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Made in the Shade: Transform Your Home with Smart Motorized Shades

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Your home’s comfort and style go beyond furniture and décor—lighting control and shading play a vital role in creating the perfect atmosphere. At Reference Audio Video & Security, we bring modern motorized shading solutions that blend seamlessly with your home’s design while enhancing energy efficiency, privacy, and convenience.

The Benefits of Motorized Shades

Traditional window coverings can be cumbersome, inconsistent, and outdated. With motorized shading, you gain effortless control over natural light and privacy while upgrading your home’s aesthetics. Here’s why homeowners are making the switch:

1. Seamless Integration with Smart Home Systems

Our motorized shades are designed to work with virtually any automation system, allowing you to control them through a remote, app, or voice command. Whether you use a dedicated home automation system or a standalone solution, our shades fit effortlessly into your smart home ecosystem.

2. A Sleek, Minimalist Design

Say goodbye to messy cords and bulky hardware. Our shading systems feature concealed wiring and screws for a clean, sophisticated look. Whether you prefer sheer, blackout, or light-filtering fabrics, we offer stylish options to match any décor.

3. Energy Efficiency & Climate Control

Motorized shades help regulate indoor temperatures by reducing heat gain in the summer and retaining warmth in the winter. This not only keeps your home comfortable year-round but also lowers energy costs.

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Let There Be Light: Elevate Your Home with Smart Lighting

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Lighting is more than just illumination—it’s an essential part of your home’s ambiance, energy efficiency, and overall aesthetic. With cutting-edge lighting solutions from Reference Audio Video & Security, you can enhance your home’s beauty, functionality, and comfort with customizable lighting controls and automation.

The Power of Smart Lighting Control

Modern lighting systems do more than just brighten a room. With advanced controls, homeowners can adjust brightness, set moods, and even automate lighting schedules for convenience and energy savings. Here’s how our lighting solutions make a difference:

Energy Efficiency

Dimming lights and automating schedules can significantly reduce energy consumption, lowering your electricity bills while extending the lifespan of your bulbs.

Mood and Ambiance

Create the perfect setting for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy movie night or a vibrant dinner party, smart lighting allows you to tailor your home’s atmosphere with a single touch.

Seamless Convenience

With programmable scenes, you can easily switch between different lighting settings using a smartphone, remote, or voice command. Imagine transitioning from bright morning light to a warm evening glow effortlessly.

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Top Considerations for Lighting Design

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Take Your Remodels and New Construction Projects to New Heights of Luxury

When embarking on a remodeling project or new construction, lighting design is pivotal in transforming a space from merely functional to genuinely spectacular. Partnering with a luxury integrator like Reference Audio Video & Security thoughtfully integrates every lighting element into one cohesive setup that’s easy to manage and looks great. The result? An Iowa home that enhances the aesthetics and functionality of your daily life. 

Keep reading to explore how our lighting designers can elevate your upcoming project through sophisticated lighting design.

LIGHTING FOR BUSINESS: Enhance Workplace Efficiency with Smart Lighting Solutions

Why Professional Installation is Key for Your AV Systems

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In today’s connected world, audio-video (AV) systems are a cornerstone of modern living. Whether you’re setting up a home theater, installing a whole-home audio system, or integrating smart technology, AV solutions bring convenience, entertainment, and luxury to your fingertips. However, the quality of your experience largely depends on how these systems are installed and configured. While DIY approaches may seem tempting, professional installation is critical for ensuring optimal performance, seamless integration, and long-term satisfaction.

Optimal Performance Tailored to Your Space

Professional AV installers have the expertise to design and implement systems that maximize performance based on your unique space and requirements. Factors like room acoustics, lighting conditions, and furniture placement can significantly impact audio and visual quality. A professional will:

  • Conduct a thorough assessment of your space.

  • Recommend equipment tailored to your specific needs.

  • Optimize speaker placement, screen positioning, and wiring for the best possible performance.

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Maximizing Productivity with Advanced Conference Room AV Solutions

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In today’s fast-paced business environment, effective communication and collaboration are critical to success. With teams spread across different locations and the increasing need for remote work, businesses must find innovative ways to stay connected. One of the most effective solutions for improving collaboration and communication is the integration of advanced conference room audio-video (AV) systems.

1. Seamless Connectivity for Effortless Collaboration

Gone are the days of struggling with wires, complicated setups, and connectivity issues during meetings. A high-quality AV system ensures that all participants—whether in the same room or working remotely—are seamlessly connected with minimal effort.

