Technology Should Be Simple, Fun and Smart

Technology is supposed to make your life easier, right? With all of the new gadgets coming out now, things should be simpler. But there’s just one problem – with the rapid pace at which new gear hits the shelves, it’s hard to keep up. It seems like every week there’s some new piece of technology you have to decipher. That’s why you should simplify the various components in your Charlotte, NC home with custom AV integration. In this blog, we’ll explain what that means and how you can benefit from it. Read on to learn more.

What Is AV Integration?

The first question many people have about AV integration is simple: what is it? Integration means that we take the various electronic components in your home and make them work together under a single interface to simplify the process of using each device. You may remember the “universal remote??? of yesteryear that allowed you to command your TV, DVD player and stereo with a single controller. Integration is built on the same concept, but it’s a little more advanced.

Imagine sitting down in your own home theater and pressing a single button that turns on an overhead projector, your surround sound system, automatically navigates you to a content-selection menu, plus dims the lights and lowers the temperature on the thermostat. All of these functions are commonly connected, integration just make them even easier to accomplish.

So what can you integrate? That’s the beauty of it – it’s completely up to you. Provided the technology is “smart??? (meaning it can connect to the internet and communicate with other devices), you can integrate just about any device you need in a single, comprehensive and easy-to-use system. Many homeowners start with their entertainment systems, and later add other components like lighting, shading and AC.

What Does an Interface Look Like?

Some people get intimidated by the idea of a single interface, because they don’t want to deal with a bunch of buttons and complex commands. But modern technology has given us plenty of ways that you can enjoy your integrated system, and they don’t all involve pressing buttons. Here are a few:

Physical remote: Are you most comfortable when you can hold something in your hand? You’re in luck: the old fashioned remote control is still around – albeit with a few upgrades. While some may shy away from the multitude of buttons on the device, it’s a smart option for many.

Touch-panel remote: Today you’re probably very familiar with touch-screen technology. From the smartphone in your pocket, to your iPad, to any number of devices you may use on a regular basis. So why not take the same convenience to your integrated system? The beauty of a digital touch panel is that the interface can be customized to reflect only the devices you have in your system. Plus, you can often download the app and use it on your smartphone or tablet as well.

Voice control: One of the biggest changes to integrated control lately has been the introduction of Amazon’s voice control software Alexa. Along with Google’s similar Home device, you can control everything with the power of your voice. Both interfaces connect to the internet, which helps them parse your commands regardless of dialect or accent, so it’s extremely easy to use.

Does custom AV integration seem like it will benefit your property? Contact Audio Video Charlotte now to begin simplifying the technology in your home, today.