Wireless soundbars, vintage revival, and more!

It seems as though just several years ago, a residence with a whole-home audio setup was pretty rare. Now we see more and more requests for them here in the Rogers, AR, area, but look and feel of the requests is changing rapidly.  We look forward to seeing where multiroom audio is headed in the next decade and can’t wait to share some of the trending concepts with you. 

If you’re just now in the market for your first whole-home audio system, this season provides the perfect time to have AV Design Consultants complete one from start to finish or upgrade an existing installation that could use a modern touch. After all, the holidays are right around the corner, and Thanksgiving is already close enough to plan your menu. What better way to impress family and friends than a home entertainment system? Read on for our recommendations. 

How to Connect All of Your Devices, Expand Reach and Improve User Experience

We know that your home network isn’t the most glamorous part of your Springdale, Arkansas, smart home, but you can’t deny it connects your most memorable audio-video experiences. Though networking tools aren’t as flashy as an 8K display or dazzling home theater, Wi-Fi’s newest iteration is nothing short of impressive when you see all of its features. 

In this blog, we’ll discuss why a speedy connection matters and dive into the new Wi-Fi standard that we’ll see in homes soon. Are you ready to stop settling for a slow internet speed? Keep reading to see what AV Design Consultants can do to help.  

Seeing Movies in Anamorphic Style Give Visuals New Life!

Whatever movie you view, from modern action flicks, dramas and comedies to sports events, it will most likely benefit from the superior image rendering of anamorphic style.  

What is anamorphic formatting? This setup automatically fills your screen with the aspect ratio intended by the film’s creator. Basically, if a film was meant to be seen in square aspect ratio (1.33:1), that’s how anamorphic will render it. If the movie is a widescreen and features a rectangular aspect ratio (1.85:1 or 2.35:1), it will fill the entire screen, automatically.

Prepare your home theater system for endless entertainment before the colder season settles in by revamping your screen setup. In this blog, we’ll let you know a few more details and benefits of this visual configuration so you’ll understand how to experience more immersive movies in your Fayetteville, Arkansas, home. 

Find out why you need ultra-bright TVs and weatherproof audio outside

Here in the South, fall presents one of the most beneficial seasons for outdoor entertainment. As you know, our summers can get so warm that sometimes we avoid anything that’s not air conditioned for a while. Just as football season approaches, however, we can relish the fresh breeze and a good drink from your patio. Watch your favorite team win while surrounded by your best friends, host BBQs or sip hot apple cider as Halloween approaches. 

Whatever your goals for the season, you’ll probably need some equipment to actualize them. You likely won’t achieve the full effect of outdoor entertainment without an outdoor A/V system, including a durable, weatherproof TV and audio setup. We’ll talk more about why it’s essential to find a specialized display and speaker system, so stay tuned! 

Don’t Overlook These Frequently Used Access Points!

Your doorways serve as the gatekeepers of your home. While we’re sure the first entry you think of when you consider bolstering your home security system is your front door, a well-protected home requires a little reinforcement of other entries, and that includes garage doors and gates. At AV Design Consultants, we believe every detail counts when considering your Fort Smith, Arkansas home’s safety, so let’s talk about a couple of areas that deserve a second look.  

We’ll show you how we design entryways that enforce safety to keep criminals out and provide additional access to help loved ones come in. Ready to learn how remote access and smart locks work together to give you a safe, convenient home? Keep reading. 

Upgrading Your Home? Here’s Why You Should Prioritize Motorized Window Treatments

It’s unfortunate but true: Sometimes motorized shades seem like an afterthought, even for integrated homes. Homeowners often choose to upgrade other smart home functions, like whole-home AV, security, media room and more before they consider replacing their manual shades with some automated varieties.

When you consider the possibilities inherent in one technology, however, you won’t want to miss motorized shades for your Bentonville, AR, home. They’re simultaneously some of the most design-focused and pragmatic equipment available for homes today.  

How? Few upgrades can impact your home’s aesthetic, protect your possessions and save energy like motorized shades do -- all while enhancing the function of your other integrated technology. Keep reading to better understand what we mean and why you’re missing out without them. 

Why an Outdoor Speaker System Is Versatile Enough for Nearly Every Season

When August approaches, many people start thinking of cooling temperatures, back-to-school activities and, consequently, the imminent end of many their favorite season -- summer. But given the balmy climate we enjoy here in Fayetteville, Arkansas, homeowners don’t have to worry about the warm-weather fun ending so soon. 

Let’s explore how you can take your outdoor audio entertaining from summer to fall without a hitch, and why now’s the perfect time to install a new sound system! 

Spice up your next backyard party or make it easier to relax with these devices for your Springdale, AR, home

The summer heat is still going strong in Arkansas, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay cooped up inside with the air conditioning at full blast. There’s always your backyard or neighborhood pool, but that’s hardly the only way to have fun outside. There are several technologies for your yard to make your summer more exciting or help you relax, whatever your mood. Here are three ways Springdale, AR, residents can add new dimensions of outdoor entertainment to their home.

Motorized shades are the ideal solution for Fort Smith, AR, homeowners overwhelmed by summer heat

It can be a challenge to keep yourself and your home at a reasonable temperature during the Arkansas summer. There’s nothing worse than coming home from work to an uncomfortably warm home, and seeing higher utility bills isn’t exactly pleasant, either.

What can you do to make your home more bearable in the summer and save some money? One option: Motorized shades. You may not believe something as innocuous as your shades could have an impact on the temperature in your way, but we’re here to show you otherwise. Here’s how motorized shades help Fort Smith, AR, homeowners cope with summer heatwaves.

Keep Your Technology Running Smoothly with Our Client Service Plans

In our role as smart home installers, our job is not done when we finish working on a project. Making sure your system functions at its best for years to come is our top priority. That's why we've partnered with Parasol to provide stellar customer support to all our clients. Enjoy ongoing maintenance and support for the ultimate performance by signing up for one of our brand-new client service plans.  

In this blog, we'll highlight the two monthly subscription services we offer, both providing 24/7/365 support, so you get help as soon as needed if your smart home technology isn’t functioning as expected. If you’re not sure which plan is the right fit after you’re done reading, reach out, and we'll help you find the perfect option for your Fort Smith, AR home. 

Liven Up the Warmer Months with High-Performance Audio and Video 

Summer brings beautiful weather to Bentonville, AR. How can you take full advantage of it in your home’s outdoor spaces? AV Design Consultants brings high-quality audio and video solutions to your patio, pool, and backyard. Hide subtle Origin Acoustic satellite and bollard speakers for immersive sound and enjoy movies, TV shows and sports on anti-glare televisions from SunBriteTV. 

Our outdoor entertainment solutions are easy to manage from a mobile app, touchpad, or remote. Make changes to the volume or what you want to hear or watch with just one button press. Are you wondering how you could take advantage of these outdoor AV solutions in your home? Below are just some examples on how to entertain friends and family this summer with outdoor entertainment. 

Put More Money Back into Your Company with Smart Technology

Often in a business startup, the old adage still applies: If you want it done right, you have to do it yourself. But as your business grows, it’s crucial that you find efficient solutions to help with daily operations so you can keep your eyes on the bigger picture.

Hiring staff, expanding your office space, and investing in smart technology may sound like a big pinch from your wallet, but choosing the right solutions for your business will contrarily help you put some of that money right back into the bank—or into the company you’re working so hard to grow.

One of the best ways your business in Fayetteville, Arkansas can save big is by implementing a building automation system. Explore the cost benefits below.

The Gear and Sources You Need for Top-Quality Viewing

It’s no secret that major electronics brands, studios, media outlets, and streaming services are ditching 1080p for 4K as the resolution standard. In fact, more than half of U.S. homes are expected to adopt 4K TVs by next year, which is a much faster adoption rate than 1080p saw in its prime.

If you’ve decided to upgrade your home theater for 4K viewing, then our Fayetteville, Arkansas team is here to help. Below, we’ll walk you through a few necessary product upgrades you’ll need to transform your viewing experience to today’s standard of crystal-clear entertainment. Read on for more!

As Your Smart Home Grows, Make Sure Your Network Can Keep Up

We’re living in a digital revolution—one that’s giving rise to wholly interconnected, easy-to-control smart homes thanks to IoT. Of course, this shouldn’t be news to anyone as consumer technology becomes more accessible than ever, transforming the way we live our lives.

From home security and lighting control to your audio/video system, whole-home automation system and more, the technologies that help run your Bentonville, Arkansas property are only as reliable as the foundation on which they run: your home network. 

Don’t risk a slow, unreliable, and insecure smart home with a network system that can’t keep up. Instead, learn what to expect when you upgrade to a strong networking infrastructure that can support your growing technology. We lay out the details below.

Our 12 Years of Serving You Has Awarded Us Several Recognitions

Since day one, our team at AV Design Consultants has strived to provide only the best designs and installations of custom home theaters, AV distribution, smart lighting control, robust security, and whole-home automation solutions for properties in Fort Smith and the broader Arkansas region.

This year marks our 12th anniversary of providing award-winning services for our valued customers all around the state, and we owe our thanks to you for calling on our team to be your #1 trusted home automation company.

If you’re in northwestern Arkansas and are looking to implement smart technology solutions into your home, we are ready to be your guide. Keep reading to learn why you should trust AV Design Consultants to design, install, implement, and support the smart technology in your home.

A great home design incorporates many ideas. There’s the exterior view; how it looks from the street and its curb appeal. How do the windows play, letting light inside, but also how they look and balance the outside look. What unique exterior finishes or features distinguish this home and makes it stand out?

As a designer, architect, or builder, you know these things better than we do. But we do understand home technology and the role that lighting can play in differentiating a home, highlighting its best aspects, and creating the right ambiance for a home. Any good photographer knows the role that light plays in capturing an image. With the proper lighting, what could be a mundane photo can turn into a spectacular and memorable picture.

Landscape lighting can have that effect on the exteriors of a property. Let us postulate this: if you include the effect of landscape lighting from the beginning on your next home project in the Woodlands, you will multiply the impact of your imaginative designs. Intrigued? Read on for some ideas.

Reduce Unnecessary Costs and Network Failures from the Start

One of the many benefits of a smart home is the integration of virtually limitless technologies for easy, convenient control. From the screen of your smartphone, an in-wall keypad, or even by voice, you can instantly command an array of events to happen simultaneously throughout your home so you can get on with living.

We all love to talk about the bells and whistles of smart home technology. But have you ever considered how such a successful system works behind the scenes? Just as a building relies on a solid foundation, a smart home system relies on a strong structured cabling infrastructure to work the way it’s meant to.

If your smart home is built around faulty, unorganized cabling, you’ll run the risk of unnecessary expenses, slow data transmission, and even network failures. To avoid these issues as you design or expand your smart home in Fayetteville, AR, follow our four best practices below.

Your Microphones, Speaker Placement & Conference Room Design Play a Huge Role

Picture this. You’re about to give an important presentation in front of several co-workers. You’ve prepared for weeks, and you’re ready to win over the room. You turn on your mic to get going, and the worst happens: loud, screeching audio feedback. Everyone cringes, no one can hear you, and the beginning of your presentation is tainted.

Maybe that exact situation has happened to you. After all, feedback is one of the most common problems when it comes to audio used in meetings and presentations. So, how do you fix the problem?

Fortunately, the fix can be pretty simple. Sometimes all you need to do is change your mics, move your speakers, or make a few adjustments to your conference room design. To help you solve the annoying feedback dilemma in your Bentonville, AR office, we’ve listed some remedies below for you to try.

Lutron’s Palladiom Shades Bring Style, Comfort and Functionality  

How often do you think about the shades in your home?

If you’re like most homeowners, the answer is most likely rarely, if ever. But your shades play a crucial role in the interior design aesthetic of your home as well as keeping your energy costs under control.

This is where Lutron shades come into play. While Lutron is best known for their lighting control systems, their motorized shades have a great deal to offer as well. Today we’re going to focus on Lutron’s Palladiom line of motorized shades, so read on to see all the ways Lutron their luxury line of shades can enhance your Fayetteville home.

Make an Informed Decision With This Expert Guide

A high-end home audio system is a significant investment, potentially on the order of tens of thousands of dollars. With that much at stake, you want to know going in that the system you’ve ordered is going to suit your needs.

There are dozens of factors to consider when it comes to deciding on the ideal audio system for your home, but one of the most important decisions you need to make is this: Do you want a wired system or a wireless one? Both types have advantages and disadvantages, from cost and ease of installation to audio performance. To help you make the most informed decision possible, we’ve put together this guide to finding the perfect home audio system for your Fayetteville, AR home.