Perks of a Smart Home

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Perks of a Smart Home in Sacramento

It is vital to keep moving forward and not to get left in the past. When it comes to your own home, it helps to stay up to date on renovations. With the advancement of technology such as cellphones, from being bulky to carry to an easy slip into your pocket, one of the most significant advancements today is the Smart House. Below, our Sacramento AV experts discuss the perks of a smart home. 

What is a Smart House?

A smart house is a home setup where appliances and devices are controlled automatically from anywhere using an internet connection from a phone or network device. You can make it easier for yourself to manage your at-home devices with a touch of your phone. 

Some are debating updating their home or thinking that it is a way for their homeowner friends to show off. There are a few advantages to having a smart house that will pay off over time. 

All In One Place

One of the most significant advantages is how convenient this can be for you. With all your devices and appliances installed, there is primarily an app for easy access to your home. Gone are the days of learning how all the different ways of how to get your devices to work. A simple tap on the app will give you the full functionality to be in control. 

Remote Access

With cars being able to start up before you even sit inside, your house can do the same. Imagine a hot day, and the inside of your home is burning up. Have access to control the temperature while being out of the house. So when you arrive, the place is nice and cool for your pleasure. Or what if you lost your house keys? Not a problem. With smart home automation, you’ll still be able to unlock your home with a push of a button. 

Maximized Security 

Be the eye in the sky. With security surveillance products such as Ring and Nest, you are more alert about what is happening inside and outside your home. Receive notifications linked to your phone or tablet about when visitors are at the door if there is a leak in your home and everyone has to evacuate and scare off intruders trying to break in. Have a 24/7 birdseye view of your home to ensure that you and your family stay safe.  Our friends at LMS Garage Doors, who specialize in garage door services, also point out that smart homes will alert you when your garage door is open or close.

Cost/Energy Efficient

Be able to save money when having a Smart Home. For example, if you have a smart thermostat that knows how you like your temperature settings throughout the day, then it will learn and program the best temperature for you that is the most efficient. You will be able to save an average of 9-16% on your heating and 15-23% on your cooling cost. 

Contact Specialized AV

There are many perks of a smart home in Sacramento. If you are looking to upgrade your home with the latest technology, Specialized AV is here to help. Give us a call or explore our website more to learn about our AV services and products and ask for a quote. 

Factors to Look for in an AV Installer

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Five Factors to Look For in AV Installers

If you’re considering audio and video installation in your home or office, there can be a few factors to play into what you want. Not only do you want the best audio and video services in the Greater Sacramento area, but you also want to look at the AV company’s reputation. Here are some factors to look for in an AV installer. 

Up-to-date Communication

Communication is vital, and plans can change daily. A project can go from a 1-day job to potentially 3-days. Some issues might arise with the audio and video installation. Have the installers constantly communicate with you to know and understand what is getting done in your home. It is also important that you are in contact with them as well. You’ll know right away if your audio and video installer is a good communicator or not. They should be asking you about the layout of your home, where you want the installation to take place, and discuss project timelines.

Customer Service

Reviews about a company’s customer service go a long way into a hiring factor for people. See what people are saying about the audio and video company that you want to hire. Look online and visit their Google My Business, Facebook Page, and social media. Read the comments and get a better understanding of the company’s approach and how they treat their clients. One of the biggest factors to look for in AV installers is the whole customer experience. Think about how you want to be treated in your own home. Your first encounter with a service provider should test how the rest of your time with them will go. If it is a wrong first impression, move on to someone else. 

Audio and Video Experience

The audiovisual installation field can be complex. Therefore, one of the other important factors to look for in an AV installer is experience. You want to hire someone who has years of experience under their belt. Someone who knows all the ins and outs of the business and can explain how everything works to you in a manner that you understand. Our friends at LMS Garage Doors, who provide the best garage door services in Sacramento, recommend reading the company’s biography; looking at the years of service they have obtained as a business. Learn about the products they use and their services and see if it falls in line with what you are looking to have for your home. 

