Tag Archive: installation

The right toy for the job

September 17, 2010

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As a custom installation company, we always  install equipment in a location which provides the best possible vantage point and  data feedback.  This doesn’t necessarilly  make for the easiest service access.

A couple years ago, we installed a complete automation system in a home in New Hampshire. This included DirecTV, security cameras, and a weather station by Weatherhawk.  The DirecTV dish was installed on the roof, and the  camera and weather station were installed on an abandoned telephone pole, about 25′ off the ground. This height allowed for the best camera angle and most accurate weather feedback. The DirecTV and weather station were acting up recently and needed some TLC. To troubleshoot and fix the issue we rented an excellent 25′ trailered man-lift. It hitches to any vehicle with a 2″ ball hitch for easy towing.

It has outriggers and a 500 lb capacity. It’s also light enough to be pushed or pulled around by a couple people.
Within a couple hours we were able to swap out the weather station and the satellite dish without endangering ourselves or damaging the property.  It was also a lot of fun to get a magic carpet ride up to the equipment. Since we had the rental until the following morning, I was trying to think of projects at my house requiring a lift so I could play with it a little more. 

I find that walking through rental shops or home improvement stores are the best inspiration for new projects. Sometimes I’ll take on a home project simply to justify purchasing a new power tool…I’m sure I’m not alone in this.  Just remember,  after buying the tool, you still have to finish the project!

Why is it so expensive to install a TV?

March 29, 2010

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On any given Sunday there will be a flyer showing the latest sale prices on a TV. This past weekend I saw a 42” plasma on sale from Best Circuit for $475. Wow. Just five years ago a 42” plasma was nearly $5,000!

Now it would seem that the installation shouldn’t be much more right? I mean after all, it’s just a TV.

No, not really. Even a “simple” installation requires thought, planning and good supporting products. 

Let’s start with the TV. The one on sale is probably not all that great. It is there to catch your attention from a price perspective.  Even if you don’t hire a professional for installation, get the better TV. It will be worth it.

Next there are the cables, mounts and surge protectors.  Get good ones. It makes no sense to have a cheap mount that won’t secure the TV or cheap cables that can’t carry the HDMI signal properly. And surge protection, you bet. One nearby lightning strike can destroy your investment.

Then there other important items like having a small cavity behind the TV to store wiring, a great remote control to simplify your system, a conduit for future wire runs, and connectivity for Ethernet.

The advances in technology provide us with an incredible viewing experience, but the days of opening a box, placing the set on a coffee table and adjusting the bunny ears are long gone.

Balancing Technology and Tranquility

February 4, 2010

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I wrote this article for a magazine last summer. Based on the feedback I received, readers found this article helpful in visualizing how the latest technology can be seamlessly and invisibly integrated into the most classic home decor.

I’m usually the partner that is in the office, creating a website, calling on architects or trying to unravel the mystery of social media in an effort to spread awareness of our ever expanding technological offerings.  Sadly, I don’t often see the end result of the hours of design, engineering, programming and installation performed by our talented crew. So, on a recent (and rare) sunny day I took the opportunity to visit a residential lake side project that we are bringing to completion.  And despite the fact that I now have lake envy, I am thrilled on many levels that I took the time to see this marvelous home and the brilliant work of our team.

Imagine 15,000 square feet of lake side living, unobtrusively nestled in the moss and ferns and barely noticeable to the passing kayak. Despite the size, the home is nostalgic and inviting, like a child hood summer camp, complete with a soaring stone fireplace, 10 foot dining hall table, even boys and girls bunk ‘houses’.  And, proudly, our team played a significant role creating this feeling of comfort while preserving the wistful charm. 

These gracious clients invested many dollars in the technology of comfort, convenience, functionality and entertainment and entrusted us to keep it all out of site. Every bedroom has a flat panel TV hidden behind the doors of a cabinet designed to support and hide all of the wiring and peripheral components.  Every room offers multiple sources of music and volume control easily accessed from a low profile touch panel control, not a wire in sight. The reclaimed chestnut rafters, soft wool upholstery and well loved board games are unaware of the 60” plasma TV, only visible when it rises on a motorized lift from the custom cabinet where it hides.  No guest will ever fumble for a light switch as each room has labeled lighting control key pads which are programmed with preset lighting scenes specific to the space.  And though this is a lake side retreat, the homeowners are afforded all of the conveniences of wired and wireless internet, cell phone coverage, iPod docking and video gaming.

We installed 3 1/2 miles of structured cable, hooked up hundreds of electronic components and spent countless hours programming to the client’s specific needs.  But apart from enjoying all the fun and convenience you would hardly know we were ever there.  Thank you, job well done!