A Professional AV Integration Might SAVE You Money!

If you need AV integration in a conference room, bar, restaurant, or other commercial setting, you have some big choices in front of you.  Of course everybody would like their commercial audio visual installation done by experts but many opt for the DIY route instead. Most people who shy away from a professional AV installation do so as way to cut costs.  What would you think if we told you going with pro AV installers could actually be the cheaper option?

It’s a common misconception that hiring professional AV integrators will always be the more expensive option.  We would like to share some information that might help you decide how to approach your next commercial AV installation in Buffalo.  Here’s 3 cost effective reasons why you should be sure to hire the experienced engineers from Park Place Installations!

AV Integrators Will Know What You Need

You’re an intelligent consumer and you know exactly what you want your commercial AV systems to do for you.  When it comes time to make it happen though, it’s easy to get bogged down with all the options out there. Time and again we see people who try to do it themselves and wind up with unnecessary/ more expensive equipment than they need.  Perhaps the biggest cost effective benefit of hiring professionals is you get to abuse their knowledge. They’ll help you determine the perfect equipment to buy according to the needs and budget of your commercial AV setup.

Cheaper Equipment Through Partnerships

AV installation companies often form a symbiotic relationship with name brand manufacturers.  This allows companies like Park Place the right to sell the best equipment, and usually at a lower cost than you’d find on the consumer market.  Hiring a partnered company might allow you to be more creative with how you utilize your budget. Park Place is proud to be able to offer top brands like Sony, Ring, Eero, and Benq for your commercial AV integration needs.

Minimize Extraneous Costs

All the money you spend on a commercial AV installation is never going to be for the equipment alone.  Even if you think you can buy and install the audio visual systems yourself, there are always hidden costs.  Between shipping costs (if you order online), extra trips to the store, or the time of the install itself, you’ll often wind up spending more than you anticipated.  With professional AV installers, you’ll know all the costs upfront. And of course you can rest easy knowing the project will be completed the right way and on time.

You can trust Park Place Installations for all your Buffalo audio visual needs.  Over the years we’ve handled many commercial AV installation projects in the community in and around Buffalo NY.  We’re ready to help if you have any questions or concerns about your newest commercial AV integration. Feel free to give us a call at any time to set up an appointment for a new audio video installation in Buffalo.

Commercial Audio Systems | What You Need To Know

Opening a bar, restaurant or any commercial venue isn’t easy.  With so many big decisions to be made, it can be easy to overlook the importance of commercial audio systems.  Some business owners will opt for the quick and easy option: setting up an off-the-shelf home audio system rather than spending the extra money for a professional commercial AV system installation.

Perhaps you’ve been in this boat and figure that you just need something simple to be able to play sound in your restaurant.  Don’t make the mistake of assuming a consumer sound system will work well enough for your bar or restaurant audio system needs.  Here’s a few examples of why you should think twice before cutting costs on audio visual systems for restaurants.

Durability and Performance

Consumer audio equipment is usually only intended for a few hours of use each day.  This means it will break down faster and be much less reliable over time. Commercial audio systems on the other hand are built to handle more stress.  More rugged wiring and electrical components make commercial audio systems the way to go if you plan on pumping sound into your restaurant for most of the day.

Keep It Cool

Home audio systems typically don’t encounter issues with overheating. Natural convection is enough to keep things cool over a few hours of use.  However, restaurants are a whole different environment than a typical living room and natural cooling isn’t as effective. The less ventilated environment often requires more sophisticated techniques to keep from overheating.  Make sure you at least get a consultation from a professional before you attempt an audio system installation in Buffalo.

Different Kinds of Audio Systems

The biggest difference between consumer and commercial audio systems is in how they’re wired.  Commercial audio systems use balanced lines (positive, negative and ground) whereas consumer equipment uses unbalanced lines (positive and ground only).  The biggest drawback of an unbalanced system is the potential for interference. In a commercial setting this becomes a serious problem because of the extra signals floating around from WiFi, TVs, radios and other devices.

Where To Put Your Commercial Audio Systems

Bars and restaurants can be pretty noisy which means providing quality audio can be a challenge.  DIY audio installs usually wind up with speakers placed wherever it’s most convenient. It’s common for business owners to put speakers and audio systems up and out of the way rather than finding out the best acoustic location.  A team of experienced engineers is essential to getting the most out of your audio/visual systems for restaurants.

