which takes us to our next amazing perk of Wi-Fi connections: device compatibility. 

SEE ALSO: Bring Whole-Home Audio to Every Last Corner of Your Space

A MULTI-ROOM SETUP 

Take advantage of the ability to play music in multiple rooms simultaneously! Set up high-end speakers strategically throughout your home to create a seamless audio flow that’s available whenever you want. Whether you're hosting a party or simply moving from one room to another, the music will follow you, ensuring a consistent and immersive listening experience.

SMART INTEGRATION 

Connect your whole-home audio system to your smart home system for seamless integration across your whole property! This integration allows you to control the music with a tap of a button or simple voice commands, effortlessly adjusting the volume, skipping tracks, or even changing playlists. You can also sync your audio system with other smart devices, such as lighting, to create the perfect ambiance for any occasion.

CENTRALIZED CONTROL 

Did you know you can manage your whole-home audio from just one single interface? This could be a dedicated remote control or a mobile app on your smartphone or tablet. With centralized control, you can easily select different sources, adjust volume levels, and create personalized playlists for each room, providing a convenient and intuitive way to manage your whole audio system.

OUTDOOR SPEAKERS 

Why keep the fun indoors? Extend your whole-home audio system to your outdoor spaces. Install weatherproof speakers in your backyard, patio, and pool area, allowing you to enjoy music while relaxing or entertaining outdoors. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or lounging by the pool, the music can follow you, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor environments.

See Also: 4 Benefits Of Installing Motorized Outdoor Shades

AMBIANCE YOU CONTROL 

What is the first thing you react to when you enter a room or step outside? Is it the decor, the furniture, or the landscape before you? These indeed attract your attention, but natural and artificial lighting shapes your perceptions of it all.  

Outdoor lighting, at its core, is theatrical; just like music, it generates an instinctive response. The elements and fixtures create a sense of ambiance or elevate a backyard BBQ without obscuring the stars above. Setting the stage with light creates an atmosphere that you can control. 

SET THE MOOD 

Create a fantasy space by spotlighting specific features, defining boundaries, and highlighting 

architectural and decorative elements. Accenting trees with shadows or simulating the light cast by the moon adds an inviting narrative. The possibilities are limitless. 

SEE ALSO: Motorized Shades vs. Manual Shades—What’s the Difference?

The Benefit of Natural Light

There’s nothing more beautiful than natural sunlight streaming into your home, creating a warm and vibrant atmosphere. It’s also good for a home’s inhabitants, enhancing moods, reducing stress, and promoting better sleep. Unfortunately, this same sunlight can damage your interiors and cause extensive solar heat gain in Tennessee summers.

A smart home manages this natural light for you. When the sun’s direct rays begin heating rooms and damaging floors and furniture, the motorized shades automatically close. If you prefer the look and control motorized blinds offer, you’ll notice the slats automatically adjusting throughout the day, letting in just enough diffuse sunlight.

Managing Sunlight from Hard-to-Reach Windows

Many homeowners love the look of skylights and the sunlight that brings a bit of nature indoors. However, the problem arises with excessive glare and direct UV rays. Then, when it’s cold outside, we lose heat through these beautiful windows. At Prodigy AV, we partner with several award-winning motorized shade manufacturers. One of these, Lutron, offers custom window coverings designed for every type of window, including impossible-to-reach skylights, architectural windows, and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Now, with the push of a button, you can open the tension shades covering your skylight in the early morning hours and close them when the direct sun’s rays begin shining through. They can also be automated to open and close depending on the sun's position.

SEE ALSO: Extend Your Entertaining with the Ultimate Outdoor Lighting

Integrated Home System

A Crestron home system integrates all of your smart home technology into a single home system. From your dashboard, you can get a quick status update of your entire home and navigate to different rooms to adjust the technology within each one. In just seconds, you can turn your TV to your favorite channel, dim the lights, adjust your thermostat, and lock your front door. Your entire home is always at your fingertips.

Elevated Entertainment

Home entertainment is how you relax at the end of the day and a great way to spend quality time with your family. With Crestron, entertainment is better than ever. You can incorporate a whole-home audio system that allows you to easily listen to your favorite playlists throughout your entire house or utilize listening zones so multiple family members can listen to different music at the same time.

Crestron also offers  4K video without any messy wiring. With Crestron’s DigitalMedia Technology, you can store all your sources, processors, receivers, and consoles away and still have your TV work seamlessly. Plus, every family member in the home can select their favorite channels, making it easy for everyone to navigate to their favorite entertainment.

