Do you ever wish there was a way to make your work go smoother? You can with smart automation! Find out how smart office solutions can benefit you today!

<p>Wouldn't it be nice if you could automate more things in your life &mdash; like your work life? Actually, you can! There are plenty of smart office solutions that make each day more efficient, so you have less work stress!</p>
<p>But what is a smart office? It's a high-tech hybrid workplace with automated services that improve productivity. And the beauty of it is that it doesn't matter if you work from home or in the office &mdash; smart office solutions can benefit anyone!</p>
<p>What type of smart office solutions can help you? Let's take a look!</p>
<h2>Benefits of Smart Office Solutions</h2>
<p><img alt="Luxury home office space" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2023/CI_Smart-Office-Solutions_1.jpg" title="CI_Smart-Office-Solutions_1.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>Before we go into the types of smart office solutions, knowing how you'll benefit from them is essential. When you work from home, automating your workspace makes it easier to tailor your work area to your exact needs so that you can be more productive. In the office, smart office solutions can:</p>
<ul>
<li>Improve efficiency and productivity.</li>
<li>Make tasks more efficient.</li>
<li>Create a better collaborative environment.</li>
<li>Increase security with WiFi sensors and video monitoring.</li>
<li>Save time when scheduling meetings, managing meeting rooms, and overseeing calendars.</li>
<li>Sharing and accessing data is more straightforward, which makes collaborating a breeze.</li>
<li>Reduce operation costs by controlling the lighting, temperature, and more.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Video Monitoring</h2>
<p>Now that you know the benefits of automating your office, let's review some key solutions you can't pass up. Smart video monitoring is a must at home or in the office. You can help prevent theft, monitor different locations from a single source, and more with video monitoring.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>In Office:</strong> Video monitoring provides general security and analysis of your work environment, making it easier to see areas of improvement.</li>
<li><strong>At Home:</strong> You'll have a better overview of what's happening at home while you're working, like if the kiddos are doing their homework if the pets are behaving, or see when you get deliveries.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Pro Tip:</strong> Combine video monitoring with a smart security system to increase your security and have the option of professional monitoring services!</p>
<h2>Smart Climate Control</h2>
<p>Comfort is essential for working environments &mdash; and smart climate control systems provide just that! By automating temperature regulation, you can maintain a comfortable temperature in your office or home, which will only benefit your productivity.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>In Office:</strong> Smart climate control detects people's preferences and usage patterns to regulate temperature and keep battles over the thermostat to a minimum (especially if each work zone has its own climate-controlled system!).</li>
<li><strong>At Home:</strong> Keep your home office temperature comfy to your specific needs. And if you're the only one at home, you can adjust it, so the climate control is focused on your office space and not the entire house, so you can save energy!</li>
</ul>
<h2>Lighting Control</h2>
<p><img alt="Smart office with darkened lights to mimic the time outside" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2023/CI_Smart-Office-Solutions_2.jpg" title="CI_Smart-Office-Solutions_2.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>Along with climate control, smart lighting goes a long way to ensuring everyone's comfort. These control systems allow you to adjust the amount of light in the room according to your preferences. You can even use circadian lighting (or human-centric lighting), which mimics natural light throughout the day as you work and help keep your sleep-wake cycle balanced!</p>
<p>So, if you feel like the lack of natural light contributes to work fatigue, don't worry &mdash; with this circadian lighting on your smart network, you can make a big difference in the overall health of you and your employees! Whether you work at home or in the office, you can only benefit from giving your lights a smart boost.</p>
<p><strong>Pro Tip:</strong> Add smart shades to your office space for better lighting control and save on energy costs!</p>