To make sure your commercial AV system installation in Buffalo goes well, look to Park Place Installations.  Our team of experts have been handling AV integration in Buffalo for years. Call us today to get a quote or if you want more information on how we can help setting up your commercial audio systems.

Crestron Smart Home Automation

Remember when smart home automation was talked about as being the way of the future?  Well guess what, the future has arrived in full force with hundreds of home automation devices readily available for consumers.  Park Place Installations is proud to be a leader in smart home automation systems in WNY.  We only bring you the best equipment in the industry, like the Crestron home automation system.

Did you know that the Crestron Pyng control hub is compatible with more smart home technology than any other home automation systems on the market?  With all the tech available at your fingertips, outfitting your home with smart devices may seem a little a daunting. Thankfully you don’t have to worry.  Park Place has an expert team of engineers that will make the installation process a breeze.

Here’s just a few benefits that you’ll find with the Crestron automation system.

Home Automation

Crestron’s home automation system is all about making your life easier.  With Crestron Pyng, you’ll have complete control of everything under your roof.  Your Crestron smart home system can be linked to your house lights, thermostat, door locks and even your window shades.  And the best part about it is everything can be controlled from the palm of your hand through the Crestron ipad app.

For Businesses and Schools

Crestron has made their name with their home automation systems but their tech is flexible enough to be used in commercial settings as well.  Crestron has even developed their own line of all in one meeting solutions. Devices like the Crestron Mercury conference system features both audio and video capabilities making them perfect conference calls and board meetings.

Crestron Home Security

Finally, Crestron can be linked up with your home security system.  After all, home automation and home security are better when they work hand in hand.  Crestron Pyng can be linked with your door locks and security cameras giving you access to a live feed even when you’re not at home.  Just pop open the app and you’ll be able to monitor your visitors and even check if the mailman has dropped off any packages for you!

If you’re ready to bring your home into the 21st century, Crestron’s home automation system is just the thing for you.  If you’re not sure where to start, check out our one day installation package. It starts with the Crestron Pyng control hub, a wireless climate controller, two light controllers and a wireless door lock.  Call Park Place installations today and we’ll help you automate your home.

Home Security Systems Installation | Why to Hire a Professional

Personalized home security systems are becoming increasingly popular in Buffalo NY as well as the rest of the country.  Unfortunately this seems well justified when looking at crime statistics or simply watching the news. People are looking to protect their homes and their families but with so many security options available, updating your home can be a daunting task.

That’s why Park Place Installations highly recommends seeking the assistance of one of our experienced technicians.  Many people, however, will be hesitant when it comes to spending extra for something that they feel they can do themselves.  Before making any decisions, read on to find out why you should look to the professionals for a new home security installation.

 

Make Sure It’s Done Right

As with any DIY project there’s always the lingering question of “did you do it right?”  When it comes to home security systems, that question is extremely important. Your home and your family’s safety are the top priority so saving a few bucks might not be worth the risk.  With a professional security system installation in Buffalo NY, you’ll be able to rest easy knowing that you’re covered.

 

Expert Opinion

You’ll be able to find a lot of information online about home security systems so you might feel confident that you know what you’re doing.  The truth is, there’s a ton of products in this industry and they make more everyday. Unless you’re an expert and work in this field it can be difficult to keep your knowledge level current.  Our technicians will be able to give you seasoned recommendations on how to outfit your house properly with a new security system.

 

Equipment Locations

Every house is different and will require a unique security system installation.  Think about setting up home security camera locations for example. What if you messed up and didn’t buy enough, is your house really safe?  Or maybe you bought too many and wasted good money. A professional technician will help you figure out exactly what your home security system needs.

 

Time is Money

Most people who opt to make their home security systems a DIY project do so because they want to avoid paying extra for the installation.  This sounds like a good idea but often winds up taking more of your valuable time than expected. Do you really want to waste a day off struggling to set up your home security?  A professional technician from Park Place Installations will get the job done quickly and completely hassle free!

 

When it comes to home security in Buffalo NY, it’s always better to go with a professional installation.  Park Place has been setting up security systems at both personal and commercial venues around Buffalo NY for many years.  If you think it’s time to install or upgrade your home security systems don’t hesitate to give us a call or fill out a contact form on our website.

