Evolved Habitat Blog

Bright Ideas: Customizing Your Home with Smart Lighting Solutions

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 15:50:39 GMT

How to Tailor Your Space with Lighting Control

In our modern world, smart lighting solutions are changing the way we light up our homes. They do so much more than just help us see; they fit easily into our everyday lives, bringing comfort, convenience, and a touch of elegance.

One of the top choices in this space is the Lutron Lighting Control System. It's well-known for its impressive performance and flexibility, making it a favorite among those looking to enhance their living environments.

Why Choose Smart Lighting?

Smart lighting offers a myriad of benefits that far surpass traditional lighting systems. Here are some key advantages:

Energy Efficiency : Smart lighting systems use LED bulbs, which consume less power and have a longer lifespan. They allow for precise control over light intensity and schedules, reducing unnecessary electricity usage and lowering energy bills.
Convenience : With smart lighting, the days of manually flipping switches are over. Intelligent systems can be controlled via smartphone apps, voice commands, or automated schedules, providing unparalleled convenience.
Enhanced Security : Smart lighting can enhance home security by simulating occupancy when you’re away. Lights can be set to turn on and off at specific times, deterring potential intruders.
Customization : From dimming lights for a romantic dinner to changing colors to match your mood, smart lighting lets you personalize your living space to suit your lifestyle.

Explore the elements of a complete home automation system:

For more information about the benefits of home automation, contact us now for a free consultation . Together, we will create a custom solution that is tailored to your individual needs.

Exploring Lutron Lighting Control Systems

Lutron is a pioneer in the smart lighting industry, known for its robust and versatile solutions. Here’s how Lutron Lighting Control Systems can transform your home:

Seamless Integration : Lutron systems are designed to integrate effortlessly with other smart home technologies. Whether you have a voice-activated assistant like Amazon Alexa or a comprehensive home automation system, Lutron can be synced for smooth operation.
Personalized Settings : With Lutron, you can create custom lighting scenes to match different activities and moods. Imagine having a “movie night” setting that dims the living room lights to the perfect level for watching films or a “morning” scene that gradually increases brightness to help you wake up naturally.
Remote Access : Control your lighting from anywhere with your mobile device. Whether you’re at work or on vacation, you can adjust your home’s lighting to match your schedule and preferences.
Aesthetics and Design : Lutron offers a range of stylish switches, dimmers, and controls that not only enhance functionality but also add to the interior design of your home. Their sleek, contemporary designs can complement any decor style.

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Tailoring Smart Lighting to Fit Your New Home

Customizing your home with smart lighting solutions like Lutron involves thoughtful planning and consideration of your specific needs.

Start by assessing which areas of your home will benefit the most from smart lighting, particularly high-traffic areas like the kitchen, living room, and outdoor spaces.

Next, create lighting zones by dividing your home into sections, each controlled separately, allowing for precise adjustments and improved energy efficiency. It’s also a good idea to consult with professional installers, like Evolved Habitat , who can ensure that your smart lighting system is set up correctly and optimized for your home’s layout.

Finally, explore the various products and features offered by Lutron, such as wireless solutions and advanced dimming options, to find the right fit for your unique requirements.

Conclusion

Elevate your home's comfort, efficiency, and style with Lutron Lighting Control Systems, available through Evolved Habitat, your trusted Lutron dealer. Our smart lighting solutions empower you to customize your environment, creating spaces that fulfill your functional needs and elevate your lifestyle with a touch of modern sophistication.

Transform your home into a haven of intelligent, beautiful illumination. Let Evolved Habitat guide you on this journey with the expert solutions only a premier Lutron dealer can offer. Schedule a consultation today.

How Automation Enhances Your Custom Home Design

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 18:08:26 GMT

Intelligent Design Elevates Your New Construction Home

In today’s world of home design, smart home automation has truly changed the game. It’s not just about having a stylish space anymore; it's about creating a home that works for you and your lifestyle. By incorporating the latest technology into your custom home from the very beginning, you’re not only enhancing everyday living but also making a wise investment for the future.

Imagine controlling your lights, security, and even your thermostat with just a tap on your phone. It’s all about convenience, efficiency, and peace of mind. This blog post will dive into the benefits of smart home automation and share some practical tips on how to weave these innovative solutions into your home during the construction phase.

Let's explore how you can elevate your living experience.

RELATED: New Construction Home? Consider Pre-Wiring for the Future

Key Takeaways

Enhanced Convenience and Comfort: Smart home automation offers automated lighting, climate control, and voice-activated commands to elevate everyday living.
Energy Efficiency: Smart thermostats, lighting systems, and energy monitoring devices can lead to significant energy savings, making your home more sustainable.
Advanced Security: Integrating smart locks, cameras, and monitoring systems provides increased peace of mind and protection for your home.
Centralized Control: Enjoy the convenience of managing various home systems from a single interface, whether through apps or voice assistants.
Early Planning is Crucial: Consider smart home technology early in the design and construction process for seamless integration.
Collaboration with Professionals: Work closely with builders, architects, and smart home technology experts to ensure the best outcomes.
Infrastructure Readiness: Ensure your home is equipped with structured wiring, appropriate outlets, and network capabilities to support smart devices.
Scalability and Future-Proofing: Design a flexible system that can adapt to new technologies and devices as they become available.
Room-by-Room Solutions: Plan specific smart solutions tailored for different areas of your home, such as smart lights in the kitchen or smart locks for exterior doors.

Explore the elements of a complete home automation system:

For more information about the benefits of home automation, contact us now for a free consultation . Together, we will create a custom solution that is tailored to your individual needs.

Benefits of Smart Home Automation

Smart home automation is all about making your life easier and more comfortable.

Imagine being able to set the perfect lighting and temperature in your home with just a few taps on your phone or a simple voice command. With smart speakers and other devices, managing household tasks becomes second nature, freeing you up to focus on what really matters in your day-to-day life.

One of the great perks of smart home technology is its ability to help you save energy. Smart thermostats learn your schedule and preferences, adjusting heating and cooling to keep your home cozy while reducing energy bills. Automated lighting and energy monitoring systems further cut down on wasted energy, meaning you can enjoy a more sustainable lifestyle without even thinking about it.

Security is another major advantage of going smart.

