Learn the Difference Between Local and Cloud Storage Systems

Many of our customers consult us for a variety of smart home solutions, and we love hearing from you. From whether or not to invest in a more robust network to incorporating lighting control systems into your home, we’ve learned our customers’ strongest desires relate to simple functionality and high-quality products. That desire spills over into the security and surveillance realm, as well. Several different components can go into a security camera installation, and surveillance cameras are typically the most significant component of many systems. Camera footage storage is an aspect of security installations about which we get many questions. If you’re wondering what the difference is between local storage and cloud storage, keep reading.

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Components of a Surveillance System

Before you install a security system in your Laguna Beach-area home, make sure you’re informed about the variety of solutions available. Beyond cameras, door and window sensors, carbon monoxide detectors, motion sensors, video doorbells, smart locks and more are all components you could potentially incorporate into your own home. From dome to bullet cameras, wireless to wired options, and indoor to outdoor cameras, there are several options available, and each is suited for different needs. A professional security installation company will consult with you, performing a site visit to understand your current setup and clarify your vision for a future security system.  

Local Storage

Local storage does just that with your footage – your video and accompanying audio is stored locally. In the past, this meant bulky servers or computer storage. That’s a thing of the past, and cameras compatible with local storage have some type of SD or microSD card storage. You can easily access this footage, so don’t think this is some sort of old-fashioned method in comparison to cloud-based storage. Another consideration to make when planning a security camera installation is whether or not you want 24/7 recording or if you only want a recording to take place when sensors detect motion. This preference will affect your storage needs. Local security footage storage is stored in your home and is accessible by you when you need to access the archive. Storing locally keeps your data secure and unavailable to potential cyber thieves. The local storage option is also the generally more affordable option since you aren’t paying for monthly cloud-storage fees.  

Cloud Storage

Cloud storage, on the other hand, sends your security camera footage to a remote, cloud-based server, off-site from your Laguna Beach-area property. The primary benefit to this storage option is the ability to watch your security camera footage remotely, wherever you are, from a smart device app or your computer browser. Launch Systems can protect your home network from cyber threats so you can rest easy knowing your data is secure in the cloud. Security camera installations can accommodate a combination of both types of storage, so be sure to consult with a professional before you make your final decision. No matter your storage decision, a security camera installation can proceed without a hitch in your Laguna Beach home with Launch Systems. Call us today at (949) 515-7030, contact us online, or chat with us below. We can’t wait to hear from you.

We Tell You How Lutron Sets the Bar High in Automated Lighting

A 2017 Harris Poll asked 1,553 homeowners about their lighting preferences, and 91% cited reducing energy use was important. Despite that staggering statistic, 21% had no idea they could reduce their energy consumption by installing lighting controls in their homes. As a result of homeowners’ preferences, lighting control is taking the home automation industry by storm. You want the ability to regulate the level and quality of light in your home not only to save on energy, but also to complete specific tasks comfortably — the more control of when and where you can use light, the better. Keep reading to learn how Lutron has set the bar high for lighting control systems and why you should consider a system for your Newport Beach, CA home.

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Manage Daylight

You can manage daylight by regulating the amount of sunlight that enters your home. Use shades in conjunction with dimmers to not only create an inviting environment, but also to save energy. Your motorized shade fabrics not only compliment your design aesthetic but can filter the amount of daylight entering a room. You could always set an Away scene to make sure your shades are drawn and the thermostat isn’t running while you’re away. Talk about maximum energy savings. Daylight photosensors prevent outdoor lighting from operating during the daylight hours – you want your porch light on overnight, but there’s no need to keep it on during the day. You can adjust shades automatically with the time of day, too, raising to let light in and setting interior fixtures to dim. Occupancy sensors ensure lights aren’t left on when a room isn’t in use.

Comfort & Elegance

Lighting affects the mood of a room, so take charge of how your home feels. You can choose warm dimming for a cozy feeling; opt for bright, cool whites to keep you alert and awake for specific tasks. There’s no need to walk throughout your home, turning off the lights behind you as you prepare to head upstairs for bed. Simply tap a button on your smart device to switch the front porch light on and the downstairs lights off while you’re lying in bed! Instead of typical boring, white switches, you have a myriad of keypad plate finishes to choose from. We can even match your light switch plates to your existing interior design scheme. Not only is your Newport Beach-area home more convenient, it will exude elegance.