Cost-Efficient Audio and Video Services

Depending on the project you want for your home, you have to think about the cost of it all. Some things might be cheaper than others, and one big project can cost you. Before meeting with an AV installer:

  1. Figure out your budget first.
  2. Let the installer know the budget that you currently have, and create a plan to keep the cost in range. The initial cost after the quote might not be the same as what you originally had in mind.
  3. Create some le-way for yourself in your budget to see if you have some money leftover. 

Contact Specialized Audio and Video

We hope these factors to look for in an AV installer helps you through finding the best AV company in town. Specialized Audio and Video have been serving the Greater Sacramento area with the best AV installation services for the better part of 20 years. We also provide services to Roseville, Rocklin, Granite Bay, El Dorado Hills, and more! Please explore our website to learn about our expertise in the services that we provide. If we meet the qualifications for what you are looking for in AV installation, contact us today to receive a quote. 

Reasons to Invest in a Home Security System

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Reasons to Invest in a Home Security System in Sacramento

When becoming a new homeowner or moving into a new home, one essential investment you should consider making is installing a home security system. Even with additions such as the Ring, Vivint, and Nest, it gets the job done to ensure that your home is protected. In recent years, smart home technology has allowed many Sacramento homeowners the opportunity to keep tabs on their home while they’re away. So, here are some reasons to invest in home security system. 

Protect Your Family 

Your top priority is making sure that your family is safe from any intrusions. Whether you are at home or in the office, you want to make that your loved ones and belongings are protected from trespassers. Many audio and video companies in Sacramento can agree that a having a security camera system will protect your home. 

Distance Monitoring 

Today, most security systems come equipped with 24-hour surveillance through the app on your phone. All you need to do is a simple download. Enjoy your vacation and be able to check in here and there to see if the dog sitter came by or if the kids are having a fun time at home. Furthermore, you will be alerted of suspicious activity inside and out of your home and will be able to scare off intruders from the premises. Be able to talk through the security to have them running away and scared. Ultimately, the sight of just seeing your system will have them discouraged. 

Scare Away Intruders 

Seeing the type of sign or cameras installed outside of your home will do enough to have intruders think twice before trying to walk on your property. With newer technology in the systems, spook the invaders by talking to them. As an example, Nest security systems have a whistle installed to put people on high alert. This scares them away once they step on the premises and conduct suspicious activities. Make sure you never want to see these people ever again. Our friends at LMS Garage Doors, who offer garage door repair in Sacramento, says that having a security system does help keep intruders from accessing your home. In fact, many intruders try to break in through the garage door or side door.

At Specialized AV, we provide a wide variety of security camera systems. Furthermore, one of our favorite  brands is ELAN. Contact Specialized Audio and Video for more information on our products.   

Reduce Homeowners Insurance Cost 

Once you become a homeowner, you must have an insurance policy. Additionally, the cost of home insurance depends on the home protecting issues, coverage, payment plans, insurance company, and other things. Our Sacramento audio and video experts point out that you can reduce your insurance cost by 10-20% with a security system already installed. 

Peace of Mind 

Knowing that your home is firmly secured and your loved ones are being kept safe will have you at a better peace. No one enjoys the stress of having to worry all the time. So, having a home security system gives you a breath of relief. 

Contact Specialized AV 

So, now that you understand the reasons to invest in home security system, you can decide if it’s for you. If you are looking for home security installation, Specialized Audio and Video are here to help. Our talented team is dedicated to helping you provide the products in keeping an eye on your home from intruders and having your family stay safe. To learn about our service and get a quote, please get in touch with Specialized AV today. We are happy to serve the Greater Sacramento area. Follow us on Facebook to stay up to date with our latest news!

Why Smart Home Automation Provides Peace of Mind

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Top Reasons Why Smart Homes Provide Peace of Mind

Ever left your home, wondering if you locked your door or closed your garage? You’re not the only one. So many of our customers love having a smart home just for that reason alone! Smart home automation allows you to check on your home when you’re not there. Ease your mind while you are away with smart home automation. In this article, our Sacramento audio and video experts share the top reasons why smart homes provide peace of mind.