With features like smart locks and surveillance cameras, you can easily keep an eye on your home from anywhere, giving you peace of mind whether you’re out running errands or away on vacation.

What really shines about smart home tech is the convenience of having everything in one place. Need to adjust the thermostat, dim the lights, or lock the doors? You can do it all from a single app or with a quick voice command.

This easy integration makes managing your home simpler and enhances your overall living experience, letting you enjoy your space to the fullest.

Free Ebook:
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Everything You Need to Design Your Dream Home. Download Now→

Planning for Home Automation During Construction

When you're building your custom home, incorporating smart home automation can really enhance your living experience. But to make the most of it, it's important to start thinking about these technologies early on during the design and construction stages.

This way, you can ensure that your home will easily adapt to both the smart solutions we use today and those that might come along in the future.

One of the best ways to achieve a truly integrated smart home is to collaborate with the right professionals (like Evolved Habitat ). By working together with builders, architects, and experts in smart home technology, you can create a solid plan that aligns with your automation goals. Their knowledge will help you make smart choices about how everything connects, where to place devices, and how to set things up for future advancements.

A key part of making your smart home a reality is laying down the right infrastructure.

This means ensuring you have structured wiring, plenty of electrical outlets, and a strong network to support all your devices so they can communicate with each other smoothly.

It's also a good idea to think about scalability when designing your system. Planning for future devices and technologies means you won’t have to start from scratch down the road. Opting for flexible solutions will allow your home to grow and adapt as your needs change and technology evolves.

Taking a room-by-room approach can help you customize smart solutions for different areas of your home. For example, you might install smart lighting in your kitchen and living room to create the perfect atmosphere while adding smart locks to your exterior doors for enhanced security.

This thoughtful planning ensures that each space in your home is equipped with the most effective smart technologies to meet your lifestyle needs.

Conclusion

Building your dream home?

Consider integrating smart home automation right from the start! It’s a fantastic way to make your life easier, save on energy bills, and enhance security.

When you plan early and work with the right professionals, you can set up a home that’s not just modern, but also adaptable to future needs.

Dive into the world of smart technology and discover how it can truly transform your living experience. Investing in smart home automation today means you’re not just making a house—you're creating a comfortable, innovative space for the years to come.

Transform Your Home with Seura's Lighted Vanity Mirrors

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 18:00:38 GMT

Enjoy Bright, Natural Light with Séura LED Lighted Mirrors

In our tireless pursuit to help you achieve your dream living space, we've become a long-standing partner with Seura , a renowned company leading the charge in innovative lighted mirror solutions.

We're Evolved Habitat, a Northeast Wisonsin-based professional integrator with years of experience transforming homes with cutting-edge technology and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

We understand that your home is an extension of yourself – a sanctuary where simple routines should become fulfilling experiences. Our expertise as a seasoned integrator, combined with Seura's stunning vanity mirrors, allows us to elevate your home life to new heights.

In this post, we will guide you through the captivating world of Seura's lighted vanity mirrors, explain how they can revolutionize your living space, and demonstrate the ways our expertise at Evolved Habitat helps ensure seamless integration and personalized service.

Together, let's unlock the possibilities and transform your home into a space you never knew you needed.

Let’s dive in.

Design the perfect makeup mirror for your bathroom with Séura’s industry-leading vanity mirror solutions.

Revolutionize Your Morning Routine with Séura’s Industry-Leading Vanity Mirror with Lights Solutions

Does your morning routine need a revamp?

A magical transformation of your experience starts in the bathroom, and with Seura lighted bathroom mirrors, every day begins with a touch of luxury and innovation.

As a certified Seura dealer, Evolved Habitat streamlines the installation process of bathroom mirrors with lights and ensures an immaculate finish. Each mirror is not just fixed onto your wall; it's artfully incorporated as a vital part of your custom bathroom.

And it's not just about adding a stunning mirror; it's about enhancing your lifestyle.

With Seura lighted mirrors, you can enjoy:

Vanity lighting: As you wake up, imagine walking into your bathroom and seeing a soft, warm light evenly illuminating your reflection. Built into the frame of your lighted bathroom mirror, these lights are designed with your comfort in mind. They instantly dispel the grogginess and set the tone for a bright day ahead.
Invisible TV: How about catching up with the world while brushing your teeth or shaving? In an instant, the mirror transforms into a television. Seura's TV mirrors provide impeccable 4K UHD video quality while concealing the TV completely when turned off. Installed seamlessly by Evolved Habitat, they integrate flawlessly into your space, enhancing the morning routine in a way you've never experienced before.
Technology Upgrades: Customize your Séura mirror with technology upgrades that elegantly and conveniently incorporate lighting control, defoggers, clocks, and more into the mirror.

At Evolved Habitat, we constantly tailor our services to match our clients' unique tastes and preferences.

The end result?

A Seura bathroom smart mirror that's not just about advanced technology; it's about personalized luxury. Let us help reinvent your mornings and transform your day-to-day living. It all starts with a mirror.

Explore the elements of a complete home automation system:

For more information about the benefits of home automation, contact us now for a free consultation . Together, we will create a custom solution that is tailored to your individual needs.

Design the perfect makeup mirror for your bathroom with Séura’s industry-leading vanity mirror solutions.

Enhance Your Living Environment with Seura Smart Mirrors

Transforming your home is no small task - it's about capturing the essence of your style while infusing state-of-the-art functionality.

At Evolved Habitat, we go far beyond simply installing Seura’s intelligent mirrors. We masterfully embed these chic technological marvels into your living spaces, creating harmonious unity between design and tech, form and function.

With every client, we get excited to help you make your home even more amazing. Our team has a ton of experience and technical know-how to ensure that your mirrors fit right in with your existing decor. We want to ensure that your mirrors capture the unique vibe you’re after and don't feel out of place.

Seura lighted mirrors bring more to your home than just good looks. Yes, their sleek and minimalist appeal adds a dash of sophistication to any room. But there's so much more beneath that stylish surface – it’s a window into the digital world, subtly woven into its design.

Imagine catching up on the weather as you prepare for the day, following along with a yoga routine on a clear screen, or watching your favorite show while getting dinner started, all on your mirror. It's more than a mirror, it's a digital assistant set to transform your view of what a living space can be.