Enhanced Security

Knowing your home is always safe is truly luxurious and makes it easier to relax and enjoy your home. Crestron Home always keeps you up to date on your home security status. With a quick glance at the control dashboard, you can see what doors are locked, if the garage is closed, or if the gate is secured. Quickly lock or unlock any access point in your home with the touch of a button. And with the 2N video door station, you can speak to and see live video of anyone on your doorstep.

SEE ALSO: Enjoy Movies Under the Stars with an Outdoor Home Cinema

The Domino Effect

All your intelligent systems are connected to your home automation platform and each other. This enables them to work together, creating the perfect setting for various times of the day and activities. For instance, many clients enjoy waking to sunlight filtering through shades slowly rising. Their 'Good Morning' playlist gently nudges them, streaming through nearly invisible in-ceiling speakers. 

As the day advances, the shades on south-facing windows lower, reducing solar heat gain and the strain on HVAC systems. At the same time, the lighting in occupied rooms adjusts, maintaining the perfect level of illumination. Like a domino, one system affects another, creating the perfect atmosphere.

A Home That Welcomes You

Geofencing creates an invisible boundary tripped by your smartphone. This enables your smart home to start preparing for you as soon as you pull into the driveway at the end of the day. In response, it illuminates your landscape and first-floor lights, turns on your ‘Welcome Home’ playlist, adjusts the temperature, and heats the spa.  

A Space for Entertainment

Many clients incorporate distributed audio-video systems that deliver the best entertainment over the same platform. All the AV gear is tucked away in a closet and distributed to every 4K HDR TV and in-ceiling, bookshelf, and floorstanding speaker. These systems deliver superior, high-fidelity sound and stunning video to every room and are effortlessly managed with one touch. 

SEE ALSO: Optimize Your Outdoor Audio with Sonance Landscape Speakers

The Design

If you’ve explored outdoor home cinemas online, you’ve noticed there are as many different designs as there are people to enjoy them. Some feature large outdoor TVs that emerge from the pool when it’s movie night or multiple TVs around the bar area for the big game. 

Others offer a large movie screen for a fully immersive experience. You’ll see luxury floaties, built-in recliners, and exquisite dining areas with multiple seating arrangements.

The Lifelike Images

At Prodigy AV, we partner with industry leaders in home entertainment and automation. Two of those brands, Screen Innovations and Stewart Filmscreen, manufacture the best commercial and residential indoor and outdoor projector screens on the market. Some motorized screens disappear when not in use, whereas others encompass entire walls. Combined with today’s outdoor projectors, you experience lifelike images in brilliant colors.

Depending on the usage and area, many of our clients also opt for the large outdoor 4K UHD TVs. These also deliver incredible images, even in direct sunlight; come in sizes up to 85 inches; and withstand whatever weather mother nature throws at them.  

SEE ALSO: What's Behind an Efficient Smart Home System? 

Seamless Connectivity

While a reliable network is an increasingly critical component, we continue to put greater demands on it. Today, nearly every device in a house comes with connectivity options. In addition, the IoT (Internet of Things) continues to expand to include an ever-growing list of electronics such as media dongles, toys, appliances, and light switches. 

The demands of constant connectivity can easily overwhelm a network. The result is slow page loads, interruptions, lag, and the dreaded buffering message while watching your favorite show or the big game. Instead, a data network should operate seamlessly in the background, never calling attention to itself. 

The Best of Both Worlds

WiFi gives the freedom to enjoy devices and media without the hassle of wires, indoors or outside. Wireless communication does have its benefits, but its reliance on over-the-air signals has its limitations. 

The frequencies used for wireless networking are prone to interference from other WiFi-enabled devices and even a neighbor's network. Because anyone within the range of a router can receive the transmission, there is a greater chance of illicit access by hacking. 

SEE ALSO: Fill Your Home with Music

The Personalized Approach

When you picture your home theater, do you see plush tiered seating, a starlit ceiling, wall sconces that look like candlelight, a wall-sized movie screen, and a projector on the ceiling? For some, that image is ideal, but many options exist in today's home theater design. 

Some of our clients see sectionals, chaise lounges, and gaming chairs for the ultimate video game showdown. Others envision a bar, pool table, unique tables, and comfy chairs sprinkled throughout the room alongside one of today’s 100-inch 4K HDR TVs descending from the ceiling when it’s movie or game time. As you can imagine, there is no one-size-fits-all model and a nearly limitless number of possibilities.

Our team takes the time to learn about your goals and vision to deliver a customized home theater that exceeds your expectations. 