Modern conference room AV systems can integrate with a variety of devices, such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones, allowing attendees to quickly connect to the meeting regardless of their platform. Wireless connectivity eliminates the hassle of cords and plugs, making it easier for teams to collaborate without technical interruptions. For example, wireless presentation systems enable anyone in the meeting to share their screen with a simple click, enhancing the flow of the discussion.

2. Video Conferencing Capabilities: Bringing Remote Teams Together

The rise of remote work has made video conferencing a crucial part of daily business operations. Advanced AV solutions provide high-quality video conferencing capabilities, ensuring that all participants feel present and engaged in the meeting.

With crystal-clear audio and HD video, everyone can hear and see each other with clarity, even if they're thousands of miles apart. Features like automatic camera tracking can focus on the speaker, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience for remote attendees. This level of technology makes virtual meetings more personal and productive, eliminating the feeling of being disconnected.

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The Future of Smart Homes: Top Trends in Home Automation

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The way we live in our homes is changing, thanks to the rapid evolution of smart home technology. Today’s innovations are making homes more efficient, convenient, and personalized than ever before. From AI-driven systems to energy-saving automation, the future of smart homes is here, and it’s transforming daily life for homeowners.

AI Integration: Smarter Living Through Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing smart homes by learning and adapting to your routines. Modern systems can anticipate your needs—adjusting the thermostat, dimming lights, or even brewing your morning coffee—all without a single command. AI not only makes life more convenient but also enhances energy efficiency by optimizing resource usage. For example, systems like Google Nest or Amazon Alexa integrate AI to learn when you’re home and adjust energy usage accordingly, saving you money while reducing your carbon footprint.

Voice-Controlled Systems: Your Personal Assistant at Home

Voice control has become a cornerstone of smart home technology. Devices like Amazon Echo, Google Home, and Apple’s HomePod allow homeowners to manage lighting, music, security systems, and even appliances with simple voice commands. These systems are also becoming increasingly intuitive, enabling more natural conversations and more precise execution of tasks. Imagine walking into your home and simply saying, “Set the mood,” and having your lights dim, your favorite playlist start, and the temperature adjust—all seamlessly.

Energy-Efficient Automation: Sustainable Living Made Easy

Sustainability is a growing priority, and smart home automation is making it effortless to go green. Smart thermostats, energy-monitoring devices, and automated lighting systems help homeowners minimize waste and reduce utility costs. For instance, motion-sensing lights ensure that energy isn’t wasted in unoccupied rooms, and automated blinds can regulate indoor temperature by maximizing or minimizing sunlight.

The Impact on Daily Life

These advancements are not just about convenience; they’re about creating a home that works for you. Whether it’s setting a morning routine with automated alarms, lighting, and coffee makers or enhancing security with real-time notifications and smart locks, home automation simplifies daily tasks and provides peace of mind.

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Your Guide to Better Security Cameras

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Exploring Advanced Security Solutions for Today’s Homes and Businesses

In an age where safety and security are paramount, staying informed is crucial. The latest advancements in surveillance technology have transformed how we monitor and protect our living spaces.

This article delves into the various types of security cameras and our security package offerings. We'll explore integrating AI video analytics, the concept of video verification, and the comparative security needs of home versus commercial spaces. 

We also discuss what constitutes a good surveillance system today compared to the past. Keep reading to learn more.

How Does Automation Change the Way We Work?

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Check Out These Top Benefits of Adding Smarter Technologies to the Workplace

Working in an outdated corporate office can be a daily challenge. The aging technology leads to frequent disruptions, from slow computers to malfunctioning printers. Faulty conferencing equipment that disconnects or distorts meetings hinders collaboration with remote colleagues. 

Simple tasks become time-consuming and require workarounds that sap productivity and morale. The lack of efficient tools and workplace amenities slows down workflows and can create a constant undercurrent of stress, making it difficult to maintain enthusiasm and creativity.

It’s time for a change. With updated technologies and commercial automation systems, you can create a seamless, dynamic atmosphere that meets your staff members’ needs and streamlines your business operations.

Let's explore how these innovative systems transform traditional office environments into dynamic, efficient hubs of activity.

Here’s What a Local Audio Video Company Can Do For You

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Crafting the Ultimate Listening & Viewing Experiences with a Professional Team

Imagine controlling lights, entertainment, and temperature from a single device or enjoying cinema-quality sound and visuals in the comfort of your living room. Partnering with a professional team for your AV system installations keeps your home at the cutting edge of technology while also offering an unmatched living experience. 