With Evolved Habitat, the two-fold charm of Seura mirrors - aesthetic elegance and technology - not just suits but enhances your home. As your ally in home transformation, we ensure these mirrors gracefully bridge the gap between tomorrow’s technology and today’s comfort.

Are you ready to improve the way you live with Seura smart mirrors?

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Everything You Need to Design Your Dream Home. Download Now→

Personalization Options Offered by Evolved Habitat

We understand that your home should reflect your individuality and style. This is why we work closely with Seura, offering an extensive array of customization options meticulously installed by our team.

No matter your aesthetic preferences, we guarantee an impeccable solution tailored to your unique vision.

Whether you require specific sizes, diverse frames, or unique mirror shapes, Seura's extensive personalization offerings are designed to adapt seamlessly to any space. As your professional integrator, Evolved Habitat expertly implements these custom Seura smart mirrors, enhancing your home with the perfect fusion of elegance and technology.

Our emphasis on customization and excellence carries over to new construction clients as well. Our dedicated team at Evolved Habitat ensures that the smart mirror solutions you envision for your home construction project are gracefully integrated into the fabric of your living spaces.

With unwavering attention to detail, we work tirelessly to make your dreams a reality and bring your Seura smart mirrors to life, harmonizing them with your interior design.

Unleash the Magic with a Smart Vanity

Unleash the magic of smart mirrors, designed to bring luxury, functionality, and a touch of the extraordinary into your everyday life.

Let Evolved Habitat assist you in actualizing the transformative vision you have for your custom home in Northeast Wisconsin. Don't just imagine the home of your dreams — let us help you create it.

Ready to revolutionize your living experience? Contact Evolved Habitat today and step into a future where your dream spaces become a reality. With Seura's smart mirrors seamlessly integrated by Evolved Habitat, your dream home – a blend of state-of-the-art technology and personal style – is just a mirror reflection away.

Curate the desired atmosphere in your home with one touch. Séura’s most advanced mirrors feature a capacitive touch button to conveniently change the intensity level anywhere from dreamy low-light to reviving brightness.

Level Up Your Living Space with Evolved Habitat

Together, with Seura's range of options and Evolved Habitat's commitment to excellence, we create an unparalleled collaboration that gives your home the personalized touch it deserves. Feel confident knowing you can trust our expertise to transform your space with a Seura smart mirror that is uniquely you.

With Evolved Habitat on your side, you can expect exceptional service, expert customization, and meticulous attention to detail. As a professional integrator specializing in infusing aesthetics with technology, we're dedicated to transforming your home into a sophisticated haven that reflects your dreams and preferences.

No two homeowners are alike, and that philosophy strongly fuels our approach.

When you partner with Evolved Habitat and Seura, you gain more than just a modernized home. You experience the peace of mind that comes from knowing a dedicated team of professionals is managing every facet of the customization process. Plus, you unlock the potential of smart technology with smart mirrors.

Are you ready to enjoy a living space that feels like a perfect reflection of your lifestyle? Get in touch with us today.

Are You Missing Out? 10 Game-Changing Reasons to Install a Home Theater

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 15:59:38 GMT

Revolutionize Your Home Theater Room Design with Evolved Habitat

Are you considering upgrading your home entertainment experience? What if we told you there's a game-changing solution that will leave you speechless? Evolved Habitat, based in Green Bay, WI, specializes in breathtaking home theater room design, transforming your living space into a cinematic haven you never knew you needed.

Don't miss out!

Keep reading to discover the ten astonishing reasons why a spectacular home theater installation with Evolved Habitat will revolutionize your entertainment experience.

1. Personalized Entertainment Space

Evolved Habitat's home theater room design gives you a fully customized and dedicated space for enjoying movies, sports, and your favorite shows. Our team of experts will work with you to design an immersive theater tailored to your preferences and needs.

2. Enhanced Audio and Visual Experience

Experience the ultimate audio and visual quality with our state-of-the-art home theater systems. Evolved Habitat's installations feature the latest technology, ensuring a fully immersive and unforgettable experience every time.

3. Increase the Value of Your Home

A professionally installed home theater can significantly increase the value of your property. Potential buyers will be impressed by the luxury and convenience of having a dedicated entertainment space.

Explore the elements of a complete home automation system:

For more information about the benefits of home automation, contact us now for a free consultation . Together, we will create a custom solution that is tailored to your individual needs.

4. Comfort and Convenience

Enjoy your favorite movies and shows from the comfort of your own home. With an Evolved Habitat home theater installation, you can relax in cozy, customized seating, and enjoy total control of your exceptional entertainment system.

5. Save Money on Movie Nights

Skip the expensive trips to the movie theater and enjoy the same cinematic experience at home. With a dedicated home theater, you'll save money on tickets, snacks, and parking, all while relishing a more personalized and stunning viewing experience.

6. Perfect for Hosting

A custom home theater installation creates the perfect space for hosting movie nights, watch parties, or gaming sessions with friends and family. Your guests will be blown away by the unmatched audio and visual experience.

7. Family Bonding

A home theater brings families together for shared entertainment experiences. By customizing your theater experience, you can enjoy your favorite movies, sports, and more while spending quality time with those closest to you.

Free Ebook:
The Ultimate Smart Home Buyer's Guide

Everything You Need to Design Your Dream Home. Download Now→

8. Control Over Your Environment

With a home theater installation by Evolved Habitat, you'll have complete control over your environment, from lighting to sound. Your futuristic home theater can be tailored to your preferences, ensuring the perfect atmosphere for every viewing experience.

9. Enhanced Gaming Experience

Gamers can take their experience to the next level with a custom-made home theater room. The high-quality audio and visual components will make every game feel even more immersive and engaging.

10. Expert Installation and Support

When you choose Evolved Habitat to design your home theater installation, you can trust that you'll receive top-notch service from our team of experienced professionals. We're dedicated to ensuring your satisfaction and will be there to support you every step of the way.

Conclusion

Ready to take the leap and upgrade your entertainment experience? Our team is ready to provide you with a personalized, high-quality entertainment space that you'll enjoy for years to come.

Don't wait any longer to start planning your dream home theater! Contact us today, and let's make movie nights unforgettable.