Voice Control

Lutron lighting can also integrate with your voice control assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. There’s no need to tap a button on your wall keypad or find your smartphone. Simply say, “Hey Google, dim the living room” to dim the lights in your living room. You can also say, “Alexa, good morning” to raise your motorized shades, turn on the bedroom light, and start playing your favorite news station. Not everything needs to be operated by voice control, though, and preprogrammed scenes can always be controlled with your wall keypad or via a smartphone app.

An Expert Smart Home Security System Has Much More to Offer Huntington Beach Residents Than a DIY Setup

The saying “You get what you pay for” is more than a little cliché. That said, there are still many cases when it has the ring of truth. One of these instances is your home security system. There’s been a dramatic increase in the number of smart security products available at your local big-box store, but that doesn’t mean these devices are your best option for keeping your home safe. If you want to be sure your security system is protecting you, you want a professional installation. A technology integrator like Launch Systems can design and install a smart home security system that’s powerful and easy to use, perfect for homeowners in Huntington Beach, CA. Read on to learn more.

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SECURITY EVOLUTION

Home security systems used to be simple to install and control. Typically, your system included your standard-issue locks and deadbolts on your doors, along with an alarm system to monitor your doors and windows. If an intruder entered your home, an alarm would activate, and the authorities would be notified. A system like this is fine for what it is, but smart technology allows for much more advanced security and surveillance solutions. Smart video doorbells and locks give you much greater control over who can access your home. They also provide more information on what’s happening inside the house. Surveillance cameras have also come a long way in recent years, making it easy to install a network of cameras and sensors to keep an eye on every square inch of your property.

EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE

Modern security systems are much more advanced than their older counterparts. However, these systems are also much more complicated to design and install, requiring much more experience and training. That’s why you should have a professional handle your home security needs. At Launch Systems, we’re home automation experts. If you take a look at our past work, you’ll see we design systems that are both eye-catching and functional. We bring our passion, professional demeanor and enthusiasm to every project, no matter how complex.

WHAT WE BRING TO THE TABLE

What else do you get when you hire a professional to install your smart home security system? One thing to keep in mind is that we’re trained to install these systems. We know what components need to go where, how to link them to each other and how to make controlling the system easy. However, a professional installation from Launch Systems includes more than plugging the devices into your walls. For example, take your home network. No matter how advanced your surveillance cameras are, they won’t do you much good if the network linking them together isn’t strong enough. With inadequate network coverage, you’ll still be left with a subpar system. If you choose us for your home security installation, we’ll test your network and any other components that might compromise the system. This ensures total peace of mind for you and your family. To learn more about our home security and surveillance services, call us at (949) 515-7030. You can also visit our website and fill out the contact form at the bottom of the page, or you can leave a message in the chat box in your browser.

Impress Your Customers in the Laguna Beach Region with TVs That Blend Into the Background When Not in Use

If you’re an interior designer, you know the importance of blending form and function in a home. Your customers may want the latest and greatest speakers, home theater equipment and automation systems, but you’re the one who needs to make it look appealing. One way to create a better-looking home while still allowing for smart home automation is to make the equipment invisible until it’s ready for use. Because of their size, TVs can be a major eyesore in many rooms, but they don’t have to be. In this blog, we’ll walk you through some hidden TV solutions we like to use and how they can benefit interior design professionals in the Laguna Beach, CA, area.

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HOW TO HIDE A TV

The display is the largest component in any home A/V system, which makes it the most challenging piece to conceal. There are a few easy solutions: Homeowners with a projector can roll the screen up whenever it’s not in use. If you have a customer interested in a new standalone display, LG’s Signature OLED TV R9 features a screen that rolls down into the base for easy concealment. By and large, however, these solutions aren’t applicable for most homeowners. Don’t despair if you’re a designer in this situation; there are still ways to hide TV and get a cleaner look for the home. One popular way to hide a TV is for it to look like a piece of art or a mirror hanging on the wall. A cheap and simple way to do this is to add a frame around the edge of the screen, especially if the TV is set to display personal photos or some other decorative artwork when it’s idle. Another choice is to go to a company like Séura that makes specially designed displays that look like a piece of art or a mirror until it’s time to watch something. The other, more costly method of concealing a TV is to hide it inside a piece of furniture or behind a wall panel. This approach requires special furniture or some wall modifications to your walls, which can work with new construction but can be a challenge with remodel projects. But if that’s the approach you choose, we can help you make it happen.

