Your Clients’ Homes Are Showcased in the Best Lighting Possible

On our blog, we’ve often discussed the benefits of motorized window treatments, from making the switch to motorized shades to enjoying additional privacy and energy savings. California homeowners are always looking for ways to improve their homes in a variety of ways. If your Corona del Mar, CA clients are looking for new and exciting ways to elevate their interior décor, then motorized window treatments are one way to offer them the opportunity to showcase homes in their best light. Keep reading to learn three ways shading and blinds can further advance the look and feel of a California home.

SEE ALSO: Why Make the Switch from Manual to Motorized Window Treatments?  

Interior Protection

The look and feel of a room dramatically shift with the addition of window dressings. Blackout shades can set the mood for the perfect movie night with no light intrusion, while sheers offer sparkling sunlight without the harsh glare. With a variety of color, fabric, and style options available, any homeowner can select window treatments that can protect their home, too. The luxurious fabrics and styles selected for a home do more than simply look great, though.  They serve to protect the interior furnishings, technology, and artwork in a home from harmful UV rays, reduce annoying glare, and can help absorb heat from the sun. The degree to which this is done is dependent upon the fabric’s opacity and the style of the shade. Imagine shades raising in the morning to let the soft morning light in, then with a tap of a button, lowering to reduce the harmful UV rays hitting favorite art pieces.

Set the Scene

Pre-programmed scenes allow for the operation of smart technologies automatically. Typically, a homeowner can operate electric shades and blinds with the tap of a button on a smart device, remote, or on-wall keypad. With scenes, the operation occurs with no direct action required from the homeowner, plus additional smart home technologies like lighting control or security systems can be programmed to work simultaneously at specified times. An “Evening In” scene can initiate the shades to lower in every room of the home and allows for increased privacy at night. Simultaneously, smart lighting can brighten to a warm glow in the living room, dim in the media room, and custom-designed spotlighting can showcase artwork in the den, all while creating a relaxed mood.   Call us at (949) 515-7030 today or reach us online to begin exploring the opportunities available from custom motorized window treatments.

Your Home’s Devices Can Run Like a Breeze with an Upgraded Network from Launch Systems

Many of us may find ourselves staying at home more than we’re used to, enjoying additional streaming services like Hulu or Netflix more often, working remotely, and participating in online learning activities with our children. While we’re comfortable and safe in our California homes, the additional loads on our home networks may be becoming uncomfortable. Have you noticed slowed down network speeds in recent weeks? Are your devices lagging and favorite shows buffering? If so, then consider home network installation services from Launch Systems as a solution to your network problems. Read on to learn more about how Launch Systems can help your family enjoy improved network speed and reliability in your Newport Beach, CA home.

SEE ALSO: Expand Your Home Network to Improve Your Outdoor Areas  

Reliability

You’re downstairs in the home office on a conference call while the kids are upstairs playing their favorite online learning games. Your spouse is streaming a movie in the media room while they work. The demand on your network is intense, and if you have a subpar home network, then at any moment, your network could crash. Not only is your family actively using the network, but there’s likely an array of smart devices connected as well — tablets, phones, smart thermostats—even bathroom scales can connect to Wi-Fi these days. A well-designed home network is reliable because it can support all of your home’s devices, with the ability to grow as your device count grows. Wireless and wired networks work in tandem with one another. The wired network serves as the backbone to your entire network, offering top speeds, while your wireless network gives your family the flexibility it desires. The combination of modems, routers, wireless controllers, network switches, and wireless access points offer your Newport-area home the fastest, most reliable solution for increased network demands.  

Security

You may initially think you don’t need security features on your home network, but that’s a dangerous idea. Cybercriminals can hack Wi-Fi networks if you aren’t taking measures to protect yourself. WPA2 password protection is the primary method of securing your network from those that have no business being there and prevents neighbors from hopping on your network and stealing your bandwidth. Additional security measures you can take to protect your network include network firewalls that protect your network from incoming malicious traffic and guest networks. Setting up a guest network is relatively simple and prevents your main network’s security from being compromised. Launch Systems can help you design a secure network that best suits your needs.   If you’re ready to advance the power of your home network, Launch Systems can help you stay connected with professional installation services in your California home. Contact us today at (949) 515-7030, complete our no-obligation consultation form, or chat with us below.

The team at Launch Systems is keeping an eye on all the latest news about the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States and around the world, and we are taking all necessary precautions to keep our employees, clients and community safe during this time. Health precautions and protocols in line with WHO and CDC directives are taking place throughout our organization to reduce the spread of disease. Every day our team reviews up-to-date recommendations to ensure we’re doing everything to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Though these may change over time, here are the current steps we are taking to reduce the risks associated with this novel coronavirus:

● Every technician is equipped with hand-sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to clean their hands. It is also readily available at our showrooms, offices and work sites to be used by all of our employees. In addition, all employees must wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

● Employees who have symptoms of acute respiratory illness are recommended to stay home and not come to work until they are free of fever (100.4° F [37.8° C] or greater using an oral thermometer), signs of a fever, and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (e.g. cough suppressants). Employees are instructed to notify their supervisor and their healthcare provider immediately upon experiencing any symptoms.