Learn What Lutron Lighting Control Is and Why You Need It

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 22:47:35 GMT

The Benefits of Integrating a Lutron Lighting Control System Into Your Home

Lighting is a vital component of our daily lives that we often overlook.

The ability to manage the amount and quality of light in a particular place for various actions or situations is known as light control.

Controlling light not only improves the experience but also helps to save energy by directing light to where it is most required.

The Advantages of Dimming

Instead of a dimmer, most light switches in the average home are simple on/off switches.

This implies that your fixtures produce the same amount of light whether it's day or night. Light switches are one of the few household appliances with only two settings: on and off.

Using dimming, users can adjust the amount of light provided by their lighting to fit various tasks, moods, or situations. This not only improves the experience but also saves electricity.

Learn more about the components of a whole home automation system:

Dynamic Lighting

Colors of light have a significant impact on a space's aesthetics as well as its occupants' comfort and well-being.

Based on the environment, LED lighting can be customized using dynamic lighting schemes such as warm dimming, tunable white, and/or color tuning.

Lutron LED lighting control systems can leverage dynamic lighting, dimming, and daylight management to modify the color of the LED light either automatically or manually to create the right ambiance for any indoor space.

Daylight Harvesting

Controlling the amount of daylight that enters an area, in addition to managing electric light, is an important part of light control.

Lutron systems can establish the right balance between the two sources of light by applying shades in conjunction with dimmers to save energy and create an appealing environment.

Dimming changes the number of electric lights, which is then complemented by the right shade fabric and control, which filters the light.

They save energy while giving the appropriate amount of light for certain jobs or scenarios when used together.

Why should you use daylight harvesting?

Energy savings
Comfort and Convenience
Increased productivity
Meet Codes and Standards

Free Download:
The Ultimate Smart Home Buyer's Guide

Everything You Need to Design Your Dream Home. Download Now→

Total Light Control

Shades and dimmers are only part of true light control.

Lighting can be made a vivid and important aspect of any room using Lutron light management systems and equipment.

Daylight sensors, for example, can adjust shades and overhead lights automatically throughout the day to preserve the right look, while occupancy sensors ensure that lights are never left on while a room is not in use.

More advanced systems, such as the RadioRA 2, may save customized settings for several lights, allowing you to totally customize the lighting scheme in any room.

It's as easy as pushing a single button to choose a scene. It's also possible to set the system to switch between scenes at different times of the day.

Aside from ambiance and energy savings, preset lighting can offer other advantages. Lighting may be adjusted to improve the security and safety of your place.

If an intruder enters a home, advanced systems like HomeWorks can work in tandem with a security system to turn on all lights, simultaneously warning the trespasser and ensuring that law enforcement knows exactly where they are needed.

In your living environment, Lutron solutions deliver the optimal amount and quality of light.

You can entirely customize the look and feel of any room, as well as its utility and efficiency, with such precise and powerful control.

Conclusion

In summary, to maintain the desired aesthetic, a Lutron lighting control system can adjust shades and overhead lights automatically throughout the day.

You can completely personalize the lighting design in any space with the RadioRA 2.

If an intruder breaks into your home, modern systems like HomeWorks can work in tandem with a security system to warn the trespasser and ensure that law enforcement is notified of the exact location where they are needed.

Questions about lighting? Please feel free to call 800-920-7610 or contact us online and we'll be glad to walk you through the various options we offer.

If you need help with a smart lighting project, we're always here to help.

The Importance of Integrating Technology into Your Home

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 07:29:04 GMT

The Advantages of a Connected Home: Improving Your Quality of Life

In today's digital age, integrating technology into your home has become more critical than ever. Home automation technology, from intelligent lighting systems to security cameras, can enhance how you live, work, and play.

Evolved Habitat, your certified smart home pro in Northeast Wisconsin, can help you realize the many benefits of a fully-integrated smart home.

Convenience and Comfort

One of the main advantages of integrating technology into your home is convenience. With innovative home technology, you can control and automate diverse aspects of your home using your smartphone or voice assistant. Adjust the temperature, turn on/off the lights, and even lock the doors, all from the comfort of your couch.

Smart home technology also allows you to set up routines and schedules to make your life easier. For example, you can set your lights to turn on automatically when you arrive home or off after a specific time to help you save energy.

For more information about the benefits of home automation, contact us now for a free consultation . Together, we will create a custom solution that is tailored to your individual needs.

Efficiency and Energy Savings

Home automation technology can also help you save energy and reduce your carbon footprint. Smart thermostats, for instance, can learn your habits and adjust your home's temperature accordingly. This means your HVAC system only runs when you need it, resulting in significant energy savings.

Lighting control systems can also help you save energy by automatically turning off lights in unoccupied rooms. With the help of Evolved Habitat, you can make your home more energy-efficient and reduce your utility bills.

Security and Safety

Home automation technology can also improve the security and safety of your home. Smart security systems, for example, allow you to monitor your home from anywhere in the world.

With remote access to your security cameras, you can keep an eye on your home and receive alerts if there is any unusual activity. Smart locks can also help you control who enters your home, allowing you to grant access to trusted individuals only. With a fully-integrated smart home, you can rest easy knowing your home and loved ones are protected.

Free Ebook:
The Ultimate Smart Home Buyer's Guide

Everything You Need to Design Your Dream Home. Download Now→

Increased Home Value

Finally, integrating technology into your home can also increase its value. Smart home technology has become increasingly popular among homebuyers, and many are willing to pay more for a fully automated home. By investing in a whole home automation system, you can increase the resale value of your home and attract more potential buyers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, integrating technology into your home has become more crucial than ever. From convenience and comfort to energy savings and increased security, a fully-integrated smart home can enhance the way you live.

Evolved Habitat, your certified smart home pro in Northeast Wisconsin , can help you discover the many benefits of a smart home. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you create the smart home of your dreams.

The Benefits of Hiring a Home Theater Company

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 20:12:35 GMT

Bring the Theater Experience Home With a Professional AV Integrator

When it comes to building a home theater, you start with the basics: a TV, some speakers, and a video system. But just because you have a dedicated space with theater seats, a large-screen display, and surround sound doesn’t mean your theater is the best it could be.

The truth is that most home theaters are short of their true potential—they don’t offer the performance or experience that their owners desire.

