Project Profile: San Francisco Business

Our client was looking for an easy to operate conference room with video conferencing capabilities and an integrated system connecting all technologies. They also wanted an audio system throughout the building.

Motorized Window Treatments

In the conference room, we installed Lutron Triathlon Roller Shades. The shades are programmed to be easily controlled through the client’s conference room iPad. The system can be customized to fit the client’s preferences.

Our SoundVision team will work together with you to find the perfect solution for any job. To see the difference working with SoundVision can make, or to see all the technologies available, give us a call or set up a meeting! We would love to show you the latest systems in use in our new showroom.

(415)456-7000

Voice Control- A Growing Technology

Over the past couple years, voice control capabilities have grown exponentially. Services like Apple’s Siri and Amazon’s Alexa have made voice control an easy to use part of everyday life. These services will continue to grow as time goes on, and their capabilities will increase. All of our favorite services now have voice control capabilities, which you will learn about here.

Savant

Savant has a voice control option on their remote, using the Alexa service. With Savant, you can use voice control for video, with commands such as “Apple TV,” “Play Xbox,” and “Watch ESPN.” You can use voice control for audio by saying “Play Music.” Voice control can also be used to adjust the environment around you by saying “Dim Lights,” “Brighter,” “Lights off,” or other similar commands. You can also say the names of different scenes you have already created to activate all parts of that scene at once.

Sonos

Right now, Sonos is in the beta testing phase of using the Alexa services for their voice commands. Although the company is still in the testing phase with Alexa, Sonos CEO Patrick Spence says that Sonos is committed to using multiple voice assistants simultaneously in the future.

Lutron

Lutron currently has three lighting control systems, Caséta Wireless, HomeWorks QS, and Radio RA 2, that have integrated Alexa for voice-activated control of lights, shades, and temperature. You can control lights with commands such as “Alexa, turn off kitchen,” as well as activating scenes such as “Alexa, turn on ‘Welcome.’”

Honeywell

Honeywell now offers a voice controlled thermostat, called the “Wi-Fi 9000 with Voice Control.” You can set the temperature on this device by simply talking to the thermostat.

Pentair

Pentair has released the ScreenLogic Skill to use the Alexa voice service and Amazon Echo for voice control for the users of pools and spas. The service can be used to ask for updates on pool or spa temperature, pH balance, and chlorine or salt levels. The service can also be used to turn pool and spa features, such as fountains and waterfalls, on and off.

As voice control continues to improve, more apps will develop voice commands, and they will continue to become more user friendly. Many apps are still in the development stage, but the idea of improved voice control is an exciting idea for the future.

To learn more about these new technologies or add these features to your home, give us a call!

(415)456-7000

SoundVision’s Favorite Home Control Apps

You are now able to control nearly every aspect of your home from your iPhone, iPad or android device. Let’s simplify your life by make your home smarter; control and monitor your home with these convenient apps, no matter where you are!

1. Sonos

We absolutely LOOOVE Sonos!

The feedback we get from our customers is undeniable & here’s why:

The app is free and easy to use.

It gives you full control and the ability to access to all of the music on earth through multiple streaming services and your personal library.

Find out more reasons why Sonos is one of SoundVision’s top apps!

2. Savant

Savant has created a beautiful interface specifically for the iOS operating system where you can customize backgrounds, icons, control categories and channel favorites to completely personalize it as your own.

The Savant system can control audio, lighting, home theater, video systems, heating/air conditioning, alarm, intercoms, surveillance videos and manage energy usage.

Introducing the app to end all other home control apps… a single app to control your entire home!

Find out more about Savant home control and their easy-to-use app here!

3. Lutron Home Control+

Lutron allows home owners to control their lighting, motorized shades and heating/air conditioning in one easy to use app.

Create personalized Scenes for certain activities, “Movie” “Dinner” “Goodnight” or “Vacation” mode. Set the lights to dim your desired amount and the shades to rise or lower to create the perfect mood.

Find out more about the Lutron app and its capabilities here!

4. Honeywell Total Connect

Honeywell provides you the utmost control of your safety and security through their Total Connect app!

The app provides you with remote access of surveillance cameras, real time security notifications and the ability to arm the alarm and lock doors from anywhere.

You can schedule certain scenes upon leaving the home to lock the doors, turn lights off and enable the surveillance cameras all at once.

Find more about Honeywell Security on our dealer page!