Investing in Smart Home Automation

If this is your first experience with a smart home automation system, you will be shocked at how much it can accomplish. From sending real-time notifications to altering your thermostats, smart home technology has it all. Your smart home can be a huge help for busy families. Below are a few reasons why smart homes provide peace of mind to Sacramento homeowners. 

Here are a few of the most notable features of our home automation system:

Smart Home Security

Many people are using technology to protect their property. With smart locks, you can receive real-time information via text or email when people come and go to your home. You’ll also have the ability to generate individual user codes, which will allow you to keep track of who is coming and exiting at all times. This is a great option for teens, visitors, or anyone else you’d feel comfortable allowing access to your property. Our friends at Maid for Muddy Paws, a residential cleaning company in Magnolia, TX, say smart lock doors are perfect for their customers because they provide peace of mind after a visit. 

Home Automation

Lights, locks, thermostats, and sensors can all communicate with one another with relative ease. You can set your thermostat to a lower setting while you’re at work during the day, or you can receive a reminder if you forget to set your alarm after you leave the house in the morning.

Prevent Access 

Intruders can get access through a variety of entrance points, including doors, windows, and garage doors. If you forget to close a door, window, or garage door, your smart home security system will send you a notification. 

Security Camera Systems 

Video surveillance is used to keep track of things. Is it possible to keep an eye on your property while you’re away on vacation? You can watch live streaming videos in real-time. You’ll also receive video notifications if motion is detected, a door is opened, or an alarm is activated.  

When motion is detected, this high-powered motion sensor will capture an image and send it to you. Do you have any pets? No problem, we have a pet immunity function that prevents Max from setting off the sensors every time he travels to a new napping location. When you’re away from home, you can dim the lights, play some soft music, or just adjust the temperature on your thermostat.

Smart Thermostat

Manage your energy use while keeping your family comfortable with a Smart Thermometer that measures energy consumption around your home and optimizes for the most pleasant temperature. Our friends at McQuillan Bros, a Minnesota company that offers HVAC services, highly recommend smart thermostats for anyone who lives in areas that get over 100 degrees in the summer. You’ll be able to save money on your heating and cooling bill. 

Water Management

If you’ve ever returned home to a burst pipe or a malfunctioning washing machine, you understand what a disaster it can be. Our smart home technology can notify you of sump pump failures, irrigation malfunctions, and other water-related issues, allowing you to prevent further damage.

Contact Specialized Audio and Video

As you can see, smart homes provide peace of mind. They make managing a busy household a lot easier. If you’re interested in smart home automation services in Sacramento, contact us today! We’re happy to answer all your questions. 

 

Signs It’s Time To Upgrade to a Home Theater

Signs It's time to upgrade to a home theater- Sacramento CA

Five Signs It’s Time to Upgrade to a Home Theater

There’s nothing quite like having the house that everyone loves to come together at. Whether it be birthdays, holidays, or weekend events, it’s important to be proud of the home you’re in—a place where you can make new memories with the whole group. Home theaters have become increasingly popular, allowing families and friends to get together without going to the theater. But how do you make the decision to invest in a home theater system? Well, if you’re on the fence about it, consider these five signs it’s time to upgrade to a home theater. You can always contact Specialized Audio and Video in Sacramento for an estimate on our professional audio and video services. 

You’re Ready for The Financial Investment

While you’re eager to have your home theater up and running, it’s a good idea to budget for a home project like this. You’ll need a new television, surround sound, home theater chairs, and more. The average cost for professional wiring a home theater’s components is about $400. Of course, this can increase based on the size of your room and the components that will be necessary to complete the project.

