Home Automation | The Crestron Whole-House Automation System

 

Park Place Installations has been your WNY home automation installation team since the technology’s inception. With systems developed by Crestron, the industry leader in home automation remote control systems, you are able to control just about anything in your home from one single device. Well, everything other than the wife and kids. We’d like to talk briefly about how Crestron Home Automation remote systems can make your life easier, and much cooler!

Audio/Video/Music

At the most basic level, you can control any of your AV devices with one central remote. The touchscreen interface allows you to control your television, cable box, DVD player, Surround Sound Systems, BluRay player, just about everything other than your record player. With apps like Pandora, Spotify and others, you can control your music from anywhere. It also allows you to connect through your mobile device too!

Lights/Shades/Climate

Here’s where it starts getting interesting. You’re going to feel like Batman the first time you use your Crestron remote control system to lower your automated shades. Did you forget to turn off the light right after you just got your favorite show queued up on Netflix? That’s ok, you can control any of the lights in your home using your touchscreen device. Is your boo getting a little chilly? Don’t even worry about getting up to change that thermostat. Turn up the heat from the comfort of your sofa!

Home Security Systems

Your safety, more importantly your family’s safety, is also featured with the Crestron home automation system. You don’t need to worry about anything happening when you have mobile access to any of your home security cameras. Crestron has their own mobile apps that allow you to access and control any of your security features while outside of your home. The seamless design of the apps and interfaces allow for peace of mind for you to know your family is safe.

This is just a few examples of how Crestron Home Automation systems can make your home more comfortable, energy efficient, and safe. Stay tuned to the Park Place blog to learn more about Crestron Home Automation, as well as what Crestron has to offer for Corporate offices, and other things like digital signage and smart TV intergration. As always, if you have any questions about Crestron, or you just need to mount a television to your wall, Park Place Installations is your answer!

Why Should Business Owners Include Digital Signage?

 

Regardless of what industry you’re in, you’re always looking for new ways to compete amongst a bevy of other companies. Incorporating digital signage is something every business owner can do today that will give them an edge over their competitors. The benefits for this newer type of technology are many which can help you and your company become more successful.

  • Digital signage looks much more impressive. Customers in today’s visual society are more likely to notice this new type of display. With the ability for movement it is more likely to catch a consumer’s eye than the old print method
  • Digital signage lowers cost and is quicker compared to print. Rather than waiting to get something back from a  printer you are able to update you ads instantaneously.
  • You are able to bring in more money because you can have more advertisers involved. Rather than sticking with one company to advertise you have the ability to scroll through multiple ads. This will allow you to widen your client base.
  • If you wanted, it helps engage your customer in a more interactive manner. Some of the more advanced digital signage has the ability to be interacted with by it’s target demo. Some include touchscreens that allow customers to press on thead bringing another dimension of engagement with digital signage.
  • You have total control of what is displayed. If something on the ad has become outdated or irrelevant you are able to quickly change it so that it is once again correct

Upgrading to digital signage can make a huge impact on your business. You’ve probably seen an increase in digital signs around malls, restaurants, and sports arenas. If you want to be ahead of the curve, you might want to look at incorporating a little bit of an upgrade with digital signage. Call Park Place Installations today to learn more about options. 

 

Things to Consider When Buying Speakers for Your Home Theater

If you’ve always wanted a home theater, but haven’t ever gone through with it, it’s never too late. It could come as a major project, but when you’re all finished and you’re sitting back watching your favorite team or film on the big screen, it will all be worth it. One of the most important decisions during the process is making sure you get the right surround sound speakers. Here are a few things you should think about when you decide to make the move toward choosing speakers.

You can buy the best surround sound system on the market, but if it isn’t setup properly you won’t get the full effect. Your experience will also fall short if you have a professional home theater installer install the system, if the product you choose lacks quality. So first of all, ensure you choose a proper team that will ensure everything is not only installed properly, but organized in an manner that is organized and easy to access.