Learn How to Deter Burglary and Theft on Your California Property

Since the original burglar alarm was manufactured in the mid-1850s, home security has evolved leaps and bounds. Not only are there burglar alarms that make a siren sound upon unwanted entry, but systems now include motion detection, surveillance cameras, tracking devices and more to protect the modern American home. There are a few security measures you can take in order to keep your California property safer to deter burglary and theft. In this blog, we’ll cover a few of the ways you can use a smart home security system to protect your Newport Beach, CA home. Read on to learn more!

SEE ALSO: The Top 2 Home Security Camera Installation Locations

Video Doorbells & Smart Locks

Online ordering and direct to consumer shipping have blown up seemingly overnight! This influx in package deliveries has resulted in an increase in porch pirates – the ne’er-do-wells who take advantage of your unattended packages on your porch. To avoid dealing with package thievery, invest in a video doorbell and smart locks. This combination of devices serves as an integral piece to your smart home security system. A video doorbell allows you to see and communicate with people that not only ring your doorbell but even those that trigger motion on your front porch. By adding smart locks, not only can you can view and speak with the delivery person that rings your doorbell,  you can also unlock your front door to allow them to place the package inside your doorway. Once the delivery person has completed this task, lock the smart lock remotely from your smart device. No more unattended packages left to entice thieves!

Cellular Backup

Many traditional security systems communicate with an alarm company via a conventional landline. While this works well in most instances, burglars have been known to cut the phone line to prevent the alarm signal from going through to the company. Other issues like bad weather or fire could also cause the landline to become damaged or otherwise unable to communicate. Thankfully, many smart security systems provide additional backup protection for this issue. A cellular backup assists you in receiving 24/7 continuous monitoring with no phone or internet connection. It operates wirelessly on a dedicated cellular network. Your smart home security system is left communicating with your monitoring system without a hitch.

Motion Detection

While surveillance cameras can be placed throughout your property to help you keep an eye out and deter potential thieves, you can also use them in conjunction with motion sensors. Motion sensors can trigger surveillance cameras to begin recording and send you a mobile alert of the action. From your smart device, you can view live footage of the incident and determine if further action should be taken – perhaps call the authorities – or if there’s no cause for alarm.   Launch Systems can design a smart home security system that’s perfect and unique to your family’s individual security needs. Call us today at (949) 515-7030, chat with us below, or fill out our online form to get started on your free personalized consultation. We can’t wait to help you make your California home safer.

Watch These Tutorial Videos to Get the Most Out of Your System

Our favorite home automation company, Control4, introduced the latest upgrade to its operating system last year: OS 3. Control4 OS 3 introduced a wealth of new features previously unavailable in the first two iterations of the operating system, with a new focus placed on user personalization.   Personalization has become an essential desire of homeowners with automation in their homes, so features like active media bars, a Favorites option, and broad support of third-party devices was imperative in the new operating system.   In this blog, we’ll cover three ways you can manage the Control4 OS 3 system in your Laguna Beach, CA home, plus include helpful videos to help you navigate the process.

SEE ALSO: Expand Your Home Network to Improve Your Outdoor Areas

Control4 Security

You can enjoy improved peace of mind with security alarms, smart locks and surveillance cameras. Imagine managing and arming every component of your system remotely with your smartphone or tablet, or while you’re at home from an in-wall touch panel. Take a look at this video to learn how to do that, plus, how to monitor the different security zones of your home individually:  
 

Media Sessions

You can control every music zone of your Laguna Beach home with a few simple taps. After you’ve selected what tunes to stream on Spotify while you prepare dinner in the kitchen, expand the listening landscape by taking the music to the dining room as well. Once dinner is ready, move the music to the outdoor entertainment area to eat outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. You can also manage what’s playing in your home theater with ease. Click play to learn more:  
 

Customizing Pages

For each room of your home, you can customize your screen to show your favorite smart technologies. Simply tap and rearrange each technology feature you’d like to operate, then manage your Control4 system as you need. If you often dim the lighting, open and close the motorized shades, watch your TV, and listen to surround sound, then you can select those functions to show on your Favorites screen for your media room. Check out the following video to learn just how simple it will be to customize the interface of your Control4 OS 3 screen:
 
Now that you’ve gotten a sneak peek at how simple Control4 OS 3 can be, let us show you a system in action. Call us today at (949) 515-7030, chat with us below, or fill out our contact form to get started. We can’t wait to help you bring comfort and convenience to your California home with Control4.