5. Pentair🏊

For aquatic lovers, Pentair offers an app to regulate your backyard pool and spa. Check which lights are on, the temperature inside and outside the pool, turn on certain features including waterfalls and LED lights and monitor pH and chlorine levels.

This app makes easier for you to maintain and enjoy your pool all from your phone.

Come experience home automation, give us a call and set up a meeting to witness home automation first hand in the SoundVision show room.

Until next time,

Scott Sullivan
SoundVision, Inc.
415-456-7000

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SoundVision designs and installs systems for Residential, Commercial, Home, Business, Corporate, Restaurants and Hotels.

Areas served are: San Francisco, Marin, Sausalito, Tiburon, Belvedere, Mill Valley, Corte Madera, Greenbrae, Larkspur, Ross, Kentfield, San Anselmo, Fairfax, San Rafael, Novato, Napa, Calistoga, Oakville, Rutherford, Yountville, Saint Helena, Petaluma, Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Windsor, Cotati, Cloverdale, Healdsburg, Sonoma, Berkeley, Piedmont.

Marin Custom Home Theater

Our client was looking to transform his storage room into a custom theater complete with 8 reclining theater seats and a genuine “theater feel.”

Theater consists of:

Sony 4K projector installed in projection room to eliminate projector fan noise.
14 ft wide 4K Projection Screen
Simple remote control
3 hidden powered subwoofers (behind screen and acoustical treatments)
4 in-wall surround speakers
Pre-programmed lighting scenes
Nest automated thermostat
All equipment in separate A/V room easily accessible and serviceable for the future

The Screen & Projector

We chose a Sony 4K Home Theater ES Projector with 4x greater resolution than 1080p and 4K up-scaling that transforms HD content into a 4K experience. The projector was installed in a separate equipment room to eliminate noise from the projector fan. We used a 14’ Custom Stewart Filmscreen. The filmscreen has multiple aspect ratios, so whether you’re watching a movie, cable or apple TV the screen will adjust to the correct format for the most immersive theater experience you could hope for.

The Lighting

Lutron lighting makes it possible to create preset lighting scenes and save them to a single, clearly labeled keypad. The clients click the “movie” button and the room transforms, the lights slowly dim off with only the step lights remaining for a true cinematic experience. Every light setting creates a different feel and determines an ambiance of its own. Clients are able to dim the different light types separately; the scone lights, cove lights, spot lights and step lights with the up and down arrows on the keypad.

The Seating

The theater seating was designed to be the appropriate distance from the screen, elevated specifically for an optimal viewing experience for all guests. The 8 recliner chairs are extremely comfortable, motorized and all leather for a home theater that’s even better than the real thing!

The Sound

We worked together with an acoustical design firm called CinemaTech to provide optimal acoustics for the home theater. As every movie buff knows, sound is a crucial aspect of the theater experience, it’s what captivates the viewer and pulls them into the action! The acoustical treatments were put in place to adjust different sound waves; when the sound waves hit the panels the sound disperses uniformly to fully immerse the listener. The different panels we use are meant to reflect and absorb sound for a more direct sound and cleaner dialogue. Instead of having a “best seat in the house”, the acoustics allows everyone in the room to get the same movie experience.

All speakers remain completely unseen; 3 speakers are placed behind the projection screen, 4 in-wall surround speakers and 3 powered subwoofer behind the acoustically transparent fabric ensuring you become a part of the movie while watching it.

CHECK OUT THE REST OF OUR PROJECT PROFILES TO SEE SOUNDVISION’S FINEST WORK!

If you are considering a state of the art home theater that will transform the way your family experiences entertainment give us a call today. We’ll set up an appointment to see our very own showroom and see what SoundVision can offer you!

For every SoundVision install:

A low-price guarantee
A lifetime guarantee on workmanship
A simple to use system
A clearly defined scope of work
An in-house service and support team
Industry-leading workmanship, documentation & attention to detail

Until next time,

Scott Sullivan
SoundVision, Inc.
415-456-7000

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SoundVision designs and installs systems for Residential, Commercial, Home, Business, Corporate, Restaurants and Hotels.

Lighting Control💡

Control your whole house from your phone

1. Control lights exactly the way you like your home

With lighting control you are controlling the space vs. individual rooms. You go straight to the kitchen after you get home from work and press the corresponding button. Usually your kitchen lights are on, but the rest of your home is dark. With lighting control not only do your kitchen lights turn on, but the surrounding rooms are illuminated exactly the way you like them. You can create scenes for different activities and determine which lights are on and off and at the dimming level you prefer. Upon going upstairs before bed simply click “Downstairs off” and every light will be turned off.