New Bar/Restaurant AV Installation | Things to Consider

Opening or updating a bar or restaurant in Buffalo NY isn’t easy. There’s a lot of competition, and every restaurant has it’s niche or differentiator to draw a crowd. One of the most important, but unnoticed factors in the Buffalo service industry is the ambiance. What is it that’s going to set your bar apart from the most popular? Food and drink are clearly most important, but the right audio accoustics, and placement of televisions and digital signage can truly change a patron’s experience. Here’s a few things to keep in mind for bar and restaurant owners trying to enhance their guest experience.

Enhance the Experience

What’s the vibe that your establishment is trying to reach? Quiet sit down restaurants still need soft accoustic tones to help drown out the kitchen. Loud sports bars still need the appropriate sound systems to help everyone hear what that penalty was on 3rd and Goal. Teaming up with a professional audio/visual installation team in Buffalo NY can really help you achieve the perfect accoustic experience. We can consult with you on how your space is designed, where speaker placement would help, and what the best products are for your needs. We can seamlessly integrate anything and everything, and allow you to control everything from your mobile devices.

More Than You Think…

You can try to set up all of your audio and video equipment yourself. Everybody knows somebody who’s “good with that stuff.” They can be, but when integrating professional audio and video products at a large scale, it comes down to more than just plugging in the aux cord. Consumer products use unbalanced external lines, (positive and ground) and professional grade equipment uses balanced lines- positive, negative and ground. When using unbalanced wiring within confined spaces and multiple devices, lines get crossed. Interference from dueling WiFi, radio, and TV signals can cause your devices to get all mixed up. Turning to a professional team of installers can ensure your systems are set up completely seamless, providing you with ease of mind for both audio, and TV installs.

Be Different.

We can install a TV or two. We can put in some better speakers. We can integrate multiple cable boxes so Susan the head server won’t complain when she needs to change the game. But why stop there? Have you seen our huge TV screen at Riverworks in downtown Buffalo? We can install enormous digital signage that can give you a screen bigger than anything on the market. Coupled with the best sound on the market, if showing games or fights on the big screen, or even live entertainment, we can make your place the place to be in Buffalo.

These are only a few examples of how Park Place Installations can help enhance your bar, restaurant, or music venue. Turning to a professional team is something that isn’t always easy. Will they overcharge? What’s the warranty? How are the prices on products? You won’t find an AV installation team in Buffalo or WNY with as much experience as Park Place. We started out helping installing TV’s over fireplaces, and designing home theaters, and today we are the proudest tech installation team in WNY. We work to stay ahead of the tech curve, and we know the best of the best. Just look at some of our work if you have any doubts!

Give us a call, or just set up a free appointment right here on our website!

 

TV Wall Installations Buffalo | Why You Should Hire A Professional

Whether you’re looking to design your own home theater or simply want to reorganize the space in your living room, you should consider the benefits of a television wall mount.  The idea of installing a TV wall mount yourself might not seem like a big deal, but it requires a lot of decisions to be made and a fair amount of technical know-how as well. If you aren’t thrilled with the idea of all that work you can always hire an experienced TV mounting service to handle all the heavy lifting for you.  Whatever you decide to do, here’s a few things you’ll have to consider for any TV wall mount project in your home.

 

Is Your Wall Tough Enough?

The most important thing about any TV wall installation is making sure your television is going to stay on the wall where you put it.  After all, you don’t want your expensive new flat screen taking a dive because your wall couldn’t hold its weight or it wasn’t installed properly.  Of course it’s always essential to mount your TV directly to the studs but even with a stud finder they can be a little tricky to find. A professional installer will have no trouble with this and can notify you of any other potential issues with your walls that you should be aware of.

Cord Concealing

A tangle of ugly cords hanging out the back can ruin the sleek appearance of a wall mounted television.  Thankfully there’s a couple of options to keep them out of sight and out of mind. A cord concealer will house your dangling cords and attach right to your wall.  You can camouflage it by painting it the same color as your wall and it shouldn’t attract any unwanted attention. The better option though is to thread the cords inside your wall.  This is not easy and will require a professional TV mounting service to be done correctly without ruining your wires or your wall.

Television over Fireplace?

Mounting a television over fireplace may seem like a great way to utilize dead space in your room.  However, there are a lot of complications that come along with this type of project and many TV mounting services wouldn’t recommend it.  If you think it’s right for you, you’ll definitely want to seek the help of a professional who can make sure your TV is mounted securely and won’t experience any issues down the road.