Our award-winning team specializes in seamlessly integrating the latest technology to enhance your daily life. We do this by enhancing device reliability and making even the most sophisticated designs easy to use. By incorporating high-quality AV systems comprised of top-in-class brands and products, our Iowa clients can transform ordinary rooms into extraordinary experiences. 

Not only are we local and offer superior products, but we also deliver premium home entertainment designs and installations. Below, we explore the top benefits of working with a professional audio video company like Reference Audio Video & Security, as well as how to ramp up the look and feel of your media spaces. 

Maximize Meeting Efficiency with Smart Boardrooms and Conference Rooms

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In today's fast-paced business environment, effective meetings are crucial to staying ahead. A smart boardroom or conference room equipped with the latest AV technology can dramatically improve the way your team communicates and collaborates.

Key Features of Smart Boardrooms:

  • Integrated Audio-Visual Systems: High-quality video displays, surround sound, and wireless connectivity ensure presentations and video conferences run smoothly.
  • Interactive Collaboration Tools: Use touchscreens, digital whiteboards, and content sharing systems to make brainstorming and decision-making more efficient.
  • Automated Controls: Adjust lighting, audio, and video settings with a single touch, creating a comfortable environment for any type of meeting.
  • Scalability: Whether you're hosting a small team meeting or a large client presentation, your smart boardroom can adapt to the size and scope of your needs.

Why It’s Essential:
At Reference AVS, we specialize in creating smart conference rooms that are designed to foster collaboration and enhance communication. With our advanced AV technology and automation systems, your meetings will run more efficiently, allowing your team to focus on strategy and execution rather than technical issues.

Simplify Operations with Commercial Media Control Systems

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Managing audio, video, and lighting in large commercial spaces can be challenging without the right tools. Media control systems allow you to streamline these operations by providing centralized control over all the technology in your business.

Why Media Control Systems Matter:

  • Centralized Management: Control audio, video, lighting, and other systems from a single interface, reducing the need for multiple remote controls or manual adjustments.
  • Customizable Solutions: Tailor media settings to specific rooms or events, such as meetings, presentations, or special functions.
  • Remote Access: Manage and monitor your system from anywhere, ensuring smooth operations even when you're offsite.
  • Increased Efficiency: Simplify complex operations, allowing your team to focus on their work rather than troubleshooting technology.

Tailored for Your Business Needs:
Reference AVS offers advanced media control systems that integrate seamlessly into your commercial space, helping you manage technology effortlessly. Whether you're running a conference room, retail store, or restaurant, our systems make it easy to control all media aspects with just a touch.

Enhance Workplace Efficiency with Smart Lighting Solutions

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Lighting in commercial spaces goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about functionality, energy efficiency, and enhancing employee productivity. Smart lighting systems are transforming workspaces by creating customizable lighting environments that adapt to your business’s needs.

Key Features of Smart Lighting:

  • Automated Control: Set lighting schedules based on business hours, occupancy, or natural light levels to optimize energy usage.
  • Customizable Ambiance: Adjust brightness, color temperature, and lighting zones to create the perfect atmosphere for different tasks and areas.
  • Energy Savings: Reduce your energy bills with motion sensors and automatic dimming when spaces are not in use.
  • Integration with Other Systems: Sync lighting with AV systems for presentations, meetings, or special events with the push of a button.

Why It Matters:
A well-lit workspace improves employee focus and comfort, while smart lighting ensures your business operates efficiently. At Reference AVS, we specialize in designing and installing smart lighting solutions tailored to your specific commercial needs, helping you save on energy costs while creating an optimal work environment.

The Future of Business Meetings: Why You Need Advanced Video Conferencing Solutions

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In today’s globalized and remote work environment, efficient communication is more important than ever. With advanced video conferencing solutions, businesses can connect remote teams, enhance collaboration, and streamline decision-making processes.

Key Benefits of Advanced Video Conferencing:

  • High-Definition Video and Immersive Audio: Create a lifelike meeting experience where remote participants feel like they're in the room.
  • Seamless Collaboration: Share screens, documents, and presentations in real-time to keep everyone on the same page.
  • Scalable Solutions: Whether you're hosting small team huddles or large-scale company meetings, our systems scale with your business needs.
  • Integrated Control: Manage video conferencing equipment and settings easily from a central control system, ensuring hassle-free meetings.

