Home Theater Innovations with Park Place Installations

We are living in a time that our grandparents could only dream about. With the amount of technology at our fingertips on a daily basis, the way we are entertained is changing at an alarming rate. At Park Place Installations, we understand this. We have the latest home theater systems that will bring your home entertainment system to the next level.

Move over Movie Theaters

There is no need to go to the movies anymore. With streaming services and devices, you can get blockbuster hits to in your hands almost as soon as they are in theaters. With Park Place, we can have theater style chairs, projector screens and a surround sound system in your home! We have home theater seats that are top-grain leather and individually recline. Our home theaters can entertain a dozen people in luxury. All you need to do is provide the popcorn.

Can you hear me now? Good.

What about the sound quality? Don’t worry,  Park Place has an option for you. We can install a home theater system with a 110 inch screen, Dolby Digital Surround Sound and a universal touch screen remote control. This system has a very bright projector that can be used in a room with many windows. This home theater system can be placed in a living room or an entertainment room for a great surround sound experience. You don’t have to worry about bulky speakers or not being able to hear the television over someone’s snoring. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

No Extra Space Needed.

Are you not looking for a system that will bulk up your home? Park Place is able to install a system that can be hidden easily! We can completely hide a system in a closet and have it  totally controlled by touch screen remote controls. All the electronic components can be hidden in a closet in another room. Our objective is to give you the best possible high technology media experience while integrating seamlessly into the decor of your home.

Home theater systems are more attainable than ever with Park Place. We have options for every home that will allow you to be entertained whenever you want! When considering a company for a home theater install, call Park Place Installations! We look forward to working with you!

The Latest in Home Security Surveillance

Today it seems like there is home surveillance systems at every turn. Everyone wants the latest and greatest technology to make sure their homes, belongings, and loved ones are safe and secure. Here at Park Place Installations, we understand that feeling secure when you are home or away is extremely important. We are here to keep you updated on all the latest technology when it comes to home security systems.

From IC Realtime there is a great development in home surveillance. Did you know that most video surveillance systems only see about two minutes of interesting or relevant video a day? But, finding those two minutes when you need it most seems to take a decade. This become problematic when you are searching for a possible threat to your home. The frustration can be overwhelming. What use is a home surveillance system if you cannot easily see what is happening around your home? IC Realtime took this issue, and came up with a solution: ella. Ella is the first intelligent video surveillance search engine powered by artificial intelligence.

So, what does that mean?

Ella uses new learning technology, and is able to recognize colors, people, animals objects, and even vehicles. Ella is able to find exactly what you need out of your home surveillance video in seconds. How? By using a keyword search, Ella is able to pick out the videos that are relevant to what you are looking for.

The best part:  you can use Ella on any device, anytime, anywhere! Ella is also compatible with all cameras, DVRs, NVRs, and VMSs that support standard H.264 RTSP video streams. All you need is the software on anyone of your devices.

Feeling secure about your home, and what is going on near it is important. Park Place Installations understands this and wants to help. We have all the latest on home surveillance systems, and home surveillance system installation! We are staffed with professionals that will make sure it is doe right the first time.  Call us today so we can help you take the first steps into having  your new home security system up and ready to go! We look forward to working with you!

Stay tuned to our blog for the latest updates on all your home security needs, home automation information and more!

Live Like the Jetsons | Crestron PYNG in Your Home

In the past, people imagined a futuristic time where our homes would do mundane tasks for us. There would be no more double checking to see if you locked the door, or if you shut the bathroom light off. The idea became so popular, the Jetsons became a household name because of their futuristic flare.  Although we are a far time away from flying cars and 3-D printed food, there have been some major home automation developments that are available for your home today. The future is here with Crestron PYNG.

Crestron PYNG

The Crestron PYNG is a new system from Crestron that allows you to automate the entirety of your home. This app is your complete home automation system with capabilities of controlling every aspect of your home. From indoor/outdoor lighting, to shading systems, temperature controls, wireless door locks- PYNG does it all. The app is available for iPad or iPhone devices. With these devices you can control your Smart Home System from anywhere in the world! And PYNG is compatible with all of your Crestron devices.