Cosmetic Effects

The whole point of having a TV in the first place is be able to enjoy watching it.  When mounting a TV on a wall you’ll be watching from whole new viewing angle. With your TV mounted a little higher than it would be on a traditional stand, you may encounter a different set of glares from lights and windows.  An experienced TV mounting service will be able to offer advice on how and where to install your TV to reduce the nasty cosmetic side effects that could ruin your viewing experience.

 

Park Place Installations is an experienced provider of audio visual installation in Buffalo.  Over our years of serving the community in and around Buffalo we’ve never encountered a TV wall installation we couldn’t handle.  Our team of experienced technicians will know exactly how to tackle your TV wall mount project and can answer any other questions you might have.  For the best TV mounting service in Buffalo NY, look to Park Place Installations.

Best Type of Home Surveillance Camera for You

When it comes to buying a security camera for your home, you want to make sure you are buying a system that is going to offer the most protection for you. Choosing the wrong type of camera can lead to blind spots on your property, allowing perpetrators to sneak in, leaving you and your family at risk. How do you prevent this? By seeking out a professional team. Park Place Installations is here to help make sure you are informed on the best technology for your home. We will help you choose the best camera for your property. Park Place Installations has compiled a list of camera types so you can choose the best camera for your home.

 

Camera Type

Your first decision when choosing your home surveillance camera system is to choose the kind of camera you want. This is all based on what your property looks like. Park Place Installations will help you choose which camera type is the best for you.

Fixed

A Fixed camera is positioned to capture one field of images. It does not tilt move or pivot. It can be optimized later on with video editing technologies. It is more reliable than a PTZ camera because it is always pointed in the same direction.

PTZ

A PTZ or Point/Tilt/Zoom camera can be positioned remotely. They can pan, tilt, and zoom in on a subject in the viewing field. PTZ cameras can be programmed to work automatically, but they are most reliable when controlled remotely. The more zoomed in your camera is, the smaller area it can cover. This type of camera can only point in one direction at a time.

360 Degree

This type of camera has a high resolution, and full motion. Images are placed together and you have the ability to zoom in after the images are recorded. This type of camera has 360 degree motion. With that being said, it is difficult to call these cameras 100% reliable because it is difficult to find placement in an area where no view is unobstructed.

 

Each camera type above has their own pros and cons. Park Place Installations has the top brands and the experts that will help you install the best home security system for you home. Any questions or concerns you may have can be directed at our experts. Don’t leave your home security in the hands of just anyone. Call Park Place Installations today.

Amp Up WiFi with AmpliFi

We have all been there. You decide to have a movie night in at your home. Someone makes the snacks. You all decide on a movie. We turn on our favorite streaming channel and… wait.  By the time the screen resolution and the movie queue up, the popcorn is cold, and everyone has lost interest in the movie night. This all due to slow internet speeds or spotty wifi connections. How do you make sure you are getting what you pay for? How can you make sure that your whole home has high speed, effective internet, not just one room?

This can all change with one simple tool.

AmpliFi Wi-Fi brings you faster, whole home wifi. The Amplifi HD system can help boost your wifi signals range and speed. AmpliFi utilizes multiple self-configuring radios and advanced antenna technology to bring wall-to-wall Wi-Fi coverage to any home. Most problems with at home internet systems are based on weak connection and sub-par equipment. With a high powered router, and two access points installed and configured by our technicians, your signals will reach further, with AmpliFi, and Park Place Installations.

For more information about AmpliFi click here!
The best part?

AmpliFi home Wi-Fi system has a sleek design. You no longer have to worry about the way your router looks. AmpliFi has a sleek modern design. It is meant to be shown off in a home! This system has an LCD touchscreen on the base for easy maneuvering.

This system also has Mesh Point HD technology. These access points ensure that your Wifi speed is faster than ever. AmpliFi provides the highest quality internet in your own home. All you need to do to boost this router? Unbox the included Mesh Points and plug them into any outlet. Each AmpliFi package comes with two Mesh Points, making your signal boosted to the highest capacity.

Park Place Installations is here to help you boost your Wifi with the AmpliFi system.

Park Place Installations offers hassle-free professional installation to get you and your business or home up and running at reliable, blazing fast speed. Say “See Ya Later” to slow, unreliable internet. With AmpliFi and Park Place Installations, you will be on your way to the fasted internet speeds possible.

