As the demand for smart home technology continues to grow, integrated audio-visual systems are becoming a cornerstone of modern living. At Reference Audio Video & Security, located in Iowa, we believe that these systems represent the future of smart homes. Here’s why integrated audio-visual systems are transforming Iowa homes and how they can enhance your living experience.

Seamless Integration with Smart Home Devices

Integrated audio-visual systems allow for seamless integration with various smart home devices. Whether it’s connecting your lighting, security, or climate control systems, these setups enable you to manage everything from a single interface. At Reference Audio, we specialize in creating cohesive smart home environments where all your devices work together effortlessly.

Enhanced Entertainment Experience

A key advantage of integrated audio-visual systems is the enhanced entertainment experience they provide. Imagine controlling your home theater, music, and gaming systems with a single touch or voice command. Our experts at Reference Audio Video & Security can design and install systems that offer superior sound and picture quality, creating an immersive experience right in your living room.

Increased Home Security

Integrated audio-visual systems play a crucial role in enhancing home security. By connecting your security cameras, alarms, and monitoring systems, you can have real-time access to your home’s security status. Our advanced systems at Reference Audio allow you to view live footage, receive alerts, and control security features remotely, ensuring your home is always protected.

Energy Efficiency and Convenience

Smart homes equipped with integrated audio-visual systems are more energy-efficient and convenient. Automated systems can adjust lighting, temperature, and even manage energy consumption based on your preferences and routines. This not only reduces energy bills but also contributes to a greener environment. At Reference Audio Video & Security, we offer solutions that help you maximize energy efficiency while enhancing convenience.

A Look at Two High-End Home Automation Systems

If you’re interested in bringing home automation to your Iowa residence, you may have come across two of the biggest brands in the industry: Control4 and Crestron.

Control4 and Crestron are luxury control systems that can integrate all your home’s technologies, from smart lighting to the hot tub. Unlike DIY plug-and-play devices, Control4 and Crestron are sophisticated enough to automate equipment from different manufacturers and group them together.

But if you must pick between the two, which is best? We’re a smart home installer based in the Davenport, IA area, and we partner with both Control4 and Crestron. In this article, we’ll compare each system to help you make the right choice.

Make the Most of Your Outdoor Spaces in One Press of a Button

Imagine you’re on an evening stroll and spot a restaurant or home lit up with warm, ambient light. You hear music wafting through the air and laughter while people enjoy drinks or a dip in a pool. “I want to be there,” you think as you pass by. 

What if your backyard could feel that way? With recent advances in technology, you can take the power of the smart home to easily customize and control your outdoor space’s atmosphere. Outdoor lighting, speakers, screens, and even pools can be controlled from one system. 

To get started, you’ll need weatherproof equipment and an installation that syncs technology to one compatible smart home system. Explore the possibilities for your Des Moines, IA, home below.  

As an independent Control4 dealer in Des Moines, IA, smart home technology is our bread and butter. We know how to build sophisticated, stylish systems that merge lighting, audio, and security.

But what makes a fully automated home? Maybe you own an Alexa voice assistant speaker and a Ring video doorbell that connects to your phone. That’s great, but you can achieve so much more with a “level three” smart home.

If you’re new to home automation, get ready to be in awe of your own home. Read on to see the unexpected ways Control4 can enhance daily life.

What is Level 3 Home Control? Find Out What Makes a Complete Smart System

There are many shades of smart home control. Earlier this year, we asked our readers, “What is your smart home control level?” Some folks only dip their toes into smart technology with one or two devices like a Nest thermostat or Amazon Echo—level one. A next step up, at level two, might mean someone dabbles with a surveillance camera, maybe adds whole home audio to their house, or installs smart lighting. But that’s still not a fully integrated, comprehensive smart home.

That brings us to level three. What makes a ‘real’ smart home? We share the answer below so you can get inspired for home control in your Iowa City, IA property.