Your Television is Outdated

Today, 4K TVs are the new best thing. If you haven’t purchased a new smart TV in the last year, it’s likely your television is already outdated. 4K is the new HD, and it’s definitely what it’s all cracked up to be. Our video equipment specialists highly recommend making the upgrade for your new home theater. The type of television you choose will make or break your new home theater. Read our most recent blog post about the Pros and Cons About UHD TVs.

If you’re hoping for a screen larger than 80″, you might want to think about investing in a home theater projector instead. It’s important to keep in mind that you’ll need a clean, white surface to project the image upon. If you have the necessary space, a projector will transform your room into a theater-like environment. Also, think about how you’ll exhibit your films to your audience. If you’re streaming, be sure your internet connection is up to speed.

Time for Better Surround Sound

Having the most up-to-date technology to produce the greatest picture possible is one component of a fantastic home theater, but having movies with excellent sound is the other component. If you’re in the market for a new sound system, it might be time to consider upgrading your living room to a home theater. One reason is that your movie sound can be contained in a single dedicated room rather than being broadcast across the entire house. Ensure that your room is soundproofed before cranking up the volume. This will ensure that you and your visitors can enjoy the movie without disturbing anyone else.

After that, you’ll want to locate a sound system that’s appropriate for your needs. Consider investing in surround sound since it will make you feel as if you are truly in the movie you are now watching. Contact Specialized Audio and Video to learn more about our audio and video products.

Ready for a Designated Space to Relax

Installing a home theater really elevates the overall house. Many Sacramento homes are designed to have the kitchen and living room connected. This can take away from the home theater experience. Our friends at Tureks Plumbing, a home remodeling company in Fox Valley, highly recommend investing in this home renovation project. This can raise the value of your home. Plus, who wouldn’t want a home theater? Investing in a home theater will give you a designated space to relax and unwind with family and friends. Finding the ideal seats might even make going to the movies a much more enjoyable experience than going to a regular movie theater. Our audio and video experts can help you custom design your home theater however you’d like.

Ready to Be the Hostess With The Mostest

With a home theater, you’ll most likely be the place where everyone wants to be. If you’re ready to host fun and engaging gatherings, it’s time to consider investing in a home theater system. Are you the type of family who loves watching the latest movies and television series? You need a new home theater! Pro tip: In order to truly replicate the theater experience, consider investing in a popcorn machine so that you may have a freshly popped snack while watching your show. 

Contact Specialized Audio and Video

Whatever the motivation may be, a home theater is a fantastic upgrade that will provide years of entertainment for friends and family. In your new home theater, you may relax and watch your favorite movie in luxury. Are you interested in home theater system installation? Specialized AV can help you with your audio and video needs. Contact us today to schedule an estimate!

 

Smart Locks for a Keyless Home

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Smart Locks for a Keyless Home

About Smart Locks for a Keyless Home

In this day and age, smart locks are the new normal, whether it’s a keyless push-to-start vehicle or a keyless entry to your home. Smart locks eliminate the need to carry around your keys. With a simple code or app, you can unlock your front door within seconds. In this article, our smart home automation experts discuss smart locks for a keyless home. 

What to Look for When Purchasing Smart Locks

Knowing the many types of electronic door locks will help you decide the best smart locks for a keyless home. In the event of a battery or technical failure, most electronic locks will still have a physical key option. Several of the locks will also offer a combination of keyless options, making them worth every penny.

Bluetooth Smart Locks

Bluetooth smart locks provide a variety of locking options. The device can detect when you’re within a certain range and unlock the door automatically as you approach. You can also use your phone or key fob to unlock the door. Bluetooth consumes little energy, allowing it to run for longer periods of time on a single charge. Our friends at LMS Garage Doors, who offer garage door services, say most homes have several Bluetooth smart devices. It’s easy to access everything from your phone. 

Biometric Smart Locks

Fingerprint entry can be incredibly convenient, especially for small organizations that want to ensure that only authorized staff has access to sensitive information or pricey products. They are simple to program and frequently support up to 100 fingerprints.