3 Ways Lutron Offers More than Smart Light Bulbs

When you hear the term smart lighting, what comes to mind? Many homeowners think it means incorporating energy-efficient, smart light bulbs that don’t need to be controlled manually with a traditional light switch. Lutron lighting systems are so much more than that! Imagine walking into your Huntington Beach, CA home and the lights working in sync with your motorized shades to control the amount of light within your home. Plus, you can update your old-fashioned light switch plates to match your décor, all while you bring improved comfort and convenience to your home. Read on to learn three ways Lutron offers more than smart light bulbs.

SEE ALSO: Motorized Window Treatments Bring Style & Convenience

Elegance & Ambiance

Lutron lighting systems control light beautifully in your California home. Light dimming technology helps you transform the mood of any room, ensuring your romantic dinner for two is just that – romantically lit without harsh lighting. Your outdoor entertainment spaces can transform into relaxing areas with dimmed or colorful lighting, too, with only a tap of a button on a wall keypad or smart device app. You can even bring elegance to your lighting controls, opting for stylish style, color and finish options that complement your interior décor. Options include the Palladiom line for an architectural aesthetic and minimalistic design that’s customizable and backlit to the GRAFIK T slider with intuitive sliding touch control that adds style to your space. Finishes range from bright chrome to antique brass to ivory to aluminum – you’re sure to find something perfect for your home.

Programmed Scenes

You can program you Lutron lighting to astronomical clocks, so outdoor lighting can turn on automatically on at dusk or off at sunrise, ensuring no wasting energy costs. With the tap of a finger on a remote or wall keypad, you can set an Away scene that turns some lights on or off and lowers shades for improved security while you’re gone from your Huntington Beach-area home.

Occupancy Sensors

Maestro sensors can determine occupancy or vacancy in any room location once installed. Rooms that are notorious for lights being left on, such as the laundry room or garage, will turn on automatically when you enter a space and turn off after a designated amount of time. Major, minor, and fine motion can be detected, depending on your preferred settings. This is also valuable for indoor security, with any motion detected triggering indoor lights to turn on and startle burglars. If you’re ready to make your California home more elegant, convenient, and safe, call Launch Systems today at (949) 515-7030 or fill out our contact form. We look forward to working with you!

Choose from a Wide Variety of Options from One of Our Favorite Brands: Lutron

If you’re looking for a way to improve the interior décor of your California home while also protecting your interior furnishings from damaging UV light, then you should consider motorized window treatments. The options are nearly endless with Lutron because they have a variety of styles and fabric options from which to choose. We’ve previously explained the benefits of switching from manual to motorized window treatments. In this blog, we’ll review a few ways that motorized window treatments can bring convenience and style to your Huntington Beach, CA home. Keep reading to learn more.

SEE ALSO: The Lutron Lighting System Mini Guide

Saving Energy

Lutron shading solutions take advantage of the natural light of the sun to warm your home in the winter and can protect your home from solar heat gain in the summers. All of this translates to valuable energy savings for you! When your home is warmed naturally by the sun in winter, your HVAC doesn’t need to run as often to keep your interiors warm. During the summer months, motorized window treatments can insulate and prevent the hot sun from warming your home, which means your AC doesn’t need to work as hard at keeping your family cool.  

Privacy

A whole-home motorized shading solution can protect your home from peeping eyes. While you’re away from home, a predetermined Away scene can lower all of your shades simultaneously. All you need to do is select this button on your custom-etched wall keypad, a smart device, or a remote – it’s simple. Because Lutron window treatments come in a variety of fabric options, you can control not only the amount of light that enters your Huntington Beach-area home, but your privacy as well. For example, horizontal sheer blinds allow soft light to filter into your home while also giving you the ability to control the angle of the vane’s tilt.  

Colors, Style & Fabrics

Beyond choosing the style of the perfect motorized window treatments for your home, you can also select fabrics and colors that complement your California home’s décor. Lutron continuously evaluates trends, so there are always fresh options to choose from, along with longtime favorites. From seven varieties of Jacquard to 16 colors of basswoods for wooden blinds, you are sure to find the perfect match.   If you’re ready to bring the style and comfort and motorized window treatments to your property in Huntington Beach, CA, call us today at (949) 515-7030 or use our online contact form to reach us. We can’t wait to bring Lutron shading solutions to your home.

Music to Every Room of the House with a Simple Tap of a Button

When you’re designing a home for your Newport Beach-area clients, you may often need to persuade them to incorporate specific features and technologies into their homes. Not only are you helping your clients future-proof their homes for years to come,  you also want your clients to enjoy their comfortable and inviting California homes, too. One technology you can bring to your clients’ homes is multi-room music. Let them fill the entire house with virtually any music in the world with a quick finger tap on a smart device, remote or in-wall touch screen. Read on to learn how multi-room music technology can improve your Newport Beach, CA clients’ homes.