But why?

It all comes down to one thing: quality installation. And that goes far beyond simply having cables run through walls and ceiling joists. It requires years of experience in home theater design and installation, an eye for detail, and an understanding of what makes a movie come alive on screen.

Read on to learn why you should hire professionals when building your home theater.

Luxury and Tech: The Perfect Combination

Some people may be tempted to take a do-it-yourself approach to home theater installation.

While this can be an option for some, it's important not to underestimate the importance of hiring a professional home theater company.

The most important benefit of hiring a professional is that they will be able to ensure that your system is properly installed and configured, so you don't have to worry about it not working correctly or being unsafe.

They can also help you decide what features are best for your needs, whether you're looking for something basic or more elaborate.

If you're looking for the ultimate home theater experience, you need to go with a company that has both cutting-edge technology and a team of experts who know how to deliver it.

Companies like Evolved Habitat provide you with the best in home theater equipment, such as speakers from Sonance and lighting by Ketra.

For a truly cinematic experience, get your AV equipment through home theater professionals.

Explore the elements of a complete home automation system:

For more information about the benefits of home automation, contact us now for a free consultation . Together, we will create a custom solution that is tailored to your individual needs.

Technical Expertise and Engineering Knowledge

Although the best AV technology on the market will enhance a movie-watching experience, it is only part of what makes for an optimal cinematic environment.

A projector must be properly calibrated in order to display images that are clear and crisp—and can rival or exceed theatrical viewing experiences.

To get the most out of your surround-sound speakers, make sure you have positioned them correctly and that any necessary acoustic treatments have been added to minimize unwanted echo.

Without technical knowledge and training, it's hard to set up a home theater properly. AV professionals have expertise in achieving the best possible audio, picture, and overall experience for their client's homes.

Free Ebook:
The Ultimate Smart Home Buyer's Guide

Everything You Need to Design Your Dream Home. Download Now→

Seamless Integration and Complete Control

One of the most important parts of a home theater is how it integrates with the rest of your home.

A company can help you set up your home theater system to work seamlessly with your preexisting home automation platform.

This means that you can control all of your display, speakers, and other devices from one dashboard—no more switching between apps.

Managing your home and streaming your favorite media couldn't be easier!

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed this blog post, and that it inspired you to get your home theater in tip-top shape!

Evolved Habitat is a professional AV integration and home theater installation company with access to premium technology and the training needed to turn any space into a state-of-the-art theater.

Without a professional AV integrator, you won’t have the ability to create a truly immersive theater experience – one that uses top-of-the-line equipment, is built with the latest technology, and works seamlessly with your home.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help you with all things home theater.

Take Your New Construction Projects to the Next Level

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 14:39:59 GMT

Evolved Habitat is the Partner You Need for Your Next Architectural Design Project

Homebuyers want a home that is uniquely theirs—not an imitation of other houses in their neighborhood. As a home builder or architect, you know this well: customization is key!

To ensure a well-built and custom-designed home that meets the client's wants, you go out of your way. But what happens when these clients want smart technology in their homes, like smart lighting control or whole-home audio?

We have been a smart home integrator in Green Bay, WI, for several years and are highly experienced in designing, installing, and customizing multiple kinds of automation systems.

Our goal is to give our clients' homes the impressive appearance and functionality they want. Partner with us, and we'll make sure you—and your clients—are ecstatic about the end result.

Read on to find out more about the three top technologies we install.

Total Control: Whole Home Automation

One of the most important systems in a home is smart home automation.

Working with an integrator before beginning the architectural design process allows you to create a robust automation system that can control every technology in your client's home with the tap of an icon or by voice command—ideal for anyone who wants seamless control over their entire environment.

If you don’t plan ahead, however, then you may need to make corrections on your blueprints and renderings (or even areas of the building that have already been constructed)—costing you more time, money, and energy.

Evolved Habitat works closely with your design-build company or architecture firm from the beginning of a project. We understand how important it is to plan for smart home features early in the process!

Whether it's integrating motorized shades or something more complex, your dedicated project manager stays with you throughout the life of your project to ensure everything goes as planned.

In addition to our extensive experience, we are also known for the innovative solutions that we provide. We always stay flexible, and we can easily modify our plans if necessary. Our in-house design team specializes in creating beautiful spaces that are also functional.

We strive to exceed your expectations by delivering high-quality work.

For more information about the benefits of home automation, contact us now for a free consultation . Together, we will create a custom solution that is tailored to your individual needs.

Smart Lighting Control Adds a Touch of Elegance

Lighting control is one of the most popular smart home technologies. Homeowners enjoy being able to adjust the lighting throughout their homes – just by using touch screens, voice commands, or smartphones.

With a custom-designed system by Lutron, your clients can effectively enhance the lighting experience of every room.

They also appreciate a lighting system that works independently– turning on when they arrive home, changing colors throughout the day to match their body’s natural circadian rhythms, and illuminating in the morning so it's easier for them to get out of bed.

At Evolved Habitat, we design and install a wide variety of lighting control systems and fixtures for home theaters , outdoor areas, kitchens, living rooms, bathrooms, and any other room in the house. By integrating the lighting with a Control4, Lutron HomeWorks, or JoshAI system, we ensure your clients always enjoy seamless control of every light in their homes.

Offer Boastworthy Home Audio & Video

Home entertainment is a crucial element for many homeowners.

Whether it's watching a favorite movie in their home theater, listening to music in the media room, or soaking up the sounds of whole-home audio throughout their house, they crave entertaining options like these.

By adding smart lighting, smart home control , and other entertainment systems in your homes—along with music and video— you can bring drastically more enjoyment to people's lives.

For example, a high-end home theater offers the perfect place to escape from all of those everyday stresses. Your clients will be delighted when they step into their new private cinemas—with luxury seating, state-of-the-art displays, and amazing surround sound.

Add in smart lighting and climate control, and you give them an unmatched experience that's even better than an actual movie theater.

Free Ebook:
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Everything You Need to Design Your Dream Home. Download Now→

Conclusion

We've covered a lot of ground in this post, but there's still more to say! For more information about what we can do for your design-build firm, check out our blog .

Evolved Habitat is excited to partner with you on your next project. To get started, give us a call at 800-920-7610 or schedule a consultation today! We look forward to working together.