How Reference AVS Helps:
At Reference AVS, we design and implement video conferencing systems that make remote communication as effective as in-person meetings. Whether it's for boardrooms, training rooms, or multi-office setups, we ensure seamless video and audio quality so your team can focus on what matters—collaboration and innovation.

Enhance Your Outdoor Living Space with Smart Technology

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Your backyard or patio can become an extension of your home’s entertainment system with outdoor automation. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, relaxing with family, or enjoying a peaceful evening under the stars, smart outdoor solutions can help you make the most of your outdoor spaces.

Smart Outdoor Features to Consider:

  • Weatherproof Audio Systems: Enjoy high-quality sound outdoors with weather-resistant speakers that blend into your landscaping.
  • Outdoor Televisions: Watch the big game or enjoy a movie under the stars with outdoor TVs designed to withstand the elements.
  • Automated Lighting: Create ambiance with smart lighting systems that adjust for any occasion—dim for a cozy night or bright for entertaining.
  • Pool and Spa Automation: Control pool lights, temperature, and jets with ease from your smartphone.

At Reference AVS, we offer custom solutions to elevate your outdoor space. Whether you’re looking to install a full entertainment system or just add a few smart features, we can design a system that brings your outdoor space to life.

Automate Your Home for Effortless Living: A Guide to Smart Home Automation

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Smart home automation isn’t just about convenience—it’s about transforming the way you live. With smart devices seamlessly integrated into your home, you can control everything from lighting to security with just a few taps on your phone.

What Can You Automate?

  • Lighting: Set schedules or adjust the brightness and color temperature for any room to match your mood.
  • Climate Control: Automatically regulate your home’s temperature for maximum comfort and energy efficiency.
  • Security: Monitor your home in real-time, control smart locks, and receive notifications when there’s unexpected activity.
  • Entertainment Systems: Manage your audio, video, and gaming systems all in one place.

Why It Matters: Smart home automation not only enhances comfort but also improves energy efficiency and security. Imagine walking into a perfectly lit, temperature-controlled home after a long day, all without lifting a finger. With Reference AVS, you can create a fully integrated smart home that caters to your lifestyle.

Seamless Sound Throughout Your Home: The Benefits of Distributed Audio Systems

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Imagine being able to listen to your favorite playlist in the kitchen, catch a podcast in the living room, or enjoy ambient tunes in the backyard—all without missing a beat. A distributed audio system allows you to control and play music in any room with ease.

What Is Distributed Audio? Distributed audio systems let you play music or other audio content in multiple rooms simultaneously. With Reference AVS, we offer high-quality audio solutions that integrate seamlessly into your home’s design, providing rich sound in every corner.

Benefits of Distributed Audio:

  • Multi-Zone Control: Play different music in each room or the same track throughout your home.
  • Discreet Speaker Installation: Our sleek, in-ceiling, and in-wall speakers blend perfectly with your home’s aesthetic.
  • Centralized Control: Manage everything from your smartphone, tablet, or voice commands for ultimate convenience.

Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, distributed audio ensures that your home sounds as good as it looks.

Bring the Cinema Home: How to Create the Ultimate Home Theater Experience

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Nothing compares to the feeling of watching a movie on the big screen, but what if you could bring that experience home? With a custom home theater system, you can turn your living room or a dedicated space into a cinematic paradise. At Reference AVS, we specialize in designing and installing home theater solutions tailored to your preferences.

Key Components of a Perfect Home Theater:

  • High-Definition Displays: Choose from 4K or 8K projectors and televisions for crystal-clear visuals.
  • Surround Sound: Immerse yourself in the action with strategically placed speakers that deliver stunning audio quality.
  • Smart Lighting and Shades: Set the perfect mood with automated lighting that adjusts with a single tap, and blackout shades for true cinematic darkness.
  • Easy-to-Use Control Systems: Control your entire setup—audio, video, lights, and more—with a simple app or voice commands.

With a professionally installed home theater system, you can enjoy the movie experience at home like never before. Whether you’re hosting a movie night with friends or enjoying a quiet evening alone, Reference AVS can transform your space into a movie lover’s dream.

Lighting the Way with Automation

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Elevate Mood and Ambiance with Integrated Smart Lighting

Imagine walking into your home where lights automatically adjust to the perfect brightness and color temperature to match the time of day or your mood. From hosting a lively dinner party to winding down with a book, the lighting effortlessly adapts to enhance every activity. This level of personalized control can elevate the comfort and ambiance of your living spaces while also optimizing energy use. The result is exquisitely curated spaces that are beautifully illuminated without waste. It’s modern living, upgraded.

