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. 

An Upgraded Home Network with Advanced Wi-Fi Gives You the Speed and Strong Signals You Need

Having a reliable home network has become more important than ever. It’s not only because you require constant access to the internet, but you also need to connect all your smart home technologies, such as smart lighting, motorized shades, whole-home audio, and much more. 

A robust internet connection and professional Wi-Fi network installation are the keys to giving you a more advanced, reliable, and secure home network in Nashville, TN. Read on to discover what you can expect from a new system. 

How smart home automation helps you enjoy a lifestyle of ease and comfort

What makes a house a home? Certainly, spending special moments with friends and family plays a big part in it. And then you have other features, like custom kitchen cabinets and countertops, bespoke wood or tile floors, elegant or modern home decor, and much more! But did you know that technology can elevate your at-home experience more than anything else? 

A smart home system from manufacturers like Control4 creates a luxurious space where you can control every connected technology with the tap of an icon. You can even program scenes that adjust them automatically! From home entertainment to home security to smart lighting, everything is under your control with home automation. Read on to discover all the benefits for your Franklin, TN, residence. 

Incorporate digital signage into your commercial AV installation for better communication

Digital signage has become a popular technology and very useful in commercial spaces - from restaurants to malls to business lobbies. They include devices like LED walls, LCD monitors, projectors, and more that display key information.

Businesses can incorporate digital signage into their onsite offices to enhance employee communication and client experience. Unlike traditional signs that need to be replaced, digital signage can be changed with just a few taps of a button, creating unmatched flexibility and control.

Are you interested in bringing digital signage into your Tennessee organization in Nashville, TN? Keep reading to learn three ways you can include this technology with a commercial AV installation.

Boost Productivity and Sales with Commercial AV Solutions in Nashville

Audio-visual systems are essential for driving the success of your business. We serve Nashville businesses with top-notch installations, helping them seamlessly integrate multimedia presentations, ads, and messaging to achieve better retention and responses from prospective clients. Commercial audio-video systems can deliver crucial information when you need to draw shoppers into your store, set the mood in a restaurant, and communicate effectively with global partners.

Continue reading below to learn how integrating dynamic sights and sounds helps you reach your business goals in Nashville, TN.

Outdoor Shades Provide Added Style, UV Protection, and More

Outdoor patio spaces are perfect for chatting with visitors, reading a book, or playing with children. But during the peak heat of the day, sitting outside in the direct sunlight can zap your energy, not to mention fade your beautiful patio decor. Motorized shades are the perfect solution and an example of how smart home technology makes your life easier.

Continue reading to learn more about the four benefits of motorized outdoor shades, including adding aesthetics to your Franklin, TN, home.

Professionally designed illumination adds to your home's safety, security, & attractiveness. 

You have put a lot of time and money into making sure your home's exterior and surrounding property shine; why would you hide it from view at night? The use of exterior illumination and landscape lighting fixtures furnishes you with the power to create a bit of atmosphere and mood, showing off the grounds in fascinating and dramatic ways. 

When you think of outdoor entertaining, the first things that come to mind are outdoor televisions and speakers. While these elements make your backyard more fun, combining lighting design, your vision, and smart home automation, you can enhance your house's security, safety, and appeal.  

Are you curious about the possibilities of landscape lighting for your Brentwood, TN home? Continue reading below to learn more.  

Providing Privacy, Protection, Style, and Convenience to Your Tennessee Home

Sometimes, natural light is the best way to brighten up your home. Other times, you may want your home's blinds closed for privacy or security reasons. Installing motorized window treatments in your Nashville, TN, home prevents you from going around your rooms and manually opening and closing your shades. Instead, you can tap a button and open and close your shades, even if you are away. Here are five reasons to consider installing motorized window treatments.

This Summer, You Can Have Audiophile Quality Whether In the Sun Or Under The Stars

The longer days and warmer temperatures are finally upon us, which means more time spent outdoors with family and friends. Whether you celebrate a birthday, graduation, or serve up the neighborhood with your favorite ribs from the barbeque, music over landscape speakers makes it better. 

When your favorite songs play outside, the pool shimmers a brighter blue, the grass is greener, and the stars seem closer. It is unclear what artist will emerge as this year's summer theme, but we will all be singing and enjoying our time together. 

Are you eager to make the most out of your Franklin, TN, property this season? Continue reading below to discover how good it can be. 

Energy-Efficient, Beautiful Lighting at Your Fingertips

Remember the “Clap On, Clap Off” commercial, which advertised a product that turned your lights on and off with two claps? This iconic commercial and product were, for many people, the first glimpse of how convenient home lighting could be.

Modern home lighting automation does so much more than just turn lights on and off—it creates a personalized experience that adapts to your lifestyle. Imagine your lights adjusting automatically throughout the day, welcoming you home in the evening, and setting the perfect ambiance for family gatherings or hosting events.

Let’s look at how the latest smart lighting control systems are transforming homes in Nashville, TN.

SEE ALSO: 4 Tips to Get the Most Out of an Outdoor Lighting System

Beauty Redefined

At Prodigy AV, we work with top brands like Lutron to bring the most advanced lighting technology to your home. Lutron’s Ketra offers the world’s most advanced lighting solutions with LED bulbs that can transform into every color in the visible light spectrum. Whether you’re setting an arctic blue mood in the bathroom, highlighting artwork with custom lighting that reveals every detail, or bringing your outdoor spaces to life with stunning colors, your lighting becomes a design feature all its own.