Most new media contains audio data that will tell the surround sound system which side the sound should come from. If you’re not setting up the speakers properly, the sounds won’t come from the right places, in relation to the position of your speakers. This will also alter your experience. If you have a multi-speaker system positioned the right way, it will make all the difference.

You might not know, but 5.1 surround sound, or 7.1 surround sound refer to the number of speakers versus the number of subwoofers. The more speakers that surround you, obviously give you a more life-like experience. It’s easy to get caught up in name brands, but make sure you do your research in terms of functionality and lifespan. Some surround sound systems might seem like a good deal because they are made by a high profile brand, but could be dated.

Park Place Installations can help you choose the best surround sound speakers for your home, and we can put it all into place for you. If you’ve been thinking about starting a home theater of your own, but get stuck looking at prices and talking to a 16 year old kid at Best Buy about what you should get, give us a call. We know our stuff, it’s what we do!

What to Do When Your Cable Box Won’t Work

We’ve all been there. You’re watching your favorite show. Maybe you’re watching crunch-time of the biggest game of the year. All the sudden the cable goes out. Before you go calling your cable provider to talk to 4 different people and waste an hour of your time, try this simple solution.

Usually, all you have to do is reboot the cable box. Here’s how.

Check Connections

Simple, make sure all plugs for devices are connected by each end to the designated ports. Ensure wiring is intact and make sure no fuses are blown. Make sure your television is on the correct input/HDMI mode.

Power Down

Still not functioning? To reboot, start by turning off the cable box, using either the power button on the front or the remote.

Disconnect

Disconnect the power cord from either the wall outlet or the back of the cable box. If you’re plugged into a power strip, turn off the power strip.

Wait, Reconnect

Wait 30-60 seconds. Once this time is allotted, restore the power by re-connecting the cord where you previously disconnected. The box should begin rebooting, with a countdown on the LED display. You should also get a wait screen showing on the TV.

Wait for it…

Allow the box to reset, for about 2 to 4 minutes. If everything goes according to plan, the LED digital clock will reappear on the front of the box with the correct time.

Power Up

Once you see the time on the LED clock, press and release the power button on the box or remote to turn it back on. Hopefully, your cable kicks back on to your home channel and you’ll be back to business!

This is usually the first thing the cable provider will have you do, of course, once you get to actually talk to someone. If you do try this first, it might save you the 15, 20, or 60 minutes that you’ll spend talking on the phone and responding to an automated response system.

If the problem persists, unfortunately you might have to give them a call, as it may be a problem with the cable line. Remember, if you notice during your troubleshooting session that your wiring or equipment are all discombobulated, we can clean it up! Park Place Installations is here to help install any audio visual equipment you have in a timely and organized manner!

4 Ways You’ll Benefit From Wireless Security Cameras

Anyone who owns property know the uneasy feeling that goes along with leaving your space unattended.  While camera systems have long  been a useful way to keep a watchful eye on your home and/or business while you’re away, installing a wireless surveillance system offers additional benefits that mitigate many of the issues that run concurrent to a basic version.  Not only can they provide significant options for location, but they offer the same standard features as their tethered counterparts — such HD recording, infrared night vision and motion detection.  State of the art surveillance technology will afford you, your colleagues and/family members with the peace of mind to focus less on your property and more on whatever you schedule warrants.  To get you started, we’re discussing 4 benefits of wireless camera surveillance.

No Wires, No worries

The most overt benefit of a wireless camera system is eliminating any need to worry about wires.  A wireless system provides you the ability to place your camera(s) wherever you think is best without the frustration of having to be concerned about making sure an outlet is in proximity.  Additionally, eliminating wires not only removes unflattering aesthetic eyesores, but makes it much, much easier to conceal and/or hide your unit if you’re using it for security — nothing identifies a security camera more than a large, thick wire running down the side of your home or building.