What It Includes

When Park Place Installations introduces your new Crestron PYNG system to your home, you will have access to the basic smart home package. Using this free app you can control 2 Light Controllers and 1 Lamp Controller, Home Thermostat, and a Wireless Door Lock. The app allows you to create specific “scenes” in your home that are congruent to your lifestyle. There’s no more having to wake up in the middle of the night to adjust the thermostat, or make sure that the lamp in the living room is turned off. All you need is access to your phone, and you are able to control all aspects of your scene. The app also allows for custom scenes to be configured on the go.  This system can be expanded to as many light controls, and full audio video controls!

Live like the Jetsons and automate your home with Crestron PYNG. Park Place Installations can automate your home in Buffalo, NY. If you are interested in making your home a smart home, call us today! We would love to help you with all your home automation needs and questions! Step into the future of home automation with Park Place Installations.

 

Put A Ring on It | Ring Home Security System

With the high tech, and digital world we live in today, it seems like there are a lot more dangers lurking around every corner. Home security is becoming  more important now more than ever before . When looking at security systems, it is hard to find an effective system, that is both high quality, and discreet. Park Place Installations has all of the latest technologies for your home security needs. Ring home security systems is one of the best options for your home security needs.

Ring of Security

Park Place Installations is proud to carry Ring security system. Ring is a video doorbell system that allows you to view who is at your door from your smartphone. With the multiple sensors in this system, you are able to see every corner of your house, with real time updates. With a simple app, you are able to see instant alerts that allow you to know exactly what is going on near your home.

If you are looking to amp up your current security system, Ring has a solution for that as well. The Ring complete security system has cameras, sensors, and more to make sure your home is the most secure.

Park Place is Here to Help

Park Place Installations can provide you with the best pricing from Ring, and other brands of security systems. We will do everything you need to install the systems. Even though most brands boast wireless cameras, Park Place Installations understands this is a misnomer. Even though the cameras are “wireless” and discreet, there still must be a power source! Security camera installation is something that should be left to professionals, so just give us a call and we can get started! It usually takes about one day of work to install 4 cameras on a residential installation!

If you are looking for any kind of home security system in Buffalo, NY, give Park Place Installations a call today! We look forward to working with you!

Add Crestron Mercury to Your Next Meeting

As a business owner, you want your employees to be both productive and inspired. You have to plan spaces that let your employees be creative, yet keep the workflow streaming. Having the latest technology can help organize this delicate balance. Park Place Installations is your source for your conference room needs. We have the latest technologies from Crestron Mercury that will set you apart in your next meeting.

What is Crestron Mercury?

Crestron Mercury is the only all-in-one system that tackles all of your office needs. It is a tablet, phone, speaker system, and a Bluetooth device all in one. This device combines all your essential conferencing needs in one easy to use touch screen interface. Unlike the competitors, Crestron allows for the user to  use multiple platforms, in multiple locations. It truly allows for consumers to choose what they need, when they need it.

Tired of devices that make you have some sort of remote in order to progress your meeting? This table top console has a sensor that tracks the presenter, allowing for smooth presentations  every time. Crestron Mercury also allows you schedule your next meeting right on the device. This system streamlines the process, giving you more time to focus on what’s important.

Read More… Wifi Installation Buffalo

Audio Video Conference Rooms

Having the capacity to hold a meeting that integrates both audio and video components changes how meetings are done. Instead of paper presentations, companies are able to use videos and other visuals to make conferences more interesting. Park Place Installations and Crestron Mercury are your solution in Western New York. By adding an audio-video conference room to your business, you will be able to see the difference in the style of meetings you are able to hold.

Crestron and You

Park Place Installations understands how important it is for you and your company to stay ahead of the pack. By allowing Park Place to set up your conference room with a Crestron system, your meetings will reach a whole new level of productivity.

Call us now to set up an appointment!

Cutting the Cord | Cable Television Dying As We Speak

The age of cable television is over. Just a few years ago, one could not live without a cable (or satellite) subscription. You would be missing out on everything, as the “idiot box” filled us with the latest news, consistent TV programming, live sports, etc. The internet has become a rebuild on the information superhighway, as it provides endless answers to infinite questions. Just over the last few years, the internet has adjusted to the times and increased video content, providing the same things as waiting for the commercials to end on TV.