RFID Smart Locks

This strategy is most common in workplaces. It enables the use of a key fob or card to open doors. The fob/card must be pressed against the RFID reader in most cases, but others can be opened from a distance.

Keypad Smart Locks

To unlock the door, keypads require a pin number. They are simple to set up and allow you to assign multiple pin numbers to different people or alter the pin code at any moment, making them ideal for landlords. When a renter’s lease expires, just replace the pin code with a new one for the next renter. The majority of keypads these days are touchscreen. However, a handful will still have physical keys to press.

Wi-Fi Connected Smart Locks

Some locking systems can be linked to a hub, enabling Wi-Fi connectivity and increasing functionality. With a Wi-Fi-enabled lock, you can simply track who opens and closes the door.

Smart Locks: Homeowners, Renters, & Business Owners 

Within the last year, the crime rate in Sacramento has risen, which is why it’s crucial to keeping your home and family protected. Smart locks are an excellent way to ensure that your front door is locked and that you get no more surprise visitors. Did you know that burglars say they will target another home if they discover a security system or smart home keyless home entry? If you’re planning on installing smart home automation products like smart locks, you should keep in mind that it is different for homeowners and renters. 

If You Own a House or Commercial Building

You don’t have to worry about which smart locks you put on your doors if you own your home. As the homeowner, you can do whatever you want with your property. If you’re looking to upgrade to a keyless option, try to find a smart lock that has the above features. This can also be said for commercial property owners. Our friends at Headwaters Construction, Inc., a general contractor Sacramento, highly recommends getting smart locks for your property since it adds value. So, if you ever decide to sell or rent, smart locks are a great feature.

If You Rent Your House or Commercial Building

If you live in a rental home or lease a building, it doesn’t mean you can’t install smart locks. It simply means you’ll have to go through a little more trouble to do so. When you decide to change the locks on your rental property, most landlords will ask you to supply them with a key. As a result, if you decide to put smart locks on your rental property, you should first call your landlord and find out what they require.

You may wish to provide evidence for your reasons for wanting to install smart locks. Then, if the landlord agrees to let you put smart locks on the rental property, make sure you obtain it in writing. This will keep you from having to pay for any alleged damages when you leave.

Types of Smart Locks 

As you could imagine, there are several different types of smart door locks available on the market. To help you choose which smart lock you prefer, continue reading below. 

  • Keypad & Combination Smart Locks – These require a pin or code to get into your home but can also be opened via key. Many new homes in the Sacramento area have keypad locks. 
  • Keyless & Wireless Smart Locks – This type of lock is operated off of Wi-Fi. Users can unlock and lock the door remotely with your app or button. Some are even compatible with Alexa. 
  • Fob Enabled Smart Lock – As you may have guessed, these types of locks use a key-fob to unlock the door. Just hold the fob up to the door, and the door will unlock. 
  • Fingerprint & Biometric Smart Locks – These smart locks are less common than others. However, smart fingerprint locks are one of the newer creations. Your fingerprint ensures that no one can get into your door without you.

 

Contact Specialized Audio and Video

As you can see, smart locks are a great feature to have in your home. They make coming and going from your home easy! If you’re interested in smart locks or smart home automation installation, contact Specialized AV today. Our team is happy to help with all kinds of audio and video services, security systems, Wi-Fi networks, structured wiring, and more. We proudly serve the Greater Sacramento area and beyond.

How to Keep Your WiFi Network Safe

How to Keep Your WiFi Network Safe - Specialized Audio and Video Sacramento

How to Keep Your WiFi Network Safe

After the year we just had, the Internet seems like a basic requirement to survive in the twenty-first century. If you look around, most of your audio and video products are probably connected to WiFi. It is safe to state that the Internet is for everyone and does not cater to the technologically competent. Unfortunately, if not protected, your information can get into the wrong hands. In this article, our Specialized AV team shares how to keep your WiFi network safe.