<h2>Voice Control</h2>
<p>Voice control makes it easier to control your surroundings. Instead of being chained to your smart devices, you can use voice commands, so you use your time more efficiently!</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>In Office:</strong> use voice control to help book conference rooms, start a phone call, send an email, and get reminders throughout the day &mdash; no more piles of sticky notes and notebooks containing all your things!</li>
<li><strong>At Home:</strong> you can expand on the in-office benefits by connecting to your entire smart home system, like controlling the temperature, lights, shades, sound (mood music is a great motivator), and your security system!</li>
</ul>
<h2>Smart Entry</h2>
<p><img alt="Woman using smartphone to access the office" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2023/CI_Smart-Office-Solutions_3.jpg" title="CI_Smart-Office-Solutions_3.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>Another must-have smart office solution is using smart entry technology. This smart solution ensures greater security by providing easier yet more secure access to the office building. It helps record who enters and leaves the facility so you can monitor activity more closely.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>In Office:</strong> Use mobile credentials to access the office, grant access to non-employees when needed easier, and you'll have fewer calls of people getting locked out or triggering the alarm! Now you can do away with all those key fobs!</li>
<li><strong>At Home:</strong> With similar techs like smart door locks and smart doorbells, you can see who's coming to the door, keep an eye on your deliveries, and get rid of keys! You can use specialized codes, your smartphone, smartwatch, or geofencing to lock or unlock your front door, AND you can create custom codes for each person in your home to see who's coming and going!</li>
</ul>
<h2>Smart Conference Rooms</h2>
<p><img alt="Conference room with smart panel just beside the door" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2023/CI_Smart-Office-Solutions_4.jpg" title="CI_Smart-Office-Solutions_4.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>Smart conference rooms are becoming increasingly popular due to their better oversight of all meetings. With smart conference systems, it's easier to book meeting spaces, share information and documents with participants, and keep track of who attended the meetings.</p>
<p>These smart conference rooms even integrate other software, so you can order catering and send alerts from the conference room. These can even help automate visitor check-ins and provide directions to where they need to go.</p>
<h2>Smart Desks</h2>
<p>You might not know this, but smart desks are a thing &mdash; they work like smart conference rooms, but it's just a desk. Smart desks are ideal for hot desking &mdash; the practice where multiple people use a single desk at different times. This smart solution makes it easy for teams to collaborate on ideas while providing each person with an ergonomic workspace they can use anytime they need.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>In Office:</strong> Keeps track of who reserved the space, finds employees in different parts of the building, monitors shared office space, helps you find any open task for the day, and makes it easier to find available desks when you need to work on a task.</li>
<li><strong>At Home:</strong> With a smart desk, sharing your office space with another person (like your significant other) is easier. These come with alerts, presets, easy-to-use controls, and standing capabilities so you work more efficiently and are not always in a sedentary position.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Work Smart!</h2>
<p><img alt="Concept of high-tech office space working efficiently" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2023/CI_Smart-Office-Solutions_5.jpg" title="CI_Smart-Office-Solutions_5.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>With these smart office solutions in mind, your workdays will become much easier and more productive! So, if you're ready to <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.real-av.com/catalog/electronics-automation-control/" target="_blank">automate</a></span> your office space, Real AV has you covered! Our expertise means that you don't have to worry about setups, installs, or anything &mdash; we make it work for you!</p>
<p>Don't hesitate to get started; <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.real-av.com/contacts/" target="_blank">call us</a></span> for an appointment today!</p>