Commercial Automation Systems for the Modern Workplace

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 19:09:11 GMT

The Tech That's Changing the Way We Work

At Evolved Habitat, we have a simple mission: to create technology solutions that make life easier and better for our customers. We are committed to creating functional and stylish spaces—for your home or commercial space.

Our goal is to make our technology so intuitive and easy to use that clients can take advantage of the benefits it provides without having to go through any unnecessary struggles.

Many companies tend to view the installation of advanced integrated systems in commercial spaces as excessive, failing to recognize their importance.

Smart technology can help businesses save money and increase productivity by improving the experience of employees, energy consumption, and production.

You don't have to sacrifice style for function when you're outfitting your commercial space; today's smart technology allows you to get both. Here are some tips on how to use the latest tech to create a welcoming ambiance in your office or other workspaces.

Commercial Spaces Transformed by Smart Technology

Make the most of your work environment by using integrated technology

With a tap, you can launch presentations and control video conferencing—but it does much more. Boardroom automation integrates the different technologies in a room so that all equipment can be used independently or together.

This integrated technology saves your employees' time and effort, as well as promotes an energy-efficient work environment. At the end of a meeting, one touch will power down nonessential devices, and turn off lights and lower shades automatically.

Use Light and Sound to Create Memorable Customer Experiences

Guide your shoppers to the merchandise you most want them to buy by creating intelligent lighting scenes. During the holiday season, use lighting and visual displays to promote the spirit of the season.

Digital signage systems enable you to easily swap out sign visuals for daily promotions—and reinforce your store's signature branding.

Explore the elements of a complete home automation system:

For more information about the benefits of commercial automation, contact us now for a free consultation . Together, we will create a custom solution that is tailored to your individual needs.

Intelligent automation can help you to deliver a luxury experience

Give your guests a hotel experience they'll remember with automation that makes their stay luxurious and comfortable. Create a welcoming ambiance by using music, video displays, HVAC systems, and motorized shades—all controlled remotely or automatically through an app.

Increase efficiency by installing occupancy sensors that control lighting and HVAC in guest rooms. Each guest can set the temperature, shades, lights—and even wake-up preferences (via video or touch screen) on their own wall panel.

Free Ebook:
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Everything You Need to Design Your Dream Home. Download Now→

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many benefits to smart technology in the workplace. It can help you save money, make your employees more efficient and productive, and even attract new talent to your company. So what are you waiting for?

The future of commercial automation is here, and it's going to change the way we work in ways we can't even imagine yet.

If you want to learn more about the benefits of integrating innovative technology in your commercial spaces, contact us at Evolved Habitat today!

Ketra Lighting Control: A New Approach to Natural Lighting

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Wed, 14 Sep 2022 02:56:20 GMT

Ketra Lighting Opens the Door to Unlimited Possibilities

Everyone loves spending time outside in Wisconsin when the weather is perfect. Especially activities like hiking, camping, and going to football games in the fall (even though it can get pretty cold).

Ketra lighting control brings the beauty of nature indoors. With its products, you can create a personalized space that works in harmony with natural light—and pairs seamlessly with your smart home system.

Ketra lights are beautifully designed for your total comfort. A lighting design that’s focused on your well-being makes all the difference in every room of your Green Bay, WI home.

Ketra is the Natural and Smart Choice for Home Lighting Control

Since they founded their company more than 10 years ago, Ketra's mission has been to create lighting products that reproduce the dazzling beauty of natural light. Ketra's lights adjust their hue and brightness levels automatically, so you always have just the right light.

By slowly changing with the sun throughout the day, Ketra lighting can blend the boundaries between inside and outside – a way better experience than flipping a switch and turning on traditional lights.

Ketra lighting, when combined with a smart lighting control system , can give you more enjoyable and convenient experiences throughout your home.

Explore the elements of a complete home automation system:

If you want to learn more about home automation and its many benefits, contact us today for a free consultation . We will create a custom solution that is tailored to your individual needs.

Add More Color to Your World With Ketra

Personalization and automation are two of the hallmarks of Ketra lighting . You can program these lights to operate automatically—but you also have control over them via your smart home tablet or smartphone app.

Instead of spending time making sure each light is on or off, create a scene that can be programmed into your tablet. Then you just need to select the scene when it's time for dinner.

Throwing a party? Just choose your preset scene—the lights will dim and change hue automatically to provide the ambiance you want. No matter what activity is going on in any room, Lutron's system can be configured for maximum convenience at the touch of a button.

Choose from any of the 17 million colors Ketra offers, then update your scene from your smartphone or tablet. It’s easy and fun with endless possibilities.

Free Ebook:
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Everything You Need to Design Your Dream Home. Download Now→

Conclusion

Our goal is to help you design the home of your dreams. We offer a wide range of lighting and automation products and services, including smart home control systems, motorized shading, and more. Our innovative solutions make it easy for you to create the perfect space—one that’s as beautiful as it is functional.

Evolved Habitat can help you customize the lighting in your Wisconsin home. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!

Custom Home Theater Design: High-Quality Sound and Images

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 19:29:39 GMT

Immerse Yourself in Your Favorite Shows with a Custom Home Theater

Envision a space in your home that's dedicated entirely to entertainment—where you can sit back and enjoy any movie, sport or series with high-quality audio and video.

If you would like to create such an environment for yourself, we can help! We design custom home theaters in Green Bay, WI, and throughout the Northeast Wisconsin area.

If you want to enjoy the ultimate home entertainment experience, turn your living room or family room into a true theater by adding immersive sound and comfortable seating.

Read on for more details about how a dedicated home theater can transform your life at home.

High-End Audio and Video

We select only the highest-quality components for truly unparalleled home theater, optimizing your video and audio experience.

First, we will choose a 4K-home theater projector that produces brilliantly clear images. Then, we’ll gauge the acoustics of the space to find out which speakers are best suited for producing three-dimensional sound.

Our expertly tuned high-end speakers and AV receivers deliver the perfect audio experience. Once we have calibrated your equipment and added any necessary acoustic treatments, you will feel like you've stepped into an actual movie theater.