Change Your WiFi Name

The first step toward a safer home WiFi network is to modify the SSID (service set identifier). The network is identified by its SSID. Many manufacturers assign a default SSID to all of their wireless routers. In most situations, it is the name of the company. When a computer with a wireless connection searches for and shows nearby wireless networks, it identifies each network that broadcasts its SSID publicly. This increases the likelihood of a hacker entering your network. Specialized AV recommends changing our network’s SSID to something that does not reveal any personal information, so deterring hackers.

Create a Strong Password

A default password is pre-programmed into the majority of wireless routers. Hackers can easily guess this default password, especially if they know the router manufacturer. When choosing a password for your wireless network, make it at least 20 characters long and include numbers, letters, and symbols. Ultimately, this option makes it tough for hackers to gain access to your network.

Enabling Network Encryption

Almost all wireless routers provide encryption as a standard feature. It is disabled by default. Enabling the encryption setting on your wireless router might help safeguard your network. Make careful to switch it on as soon as your broadband provider installs it. Furthermore, WPA2 is the latest and most effective type of encryption available.

Turn Off Network Name Broadcasting

It is strongly advised that you prevent network name broadcasting to the general public when using a wireless router at home. This function is frequently beneficial for companies, libraries, hotels, and restaurants. Additionally, this is used to provide consumers with wireless Internet access, but it is typically unnecessary for a private wireless network. So, if you have a commercial building, our friends at Headwaters Construction Inc. recommend turning this off as well. WiFi is used so often that anyone could try to connect to your router.

Always Keep Your Software Up to Date

Router firmware, like any other software, can contain weaknesses that can lead to serious vulnerabilities. Always install the most recent software and download the most recent security patches to ensure that no security vulnerability or breach is left accessible to internet predators. Additionally, if your router is outdated, please contact us for WiFi installation in Sacramento.

Reliable Firewall

A “firewall” is intended to safeguard computers from malicious invasions. Wireless routers typically include built-in firewalls, though they are sometimes provided with the firewall disabled. Make that the wireless router’s firewall is turned on. So, if your router lacks such a firewall, make sure you install a reliable firewall solution on your system to monitor for unauthorized access to your wireless network.

Use Virtual Private Networks 

A virtual private network, or VPN, is a collection of computers or networks that communicate via the Internet. Individuals can safeguard and encrypt their conversations by using VPNs. Furthermore, when you connect to a VPN, your computer launches a VPN client. When you use your credentials to log in, your computer swaps keys with another server. After both computers have validated each other’s authenticity, all Internet communication is encrypted and protected from prying eyes.

Most importantly, examine which devices link to your home network and ensure that they are protected against viruses and spyware with reputable security software. Contact Specialized AV for more information on VPNs. 

As you can see, safe Wifi networks are important for both home and business purposes. Unfortunately, there are people out there who will take your private information. To ensure that your WiFi network is safe, contact Specialized AV for professional WiFi installation services. We will ensure that your network is not only safe but also fast and reliable. So, we look forward to hearing from you!

Pros and Cons of UHD Televisions

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Pros and Cons of UHD Televisions

UHD TV, also known as 4K TV, has grown popular thanks to the many advantages. If you have a standard High Definition TV, you may be wondering if UHD televisions are worth the money. In this blog, our audio and video design and installation experts with excellent advantages compared to other standard full HD TV with four times the definition. However, in order to select a TV that is appropriate for our family, we should first understand more about the benefits and drawbacks of 4K TV before making a decision:

Pros of UHD Televisions

The transitions between scenes on the big screen should be seamless. With UHD televisions, there is no pixelation effect, even when approaching the screen. You’ll be avoiding eye strain because the 4k provides more eye protection than traditional TVs. Most movies and shows are made for 4K capabilities. UHD TV is expected to be the primary development trend during the next five years. If you haven’t yet experienced 4K, it feels like you’re watching the scene in real life. Our friends at Headwates Construction Inc., a commercial construction contractor, recommend switching to 4K televisions if you have an office building. They’re great for the conference room.