Today, people are fleeing from the cable box, as streaming services have become a viable replacement, and cable providers suffer while hiking prices. All you need is internet. As a local industry specialist in audio video integration, we wanted to talk a little bit about why this has happened, and a few reasons why you might want to ditch the cable company like a bad date.

Save Your Money

When’s the last time you actually looked at the hidden fees you’re paying the cable company? When’s the last time you talked to someone at your cable company? Here in Buffalo NY, many are still experiencing headaches from the switch from Time Warner Cable to Spectrum. The simplest reason why you should cut cable, is how much money you can save! In renting the box, paying for the channels, paying for HD, and other fees, you’re already looking at around a hundred bucks. Streaming services like HBONow, and Netflix are subscription based, and you will have plenty to watch.

Stuff You Like

Sure you might not be able to channel surf to avoid endless commercials. You might miss the ability to check the guide whenever you want, and look through what is provided to you to watch during the scheduled time block. It doesn’t take much to realize how cool it is to have curated content that is provided for you based on your viewership. Algorithms know what you like to watch, and they provide it for you to watch. Since Netflix started about 10 years ago, the popularity has grown so far that many shows and movies being made today are released exclusively on Netflix.

Live Streaming is Coming

For some of us, live sports, and the coverage of sports, is the number one, and maybe the ONLY reason why we still hold onto the ugly relationship with cable. ESPN just announced they will be executing a 3rd, enormous layoff to many of it’s working. This has been a result of streaming, as well as competition from other networks. ESPN, NBA Network, NFL Redzone and many other channels that broadcast live sports on television are available on SlingTV, and HULU just announced they’ll be releasing a $40 live TV package. The future is now.

For anyone who’s afraid of letting go of the dusty old box, you’re in luck. Setting these things up can be a little tricky when dealing with wireless internet, and integrating things like an Apple TV, Roku, or HD Antenna. You’ll have to hang on to a wireless internet provider, which unfortunately oftentimes is the same as the cable provider. Regardless you’ll save yourself monthly expenses and with our help, you’ll be all set up to stream anything you want, whenever you want!

U2 Brings 8K TV Wall Made of 1040 LED Screens To Buffalo for a Night

Whether you are a fan of Bono, Edge, and the rest of U2, or you just wanted to go check out what it’s like at Ralph Wilson Stadium for a live show, you were in for a treat. People of all ages collected and made their way through thick traffic tributaries into Orchard Park for the blockbuster U2 concert. Feelings beforehand lingered with anticipation like a primetime Bills’ game, as many spent time tailgating and pre gaming for the show in the parking lot beforehand. Beck was set to open around 7:30, and the headliner to go on around 9:10. One thing was very noticeable while Beck was jamming in front of what looked to be a huge screen. A huge-er backdrop that stretched further than the width of the Ralph Wilson turf, and looked about 5 stories tall. What followed after U2’s opening 4/5 songs was the unveiling of display screen made up of 1040 LED screens, displaying crystal clear 8K video that brought the performance to the next level. 

What does 4K HDTV Mean?

Who Built It?

TAIT Towers, one of the worldwide leaders in stage technologies and engineering for live entertainment is to thank for one of the biggest screens we’ve ever seen here in Buffalo NY. They provide some of the biggest acts in music and entertainment with staging, theater automation, and LED integration. In addition to U2, TIAT has provided incredible staging for acts like Lady Gaga, Metallica, and Faith Hill & Tim Mcgraw. The stage is moved from city to city, currently on the third leg of the Joshua Tree tour. SPACEFRAME is the carbon fiber touring frame design created by Production Resource Group, who has been a part of U2 tours since 1992.  Check out this timelapse video of the display being set up by the crew.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzZIT2_85n4

It Was How Big?