Smart Automation: How Smart Office Solutions Can Benefit Your Work Life

How do you get the best Super Bowl party the whole neighborhood will remember? With the ultimate home theater! Learn more about what that takes today!

<p>Preparing for the Super Bowl takes more than planning which chips and dip to serve &mdash; especially if you want the best Super Bowl party ever. For that, you'll need to do some more planning, especially with your home theater.</p>
<p>And if you don't have a home theater, you're already behind! Check out the five essentials you'll need to make this game day the one the neighborhood will never forget!</p>
<h2>1. Huge Projector &amp; Screen</h2>
<p><img alt="Home theater with big projector screen" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2023/CI_Best-Super-Bowl-Party-to-Remember_1.jpg" title="CI_Best-Super-Bowl-Party-to-Remember_1.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>The first step to a memorable Super Bowl party is a big screen &mdash; and we mean huge! While you could go with a big screen 4K UHD TV, a projector will provide a flexible screen size so everyone can see every part of the action. And for even more flexibility, an ultra-short throw projector will take up less space and still have the benefits of a huge screen. Regardless of your choice, ensure the refresh rate is 120 Hz minimum and a 4K resolution, so you can capture all that action live and in the perfect picture!</p>
<p>With a projector, you'll also need a screen that does the picture justice. The size is up to the size of your room, but you should definitely look for an ambient light-rejecting (ALR) projector screen. These are engineered to only reflect the light coming from an ultra-short-throw projector sitting directly below and reject other light sources.</p>
<p><strong>Pro Tip:</strong> You can even make the projector screen retractable and disappear into the floor or ceiling when not in use!</p>
<h2>2. Never Miss A Second</h2>
<p>Don't worry about missing a single second of Super Bowl Sunday just because you had to leave the room &mdash; just use video distribution. Similar to what you'd see in an electronics store, you need a video switch that shares a single video source between multiple screens to show the same picture simultaneously.</p>
<p>This will help minimize your need for multiple sources (and all those cables and wires!). And if you add video distribution to your smart home, you can effortlessly turn on and keep track of every display with your smart device. So, if you want to add a screen to your kitchen or bathroom, why not?</p>
<p><strong>Pro Tip:</strong> Setting up video distribution can be tricky; as your local custom integrators to set it up for you!</p>
<h2>3. Smart Shades</h2>
<p><img alt="Home theater with blackout drapes" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2023/CI_Best-Super-Bowl-Party-to-Remember_2.jpg" title="CI_Best-Super-Bowl-Party-to-Remember_2.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>Nobody wants Super Bowl Sunday to be plagued by random street noises or sun glare &mdash; that's why it's a good idea to invest in smart shades for your home theater. These smart shades pull tight over window frames to keep out any unwanted light and sound from outside so you can focus on enjoying the game day atmosphere!</p>
<p>That way, your home theater will look even more like an actual movie theater, which is perfect for the big game!</p>
<p><strong>Pro Tip:</strong> Smart shades come in various styles and patterns to match your current design style! Some of your existing shades can even be retrofitted to motorized shades, but ask your local integrators for more information!</p>
<h2>4. Smart Lighting</h2>
<p><img alt="Home theater with colored lights" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2023/CI_Best-Super-Bowl-Party-to-Remember_3.jpg" title="CI_Best-Super-Bowl-Party-to-Remember_3.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>With lighting, you need just enough to see your snacks and where to go but not too much that it ruins the picture. That's why you should invest in smart lighting, so you can have the flexibility to dim or brighten the lights according to your Super Bowl needs.</p>
<p>You can even get creative and set smaller lights to dim with your teams' colors or automate it so that the lights flash in your colors whenever your team scores! And you can bring the game day fun to the outside of your house with landscape lighting that also features your favorite team colors!</p>
<h2>5. Wham! Did You Hear That Tackle?</h2>
<p>Half the fun of a Super Bowl party is watching the game, and the other half is hearing it! The standard speakers with your TV or projector won't be enough to capture every hit or commentary from the announcers. Instead, look for a surround sound system with Dolby Atmos technology, which will provide three-dimensional sound that makes it feel like you're on the field.</p>
<p>And if you don't want any visible speakers taking up space in your home theater, consider installing drywall speakers instead! You'll still get the unmistakable sound you want and the style to make your neighbors green with envy!</p>
<h2>Touchdown!</h2>
<p><img alt="Super Bowl stadium with confetti and fireworks" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2023/CI_Best-Super-Bowl-Party-to-Remember_4.jpg" title="CI_Best-Super-Bowl-Party-to-Remember_4.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>It's never too early to start making your <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.real-av.com/catalog/home-audio/" target="_blank">home theater</a></span> game-day-ready. And that's where Real AV comes in! Our experts will help you set up the ultimate game day haven that is the talk of the neighborhood. Everyone will always want to come to see the action at your house!</p>
<p>So, if you're ready to get started, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.real-av.com/contacts/" target="_blank">contact us</a></span> today! We'll set you up with a consultation appointment to review your options!</p>

5 Ways to Achieve the Best Super Bowl Party the Whole Neighborhood Will Remember

Winter is here and keeping warm is our mission. But what if smart technology can help? Check out the smart way to winterize your home today!