Call Park Place Installations today to set up your appointment. We look forward to working with you!

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“Alexa, Are You Listening?”- The Latest on Alexa Home Automation

Alexa has become a household name since early 2017 when Amazon released they affordable home automation system. Alexa made everyone’s life easier by having learning capabilities and other tricks that made life a little more comfortable and more entertaining. But, in the latest reports, Alexa might be learning a little too much about us when she is in our homes. Park Place Installations has the latest news on some of the more controversial articles relating to Alexa and other home automation systems.

The Patent

According to The Independent, Amazon filed for a new patent in April 2018. This would allow for Amazon and all echo products to “voice sniff” conversations happening around the device. This information would be collected and analyzed, to be used for advertisements. Now, Alexa and other Amazon echo products are hardwired to only record conversations when the wake word “Alexa” has been said. The voice capabilities for Alexa are used for playing music, controlling other smart home devices, and ordering products off of Amazon when instructed. AS of right now, Amazon saves those voice files on a server, but the user can listen to and delete those recordings if they so choose.

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The Fear

Most people against this patent are afraid that this new patent is an invasion of privacy. The patent suggests that Alexa would be able to recognize the words “love” and “hate” to recommend products from Amazon presumably on users need. But, is having every conversation in a household recorded seems to be going too far?

Amazon argues that this technology is light years away. Amazon made clear that it does and is not able to collect such data at the moment. The company also said that they might not even use the technology described in the patent.“We take privacy seriously and have built multiple layers of privacy into our Echo devices,” said an Amazon spokesperson.

As a leader in home automation, Park Place Installations wants to keep you informed and updated on all the latest news when it comes to smart homes! When looking at home automation devices, Alexa and the Amazon echo are the popular choices.

Park Place Installations has all the information you need on home automation systems in Western New York. We work with the best brands to get you the products you need to create a smart home! We service all of Western New York with home automation devices and technology that will bring you into the 21st Century. Call us today so we can start working together toward your future smart home!

Keep in touch with our blog to learn the latest news on home theater, smart homes, product spotlights, and much much more! If you have a question, just fill out our contact form here or leave a comment!

Home Audio Install for Summer 2018

As the weather warms up, it is time to update your home. Are you looking for a new way to bring fun to your home this summer? A great way to start is with a home audio system. Boston Acoustics has many options that will allow you to make your home the place to be this summer. There’s no need to plan a family vacation! Park Place Installations has all the details on these products to make your stay-cation one to remember!

Boston Acoustics has home audio systems for every budget. Their products are easily installed and have  a sleek look that will compliment any space. Park Place Installations has the latest information on these products so you can choose the best home audio device to install in your home!

Voyager

The Voyager series is designed especially for outdoor use. The Voyager Outdoor Speakers allow you to enjoy your favorite music and media even when you’re outdoors. Specially voiced for open-air use, the speakers are able to project audio in a focused area and prevent sound diffusion. This makes the Voyager speaker series an ideal sound solution for less-than-optimal acoustic environments: mount them outside of your house, on a deck, or even on a boat. The speakers are also versatile enough to use indoors.

HSi

The HSi in ceiling speaker combines sonic accuracy with remarkable value. Your favorite movies and music will play loud, long and distortion free, and you’ll give up nothing in the way of living space. Designed for stunning sound and ease of installation, HSi 270 in-ceiling loudspeaker expands the realm of quality sound to create an audio system that pleases even the most critical ears.

Bravo 20

In a corner, at the ceiling, on a wall, floor or shelf, there are few places in a room the Bravo 20 can’t handle. The Boston Bravo 20 is a multipurpose, high performance loudspeaker whose unique design fits discreetly anywhere in your home . The Bravo 20 is the perfect choice when you want the speaker to disappear, but can’t cut holes in your walls.

SoundWare

From these small speakers, you still get high fidelity sounds.Like Soundware’s larger cousins, these Speakers can be placed on a table, shelf or even on the floor in a variety of positions. The speakers can be hung flush on a wall or tucked away in a corner with the included mounting brackets. Articulating bracket allows you to angle the speaker towards the listening area.

Each of these speakers has unique features that only Boston Acoustics can give! Not sure which one will work best in your home? Call Park Place Installations so we can help! We are able to pick the best speakers for your home audio! We will make sure you are getting the best possible speakers for your home audio setup! Enjoy your stay-cation this summer with a new home audio system installed by Park Place Installations!