When you integrate video, audio, and lighting components seamlessly, you get a home theater that will be the envy of your friends! You'll live in luxury as you enjoy the crisp sound of your speakers while gazing at your display's crystal-clear image.

Explore the elements of a complete home automation system:

For more information about the benefits of home automation, contact us now for a free consultation . Together, we will create a custom solution that is tailored to your individual needs.

Tailored to Suit Your Needs

When you are building a home theater, comfort is paramount.

From the chairs and sofas to the placement of your speakers and displays, we will work with you to pick out seating and ensure your home theater is built to maximize quality for every seat in the house.

We will also work with you to develop the aesthetic elements of your theater, such as whether you want a snack and beverage bar inside or if you prefer a more traditional design.

Finally, all of these aspects can be controlled from a dedicated touchpad, mobile app or handheld remote through a Control4 system.

Our state-of-the-art home theater solutions utilize smart technology to help you manage the conventional aspects of your home theater, as well as climate control, lighting control, and motorized shades to create the perfect viewing environment.

Free Ebook:
The Ultimate Smart Home Buyer's Guide

Everything You Need to Design Your Dream Home. Download Now→

Conclusion

At Evolved Habitat , we believe that the custom home theater design process should be one of excitement and discovery.

We want to help you create a custom solution that's truly yours, to reflect your personality and style. That's why we offer a wide range of products, from advanced audio technologies to state-of-the-art video displays, so you can build the home theater you've always wanted.

We also have experts on hand who will help you through every step of the process—from designing a room that's perfect for your space and needs to planning out the equipment you'll need. Our team will work with you to ensure that everything is just as it should be!

So whether you're looking for something simple or complex (or somewhere in between), give us a call or get a quote today. We'd love to help make your dream home theater come true.

3 Ways Smart Lighting Makes Life Easier

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 17:29:07 GMT

Smart Lighting Makes Your Home Smarter, Safer, And More Convenient

Smart lighting is the future, and it can make your life easier.

Smart lighting provides preset lighting scenes that can be activated with a voice command or even through an app on your phone. You can also set up your smart lights to work with other smart home devices like speakers and thermostats, making it even more convenient.

In this post, we’ll outline three ways smart lighting can improve your life.

RELATED: Top Perks of Residential Lighting Control Systems →

Voice Commands

Voice activation is a great way to control your lighting. If you’re like me, you’ll often be in the middle of cooking or cleaning when you realize that the lights are off and it’s getting dark outside.

With voice activation, you can simply say “Turn on the kitchen light" and your smart lights will do exactly what you asked with no effort from your end.

If you've got a voice control device like Josh.ai or Alexa, you can use it with your smart home system to create some truly magic moments.

You can use voice commands to do everything from turning lights on and off, dimming them, setting timers and schedules, and even creating groups of lights by room or by location.

Explore the elements of a complete home automation system:

For more information about the benefits of home automation, contact us now for a free consultation . Together, we will create a custom solution that is tailored to your individual needs.

Customized Scenes

Setting up lighting scenes is a breeze. You can set the lights to turn on and off at certain times, which is great for when you’re away from home or want to limit your electricity usage.

You can also create multiple lighting scenes (for example, one for cooking and another for reading), which enables you to customize the mood of each room in your house.

To add an extra layer of personalization, you can even program these scenes based on events—so if someone rings the doorbell or enters through your front door, the lights will automatically turn on and welcome them with a warm glow!

App Integration

Imagine how much time you could save by having every light in your house turn off with one press of a button on your phone. Or what about quickly getting the home ready for guests when all it takes is one command to adjust lights throughout the foyer, dining room, and kitchen?

This barely scratches the surface!

When smart lights are integrated with other connected devices—like door locks, motorized shades, and music systems—you’ll enjoy an even greater level of convenience.

That same bedtime command could also lock the doors and lower the thermostat while setting your security system to an optimal temperature for a good night's sleep.

Smart lighting can make your life easier by providing preset lighting scenes and more.

Reducing energy bills, smartening up light fixtures, and protecting your home from theft are all excellent reasons to choose a smart lighting system for your house.

There are many ways you can implement a smart lighting plan—from simple solutions like installing smart switches in rooms or two, to more elaborate plans that include automated control of every light fixture.

Lighting is one of the most important elements in interior design, and there are endless options—so why see what's possible?

Free Ebook:
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Everything You Need to Design Your Dream Home. Download Now→

Conclusion

The impact that smart lighting can have on your home and lifestyle is so significant, that you will wonder how you ever lived without it.

Lighting solutions come in many varieties and range widely in price, so there’s something available for every household—whether you're looking to beef up your home security, enhance its cosmetics with beautiful lights (or else save energy), or enjoy greater convenience by not having to fumble around a dark house when the power goes out.

Building a new home in Green Bay or Northeast Wisconsin area? Reach out to us at Evolved Habitat for a complimentary lighting consultation today.

Vacation Home Security: Protecting Your Home Away from Home

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 15:55:55 GMT

Tips for Protecting Your Vacation Property

If you're like most people, your vacation home is a place where you can truly relax. You've worked hard all year and deserve to be able to kick back and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

But if your vacation home isn't secure, you could be putting yourself at risk for theft or other crimes—and that's not what vacations are supposed to be about!

In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of vacation home security and discuss some easy ways you can make sure your vacation home is as safe as it can be.

RELATED: The Skinny on Home Automation Installation Services →

Have Eyes On Your Vacation Home Around The Clock

It's wise to have a second pair of eyes on your home when you're not there, whether you pay a local resident to check in regularly or hire someone from a management company.

In many cases though, these companies only discover break-ins or burst pipes after it's too late.

A smart home security system , on the other hand, can provide round-the-clock protection with proactive safeguards. Sensors throughout your property will detect activity—and then alert you to potential trouble so that you can act before any damage stacks up.

Our security systems are monitored 24/7 by professionals, so if a burglar breaks into your home it can quickly alert a monitoring station and dispatch local law enforcement officers to deal with the intruder.

Total home protection means customized, professionally installed security and a home that works intuitively to keep you safe.

Explore the elements of a complete home automation system:

For more information about the benefits of home automation, contact us now for a free consultation . Together, we will create a custom solution that is tailored to your individual needs.