BENEFITS OF HIDDEN TVs

If you’re designing homes that don’t meet the expectations of potential buyers, you’ll find yourself in trouble very quickly. With this idea in mind, the benefits of hidden TVs become obvious. It’s much easier to blend a mirror, painting or photograph with other design elements in a room than to do so with a bulky display. Instead of a chunky piece of electronics taking up lots of space and drawing attention away from other aspects of the room, the TV meshes elegantly with whatever aesthetic you’ve chosen. Less clutter on the walls or the floor makes for a much more seamless, attractive design. And your customers can still enjoy a cutting-edge TV integrated with the latest automation technology. Your clients will also enjoy showing off this high-tech wonder to their friends and family.   Want to learn more about hidden TV solutions from Launch Systems? Give us a call today at (949) 515-7030. You can also visit our website and fill out the contact form at the bottom of the page, or you can leave a message in the chat box in your browser. We look forward to hearing from you!

Launch Systems is the Control4 Dealer in the Newport Beach area

Smart home automation is becoming a reality for millions of homes across the globe, with the market estimated to grow to a value of more than $53 billion by 2022. One of the main benefits of home automation is the convenience, allowing homeowners to control a variety of functions within their home—lighting, security, thermostats, and more—with the tap of a button or a voice command. Instead of using ten different apps to control your 10+ devices, comprehensive home automation systems manage all of your devices in one integrated, easy-to-control interface. One popular and well-respected brand of home automation control systems is Control4. Control4 dealers consult with homeowners on their automation needs, considering current use cases as well as potential future use case scenarios. Once designed, dealers work alongside home builders and architects or alone to install a system into your home. After installation, a Control4 dealer can provide further service and maintenance as you need. Keep reading to learn why consulting with a Control4 dealer for integrated home control is the best decision for your Newport Beach, CA home.

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Easy to Manage

Amazon Alexa is one of the first gateway smart devices users add to their homes. Seventy percent of smart home technology consumers said that once they bought their first internet-connected device, they were more likely to buy another. As you add smart devices to your home, an integrated Control4 system helps you maintain control easily, without your system becoming too unwieldy. With voice control or the tap of a button on your smartphone, remote control, or installed touch panel, you can control your smart lighting, dim tunable LED lights in the evenings and raise your motorized window treatments in the morning to let in the sunshine.

Home Entertainment

Your home theater or media room may have a variety of remotes—one goes to the Blu-ray player, one to the TV display, and one you can’t quite figure out or remember what it controls. Control4 offers a simple smart remote that anyone in your family can intuitively operate. Want to watch TV? Tap on the Watch TV button. It’s as simple as that. Play music from your personal music collection or stream directly from your favorite Spotify stations from anywhere in your home. You can manage the tunes in the dining room to play relaxing music while the outdoor area is streaming a fun pop riff while the kids are playing in the pool. Speakers and sound systems are all operable with a Control4 system. A dealer ensures your surround sound is fully immersive while your wired and wireless network connections are running at the fastest speeds with virtually no interference.

Comfort and Convenience

You can also automate your climate control system, ensuring the AC isn’t running at full capacity in the middle of the day while everyone is away at work or school. Temperatures can be set to adjust during specific times of the day or as the seasons change. In conjunction with climate control, you can operate your smart lighting control and motorized window treatments automatically or with the tap of a button on your smart device. If you forgot to turn the lights off as you left for the day, use your smartphone to turn off the lights automatically. If you’d prefer to lower the roller shades while you’re watching a movie, tap a button on your smart device instead of losing your comfortable seat on the couch. Comfort and convenience go hand in hand when you have smart home control automated with Control4.   Launch Systems has a stellar reputation of making complicated household functions effortless as the Control4 dealer in Newport Beach, CA and the surrounding areas. If you’d like to see a Control4 system in action or want to know what we can do for your home, call us today at (949) 515-7030 or contact us online. We look forward to hearing from you.