Interactive Surveillance

One of the neatest components or a wireless camera system is that it allows you to connect your tablet or even cell phone to monitor your property remotely.  The connection will allow you to watch live video feeds from every camera you set up.  Just think of the possible benefits — external surveillance could allow you to identify unwanted individuals on your property while internal cameras are a great way to keep an eye on caregivers who may be watching over loved ones while you’re away — allowing you to make sure proper care is given.

Options

Flexibility is an advantage wireless cameras bring to the table.  Not only can you place the unit wherever you need it, but you’ll have a myriad of settings and options at your disposal.  Additionally, you’ll be able to physically relocate the unit to different locations depending on your specific needs — without having to account for pesky wires.  You’ll save yourself a myriad of frustration by having the option to maneuver the unit and fasten it to high and/or low locations that typically don’t have adequate power sources near by.

What About the Receiver?

A wireless camera receiver can be located within ranges of 650-feet to approximately 10 miles away from the dominant unit and still pick up signal — albeit the actual distance will alter depending on the specific unit.  Additionally, it will also be able to infiltrate as many as seven walls and most objects — including wood, glass, metals, plastics.

Investing properly in your home or business is an important process that every owner has been through.  If you’re looking to establish an effective home security system in or around Buffalo NY, Park Place Installations is your one-stop for top-tier surveillance with easy, pain-free and professional installation.  Our experienced staff is knowledgeable on wireless security cameras and systems and is available for a consult to fit your unique needs.  When fortifying your property, don’t hesitate to call us at (716) 472-9904 so we can help you through the process from assessing, through purchasing to professional installation — because nothing is more important  to us than helping you fulfill your safety needs.

 

Home Security Systems | 5 Best Locations for Wireless Security Cameras

The technological capabilities of home automation and home security are at an all time high. Are you interested in increasing the surveillance around your home? Park Place Installations offers the best home security systems and home automation systems available, anywhere in Western New York. Combining wireless security cameras with a home automation package allows you to keep an eye on your home, and ensure the safety of your family and belongings.

So you know you want to get moving on a new home surveillance camera system, but you don’t know where to start. You know you want security cameras on your home, but you’re don’t need Tony Montana’s level of surveillance either. So how many cameras do you need? Where should they go? Park Place Installations has your back mang.

 

Our best advice would be to start with 3-5 cameras, depending on how big your house is, and the layout. The goal, place cameras on the first level of your home, where intruders are most likely to attempt to enter. You can have the best camera and automation system on the market, but if it isn’t in the right spot you’re wasting your money.

Here are the best locations to place wireless security cameras.

  1. Front Door– No brainer here. It has been known amongst the home security industry that the majority of home break ins occur through the front door. Your camera should provide you with a full view from either the ceiling or opposite wall of both the doorway, and porch or entryway.
  2. Back Door– Burglars are not extremely creative. The next most popular entry point for an intruder is the back door, which usually has direct access to an important room. Your family room, stairs, basement, or kitchen could have direct access from the back, so remember to stick a camera somewhere on the ceiling that gives a full clear view of the back door.
  3. Side & Back Windows– It doesn’t look normal for someone to enter a home through a window. Typically a burglar will enter through an open window if it isn’t visible from the street. You’ll want to have your cameras monitor the windows that are along the sides of your home, or in the back, that might have access to your expensive belongings.
  4. Basement Access– If your home has a basement door entryway, this is a good place to put a camera. If you have windows that could be broken into easily, or a door that may be obscured from view, mount a camera in the basement that provides a broad sweep of the room’s entryways.
  5. Back Yard– An external camera mounted to give you a view of your private back yard is a good idea. You can mount from your roof or from a porch roof, hidden and out of reach. This enables you to see intruders from further away, and allows you to keep an eye on kids when they are playing in the back yard remotely, using home automation.

 

Hopefully this gives insight into where the best places to mount surveillance systems around your home. When you are ready to take the next steps in installing a home security system for your Buffalo NY home, remember that the team at Park Place Installations are here. Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions, or want to hear what we can do for you and your home!