Cons of UHD Televisions

Although 4K TVs are a nice luxury to have for entertainment, they do come at a price. One of the biggest disadvantages is the price. They’re more expensive than standard HD TVs because of their superior technology that displays bright, colorful images. This technology comes at a high cost. Therefore the price of this gadget is perfectly in line with what it delivers. With the tools that generate a unique 4k resolution, the device’s price will be difficult to reduce to an “affordable” level in the near future. 

Another con of UHD televisions is the lack of content options. Since the technology is newer, producers and manufacturers are still switching over to 4K resolution. Most of the newer shows and movies have 4K resolution, but the older shows do not. This may not be worth it for those who watch older content. 

How much does a UHD TV cost?

UHD televisions are not cheap. To be honest, the most recent UHD TV models start at $2,000 and go up from there, depending on screen size. The cost of a UHD TV is significantly more than a standard HD TV. However, UHD TV costs are likely to fall this year. Furthermore, it is critical not to purchase obsolete UHD TVs because they lack the most recent capabilities, limiting your ability to appreciate 4K technology. UHD TVs from unknown names should also be avoided since numerous studies demonstrate that they are inferior to products from well-known companies. 

Contact Specialized AV

Many major television manufacturers have 4K televisions. If you’re interested in upgrading to a UHD television, contact Specialized AV to see which video option is best for your home. We are happy to help you with audio and video services, home theater design, security systems, and more. Check out our more recent audio and video projects.

Are Home Security Systems Worth It

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Are Home Security Systems Worth It

A home security system is an investment, and like with any investment, it is critical to assess the expected return. While calculating the upfront and monthly costs of a security system and alarm monitoring is simple, you can’t put a price on safety and sound of mind. That may not be enough to convince you to hire a professional for security system installation. Read the article below to find out if home security systems are worth it.

What Do Home Security Systems Do?

Security systems may do more than just discourage thieves. No matter where you are, home security systems can make you feel like you’re connected to your house. They’re great for notifying you when doors are opened and closed. You may also be able to take advantage of additional, hidden benefits, such as reductions on homeowners or renters insurance.

Home Security Equipment

When determining the initial investment needed to add a security system to your Sacramento home, the average cost might range from $250 to more than $1,000. This all depends on the system, equipment, and installation that you select. Our team has years of experience in installing security systems in Sacramento, CA.

The good news is that they are one-time expenses, and you will most likely own the equipment. There are monthly fees to consider once your system is set up and running. You have a lot of control over the monthly cost of your security system because packages vary greatly depending on the services, features, and levels of monitoring you choose. Basic plans from trustworthy companies are available for as little as $20 a month.

However, depending on your demands and budget, more expensive services with features like as live, round-the-clock monitoring, or frequent security patrols might cost several hundred dollars or more each month.

Are Home Security Systems Worth It?

To assess whether a security system is worthwhile for your family, consider what would make it worthwhile for you. There is no doubt that alarm systems prevent theft. Break-ins are discouraged by security systems. In fact, 60% of convicted burglars say they will target another home if they discover a security system in the one they are attempting to loot.

If your goal is to reduce loss due to burglary, it’s clear that security solutions make a difference. However, if you add smoke alarm, carbon monoxide, and remote home automation services, that can assist prevent loss of valuables while managing energy expenses. Our friends at Headwaters Construction Inc., a commercial construction company, say you might wind up saving a lot more with the additional services given by monitoring businesses.

Protect Your Valuables

Consider any irreplaceable objects, such as family heirlooms, art, or other items with significant sentimental worth. These items are invaluable, and there will be no way to compensate for the loss. Our friends at LMS Garage Doors, a Sacramento garage door company, points out that a home security system can protect your valuables as well as your vehicles. In fact, it may cost you more to not have a security system. You will almost certainly have to invest in a security system to keep these goods safe. Depending on how accessible you want these goods to be, a security system may be preferable to store them somewhere other than your house.