SEE ALSO: Enjoy Music Everywhere with New Products from Sonos

Room Zones

The entire home can be divided into smaller zones of home audio. If the kids want to listen to their favorite music in the upstairs media room while the parents want to listen to relaxing music as they prepare dinner together in the kitchen, the same system can easily control both zones separately. If the homeowners throw a large party, then every zone of the home can be enlisted to provide an entertaining playlist. From the outdoor entertainment spaces to the living room to the dining room, party music can play from every speaker zone in their home. What homeowner wouldn’t love that?

Easy to Control

A multi-room music system is simple to control with a tap. You can assess your client’s preferences for control during the build process so you can adequately wire the home or simply use wireless options. On-wall touch screens, remotes and smart devices can all be used to control the system, too. Homeowners can even use their favorite voice control assistant to adjust volume, skip to the next song and more.

Integrates with The Rest of The Home

When integrated with a Control4 home automation system, multi-room music is just the beginning. An automation system can incorporate lighting control, home theater systems, the HVAC and more into one easy to control operation system. Scenes can also be created, offering the ultimate in comfort and convenience. Imagine saying, “Alexa, good morning” or tapping a Good Morning button on a brushed metal keypad that matches the interior décor perfectly. This could initiate a sequence of soft, relaxing music playing in the bedroom and motorized shades raising to allow natural sunlight into the room. What a great way to start the day! If you’re ready to learn more about multi-room music for your Newport Beach, CA clients, call us today at (949) 515-7030 or use our online contact form. We can’t wait to help you better serve your clients.

Make Your Irvine, CA Home Safer with These Smart Solutions

So, you’ve decided to make your home safer and more secure, but how exactly are you planning to do that? Beyond having an alarm system, intelligent placement of security cameras can improve the safety of your property. Once you’ve decided to go forward with a smart security camera installation, Launch Systems assesses your Irvine, CA property, and inquires about your security system preferences to determine the perfect placement of security cameras and the ideal system for your home. Read on to learn two security camera installation areas you may not have previously thought to consider.

SEE ALSO: Confused on Where to Start with Your Security Camera Installation?

The First Floor

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 81% of burglars enter homes through the first floor, with 34% of those coming through the front door. Some may think video doorbells are a novelty, but they can truly help you surveil your home and potentially deter theft of packages and unwanted entry through the front door. Not only are you making your home safer, but you’re able to add convenience because you can see who’s at the door without before answering. Other ground-level security camera locations include the rear entry, garage doors, and by first-floor windows. Placement is also essential. Wide-angle cameras should be placed to see 75 to 180 degrees without obstruction, while focus cameras should aim at specific areas with around 45 to 75 degrees of viewing space. And of course, be sure to place your outdoor surveillance cameras out of reach, typically about nine feet above the ground.

Detached Structures

There are likely valuables on your property beyond the walls of your home. A tool shed, a detached storage area or garage, and cars in the driveway are all valuables that are often overlooked when homeowners take a DIY route to security camera installation. Often, thieves target these structures due to the lack of visible security cameras or poor lighting. Avoid thieves taking advantage of your home by placing cameras in high and visible locations, and add exterior lighting around your property to deter thieves. Launch Systems has a long history of serving clients in Irvine and the surrounding areas. From our initial personal consultation assessing your needs to security camera installation to post-installation support, we pride ourselves on our work.   Call us today at (949) 515-7030 or use our online contact form to get started on your no-obligation consultation. We can’t wait to help you make your California home safer and bring you peace of mind.

Home Network Installation Services Keep Your Entertainment Jamming All Year-Round

Other states can’t say the same, but in California, we tend to have great weather year-round. Lucky for us, we can bring our social gatherings or relaxing evenings to our outdoor entertainment spaces in our Huntington Beach, CA backyards. When you go outside, your devices and entertainment needs follow you outdoors, and by expanding your home network, you can ensure your audio/video needs are met without any interruption. Launch Systems provides home network installation services to Huntington Beach and the surrounding areas, offering full-service support of the reliable devices and setups we design and install. Keep reading to learn how an expanded home network can help improve your outdoor entertainment areas now or just in time for the warmer spring weather.

SEE ALSO: Enjoy Music Everywhere with New Products from Sonos

Outdoor Wireless Access Points

To extend network coverage, adding additional wireless access points can improve Wi-Fi connections both inside and outdoors. A wireless access point is a device that connects to your home network and extends the signal further than it would reach otherwise. Launch Systems is a longtime professional network installer, and we work with the most reliable products on the market. We will assess your outdoor network needs to determine the best products that will withstand the California elements for years to come, plus ensure they are placed in strategic locations in your outdoor spaces to ensure maximum coverage. Everyone’s devices will connect without any dreaded lag, whether they’re using a smartphone to stream YouTube videos or listening to music on the latest Move speaker from Sonos.  