No Matter Where You Are on the Smart Home Spectrum, It’s Easy to Get Started

Even with all the smart home devices and systems readily available in the market, some folks haven’t jumped in. The reality is that some people are very comfortable with new technology, some love the novelty of doing something differently, and some – often called late adopters – only jump on the bandwagon when the benefits and costs are crystal clear.

There is a whole spectrum of where people are concerning smart technology. The penetration rate of smartphones in the U.S. is currently about 70%, and that is one measure of smart technology as it is the gateway to much of it. But while some may have a smart thermostat like Nest, they may not think they need anything else in that vein. Likewise, another person might have a video doorbell to add security but have little interest in other smart home devices.

Where are you on the smart home control spectrum in your Des Moines IA residence? Let’s explore it in more detail.

Create the Perfect Ambiance for Your Scott County Home

Smart home automation gives you one-touch control of all the smart devices in your home, and that connectivity introduces new opportunities to alter the atmosphere of your space depending on the occasion. A Control4 system allows you to set specific scenes, and with the push of a button, your smart home simultaneously adjusts your lighting, motorized window treatments, climate control, HVAC, and whole-house audio and video.

With a Control4 installation from Reference Audio Video & Security, you have professionals handling all the wiring and programming, ensuring that your automated systems work together seamlessly so you can take full advantage of the scenes feature. Read on to find out how you can shape the ambiance of your Scott County home like never before with Control4 home automation.

Explore the Wonders of Owning an Integrated Control4 System

Imagine this scenario: You and your family are heading back home after a long weekend day away from the house.

As you pull into your driveway, your security system instantly deactivates, pathway lights turn on, leading you from your car to your front door (which simultaneously unlocks), and lights turn on inside to welcome you home.

This isn’t some scene we can only expect in the future. You can feature this technology throughout your property right now.

In this post, we share how Control4 home automation can transform day-to-day tasks throughout your property in the Des Moines area.

Reference AVS Highlights Control4 User Interfaces

The rapid pace at which technology evolves has made it challenging to keep up with the latest operating system, newest device, and version two-point-whatever. The result of so much technological advancement is that we’ve come to expect a streamlined user experience that facilitates intuitive control with no industry jargon or needless buttons. Control4, a leader in smart home automation technology, provides Dallas County, Iowa residents with seamless control of the technology in their home. Read on to learn about some of the different control devices as well as watch demonstration videos on how to personalize your lights, program your thermostat and use Pandora.

We Define Some Key Terms for Understanding Why Networking Is Important

The network is the backbone of your smart home automation system. Without it, your AV couldn’t communicate with your lighting control system, and the motorized shades couldn’t communicate with the HVAC. It’s what makes a “smart” home possible. But despite its importance, we often field questions about what exactly the network does for your home. That’s why we’ve put together this blog to highlight some of the key terms you’ll need to know to understand your network. Read on for more.

Ensure the Safety of Your Property With a Helping Hand

Home security is one of the main reasons Iowa City, IA residents invest in smart automation systems. The feeling of safety – of protecting your loved ones and your property from potential harm – can help ease your worries and simplify your lifestyle. And while technology develops at a lightning pace, allowing you automated and hands-free controls of many great security features, there’s still no beating the human eye in a lot of cases. In this blog, we’ll explore why remote monitoring is one of the smartest additions you can make to your home security system. Read on to learn more.

Enjoy Epic AV in the Back Yard With These Smart Solutions

The spring weather is almost here, and you’re probably itching to get outside and enjoy the Iowa City, IA warmth. There’s just one problem: your home theater installation is the perfect place to watch your favorite movies and shows. So how can you enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing your entertainment? An outdoor home theater is the answer! In this blog, we’ll explore a few of the ways you can have an outdoor home theater designed for perfect audio and video quality. Read on for more! 

Davenport Smart Homes Are Simpler Than Ever

When some people hear the term “smart home automation,” they think of complex technology in every corner of their house. While they’re half right – smart systems require sophisticated technology – what they don’t realize is that these intricate pieces of equipment are designed to simplify their lifestyle, not make it more complicated. That’s why integrated technology is so easy to control. In this blog, we’ll break down how easy it is to take command of your system. Read on to learn more.