Things are gradually going back to normal here in Iowa City, and businesses are inviting their teams back into the office. If your company is working in person again or will be soon, this is an excellent opportunity to dive into smart office automation.

New technologies like door access, white noise, conferencing systems, and multi-room audio enhance the way we do business. And an office automation system can sync all of your technologies into one easy-to-control interface. Learn more for your Iowa business below.

Barbecues, campfires, pool parties, and wine on the porch—it’s all better with an outdoor sound system. Most folks use a Bluetooth portable speaker or an old boom box when they enjoy tunes outside. But there are many drawbacks to that approach. For one, a single speaker can’t spread sound to every end of your backyard. If you’re hosting friends and family, they might not be able to hear music in some areas, while in others, the audio is overpowering.

Another disadvantage is that portable speakers are unreliable and not weatherproof. You need to make sure the speaker is charged or plugged into an external outlet to use it. And if it starts to rain, it’s a mad dash to bring your speakers inside.

That’s not the case with an outdoor speaker system by brands like Paradigm and Rockustics. If you’re new to outdoor audio, there are many options and approaches to weatherproof sound. Explore your choices below to find the best fit for your home in Davenport, IA.

People often ask us what speakers to use in their home theater. To choose a model, we recommend you listen for yourself! There are plenty of high-end speaker brands you can trust to deliver superior sound, like Bowers & Wilkins, Paradigm, Triad, and Leon. Some audiophiles prefer one manufacturer over another; it’s ultimately up to your taste. If you’re in the Urbandale, IA area, you can hear high-fidelity sound in our Des Moines showroom.

But beyond choosing a brand, you need to know what types of speakers to install in a home theater and where to place them. How many speakers do you need in a home theater installation? Where do they go? And what is Dolby Atmos? We’ll explain it all below.

You might not think much of roller shades, but they’ve come a long way in history! Decorative cloth and paper roller shades first appeared in 17th-century Holland, but it wasn’t until 1858 that a New York factory would begin mass-producing window shades.   

Window blinds stayed relatively the same for more than a century until the 1980s, with the new concept of a “smart house.” Today, brands like Hunter Douglas and PowerShades produce sleek and stylish custom roller shades you can automate in one tap of a button with systems like Control4 and Crestron.  

Our clients in Davenport, IA, love the convenience that smart blinds provide. Upgrading to motorized blinds is like going from hand-washing dishes to owning a dishwasher. Once you experience the difference, you’ll never go back to regular blinds.  

But you may be wondering, “Are motorized shades really necessary?” We share below seven helpful ways smart shades will enhance your daily routine.