Control Your Home Effortlessly

From outdoor lighting to outdoor TVs to pool and spa control, your smart technologies will work seamlessly with a robust and expanded outdoor network. Home networks include a combination of wired and wireless connections, and Launch Systems ensures we design your entire home’s network and its connected devices to work as effectively as possible. Plus, with a home automation system you can control all your devices, inside and out, effortlessly with the tap of a button on your smart device or a keypad. Not only can you enjoy your audio/video entertainment outdoors, but you’ll be able to control it all easily.   Interested in learning more about the home network installation services that Launch Systems provides? Call our team at (949) 515-7030, reach out to us using our contact form or chat with us below. We can’t wait to work with you!

Now is the Perfect Time to Consider a TV and Sound System Upgrade

Super Bowl LIV is right around the corner, along with a new year of possibilities. As you consider your 2020 goals, why not include a plan for upgrading your home theater or media room so you’re able to throw the biggest and best Super Bowl party out of all your friends in Newport Beach, CA. With ultra-high-definition TV displays and surround sound, everyone will be able to enjoy a high-quality viewing experience in your home. Launch Systems is your home audio/video expert in Newport Beach and the surrounding areas. Keep reading to get a breakdown of some new AV basics to consider for your upcoming Super Bowl party!

SEE ALSO: Here are 3 Way to Hide a TV in Plain Sight

Great Picture

There are a variety of options on the market to choose from to enjoy big-screen action, and deciding which type of TV display for your audio/video system upgrade can be confusing. Typically, you’d want to consider an LED or OLED variety of TV display, and the difference mainly stems from how the pixels are illuminated. OLED options provide deeper shadows and brighter highlights; each pixel can illuminate or turn off individually. This is perfect for dark scenes and movie watching. OLED is also excellent for wider seating arrangements because the viewing angles don’t degrade up to 84 degrees. LED TVs include zones of LED that can be dimmed or backlit independently for inky blacks, accurate detailing and realistic brightness. Pixels are backlit, and specific areas of the screen can be controlled to offer the best picture of the game available. LED TVs don’t have as wide a viewing angle, so if your entertainment space is wider, this may not be the best option.

High-Performance Sound

Ensure everyone at the party of the big game hears every bit of the action! You can incorporate floor standing speakers, wall-mounted speakers and even architectural speakers into your audio system upgrade. All can provide excellent sound for every bit of gameplay or an announcer’s dialogue. You simply need to decide what style suits your interior design scheme best. You can also incorporate a mix of each – it’s up to you! A one-size-fits-all solution won’t do for your next Super Bowl party. Launch Systems will show you the options available during your consultation, then design an audio/video system unique and perfect for your Newport Beach, CA home.   No matter which team sees victory at the Super Bowl, your Super Bowl party will be the best on the block, and your friends are sure to enjoy their time with clear TV displays and riveting sound. Call Launch Systems today at (949) 515-7030 or contact us using this form to get started on your entertainment space in the new year.

Tutorial Videos to Ensure You’re Making the Most of Your Lighting System

Lighting systems are great ways to manage the lights within your home intelligently. Lutron lighting systems provide solutions for any size home on any budget, so you’ll undoubtedly be able to find a system that works for your Laguna Beach, CA home. Keep reading our blog to see some of our favorite Lutron lighting system features. Plus check out the corresponding tutorials to learn how to use these features in your own home!

SEE ALSO: Why Make the Switch from Manual to Motorized Window Treatments?

Lutron Scenes

Whether you’re trying to boost your home’s security, conserve energy, or brighten up your holiday parties, scenes can help you control multiple lights on your property at once. With the tap of a button on a smart device or Lutron’s Pico remote, you can turn Lutron shades and lights to a predetermined setting. Program a “Good morning” scene to turn on the bedroom lighting, raise the motorized shades, and light your walking path into the kitchen so you can quickly get started on making breakfast. You can incorporate Lutron lighting scenes into your existing Control4 automation system, too, so you can even program the “Good morning” scene to play your favorite music or news channel with a tap. Watch this video to learn how to program scenes:    

Dimmers, Switches & Fans

You can control individual dimmers, light switches, and fans in your home using an app on your smart device. Each smart light in your Lutron lighting system is adjustable with the tap of a button. As you wind down for the evening and head to your entertainment room, you may want to dim the lights as you catch up on your favorite TV shows. Simply open the app, tap, and adjust the lighting to meet your needs. You can even use the Lutron app to adjust the speed on your ceiling fans. Take a look at this video to learn how to do that:    

Hidden TV Solutions for Your California Home Look Great – or Hide Away – As You Need

Your technology and your interior design don’t need to compete for aesthetics or space in your Newport Beach, CA, home. Hidden TV solutions have come a long way in recent years, and there’s no need to sacrifice style for video quality, or vice-versa. Hidden TV solutions can mask themselves as exciting pieces of artwork, hide within furniture and mirrors, and even roll away into the ceiling. Keep reading this blog to learn more about these sneaky technology solutions.