Contact Specialized AV

So, are home security systems worth it? We’ll let you be the judge of that. If you need security system installation, audio and video services, or custom projects, contact Specialized AV. We serve the Greater Sacramento areas, and Roseville, Rocklin, Granite Bay, Folsom, El Dorado Hills, and more! Give us a call to schedule an estimate.

 

Common Home Theater Problems

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Common Home Theater Problems

Home theater systems are the best for entertainment. However, when you have too many wires and devices, it can be hard to troubleshoot when things go wrong. Our Specialized Audio and Video team have experienced quite a few problems in our many years in the audio and video industry. Fortunately, we’ve picked up a few tricks along the way. Below, we discuss the common home theater problems Sacramento homeowners come across.

Home Theater: No Sound At All

One of the most common home theater problems users experience is no sound at all. If your speakers aren’t producing any sound, you’ll want to unplug your receiver from the power supply. The good news is that it is highly rare that you have experienced a total device failure. That would require every single speaker in your system to go out at the same time, which is unlikely. The next step is to ensure that your audio and video receiver is properly paired. If you’re using bare wire, make sure it’s firmly held down by the binding post screws, with no apparent excess wire. Assuming everything is in order and properly paired, the next best guess is that the issue is with a setting in your receiver’s program. 

Navigate to the on-screen configuration menu and begin experimenting with various speaker settings. In certain cases, you may need to manually allocate speakers to specific channels. In others, the source material may be incompatible with the speaker setup you have. Regardless, experimenting with various settings can easily solve this problem. In certain cases, a total loss of sound is the simplest issue to fix.

Home Theater: My Surround Speakers Aren’t Working

Okay, this may seem obvious, but if your surround sound speakers aren’t working, try increasing the volume. In certain cases, audio and video may be lower on certain devices. Go to the receiver’s menu and see what the settings are.

If that doesn’t fix the problem, it’s time to dig deeper into your source material. The question you must ask is if your source material is capable of 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound. If you’re listening to music through your receiver, it’s unlikely that most songs are only combined for two channels, not five or seven. Surround sound is becoming more common in movies and television shows, but it is not always present. If this is the case, you may need to configure your receiver to convert a 2.1 mix to 5.1 or higher.

Receiver settings vary, but you should be able to find this choice under something titled DSP Settings or something similar. Again, experiment with various settings to see if it makes a difference. You can always test a source that you know is capable of full surround sound to see if your receiver or speaker is the issue.

Home Theater: Staticky Speakers

Static is almost often an indication of a problem with the speaker connection. A wire may have become dislodged from its original place, and all that is needed is for you to wiggle it back in. Is the problem still not resolved? To further investigate the staticky speakers, we need to know if the static presents all the time or sometimes? If so, what exactly are they? Changing out different sources is a smart way to narrow down your choices.

If you’re using a Blu-ray player, try a different one or watch something on a streaming service and see if the static repeats itself. The process of elimination should assist you in determining which component of your system is causing the issue. If you use a power amplifier with your receiver, you can discover that the problem is with the link there, which is much more common than you would expect.

In the end, dealing with static is almost always a problem with a loose link, and once you know where it is, it’s pretty simple to repair. Unless, horror of horrors, your speakers blew because they were mismatched with your amp. You should review this guide to ensure that this does not happen again.

Home Theater: No Bass

Check out the frequency settings if your home theater has no bass. Setting your subwoofer’s crossover will also make a significant difference in how your bass is viewed. Begin at 80Hz and work your way up. If you still aren’t hearing bass in your surround system, it may be a connection issue. When interacting with subwoofers, there are a few things to keep in mind. Traditionally, the most popular locations for a subwoofer are in a room corner, away from the walls. 

Contact Specialized Audio and Video

As you can see, there are quite a few home theater problems. One way to avoid all of these problems is by hiring a professional audio and video company. DIY audio and video usually end up taking more of your time and money. Specialized AV in Sacramento is happy to help with your audio and video services. Give us a call today for a free consultation on our home theater design.