Design Meets Engineering

Today’s audio-video technology has set the bar high for the home theater experience. 4K HDR video delivers lifelike images in brilliant colors with depth and realism once relegated to the finest commercial cinemas. Dolby Atmos offers 3D object-based audio, immersing the viewer in a bubble of sound.

SEE ALSO: EXPERIENCE THE PROFOUND BEAUTY AND EASE OF MOTORIZED SHADES

Convenient Control

One of the biggest advantages of motorized window treatments over manual shades is that they can be controlled with a press of a button. While you may have to use a cord to lower or raise manual shades, the cordless design of automatic shades runs on motors that operate the window treatments at your command. It doesn’t matter whether the shades are in an accessible position or a hard-to-reach spot; all shades can be controlled simultaneously or individually using convenient control panels, mobile devices, and remotes. 

The control system allows you to pre-program the shades to raise or lower according to your routine, giving you hands-free control. Moreover, they can also help improve security, particularly when you’re not home. The shades scheduled to rise or lower at particular times can make it appear as though your home is occupied, even when it’s empty. 

Varying Levels of Privacy 

Many shading systems come with dual fabrics that allow you to control the level of privacy you want at home. The fabric with an open weave allows your home to be filled with natural light while still giving you a view of the outside. But when you want complete privacy, you can simply switch to the shade that blocks out all the outside view and light, allowing you to create a more private space, all with a press of a button. 

UV Protection

Sunlight brings in UV rays that can be harmful to your home’s furniture and artwork. Besides causing discoloration, UV rays can also cause the deterioration of textiles. But when you have motorized window treatments with UV-protective fabric, you can enjoy the perks of natural light without sustaining damage. 

SEE ALSO: The Advantages of a Crestron Smart Home System for Large Homes and Estates

Design, Integration, & Automation

Any smart home system should be tailored to a homeowner’s specific needs and preferences, taking into account the size and layout of the home, the lifestyle of anyone living there, and the expected performance of each device. Hiring a professional ensures a system that matches your lifestyle with products that perform up to industry standards. 

Once a system is designed, its installation and integration with other systems and devices are next. For example, Lutron lights and shades must be integrated with climate control and surveillance. Why? So when a smart thermostat reaches a certain temperature, your shades roll down, and any lights not in use turn off, reducing energy consumption. Or, if anyone is trespassing on your property when you are not home, a single tap turns on the lights at the front porch, adjusts the living room shades, and gives potential intruders the impression that someone is inside the house. Such are the wonders of home integration and automation!

Control Over Every System

Automation platforms like Control4 give you an unparalleled degree of control over your smart home and its technology systems. Lighting control is a case in point. Smart lighting systems allow homeowners to control every fixture, switch, and dimmer at home using a smartphone or another interface, such as Control4’s Halo remote. This includes turning lights on and off, dimming them to a color temperature conducive to better rest or productivity, and setting up schedules that reflect how individual spaces are used within the home. 

Audio and video systems are next in line, and a professional installer can design and program AV devices to match the music taste of a family as diverse as your own. Whether the kids are watching TV in the media room, or there is a holiday party in the backyard, a distributed whole-home audio system brings entertainment to wherever you are. 

SEE ALSO: Be Inspired by a Whole-Home Audio System

More Music in Every Room

Do you like to host parties? Music is the perfect addition to breathe life into gatherings - whether it’s the main event or in the background. But when the home audio system is only installed in one room, the guests are confined to that one space. 

However, with multi-room audio, everyone can freely roam about the living room or the patio to enjoy a breath of fresh air and still enjoy listening to high-quality music. The main purpose is to stream the same music throughout the house, but playing different songs in different rooms is also possible. Maybe you want to listen to some soothing music as you stroll in the garden, while someone else might be interested in jamming to a more upbeat song in their bedroom. 

By creating zones, you can enjoy the type of content you like without interrupting anyone else’s fun. 

Installation That Preserves Home Aesthetics

While floor-standing speakers may appeal to audiophiles, they can’t be installed in every room of the house without creating a cluttered look. 

SEE ALSO: Lighting as an Ambiance-Enhancing Element for Your Home

Friendly User Interfaces

The latest lighting control systems offer one-touch, effortless management of your lights. You can control the lighting in every room from touchscreens, elegant in-wall keypads, or a handheld remote. Turn one light or every light on while choosing the color and intensity. 

Setting the Scene

At Prodigy AV, our team of lighting designers and automation experts take the time to learn about your lifestyle and daily activities. This enables us to program scenes that control the lights throughout your home and outdoor spaces with one touch. For example, for those who regularly have friends over for dinner and movie night, the “Entertaining” button sets the lighting in the dining area to a soft golden glow, ignites the gas fireplace, and raises the motorized shades to reveal beautiful landscape lighting. When it’s time to enjoy the latest blockbuster, tap the “Movie” icon to dim the lights and lower the shades. 