When it comes to transforming a house into a home, lighting plays a pivotal role—not just by illuminating spaces but by enhancing the mood and ambiance of each room. For residents from Cedar Rapids to Iowa City and beyond, integrating lighting automation becomes a pathway to elevating your living experiences. 

Below, let’s explore how this smart home solution can seamlessly work with your other smart devices to create a home that’s not only smart but also stylish and energy-efficient.

Smart Lighting Solutions: Enhance Ambiance and Efficiency

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In the world of home automation, smart lighting stands out as one of the most transformative technologies, blending style, convenience, and efficiency. Whether you're looking to set the perfect mood for a dinner party, streamline your daily routines, or reduce energy consumption, smart lighting systems offer a versatile solution tailored to modern living.

Elevate Your Ambiance with Smart Lighting

One of the most compelling features of smart lighting is its ability to transform the ambiance of any room. With customizable color temperatures, brightness levels, and scene settings, you can create the perfect atmosphere for any occasion. Imagine hosting a movie night where the lights automatically dim to enhance the cinematic experience, or setting a warm, cozy glow for a relaxed evening with loved ones. The possibilities are endless, and with the convenience of app control or voice commands, adjusting your lighting to suit your mood has never been easier.

The Power of Automation: Convenience at Your Fingertips

Smart lighting systems are designed to integrate seamlessly into your daily routines, offering unparalleled convenience through automation. With scheduling features, your lights can turn on and off at specific times, ensuring your home is well-lit when you arrive and conserving energy when you’re away. Motion sensors add another layer of convenience, automatically illuminating your path when you enter a room and turning off lights when they’re no longer needed. This not only enhances your home’s efficiency but also provides an added level of security.

Efficiency and Sustainability: A Greener Choice

In addition to enhancing ambiance and convenience, smart lighting solutions are a sustainable choice for the eco-conscious homeowner. LED smart bulbs consume significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, reducing your carbon footprint and lowering your energy bills. Many smart lighting systems also offer energy usage reports, allowing you to monitor and optimize your consumption patterns. By making the switch to smart lighting, you’re investing in a greener future while enjoying the benefits of modern technology.

Integration with Smart Home Ecosystems

Smart lighting systems are highly compatible with other smart home devices, creating a cohesive and fully automated environment. Whether you use Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit, your smart lighting can be controlled alongside other smart devices, such as thermostats, security cameras, and audio systems. This integration allows for synchronized actions—for example, you can set a "Goodnight" routine that turns off all the lights, locks the doors, and adjusts the thermostat with a single command.

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Why Professional Installation Matters for Your AV Systems

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In today's technology-driven world, audio-video (AV) systems are no longer a luxury but a necessity in both residential and commercial spaces. Whether it's for home theaters, conference rooms, or whole-house audio, AV systems enhance experiences, making them more immersive and interactive. However, to truly reap the benefits of these sophisticated systems, professional installation is not just recommended—it's essential. Here's why.

1. Optimal Performance

Professional installers are trained to understand the intricacies of AV systems, ensuring each component works together seamlessly. From calibrating audio levels to fine-tuning video displays, they know how to maximize the performance of your system. Without professional installation, even the best equipment can underperform, leading to subpar sound and picture quality.

2. Reliability and Longevity

AV systems are complex, with multiple components that must be integrated correctly to function reliably. Professional installers ensure that wiring, connections, and settings are all done according to industry standards, reducing the risk of technical issues. This attention to detail not only prevents malfunctions but also extends the life of your equipment.

3. Customization and Integration

Every space is unique, and so are the needs of its users. Professional installers tailor AV systems to match the specific requirements of your home or business, taking into account room acoustics, lighting conditions, and user preferences. They can also integrate your AV system with other smart technologies, like lighting and security, for a cohesive and intuitive user experience.

4. Expert Troubleshooting and Support

Even the best systems can encounter issues, and when they do, professional installers are equipped to diagnose and resolve them quickly. They provide ongoing support, ensuring that your AV system continues to perform at its best. This peace of mind is invaluable, especially when dealing with complex setups.

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Iowa City Coralville
Appointment Only
Serving Coralville/Cedar Rapids Corridor
Area
1719 2nd Street
Coralville, Iowa 52241
(319) 354-7700

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Davenport Quad Cities
Serving Iowa and Illinois
1120 East Kimberly Road
Davenport, Iowa 52807
(563) 386-7800

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Serving Urbandale Area and Surrounding Cities

3056 104th Street
Urbandale IA 50322
(515) 777-1267


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