<p>Winter is in full swing and boy, can you feel those temperatures drop. And trying to keep your house warm through all the temperature lows and horrible weather is a challenge. In the past, you've probably had to re-caulk your windows, install heavier drapes, put in weatherstripping, or even stuff old rolled-up blankets under drafty doors &mdash; that's a lot of work!</p>
<p>But it turns out there's a smart way to winterize your home &mdash; through smart home automation! With the right set of smart devices, you'll make winterizing that much more straightforward. And we'll go over just what those are!</p>
<h2>1. Smart Thermostats</h2>
<p><img alt="Smart device showing warm temperature in the house" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2023/CI_Winterize-Home-the-Smart-Way_1.jpg" title="CI_Winterize-Home-the-Smart-Way_1.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>Let's start with a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats keep your home cozy, but more importantly, they also help save on energy costs! They can sense how much energy each room uses and adjust accordingly to pinpoint problem areas, monitor the temperature in each room, remotely control the temperature, and automatically place the best settings for the home.</p>
<p>So, instead of leaving your HVAC system to run all day, you can tailor it to your needs. For instance, if everyone is out of the house during the day, you can create a "daytime" setting where the thermostat is at its lowest setting and only starts to warm up the house within 20 minutes of everyone arriving home. Or you can use geo-fencing to warm up the house once it senses you're nearby!</p>
<h2>2. Smart Shades</h2>
<p><img alt="Smart shades that are down at the same time" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2023/CI_Winterize-Home-the-Smart-Way_2.jpg" title="CI_Winterize-Home-the-Smart-Way_2.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>Even with the longer nights and icy winter days, there's still plenty of sunlight, which you can maximize by installing smart blinds. Smart blinds will open and close at specific times according to your schedule or through sensing the optimum sunlight levels with the sensors, allowing you to warm your home more naturally.</p>
<p>You can also coordinate your smart blinds with other devices like your smart thermostat to help keep a consistent temperature. You can even have your smart lights coordinate with your shades as well, so you're never in complete darkness!</p>
<h2>3. Smart Leak Detectors</h2>
<p><img alt="Water leak sensor alert" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2023/CI_Winterize-Home-the-Smart-Way_3.jpg" title="CI_Winterize-Home-the-Smart-Way_3.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>Whether you're going away on vacation or live in an area where things freeze over, it's a great idea to install a smart leak detector! Anything can cause your pipes to leak, but your pipes freezing over is a major cause.</p>
<p>With a smart leak detector, it will sense when water flow is acting unusual and then shut off the valve &mdash; no overflowing leaks here! You can also customize the settings for when the leak detector will shut off the valve and receive personalized analytics of your home's water system. Either way, you'll avoid costly damages, save water, and prevent mold build-up!</p>
<p><strong>Pro Tip:</strong> You can add smart leak or smart water detectors to any water source, including your water heater!</p>
<h2>4. Smart Outdoor Lights</h2>
<p>Of course, winter brings longer nights (that always seem to start at 5 pm!), but that doesn't mean you can't add some light with smart outdoor lights! You can set up automatic timers, motion sensors, or geo-fencing so that your outdoor lights come on right when needed. No more stepping on an icy sidewalk for you &mdash; now you'll be able to see where you're going whenever you leave or enter the house.</p>
<p>You can also program your lights to come on at certain intervals while you're away on vacation so it looks like your home.</p>
<h2>5. Smart Security</h2>
<p><img alt="Monitoring smart security with smartphone" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2023/CI_Winterize-Home-the-Smart-Way_4.jpg" title="CI_Winterize-Home-the-Smart-Way_4.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>Speaking of going away on vacation, a smart security system is a must-have for all winter endeavors (and let's face it, it's helpful year-round, too!). Smart security systems utilize door sensors, motion sensors, and video surveillance to protect your property, letting you monitor everything from wherever you are.</p>
<p>So, if you want to go on vacation but are worried about leaving your home vulnerable &mdash; don't! Your smart security system will take care of that.</p>
<h2>BONUS: Other Winterizing Solutions</h2>
<p>The last winterizing solutions you should consider should include a smart humidifier and IoT tiles. A smart humidifier will increase the moisture in a given room on a schedule so you can avoid dehydrated skin or irritated nasal passages. The humidifier will also alert you when to refill the tank.</p>
<p>IoT tiles are sensors you can place near your valuables, like musical instruments, antique furniture, or car batteries in a garage, that will sense when temperatures or humidity get too low or too high. That way, you can protect your valuables from any harmful weather fluctuations.</p>
<h2>Stay Warm!</h2>
<p>There you have it: the smart way to winterize your home, so you stay warm and cozy all season long! And the best way to get started on your <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.real-av.com/catalog/electronics-automation-control/" target="_blank">smart winterizing</a></span> journey is with Real AV! Our experts have years of experience and will set your smart home to your specifications.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.real-av.com/contacts/" target="_blank">Contact us</a></span> today to set up your consultation appointment, and we'll help you get started!</p>

5 Ways to Winterize Your Home with Smart Technology [+1 Bonus!]

Color changing lights and easy access to LED lighting are two things a smart home lighting system can do. Learn about other benefits here!

<p>Smart home automation features cover a wide spectrum these days. From smart thermostats to smart doorbells, you can set your home up to handle a variety of components. But one type of automation system you can add to your home that you shouldn&rsquo;t overlook is a smart home lighting system.</p>
<p>From ultra convenience to health benefits, find out the seven reasons why you should add this helpful device to your home!</p>
<h2>1. Convenience of Setup and Control</h2>
<p><img alt="Smart home lighting control from smartphone" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q4_2022/CI_Smart-Home-Lighting_1.jpg" title="CI_Smart-Home-Lighting_1.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>When you add a smart home lighting system to your house, you gain the convenience of setup and control. You can access the setup of your lighting system from wherever you are and control all aspects of your lights, whether you&rsquo;re home or not. So, for those times you really don&rsquo;t want to get up to turn the light on or off, now you don&rsquo;t have to! Just use your smart device instead from wherever you are!</p>
<h2>2. Circadian Lighting</h2>
<p>Circadian lighting is a type of smart lighting that can be set on a schedule so that the color, temperature, and brightness of the bulbs can change throughout the day. This type of setup adjusts the atmosphere of your home, so you have the right type of lighting at specific times throughout the day.</p>
<p>By using this feature and changing the bulb's aspects at certain times, you can even sleep better or feel more energized, depending on what hour of the day it is. Since lighting can often affect our mood and overall health and wellness, you can&rsquo;t go wrong with using circadian lighting.</p>
<h2>3. LED Lighting</h2>
<p><img alt="Close up of hand turning LED lights on from phone" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q4_2022/CI_Smart-Home-Lighting_2.jpg" title="CI_Smart-Home-Lighting_2.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>Smart home LED lighting is energy-efficient lighting you can control with the touch of a few buttons. LED lights are six times more energy efficient when compared to incandescent lighting. These lights use less energy than their incandescent counterparts and therefore run longer. With the help of a smart home lighting system, you can program LED lights to work best in your home and power on and off when you&rsquo;d like them to do so.</p>
<h2>4. Dimming/Non-Dimming Switches</h2>
<p><img alt="Woman dimming lights from smartphone" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q4_2022/CI_Smart-Home-Lighting_3.jpg" title="CI_Smart-Home-Lighting_3.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>When you have a smart home lighting system, you can control your dimming and non-dimming light switches even easier. You can remotely turn lights on and off, and then, if they have dimming features, you can dim the lights for some added ambiance in the room.</p>
<p>Some lights even have voice control, so you only need to speak the wake words and your command to get the desired effect!</p>
<h2>5. Fan Speed Control</h2>
<p>In addition to lighting controls, a smart home lighting system also provides you access to fan speed control. Oftentimes your fan has a switch on the wall, and if it&rsquo;s a programmable switch, you can adjust your fan speed simply by pushing a few buttons on your smartphone. You don&rsquo;t even have to move from your seat!</p>
<h2>6. Powers Shades for Natural Lighting</h2>
<p><img alt="Smart shades letting in natural lights" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q4_2022/CI_Smart-Home-Lighting_4.jpg" title="CI_Smart-Home-Lighting_4.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>Another aspect of your smart home that smart lighting makes easier is your smart shades. So, if you want to let in outdoor light easily, you can set up your powered window shades to operate with your smart home lighting system.</p>
<p>The smart home system may allow you to open and close your window shades, which lets the sunshine in during the morning hours and provides you with privacy when it starts to get dark outside. And you can even set up your lights to turn on once the shades or up, or even have them motion-activated!</p>
<h2>7. Color Changing Lighting</h2>
<p><img alt="Living room with color-changing lights" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q4_2022/CI_Smart-Home-Lighting_5.jpg" title="CI_Smart-Home-Lighting_5.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>Lights that change colors are also popular these days, and a smart home lighting system is just the thing to get the most out of it. You can add a party atmosphere to any room with color-changing lights and have the same convenience and control as the other lights in your system.</p>
<p>Plus, if you want to add a calming vibe to your room, you can choose a color that helps you relax. You can often choose one steady color or have the colors change periodically, depending on your mood &mdash; the choice is yours!</p>
<h2>Lights On!</h2>
<p>No longer do lights have to be for illumination purposes only; now, you can add the ambiance you crave and receive health benefits, too! With a smart home lighting system, you can sit back, relax, and let the system handle your lighting needs for you. And Real AV, has the plans and expertise to get your <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.real-av.com/catalog/home-control-lighting/" target="_blank">smart lighting</a></span> perfect!</p>
<p>So, don&rsquo;t wait! <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.real-av.com/contacts/" target="_blank">Call us today</a></span> to set up your consultation appointment!</p>

7 Reasons Why You Need a Smart Home Lighting System

Finally ready to jump on the smart home bandwagon? Don't just start buying gadgets — you need a smart automation system for true automation! Learn more today!