2. Eliminate wall clutter

Get rid of the cluttered confusion that comes with having multiple light switches in every room of your house with a clean and simple keypad. A single keypad and app are capable of doing all the same things and take the place of several switches with added functionality. Each button is clearly labeled, able to control multiple lights at once and settings are totally customizable.

Which do you prefer?

3. Control your lighting from anywhere

Control your lighting from anywhere in the world — your office, the road, the beach, your bed. Now anywhere you have access to WiFi you’re able to see which lights are in use and use the “all off” button in case you left the house in a rush, ensuring peace of mind.

4. Lutron dimmers saves energy

With dimmers you automatically save 4-9% in electricity when lights set at the highest level when compared to a standard on-off switch. Whenever you choose to dim your lights you are conserving energy and the more you dim, the more you save.

5. Schedule your Lights

Schedule lighting “scenes” to happen at specific times of the day or at sunrise and sunset. Schedule your porch lights to turn on at dusk to welcome you home after work or your shades to rise in the morning for a natural alarm clock in the morning, the possibilities are endless and completely customizable!

6. Away & Vacation Mode

Press the “Away” mode upon leaving your home every day or from anywhere with the app. The “Away” mode lets you leave your house exactly how you like it with every light turned off, a few on, or all on. When you are away for days or weeks at a time a “Vacation” mode can be programmed to mimic your daily routine- turning lights on and off, raising and lowering the shades – to give the impression you are home to any one passing by.

7. Compatible with controlling the rest of your home

As a home integration company, integration reliability is a key to our success. Lutron is certified to work with many 3rd party manufacturers so SoundVision is able program any existing home controls with the Lutron lighting system for the simplest of smart homes. So whether it be motorized shades, safety and surveillance, music or anything else that can be automated, SoundVision is here to make your life easier, all from your smart phone. We work hard to make your home work for you, instead of the other way around.

Check out the slideshow below to see how to control your lighting and everything else you can do all from your phone.

Find out more about Lutron Lighting Control here.

If you are looking for an impeccable lighting control system seamlessly integrated with the rest of your home with an easy to use app for you and your family, give us a call to set up a meeting see the lighting system in real time in our show room!

Until next time,

Scott Sullivan
SoundVision, Inc.
415-456-7000

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SoundVision designs and installs systems for Residential, Commercial, Home, Business, Corporate, Restaurants and Hotels.

Dimming LED Lighting is Tricky!

One of the trends we have noticed over the past year is that LED lighting is gaining more popularity in residential applications. LEDs have some attractive advantages over other light sources; the biggest advantages are their efficiency and longevity. LED bulbs last up to 10-15 times longer than comparable halogen bulbs. A 5-8 watt LED bulb provides a light source equivalent to a 50 watt halogen, this can add up to significant energy savings.

LED lighting is still a developing technology and as such, not all products are compatible. This is most evident when it comes to dimming. We have all come to appreciate the ambiance and functionality that dimmable lighting can provide. However, dimming LEDs can be tricky. It can be accomplished with fantastic results, it just takes some careful planning and coordination between the lighting designer, the lighting control system designer, and the electrician.

The highly efficient nature of LEDs means that dimming must be accomplished within a much smaller range. Think of how difficult it is to merge onto a highway with a short onramp as opposed to one with a nice long access lane. In order to accomplish a smooth dimming range, three factors must be taken into account: the type of driver (transformer) that powers the LED, the dimming technology the LED fixture and driver utilize, and the dimming technology provided by the lighting control system.

The LED driver is a transformer that converts the 120 volt household power to 12 or 24 volts used by the LED fixture. These drivers may be electronic low voltage, or magnetic low voltage and are not always dimmable. Even if a manufacturer says their LED fixtures and drivers are dimmable, they may not dim smoothly from full brightness (100%) down to 1%. We have seen some manufacturers note in their literature that fixtures are only dimmable to 60% of full brightness.

There is also a technology known as 0-10 volt control. While 0-10 volt dimmable fixtures have some of the smoothest dimming ranges, they require additional wiring and interfaces between the dimmer and the driver that must be planned and wired for in advance.