192 feet wide, completely custom, made of 1040 LED screens. That’s 64 yards long. The immense structure also featured the Joshua Tree shape, and a 75 foot long runway leading to a tree-shaped b-stage. The crazy thing about the display screen, is that it is 7.6K which is basically unheard of. Tour Director Chris Evans said that it is similar in size to the screen used on the 1997 tour, but over 400 times the resolution. According to The Guardian, it is the largest and highest resolution screen used on a concert tour.

If you made it out to Orchard Park for the U2 Joshua Tree tour, you were witness to one of the greatest accomplishments in Audio Visual technology history. Park Place Installations specializes in tv wall installation, which we have installed at the Niagara Power Authority, as well as at Buffalo RiverWorks, which you can check out right here..

If you know of a company looking to install legendary LED screen displays that are made up of over 20 tvs, you’ll be hard pressed to find a team with as much experience as our team at Park Place Installations.

 

Upgrading Your TV? Here’s What You Need to Know About 4K TV

 

We like to take time to help our customers understand what they need to know when looking for new additions to their home theater or entertainment room. You remember a few years ago when we thought a huge clunky projection big screen was the coolest way to watch TV? How about having to move that 300lb tube television? Hope you had at least 3 guys with you to get a task like that done. Things are moving pretty quickly and it’s already been a few years since the changeover from standard definition to high definition. We also saw the 3D television come out, and here we have a new way to see in high def. 4K Ultra HD. It’s not easy keeping up on this stuff, so what is 4K?

What Does 4K TV Mean?

You’ve probably heard or seen the term 1080p (1920×1080) if you’ve watched any HDTV. 4K is a display that has at least 8 million active pixels. For televisions, the resolution has multiplied by 4, to a standard resolution of 3840×2160, and for 4K movie theaters, or digital cinema, the number is even greater at 4096×2160. In comparison of 1080p, for every space holding 1 pixel, a 4K space of the same size can hold 4 pixels. This creates a much sharper image.

Should I go 1080p or 4K?

If you truly want the best looking display available, 4K is the way to go. That being said, a few other factors come into play. Some people can’t tell the difference between 720p and 1080p, but the larger the television, the easier it is to see the difference. The size of the television, should reflect on the size of the room. You want enough room where you can be at a distance that is far enough away to be able to get the full effect. If you are thinking about going with a television that is 50” or more, you should probably just go ahead and go with the 4K, because it’s going to maximize your investment. As tech improves, 4K will become the standard for viewing content.

What Can I watch In 4K?

Though your options aren’t endless, more and more 4K content is coming everyday. Amazon and Netflix provide a good amount of of 4K content to stream, as long as you have solid internet connection. YouTube also supports 4K video. You can also find Ultra HD Blu-ray discs, but Ultra HD Blu-ray players are still rare and hard to find. It’s safe to say that streaming is the way it’s going to be from here on, so don’t waste your money on the Ultra HD Blu-rays. As VHS, CD’s, and DVD’s became obsolete, it’s safe to say stick to streaming.

This should get you started on the search for that new big screen. If you have any questions about what brands are best, what the first steps should be, what mount to use, just give us a call. We’d be happy to help you out, and you don’t want to go hanging up a brand new 54” 4K television without doing it right. We can mount a tv pretty much wherever you want it. We’ve seen people have them in their kitchen, garage, patio, etc. If you’re looking for information on mancaves and home theaters, Park Place has the answers!

3 Of the Best 5.1 Home Theater Systems You Can Buy

Our valuable team members at Park Place Installations all have a passion for what we do. We provide a service that doesn’t necessarily save lives, but it certainly helps people, and makes their lives’ easier. One part of the equation of being the top home theater installer in Western New York, is paying attention to product trends and knowing who’s who in the home theater industry. If you’re considering creating a home theater in your home, or upgrading your surround sound system, you’re going to want to know what’s the best. The best products, and the best pricing.

5.1 is a term used to describe the type of home theater system. 5 speakers, 1 subwoofer. This differs from 7.1 systems, which, you guessed it, have 7 speakers and 1 subwoofer. We understand that everyone’s price point is different, and you might not be able to afford the top of the line products. We’ve broken it down into 3 tiers, Big Money, Affordable, and Minimal Expense. Without further adieu, here are 3 of the best 5.1 home theater systems you can buy.