<p>Smart home automation is full of flashy devices and futuristic technology, so you might be tempted to go out and find the shiniest smart devices you see. But don't!</p>
<p>You can't piece together a smart home system and expect everything to run&nbsp;smoothly &mdash; it's just too hard! Don't worry; we'll walk you through what you need to do to get started on your smart automation journey!</p>
<h2>The Disadvantages of Going Gadget by Gadget</h2>
<p><img alt="Woman trying to connect wireless security camera" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q4_2022/CI_Which-Smart-Devices-to-Buy_1.jpg" title="CI_Which-Smart-Devices-to-Buy_1.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>There are a few reasons why you shouldn't just go out and start buying smart devices willy-nilly. For one, it's tough to find compatible devices. Not all devices use the same platform or even speak the same language, so unless you do your research, you might end up with a bunch of expensive paperweights.</p>
<p>It's also tough to know how all your devices will work together. Unless you're an expert in home automation (or willing to become one), getting everything set up correctly will be difficult. Even then, there's no guarantee that your devices will play nice together &mdash; you might find yourself constantly troubleshooting issues.</p>
<h2>The Benefits of Whole Home Automation</h2>
<p><img alt="Man using smart home system with phone" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q4_2022/CI_Which-Smart-Devices-to-Buy_2.jpg" title="CI_Which-Smart-Devices-to-Buy_2.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>So, if gadget-by-gadget is no good, then what? You need a smart home system &mdash; whole house automation that takes care of everything from your thermostat to lights to security. And the benefits of smart systems far outweigh the idea of trying to sort everything out by the device.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Better Efficiency:</strong> Each device connected to the system speaks the same language and runs more efficiently.</li>
<li><strong>Real-Time Monitoring:</strong> Keep track of all your connected devices, including smart lights, smart thermostats, smart security systems, and smart locks.</li>
<li><strong>Fine-Tune Comfort:</strong> Set a light, thermostat, and shade schedule to fit your comfort, set up your music however you want, and more.</li>
<li><strong>Peace of Mind:</strong> Get real-time alerts for break-ins, unauthorized movement, and whenever a device needs your attention.</li>
<li><strong>Save Energy</strong>: Reduce energy waste by fine-tuning your smart thermostat, timing your smart shades, and adjusting your lights.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Why should you rely on custom integrators?</h2>
<p>As we said before, buying smart devices piece by piece means dealing with multiple interfaces that might not communicate with each other. But even with whole house automation, those interfaces can be tricky. Luckily, that's what smart custom integrators are for &mdash; they know how to design and install a system that fits your specific needs while configuring it to one interface.</p>
<p>Custom integrators see what you want to achieve in your home, look at what's possible in your current layout, and then plan your whole system. They even think ahead for future changes so that your equipment is easy to update and help configure for new software changes and updates. And what's even better is that they know how to secure each device to protect your information.</p>
<h2>What do you want your home to do?</h2>
<p><img alt="Happy woman controlling home with smart device" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q4_2022/CI_Which-Smart-Devices-to-Buy_3.jpg" title="CI_Which-Smart-Devices-to-Buy_3.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>Now that you know what your custom integrator can do, it's time to think about what you want your smart home to look like. What do you want your smart home to accomplish for you?</p>
<ul>
<li>Do you want to keep an eye on things with a security system that sends camera feeds directly to your phone?</li>
<li>Do you want motion sensors on your windows and doors to know if someone comes in when you're not home?</li>
<li>Do you want your porch lights to turn on right before you pull into the driveway?</li>
<li>Do you want to unlock the front door with just your smartwatch?</li>
</ul>
<p>There is so much you can do with smart automation; the possibilities seem endless. So, be sure to keep in mind the daily actions in your house, like turning off the lights (again) before turning in or getting packages while you're away at work. Then talk to your integrator about ways you can automate the process. You'll be surprised at what's possible!</p>
<h2>Network Requirements</h2>
<p><img alt="Woman trying to connect smart devices to network" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q4_2022/CI_Which-Smart-Devices-to-Buy_4.jpg" title="CI_Which-Smart-Devices-to-Buy_4.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>Before we wrap things up, let's briefly touch on the network requirements for whole home automation. And every smart home automation system is different; some work on Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, Zigbee, or Bluetooth. But as for Wi-Fi, you'll need a separate dedicated network to allow your devices to communicate with each other without interference.</p>
<p>As for your internet speed, you'll need to consider adding 5 Mbps to your internet plan for every ten smart devices, plus another five if you're installing cameras.</p>
<p>But don't worry about all the requirements just yet &mdash; your integrator will handle all your network requirements!</p>
<h2>Upgrade Today</h2>
<p>So, there you have it! We hope this has convinced you to ditch the gadgets and go for <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.real-av.com/catalog/electronics-automation-control/" target="_blank">whole home automation</a></span> instead. It might seem a lot initially, but we promise it'll be worth it in the end! And at Real AV, we'll help you with every step!</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.real-av.com/contacts/" target="_blank">Give us a call</a></span> today to set up your consultation appointment, and we'll help you get started!</p>

Smart Home Automation: Should You Buy the Devices First, or Get a Whole System?

Are you unsure of what human-centric lighting is, and how it can benefit you? Here’s everything you need to know.