Lastly there is the lighting control dimmer itself. Not all dimmers work well with all LEDs or with all LED drivers. Lutron tests products from many manufacturers and publishes their findings. Their LED product selection tool is a great resource: https://www.lutron.com/en-US/service-support/Pages/technical/design-selectiontools/leddimmermatrix.aspx

When LEDs, drivers, and dimmers are not compatible the LED fixture may flicker, dim in jumps rather than smoothly, dim in a limited range, and occasionally not dim at all.

LEDs may be the future of lighting but there is still a lot of development and coordination needed. If you are thinking of dimming LEDs in your house please let us know. We integrate and install lighting control systems and are familiar with many of the products on the market; we want to make sure your LED lights will dim the way you expect them to.

Give SoundVision a call today to set up your lighting consultation.

Until next time,

Scott Sullivan
SoundVision, Inc.
415-456-7000

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SoundVision designs and installs systems for Residential, Commercial, Home, Business, Corporate, Restaurants and Hotels.

Lutron Lighting Authorized Dealers

SoundVision designs, installs and programs Lutron lighting control, shading control and HVAC control systems. As authorized providers, SoundVision has completed certification training and are authorized to design, sell and install Lutron solutions and products. We have won many awards and all of our technicians are highly competent in Lutron installations.

Experience Light Control:

Save Energy
Enhance Comfort & Convenience
Increase Productivity
Improve Safety & Security

The Lutron App:

Voice control via Siri®
Available on Apple Watch™
Personalized Scenes
Schedule lights & shading automatically
Notifications upon departure if lights left on
Activate scenes upon arriving home
Select scene from swiping down on device without opening app

Lutron’s Homeworks QS and Radio RA2 systems offer total home control integrated with your lighting, security, audio/video, motorized shades and HVAC (Heating/Cooling) from your smart phone, tablet or keypads for local control. It is also able to integrate with Lutron’s very own shading system.

Check out the rest of our trusted brands here!

Lutron is the very best solution when it comes to lighting and shade control. We love it here at SoundVision because of it’s convenience. You are able to save different settings applied to your lights, motorized shades and central air as “scenes” for the perfect environment all from the touch of a button. To find out more about how Lutron products can change your home, visit their official website.

Lighting Control & Total Home Control Systems

Lighting control technology is improving quickly and automating your lighting with wireless control is becoming a new standard in the automated world. Not only does it allow you to declutter your wall space, it can help enhance the mood and add to the design element depending on the room and settings. We love it here at SoundVision because of it’s convenience, you are able to set your favorite settings as your default for perfect lighting upon entering each room of your home.

6 Gang Light Switch Before

KeyPad Automated Lighting | Marin, Napa, Sonoma, Berkeley

KeyPad After

Lighting control can help simplify your home and get rid of the multitudes of light switches. A single keypad can now eliminate wall clutter and take the place of the banks of light switches taking over your wall. They keypads are labelled as well as, eliminating the need to look around the room when turning each light on or off in order to figure out if you flipped the right switch.

The app that can be used from your smartphone or tablet allows you to click a button, for example “Great Room” and have all the lights you wish turn on at your preferred default setting in the specified room

The other thing we love is the ability to control all of your lights at once with the “All Off” button upon leaving your home. Can’t remember if you forgot a light after you left? Since the app is on your personal device you have total control of your lights when you are away from home ensuring you never accidentally leave that bathroom light on.
We are also able to integrate with motorized roller shades and alarm systems. Roller shades and motorized drapes are fully automated through total home control systems and have the ability to shut out or let in outdoor light through the touch of a button, both wirelessly and quietly to help control your natural lighting. Read our post about roller shades here.

Customers also benefit from direct security alarm integration, when away you can set the home system to “vacation mode” so your home appears occupied, temperature is turned off and lights and shades can be adjusted so home appears occupied. If there is an intruder all lights are turned on, shades are risen and the outside lights flash. Upon returning home and disarming the alarm, lights are turned on, shades are risen and the temperature is adjusted to your enabled preset.

Best of all, wireless lighting control and roller shades can be installed to enhance your home when it is most convenient to you. If you want to update your home system to include full lighting control at your fingertips give call us today and we can discuss your options.

Until next time,

Scott Sullivan
SoundVision, Inc.
415-456-7000

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SoundVision designs and installs home theater, lighting, home automation, surveillance, security and alarm systems for Residential, Commercial, Home, Business, Corporate, Restaurants and Hotels.