Automated Solutions

In addition to one-touch control, your lights can automatically adjust throughout the day. One of our clients' favorite lighting control solutions is today’s tunable lighting. This lighting transforms throughout the day, with lights that resemble the changing color of daylight. 

Wake to lights the color of sunrise. By midday, your lighting transforms to bright white-blue lights that help you stay focused and alert. As the evening approaches, the lighting simulates the setting sun with soft amber hues that tell your body it’s time to relax. This type of lighting helps align your body’s internal time clock that’s set by the changing light, promoting a better sleep-wake cycle.

SEE ALSO: 3 Fun Ways to Use Your Outdoor Speaker System This Fall

The Vision

Some clients know what they want to the very last detail. Others know they want the immersive cinematic experience but are uncertain if that means a home theater, media room, or outdoor entertainment. And that’s what we’re here for. 

We'll determine what you want to get out of this ultimate entertainment space, whether the designated movie room designed for immersive cinematic viewing or an area that also doubles for sporting events, video game marathons, and a wellness room. We’ll explore room options, design, audio-video equipment, seating, lighting, acoustic paneling, and the means to control this equipment. 

Some of our clients are visual by nature, which means scouring through lots of pictures. Others want to start with the specifications and engineering details. By the time we're done with the initial assessment, you’ll be more than excited about the process and, more importantly, the joy you’ll experience when it’s complete. 

The Sound & Image

We’ll explore the possibilities in the latest AV technology, from large 120”-plus movie screens and 4K HDR projectors that deliver lifelike images and brilliant colors to large 4K HDR TVs. If ambient light exists, we may recommend specific screens and blackout shades or QLED TVs with high levels of built-in brightness.

SEE ALSO: Upgrade to Wi-Fi 6 for Faster Speeds & Better Connections

Dual-Bandwidth Routers for Seamless Connectivity

Standard home network installations consist of a router and modem. Often, the two are combined and referred to as a gateway. While a router is able to connect your home devices, your internet speed can suffer if many devices are used at once. 

Most smart homes have many internet/Wi-Fi-dependent devices, requiring extensive home networks that not only provide high-speed internet but can also connect home technology for seamless operation. To accommodate your extensive data requirements, professionals will use dual-bandwidth routers that can connect as many devices as you want without any signal drops. 

These routers use two different frequencies (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) simultaneously to prevent traffic congestion, resulting in a network that can support all home devices without impacting the speed of your Wi-Fi connection. 

A Combination of Wireless and Hardwired Solutions

Relying too much on wireless solutions is a mistake that homeowners often make. It can lead to loss of signal and inadequate signal coverage throughout your home. 

SEE ALSO: Crestron: The Ultimate Leader in Smart Home Automation

Centralized Control

If you have several home technologies installed - without a smart home system - they all come with their own control options. But operating home technology with individual remotes can get confusing and create clutter. Fortunately, a fully integrated home automation system allows you to connect all devices to one platform and enjoy centralized control with a single button press. 

Whether you want to schedule scenes for one or more devices or adjust a specific technology, such as the lighting in a room, both options are available to you. 

With scheduled scenes, you enjoy one-touch automation. Imagine walking into the living room and touching a button on a wall panel. Then, the lights dim to a warm hue, the motorized shades lower, and your in-room speaker system starts your favorite evening playlist. 

Elevated Comfort and Energy Efficiency

The primary function of home automation systems is to provide comfort. Fortunately, with motorized window treatments and climate control home technology, you can always stay comfortable in your home. 

Illuminate your home with advanced lighting solutions 

Put your home in the best light possible! Instead of settling for the same-old lighting system that may have come with your home, opt for an upgrade: a smart lighting control system. You’ll find no more need for conventional wall switches and dimmers, and you won’t have to get up to adjust the lighting. An advanced lighting system lets you control lights in your home with a single button press right from your seat. 

Read on to discover how lighting control technology can make your home in Nashville, TN, more comfortable and convenient. 

How smart security cameras keep you connected and give you peace of mind. 

Home security is no longer a perk; it’s a necessity! It’s an unfortunate truth, but no matter what type of home you live in or where you live, your home is open to threats without adequate security solutions. Still, you don’t need to worry about it, because smart security gives you complete peace of mind. 

While there are multiple security features that can be added to your home to deter intruders, few technologies are more important than a home surveillance system. Read on to discover the benefits of surveillance cameras for your Nashville, TN, home.