SEE ALSO: 2 Top Home Theater Design Trends from CEDIA Expo 2019

A Work of Art

Imagine adding 4K ultra-high-definition artwork to the walls of your home. It may sound a bit odd at first, but with the Samsung Frame TV, you can do just that andhave a high-performance TV in your home when it’s not serving as art. You could even incorporate the Samsung Frame TV into a gallery wall in your Newport Beach home, surrounding the TV with prints and portraits of your family and friends. This smart TV will quite literally blend into your home until you’re ready to showcase it. All you need to do is go from Art Mode to TV Mode using a remote.

Pop-Up Lifts

Imagine hiding away a TV in a cabinet or credenza with a pop-up motorized lift that brings your display into your sightline when you need it. You can even mount the TV into your ceiling and watch as it descends for viewing with the tap of a button. The ceiling is also a suitable space for a home theater roll-away projection screen or mounted projector. When it’s not time to watch your favorite shows and movies, these lifts and screens are discreetly tucked away into their storage compartments.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

You can even integrate a hidden TV solution into your bathroom, kitchen, or bedroom mirror. At first glance, the mirror has a perfectly clear reflection – you wouldn’t be able to detect it! With the press of a button, though, you can activate this space-saving TV that sits behind the glass of the mirror and comes in a variety of size options. You can even incorporate wall controls and motion sensors in the space for easy operation. You could catch up on the news and weather in the morning while you get ready for work or watch an episode of your favorite show while you get ready for a big night out.   Want to learn more about the hidden TV solutions possible in your Newport Beach, CA home? Call us today or use our online form here to get started. We can’t wait to hear from you.

Deter the Dreaded Porch Pirates This Holiday Season

The holidays are filled with festive activities with family and friends, and shopping opportunities for that special someone – or someones – in your life. Online shopping and store deliveries have become very popular in recent years, and it’s not uncommon to see packages lying on the porches of your Irvine, CA, neighbors, or even on your own front porch. Unfortunately, a new term exists for individuals that take advantage of this burgeoning trend of home deliveries: porch pirates. These individuals take advantage of a convenient service to many. From video doorbells to surveillance cameras, keep reading to learn how you can leverage your smart home security system to your advantage this holiday season.  

SEE ALSO: Let Control4 Ease the Stresses of the Holiday Season

Video Doorbell

Control4’s door stations offer your home a video and audio intercom experience. Full-motion video and high-quality audio capabilities allow you to communicate with, and see, whoever has rung your doorbell, plus notify you of any detected motion. Packages sitting on your porch or not, this is a beneficial system to incorporate into your Irvine, CA home. If a potential thief approaches your door, you will be notified via text or push notification of the detected motion; then, you can tap the screen to view live video footage. Your audio will automatically be muted, but if you see a thief nearing your front door, you can turn on the audio function, communicating to the pirate that you will call the authorities and that you have them on camera in the act. Hopefully, this never happens, as the security cameras serve as a deterrent in and of themselves, but you can rest easy knowing you have a course of action to take.

More than a Doorbell

Control4’s video doorbells are more than just a doorbell. Extend the video and audio capabilities inside your home using Intercom Anywhere. Intercom Anywhere allows you to greet guests at the front door, communicate with specific rooms of your home, and call people outside of your home with a Control4 touch screen or from the Control4 app. The same functionality that allows you to deter porch pirates keeps your family connected!

A Piece of the Puzzle

Smart home automation from Control4 allows for easy control for the solutions mentioned above, plus grants you the ability to manage your motorized shades, lighting control system, home theater, security system and more. Not only can you deter porch thieves, but you can keep your Irvine, CA home safe with security systems and surveillance cameras, too. It’s all operable with Control4 automation!   If you’re ready to deter porch pirates this holiday season, plus keep your family communicating, contact us today at (949) 515-7030 or use our online contact form to reach out. We can’t wait to hear from you.

Make Your Home Merry and Bright with Home Automation

Not to add to any existing stress you may have regarding the upcoming holiday season, but here’s a reminder: the holidays are right around the corner! No matter which holidays you celebrate this winter, it’s sure to be a time full of merriment, gift-giving, and gatherings with your family and friends. Why not make life a little bit simpler by incorporating the capabilities mentioned in this blog with your existing Control4 system? Or, if you want to treat your Huntington Beach, CA home to an extra special holiday gift this year, invest in a new Control4 home automation system to unleash a whole new world of possibilities for yourself, your family, and your holiday guests. Keep reading to learn more about how Control4 can help you ease the stresses of this holiday season.  