Battery Powered Roller Shades from Lutron

The SoundVision team recently installed a new shading product we think you will enjoy.

One of the most common words we hear is “wireless”.

Over the past few years, home integration has evolved and more systems have wireless communication capabilities. While communication and control can be accomplished wirelessly, devices still need power and this usually involves electrical wiring.

Lutron has recently introduced a true wireless, motorized shading system which they call the Sivoia QS Triathlon. The system consists of battery powered roller shades with wireless communication to Radio RA 2, and Homeworks QS control systems. This means we finally have a robust shading solution with no wiring needed.

Lutron’s shading solutions have been known for years for the silent motor operation and the Triathlon’s are no different. Not only are the motors quiet, they are efficient; battery life is expected to be between three and five years with normal usage.

The roller shade pocket for the Triathlon series has been designed with a fabric wrapped housing and a wide range of shade fabrics to produce an elegant solution for retrofit applications without having to cut holes in walls or ceilings to run wires; of course it can also be used in new construction applications as well.

The Triathlon shading line brings elegance, ease of use, and ease of installation together.

Here is how they install:

Step 1, Install Bracket

Step 2, Insert Batteries

Step 3, Install shade in bracket

Ready to program

Here is a link to Lutron’s info:

https://www.lutron.com/en-US/Products/Pages/ShadingSystems/SivoiaQSTriathlon/Overview.aspx

Please contact us for more information on this exciting new product.

Scott Sullivan discusses Motorized Shades

Scott Sullivan, President and C.E.O. of SoundVision discusses motorized shades.

< back to videos

SoundVision designs and installs motorized shades in the following area. San Francisco, Marin, Sausalito, Tiburon, Belvedere, Mill Valley, Corte Madera, Greenbrae, Larkspur, Ross, Kentfield, San Anselmo, Fairfax, San Rafael, Novato, Napa, Calistoga, Oakville, Rutherford, Yountville, Saint Helena, Petaluma, Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Windsor, Cotati, Cloverdale, Healdsburg, Sonoma, Berkeley, Piedmont.

Lutron

Project Profile: San Francisco Business

Voice Control- A Growing Technology

Our favorite apps for your Smart Home!

SoundVision’s Favorite Home Control Apps

You are now able to control nearly every aspect of your home from your iPhone, iPad or android device. Let’s simplify your life by make your home smarter; control and monitor your home with these convenient apps, no matter where you are!

1. Sonos

2. Savant

3. Lutron Home Control+

4. Honeywell Total Connect

5. Pentair🏊

Project Profile: Marin Home Theater 🎥

Marin Custom Home Theater

Theater consists of:

The Screen & Projector

The Lighting

The Seating

The Sound

For every SoundVision install:

Lighting Control — control your whole house from your phone

Lighting Control💡

Control your whole house from your phone

1. Control lights exactly the way you like your home

2. Eliminate wall clutter

3. Control your lighting from anywhere

4. Lutron dimmers saves energy

5. Schedule your Lights

6. Away & Vacation Mode

7. Compatible with controlling the rest of your home

The Future of Lighting – Going LED is great??

Dimming LED Lighting is Tricky!

Lutron Lighting Authorized Providers

Lutron Lighting Authorized Dealers

Experience Light Control:

The Lutron App:

Lighting Control & Total Home Control Systems

Battery Powered Roller Shades from Lutron

Scott Sullivan discusses Motorized Shades

Lutron

Office Music System

Conference Room System

SoundVision’s Favorite Home Control Apps

You are now able to control nearly every aspect of your home from your iPhone, iPad or android device. Let’s simplify your life by make your home smarter; control and monitor your home with these convenient apps, no matter where you are!

1. Sonos

2. Savant

3. Lutron Home Control+

4. Honeywell Total Connect

5. Pentair🏊

Marin Custom Home Theater

Theater consists of:

The Screen & Projector

The Lighting

The Seating

The Sound

For every SoundVision install:

Lighting Control💡

Control your whole house from your phone

1. Control lights exactly the way you like your home

2. Eliminate wall clutter

3. Control your lighting from anywhere

4. Lutron dimmers saves energy

5. Schedule your Lights

6. Away & Vacation Mode

7. Compatible with controlling the rest of your home

Dimming LED Lighting is Tricky!

Lutron Lighting Authorized Dealers

Experience Light Control:

The Lutron App: