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.