SEE ALSO: Why You Should Have Control4 Home Automation in Your Home

Individualized Access Codes

The holidays are a hubbub of activity, with family and friends entering and exiting your home more often than usual due to holiday parties and get-togethers. Do you remember the days of hiding a key under a fake rock or other un-safe yard locations so your guests could enter your home while you were away? Those days are gone, thankfully, and your Huntington Beach-area home no longer needs that potential security breach hiding in your flower bed. Instead, send a smart lock guest access code to friends and family arriving from the airport while you’re away at work. You can text or share the code with them prior to their departure. Once they arrive at your doorstep, all they need to do is type in the code and voila, keyless entry. You can monitor your home from your smart device, too, and ensure they’ve locked the doors if they need to run errands before you arrive home from work.

Deter Porch Pirates

In addition to an influx of guests, you’re probably receiving package deliveries more frequently this time of year due to an increase in your holiday shopping. Instead of losing track of the safety of your packages, utilize smart home devices that work well on their own but even better when integrated into a Control4 automation system. Video doorbells are a great addition to any Huntington Beach, CA home’s façade. Whenever the device detects motion or when someone rings your doorbell, you’ll be able to monitor the camera feed and even speak with the person at the door. You can speak with delivery drivers, unlock your smart lock remotely, and have the delivery person place your packages inside the door. You can then lock the door behind them. Any potential porch pirates will also be deterred, knowing they’d be caught in the act on video.

Lighting

Lutron lighting control can also integrate with your Control4 automation system. As guests arrive, they’ll be able to easily locate your home from the street with luminous landscape lighting and holiday string lights that automatically turned on at dusk. There’s no need to manually operate your lighting or forgetting to turn lights on because you were busy prepping for the evening’s festivities. You can sync indoor lighting with a timer or with the tap of a button on a smart device, keypad, or touchscreen, and it can all operate in sync with the rest of your home. Cozy up next to the fireplace and get into the holiday spirit with festive colored lighting, and stream your favorite holiday playlists throughout your home with a multi-room audio system.   An integrated smart home is possible and easy to use thanks to Control4 smart automation. Chat with us using the live chat at the bottom of your browser or fill out our contact form to get started on your no-obligation consultation. We look forward to helping you ease your holiday stresses.

Launch Systems is Your Laguna Beach-Area Home Theater Design Professional

When one of your clients asks for a custom home theater, what do you do? Hopefully, you don’t scour YouTube on the best products and DIY solutions to provide your clients. A DIY home theater would likely cause your client (and yourself) a headache. When your clients inquire about home theaters, you should work with a professional home theater designer because we know the latest home entertainment trends. Plus, we can design a dedicated home theater that works great on its own or one that integrates seamlessly with the rest of the Laguna Beach home’s automation solutions – lighting control, motorized window treatments and more. Avoid the headaches and unhappy clients by working with Launch Systems. Keep reading this blog to learn what type of custom home theater solutions a design specialist can provide your clients.

SEE ALSO: Why Make the Switch from Manual to Motorized Window Treatments?

Stunning Visuals & Sound

A great image makes or breaks a custom home theater. Why would anyone want to visit for movie night if the screen is small or pixelated? Your clients have a variety of preferences – from hidden, roll-away projection screens to TV screens that become artwork when not in use. A home theater design specialist will know what products produce the best image quality while also fitting into the design preferences of your clients. In addition to a beautiful image, clients need great audio. A design specialist can ensure speakers become a dramatic focal point in the space or remain unseen, installed into the walls of your Laguna Beach clients’ home. A home theater’s sound system can also tie-in with a more extensive whole-home audio system, easy to control with the tap of a button on a smartphone, universal remote, or in-wall touch panel. By working with a designer, your clients’ home will allow movie nights to come to life, but they can come to life effortlessly.

Integrates with Home Automation

Imagine walking to the home theater from the kitchen with a bowl of popcorn in-hand, saying, “Alexa, turn on Movie Night.” Your clients can situate themselves on their custom-designed home theater seating as their  smart lighting dims and motorized window treatments lower to create the perfect mood for a successful movie night. The roll-away projection screen will lower as the projector turns on, and Netflix is at the ready for a movie selection. Your clients won’t be bothered by clunky remotes or need to walk to the light switch to dim the lights just-so.   Avoid DIY-disaster and make your clients happy by working with a professionally trained home theater design specialist like Launch Systems. We’d be glad to schedule a no-obligation consultation, so call us today at (949) 515-7030 or fill out our contact form to get started. We can’t wait to work with you and your clients.

Professional Installation Services from Launch Systems Keep You Connected

Smart home solutions such as lighting control systems, climate control, security systems and more have all become popular for the modern homeowner. Before you begin adding additional smart home devices to your Laguna Beach, CA home, make sure your home network can handle the influx of smart technology without lagging and causing you potential headaches. You will also want to ensure your network is encrypted and safe from potential cyberhacking.

 To be sure your network is robust and safe enough to handle a variety of smart home solutions, employ the services of a home network installation service provider like Launch Systems. We have decades of service, providing excellent customer service to Californians just like yourself.

Keep reading our blog to learn why you should consider a professionally installed home network before you begin building your smart home automation system.

SEE ALSO: Consider a Lutron Lighting System for Your California Home

Works Seamlessly

Devices just work as they should! With adequate bandwidth and designated traffic channels, your smart home devices can work seamlessly and without a hitch. Everyone notices when the internet isn’t working well; they rarely notice when it’s lighting fast! With the upcoming string of holidays, help your visitors connect without notice. Any family and friends visiting your Laguna Beach home won’t notice a thing, but you’ll know your home network has lightning-fast and reliable service thanks to a network installation by Launch Systems.

Make Life Simpler with These Smart Solutions Installed in Your Newport Beach-Area Home

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your existing window treatments or have a blank slate of windows in a new-build home, you’ve likely been window shopping for window treatments!

From roller shades to Roman blinds, motorized styles to manual styles, the options seem endless and overwhelming. Motorized window treatments bring safety and convenience to your Newport Beach-area home and come in both wired and wireless options to suit your installation needs.

Keep reading the blog to learn the benefits of motorized window treatments over manual blinds.

SEE ALSO: Confused on Where to Start with Your Security Camera Installation?

Safety

While you’re away from home, you may find yourself kicking yourself for forgetting to close the blinds before you left. Thieves could potentially peer through your windows to case your home for a burglary. Managing your motorized window treatments while you’re away is simple!

Enjoy Multi-Room Music or Take Your Audio on an Adventure

Sonos has been on the music scene since its inception in 2002. The company is known for its partnerships with music companies, from Spotify to Tidal and Deezer to iHeartRadio. Sonos’ dedication to music partnerships shows how seriously they take music, and the brand can be seen in many homes in the area and beyond, providing high-quality, multi-room music for Californians.

In this blog, we’ll cover three new products released by the audio brand: The Sonos Move, the Sonos One SL and the Sonos Port. Each comes with a variety of innovative features you’ll be sure to enjoy.

Keep reading to learn how Sonos can provide you with multi-room music throughout your Huntington Beach, CA, home.

SEE ALSO: How Hidden TVs Help Designers Create More Beautiful Homes

Wellness Centers & Stunning 8K OLED

The annual CEDIA Expo returned to Denver earlier this month. Full of innovative home technologies and product launches, the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association put on a great show as they always do. Some of our favorite companies debuted new products and exciting updates, and we also noticed a few exciting new trends. In this blog, we’ll cover two interesting home theater design trends we saw at the Expo. Keep reading to learn about two new home theater trends you can potentially incorporate into your own Irvine, CA home.

SEE ALSO: Why You Should Have Control4 Automation in Your Home  

Home Theaters as Wellness Spaces

Gone are the days of having spaces in your home serve one sole purpose. Modern families want to spend time together, and they also want to make the most of the space in their homes. Instead of utilizing one area of your home solely for movies and TV watching, the new trend is to use the home theater space as a dual-purpose wellness space in your home. Sounds a bit strange initially, but stick with us! Home theaters can utilize design features typically used for immersive movie sound and mood-setting for wellness. Solutions like speakers, lighting, and screens can transform your home theater into a meditation or relaxation room. By using human-centric lighting from Lutron, you can adjust the lighting to meet your natural rhythms. By adjusting the lighting of your Control4-powered automation system, you can feel bright and energetic in the mornings or calm and relaxed in the evenings before heading to bed for the night. As you modify the mood of the home theater to match your relaxation levels, unveil the hidden high-definition TV to show beautiful nature scenes while piping relaxing yoga music or nature sounds through your high-end audio system. All the components of a great wellness space have always been in the home theater, but the new wellness trend is taking the industry by storm!  

8K Resolution Upscaling

TVs and screens have progressively increased in size over the years, just the same as resolution has increased. It seems like only a few years ago 4K was the up-and-coming home theater showstopper and quickly began replacing the HD TVs in our home. Now, 8K upscaling technology has pushed the bar on the types of pictures homeowners have come to expect on their home theater TVs. One of our favorite brands, LG, won a BEST Product Award at CEDIA 2019 in the Flat Panel TV/Ultra HD category with their OLED TV 8K. Because signals are not transmitted to your TV in 8K resolution, your TV or projector must convert the lower resolution video image into a higher definition. This isn’t a new trend in home theaters, many homes have adopted the technology – your 4K TV had to do this with lower resolution video formats like 1080p and 720p. The key is in the processor, and the LG OLED 8K utilizes a 6-step noise reduction processor. OLED technology allows for larger and thinner screens – even curved screens – and pixels are individually lit. We can’t wait to see what else is in store for home theaters in the coming years. If you’d like to incorporate these new trends or simply talk about a potential home theater in your Irvine, CA-area home, call us today at  (949) 515-7030 or contact us online. We can’t wait to hear from you.