<p>If you're like most people, you probably think of light as nothing more than a tool to help you see. But did you know that light can also greatly impact your mood and energy levels? That's where human-centric lighting (HCL) comes in. HCL is a type of lighting designed to promote well-being by matching the natural rhythms of daylight. It's been shown to improve moods, increase productivity, and even reduce stress levels. So if you're looking for a way to make your property or business more inviting and comfortable for both you and your guests, HCL may be just what you need.</p>
<p>Ready to learn more? Here's everything you need to know about human-centric lighting.</p>
<h2>How Does Human-Centric Lighting Work?</h2>
<p><img alt="LED strip light in home" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q4_2022/CI_human-centric-lighting_1.jpg" title="CI_human-centric-lighting_1.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>HCL is based on the premise that our bodies are naturally attuned to the rhythms of daylight. For instance, we tend to be more alert and productive during the daytime hours when there is more natural light available. And at night, our bodies naturally start to wind down as the sun sets and darkness falls. HCL mimics these natural rhythms by modulating the color temperature, intensity, and light distribution throughout the day. This allows people to maintain a healthy balance of light exposure regardless of the time of day or year.</p>
<p>There are two main types of HCL systems: those that use LED lights and those that don't. LED-based HCL systems are more energy efficient and have a longer lifespan than traditional lighting systems. They also offer more flexibility in terms of light output and color temperature. Non-LED HCL also offers improved energy efficiency and more enhanced light quality.</p>
<h2>What Are the Benefits of Human-Centric Lighting?</h2>
<p><img alt="person adjusting light temp" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q4_2022/CI_human-centric-lighting_2.jpg" title="CI_human-centric-lighting_2.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>HCL has been shown to have a number of benefits, both for office workers and for people at home. In general, HCL is believed to improve well-being by providing light that better resembles natural sunlight. This can help to regulate circadian rhythms and improve sleep quality. HCL systems can be especially beneficial for those who suffer from sensitivities to light.<br />Additionally, HCL has been linked with increased productivity and enhanced mood.</p>
<p>For office workers, HCL can provide a number of benefits. For instance, office workers that use HCL see lower levels of eye strain and headaches. They also have a higher quality of sleep and feel more productive during the day. Some studies even found that HCL improved task performance and reduced errors among office workers.</p>
<p>HCL is becoming increasingly popular in workplaces as it allows employees to adjust the light settings (such as brightness and temperature) to suit their needs. This can be a big advantage for those working night shifts or in other situations where traditional lighting may be disruptive.</p>
<h2>How Can I Use Human-Centric Lighting at Home?</h2>
<p><img alt="living room with HCL" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q4_2022/CI_human-centric-lighting_3.jpg" title="CI_human-centric-lighting_3.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>There are a few different ways to use HCL at home. One option is to purchase an HCL system with LED bulbs that can be controlled using a smartphone app. The app allows you to set the light output and color temperature, as well as create schedules that mimic natural light throughout the day. They also allow you to voice-activate your light system.</p>
<p>Another option to consider is to use daylight simulation bulbs. These bulbs emit a soft light that gradually gets brighter over the course of 30 minutes, simulating a natural sunrise. This can help you to wake up feeling more rested and refreshed.</p>
<p>A popular type of human-centric lighting system is the task lighting system. This system is designed to help you see clearly and focus on specific tasks. It uses bright white light to create a clear contrast between colors. This type of system is ideal for both homes and businesses. It can be used to improve productivity or simply to make tasks like reading or cooking easier.</p>
<p><img alt="Led light at the edge of ceiling" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q4_2022/CI_human-centric-lighting_4.jpg" title="CI_human-centric-lighting_4.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>Ultimately, human-centric lighting systems are all about creating an environment that makes you feel comfortable and productive. They can be used in both homes and businesses to improve quality of life and productivity. Remember, it's important to consult with a qualified lighting expert to ensure that the system is installed correctly and meets all safety standards. If you're interested in learning more about human-centric lighting systems, be sure to <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.real-av.com/contacts/" target="_blank">schedule a consultation</a></span>, and our experts at Real AV can help you find the right <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.real-av.com/catalog/home-control-lighting/" target="_blank">lighting solution</a></span>!</p>

What Is Human-Centric Lighting and How Can It Benefit You?

Ever wonder if your voice assistant is listening to your every conversation? Don't wonder; Discover how to protect your security the right way today!