Big Money
1. Denon AVR-X7200WA 9.2 paired with the Klipsch 5.1 RP-250 ($2999/$1935)

Probably the best system on the market in 2017. This system truly packs a punch. For the price, it’s hard to beat this combination. In terms of features, connectivity, power, and control, the Denon AVR-X7200WA features modern technology. It can connect to iOS devices with Apple AirPlay, PCs or Macs wirelessly. Klipsch is known as being one of the favorite surround sound systems on the market, and combining their system with the Denon AVR-X7200WA will give you the best sound in the neighborhood. The speaker package comes with a wireless speaker kit as well.

Affordable
2. Denon AVR-S510BT 5.1 A/V Receiver paired with the Cambridge Audio Minx S215 v3 ($279/$799)

Understanding that not everyone is in the market to buy a $5k surround sound system, this Denon/Cambridge combination can give you big money sound on an affordable budget. This offers the ultimate bargain. You can connect to bluetooth, HDMI that supports 4K Ultra HD, and a USB port on the front for streaming music from your device or charging. Denon also offers a remote app for controlling
features. 5 Minx speakers may look small, but they pack a punch. This combination offers more than enough power for a medium-sized room.

Minimal Expense
Samsung HT-J4100 5.1 ($208)

For people who want to install a home surround sound system at a minimum budget, the Samsung HT-J4100 can provide you with great sound. Be mindful, there are a lot of different brands and models available at this price point, that won’t perform at the level you want. This model offers 1000 Watts of power, but misses out on some of the more modern connectivity features like wireless bluetooth. It does feature Dolby TrueHD capability, and can convert DVDs to a near-HD visual quality. This unit will offer you a home theater experience, just with a little less room-shaking cinema quality.

We will continue to talk about some of the top products on the market here on our blog, and remember there are hundreds of brands out there! If you’re looking to start a conversation on where to get started on your home theater, or just need to ask a question, ask us! As we stated earlier, this is a passion of ours, both the technology AND helping people with their home entertainment. Stay tuned for more updates on top products in home theater, surveillance, and home automation!

What Tomorrow’s Home Security Is Looking Like

Here at Park Place Installations, we install various home security systems for both the homeowner and business owner. We have multiple options available, that can be integrated into automated and mobile technology. With how quickly technology upgrades today, we always aim to stay ahead of the game, and implement the highest level of product for our customers. Surveillance is a very hot industry, with new brands and concepts popping up everywhere. The enabling of mobile and cloud technology has changed the path for home security. Can you imagine a flying robot with a camera attached watching over your home? Well, a company called Sunflower Labs has already announced this sci-fi concept is becoming a reality.

The Future is Now

You’ve probably seen or heard of flying drones by now. The military has remote control drones for a few years, and now we’ve seen drones shoot video footage, entertain kids as toys, and Amazon even rumored concepts of delivery by drones. Well, Sunflower Labs, a company funded by investors in Silicon Valley and Switzerland, has a concept in the works that incorporates drones into home security. Though it is still in development, the company is already taking preorders on their website for the home security system.

How it Works

Solar-powered “smart lights” are the detection system, which are placed around the area. The lights are able to detect any motion, sound, or vibration within the radius, and sends an alert to the owner via mobile device. When the user gets the notification, they are able to deploy the flying camera drone to the designated area to “check it out”. The smart lights serve as beacons for the flying camera that sends live video back to the mobile device. Never flown a drone? That’s ok. It runs completely autopilot, and also features infrared light for night vision.

Coming Soon

Though the concept is complete, the actual product is still in beta mode. You can preorder the home security system on the Sunflower Labs website, but testing won’t begin until late 2017. In the meantime, you can turn to Park Place Installations to learn more about all the current technology available in home security. We have home security cameras, surveillance systems, remote mobile video surveillance and much more. If and when the Sunflower Labs home security system does get off the ground, you can trust Park Place will be right there, available to supply, install, and troubleshoot any home security system.

Want to learn more about the latest trends in home security systems? Just give us a call to talk to one of our technicians today!