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Audio & Video System Installation
We provide you with tips on how to build technology into your child's
room: gateways, A/V distribution systems, telephone systems, and
monitoring devices.
By tying together any number of electronic systems (audio, video,
security, lighting, etc.), a home control system lets you manage
your home with ease.
Of all the electronic amenities available to a new home, none are
quite as enjoyable as a whole-house music system. Distributing tunes
from one stereo system to speakers in far corners of a house is
nothing new. Handy homeowners have been stringing wire from their
stereo receivers to new speakers for years. But there is a limit
to how many speakers a standard stereo amplifier can support. Plus,
you may have to hoof it back to the stereo system to adjust the
volume or switch from a CD player to a DSS receiver. As long as
your home is unfinished, invest in a whole-house music system that's
convenient to use and safely transports songs without blowing up
an amp.
Videoconferencing (TANDBERG)
Videoconferencing is the most immediately involved in supporting
human communication and its primary role must be described as enabling
people to communicate with other people at point of need without
barriers associated with geography.
TANDBERG is a leading global provider of collaborative communication
solutions. The company designs, develops and manufactures videoconferencing
systems and management software. TANDBERGs Architecture for the
Collaborative-Communications Enterprise (ACE) the industrys first
solution architecture that embraces open standards, promotes multi-vendor
interoperability, and leverages existing network infrastructure
allows customers to develop strategic, comprehensive and fully integrated
Web, voice and video collaborative solutions.
Home Automation
A home automation system doesn't have to boggle your mind or wipe
out your pocketbook. Find out how to add value and convenience to
your new or existing home with an automation system.
Home Theater
According to estimates by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA),
nearly 20 million American households own a complete home theater
system. All it takes, according to the CEA's definition, is a TV
set with a diagonal screen size of at least 25 inches, a video source
such as a hi-fi VCR or a DVD player, a surround sound-equipped stereo
receiver and four or more speakers.
A dedicated home theater, a room that has been set aside exclusively
for watching movies, should include a two-piece projection system
(a front projector and a screen) and a high-end surround system
to evoke a realistic movie theater experience. A basement, a spare
bedroom or even a garage can be converted into a full-fledged home
theater. Dedicated home theaters are typically designed and installed
by a professional, but an accomplished do-it-yourselfer may be able
to complete a large part of the project himself.
Structured Wiring
The backbone of any home network is its wiring. Learn how to select
a structured wiring package for your home, how much you should pay
and what you should expect the various kinds of wire to do for you.
Security System
A security system offers basic peace of mind, as well as conveniences
such as the ability to control lights and thermostats.
If you want to mount a camera outdoors, such as over the front door
or at the pool, make sure you choose a camera manufactured out of
weatherproof materials. The wider the area you want to cover, the
wider the viewing angle you will want on your camera. If you're
using a camera at the front door, select one with audio support
so that you can talk to visitors.
A video surveillance system can cost anywhere from $50 to several
thousand dollars. If you're building a new home, run wire to any
locations in which you think you might eventually want to watch;
you can always add cameras later.
Phone System
Phone systems are advanced communications systems that handle multiple
lines and multiple extensions-like office phone systems-and should
be hardwired while a new home's walls are still open. The "brain"
of a hardwired phone system is a key system unit (KSU). This is
usually mounted in the utility room or basement. Every telephone
has to be wired to this box. Outside phone lines enter the house
and are routed through the KSU to individual phone stations (or
voice mailboxes) in the house.
A multi-functional KSU phone system should be able to intercom room-to-room,
receive faxes, store voice mail and more. An auto-attendant, hold,
transfer and paging are all standard features. Look for a system
phone with an easy-to-read display, especially if you want to integrate
higher-level services such as Caller ID. You want an interface that's
easy for your family to use. However, purchasing services like voice
mail and Caller ID may be less expensive-and equally effective-through
your local telephone company.
Lighting System
Learn how to select a lighting system for your home, how much you
should pay, and what you should expect from a hardwired vs. a wireless
system.
Lighting control systems can set dramatic scenes with the push of
a button, adding ambiance and elegance to any room.
Let there be light! A lighting control system can reflect and enhance
just about any mood you want in any room of your house. Whether
you need a couple of dimmers in a room or a sophisticated control
system, learn how to choose everything from the proper wiring to
the right keypad. Lighting If you are building your home theater
at the same time as the rest of your house, you can easily integrate
a lighting system into your plans and connect it with the whole-house
system. If your home theater is part of a high-tech remodeling job,
you can add a single-room lighting solution such as the Spacer System
from Lutron.
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