<p>Voice assistants are a marvel of convenience &mdash; they handle so many things. They can tell you the weather, order food, turn off the lights, play music, read emails, access your calendar, and scroll through your contacts.</p>
<p>But is this technological marvel always listening? In a nutshell, yes, it could be eavesdropping on your conversations! Not to mention it has access to your various accounts and passwords, so if someone hacks it, your information is vulnerable.</p>
<p>However, that doesn't mean you have to stop using voice-assisted technology &mdash; you just need to beef up your security. But you don't have to do it yourself; we'll show you what increasing your security looks like and why you should trust your integrators to do the job for you!</p>
<h2>When is it Listening?</h2>
<p><img alt="Smart assistant ready to listen to command" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q4_2022/CI_Voice-Assistants-Security_1.jpg" title="CI_Voice-Assistants-Security_1.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>Voice assistants are designed to listen for their wake word constantly &mdash; like, "Hey Siri" or "Ok Google." Once they hear it, they can spring into action and perform the task you ask of them. However, sometimes they don't hear the wake word correctly and start recording your conversation without you realizing it.</p>
<p>And even when you do use it correctly, it records everything you say every time you use it. So, if you've ever told it a password, credit card information, or online banking information, your voice assistant has that information stored in its recordings &mdash; oops! But don't worry; there are ways to safeguard this:</p>
<ul>
<li>See when or how it stores data.</li>
<li>Set up alerts for when the voice assistant is listening.</li>
<li>Go into the app or your account and delete old or sensitive recordings.</li>
<li>Mute or turn off voice assistant after every use, so it doesn't turn on when you don't want it to.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Pro Tip:</strong> Avoid complications by not letting your passwords, online banking info, or credit card details be recorded.</p>
<h2>Settings</h2>
<p><img alt="Connecting smart home and voice assistant" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q4_2022/CI_Voice-Assistants-Security_2.jpg" title="CI_Voice-Assistants-Security_2.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>Speaking of settings, knowing how each one works and what it does is essential when using voice assistant technology. When you set up your voice assistant, it will ask you questions, like whether you want it to respond to anyone who speaks its wake word or just you. If you choose "just me," your voice assistant will require authentication before it takes action &mdash; even if someone says its wake word.</p>
<p>But there are other measures you can take, like having it auto-delete recordings. And most voice assistants have their own security measures, but some privacy policies are tricky. However, since there are so many default settings to configure, you're better off contacting your local integrator. These experts know how to set up your voice-assistant software so that it is more secure and come up with more secure solutions.</p>
<h2>Login</h2>
<p>There are many ways to safeguard voice assistants, but securing a strong password is an excellent place to start. This is true of any account, but since voice assistants deal with sensitive information AND a truckload of connected apps, devices, and automated settings, you need to be extra careful with your password.</p>
<p>Make sure it is a minimum of twelve characters, a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. And don't reuse passwords from other accounts; this way, if a hacker does manage to get into your other systems and try using the same password, they won't be able to get into your voice assistant.</p>
<h2>What's Connected?</h2>
<p>Your voice assistant is connected to your accounts, apps, and countless devices, such as your smart lights, smart locks, smart shades, smart thermostats, and various automation. It can get confusing, and while you can try adding a personal passcode to access your email, use a PIN to control who buys what, and only trust 3rd party apps from reputed publishes, it might not be enough. Some smart bulb and smart lock apps are vulnerable enough to allow hackers into your entire system!</p>
<p>With a custom integrator, you don't have to worry about that; They'll seamlessly connect the apps and devices you need with the safest settings and software. They'll know which smart devices, brands, and apps are more reputable and the least vulnerable to attacks, so your system is safe to use from the start!</p>
<p><strong>Pro Tip:</strong> As a precaution, never link to sensitive accounts or keep credit cards saved on any connected app or device.</p>
<h2>Multi-Factor Authentication</h2>
<p><img alt="Multi-factor authentication" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q4_2022/CI_Voice-Assistants-Security_3.jpg" title="CI_Voice-Assistants-Security_3.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>One of the best ways to protect your accounts and voice-assisted software is to enable multi-factor authentication (also called two-factor or two-step authentication). This adds another layer of security to your account, which usually requires an additional code sent to an email account or phone. So, even if someone does manage to hack into your voice assistant and get your password, they won't be able to log into your accounts without that second piece of information.</p>
<p>Most voice assistants should have the option of multi-factor authentication, but if for some reason it doesn't, or you can't find it, your custom integrator can help set it up.</p>
<h2>Secure Router/Wi-Fi</h2>
<p>Another way to protect your accounts is to ensure that your router and Wi-Fi are secure, since if someone can access your router, they can potentially access all your network devices &mdash; including your voice assistant and smart devices! To protect against this, you should make sure that your router is password-protected and that you're using a strong encryption protocol (which scrambles the information sent from your network) like WPA3 or WPA2 and turn off settings like "remote management." However, this is usually something your custom integrator can set up along with your voice assistant and smart automation system.</p>
<p>You should also ensure that your Wi-Fi network is hidden or includes a guest network. If your network is hidden, they can't connect to it and gain access to your devices. But if you provide a guest network, fewer people will have the password to your primary network, and you'll also prevent malware from getting to your main network with connected devices.</p>
<h2>At Your Command</h2>
<p><img alt="Older woman using voice assistant to control smart home" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q4_2022/CI_Voice-Assistants-Security_4.jpg" title="CI_Voice-Assistants-Security_4.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>Voice assistants are convenient, but they also come with some risks. By taking the time to understand those risks and how to protect against them, you can seamlessly use your voice assistants with your smart devices and <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.real-av.com/catalog/electronics-automation-control/" target="_blank">home automation</a></span> without worry. And at Real AV, we'll help make your smart home automation even more secure right from the beginning!</p>
<p>So don't wait; <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.real-av.com/contacts/" target="_blank">contact us</a></span> today to set up a consultation appointment. You'll have your home at your every command in no time!</p>

Voice Assistants: How to Protect Your Security & Control Whose Listening

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7 Reasons Why You Need a Smart Home Lighting System

Smart Home Automation: Should You Buy the Devices First, or Get a Whole System?

What Is Human-Centric Lighting and How Can It Benefit You?

Voice Assistants: How to Protect Your Security & Control Whose Listening

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