Check In On Your Vacation Home At Any Time, From Anywhere

With our Alarm.com solution, you'll have access to an intuitive smart home security app, so you can check in on your vacation home even when you're not there—and rest assured that it is safe and secure.

A quick glance at your app can show you that your vacation home's doors and windows are secure, as well as whether the heating is working properly.

If something seems wrong—like the security system not being armed when it should be—you can easily fix the problem from your smart device.

If your system includes security cameras or a video doorbell, you can open a live stream from the property to check what's happening—or just enjoy the view.

Access Control Adds A Whole New Layer Of Convenience

If you're considering renting your property to vacationers by the week, smart home security is a must-have.

Smart locks allow you to get rid of keys, assigning a four-digit code instead. With this system, guests (or property managers or cleaners) can open the door when they know the code.

User codes are easy to assign and delete. You can create codes that expire at a certain time, or simply delete them manually—and you can give trusted visitors permanent access with their own personal code. With access alerts, you will always know who's coming and going.

Free Ebook:
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Everything You Need to Design Your Dream Home. Download Now→

Conclusion

We hope you've enjoyed this article and learned some new things about protecting your vacation home.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out, and we'll be happy to help you with your security needs.

At Evolved Habitat , we believe that the best way to protect your property is by using a smart home security system. We offer a variety of packages and services for both residential and commercial properties in Green Bay and throughout Northeast Wisconsin.

Please contact us today to learn more about how we can help you!

7 Easy Ways to Protect Your New Home

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 19:09:35 GMT

Congratulations on your new home!

Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or a seasoned home buyer, you probably know the home buying process can be lengthy and even a bit stressful.

After getting pre-approval, going to showings with your real estate agent, meeting with your mortgage lender, getting home inspection reports, and everything in between, finally moving into your new house is a welcome relief.

You've signed the papers, moved in, and unpacked your boxes... now it’s time to make sure your home is safe and secure. In this post, we'll walk you through the 7 crucial steps that everyone should take to ensure their new home is safe.

Top Tips for Securing Your New Home

To ensure your new home is safe and secure, check out our tips for preventing break-ins, keeping your family safe, and staying on top of maintenance.

1. Update all your locks

When you move into a new home, one of the first things you should do is change the locks.

Homeowners often have at least two sets of keys: one for themselves and another to give to a trusted person, such as a close friend or relative.

If you purchased your home from someone else, there are likely multiple sets of keys floating around—and you have no way of knowing who the previous homeowner gave spare keys to.

Many people focus on the front door when they are upgrading their home security system, but you should also replace the locks on all your exterior doors, including:

Door in your garage that leads into your home.
Back doors and patio entries
Service doors or side entrances to the garage
Sheds, outbuildings, and walk-out basement doors

Smart locks make it simple to access your home, even when you're not there. With a smart lock, you can use your smartphone to unlock your door or create custom entry codes for friends and family.

Not only do they eliminate the need for physical keys, but they also make changing your locks a breeze—no tools required.

Explore the elements of a complete home automation system:

For more information about the benefits of home automation, contact us now for a free consultation . Together, we will create a custom solution that is tailored to your individual needs.

2. Secure all your windows

In addition to securing your doors, it’s important to check that each window’s lock is functioning properly.

As a final precautionary measure, be sure to lock each window before going to bed. Because of their location, downstairs windows are more likely than other windows to be overlooked—but they shouldn't be!

Including checks on all your home's accessible screens and glass in your regular maintenance schedule is a smart move.

3. Add outdoor security cameras

Consider a situation in which you are at home and hear a loud crash outside. You might wonder if someone is trying to break into your house or if it's just the wind—but without checking, you won't know for sure what happened.

Security cameras can provide an extra set of eyes around your property, allowing you to keep tabs on what happens there even when you’re not physically present.

You can check your security cameras from wherever and whenever it's convenient for you—and then take action if needed.

There are many different types of residential security cameras on the market with a range of features and prices.

When choosing an outdoor camera for your home, pay attention to range, making sure the image will be clearly visible for the area your camera needs to cover; 1080p resolution for a crisper picture; weatherproofing that will withstand your climate; wide field of view (140° is ideal); wifi-enabled connection (so you can view footage via an app). And don't forget motion sensors!

4. Upgrade or install outdoor lighting

Illuminating your home is an easy way to deter criminals and make your home more secure.

Motion-sensor floodlights, porch and garage lights that turn on automatically at dusk, and landscape lighting can all brighten your home’s exterior, making it more secure and visually appealing.

At Evolved Habitat, we integrate smart lighting with your home security system. You can dim the lights, turn them on and off, and adjust their brightness—all from the same platform/app you use for your security.

While the outside of your home may be well-lit, it’s important to also have smart lights inside. You can control these via your phone, making it look as if someone is home (even when no one is).

Free Ebook:
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5. Secure your Wi-Fi

The more personal finance and personal information you exchange and access online, the more important it is to lock down your wi-fi. Smart home devices—which are connected to your wi-fi—can be hacked if their settings aren’t secure.

Wi-fi security is easier than you think. Just follow these tips:

First, change the default user name and password that came with your router. This will help protect you from cybercriminals who may try to use these credentials to access your network.
Second, update your router’s software regularly, as these updates often include security fixes.
Third, set up a guest network, which gives fewer people access to your primary login information.
Keep in mind that it’s important not just to secure your Wi-Fi but also to keep all of your devices secure as well. That includes changing default names and passwords and using two-factor authentication whenever possible.

6. Get to know your neighbors

Getting to know your neighbors can be rewarding. Not only is it nice to have friends nearby, but an extra set of eyes on your home, while you’re away, can be very beneficial.

Your neighbors can watch over your house and gather your mail while you’re away. They can also let you know if anything around your home or yard seems odd or questionable.

7. Let Evolved Habitat help secure your new home

To keep your home safe, consider installing a professionally monitored home security system. This protects against intruders, fire, carbon monoxide—and other threats that can threaten the well-being of you and your family.

Evolved Habitat offers a full range of security services to keep you and your family safe.

Learn more about why Evolved Habitat should be your first choice when it comes to home safety:

A system tailored to you - A home security system is more than just locks, alarms, and cameras. We'll help you design a customized solution for your home that meets your individual needs and preferences—and stays within budget!
All of your devices integrated - We make sure that your home security and automation devices play nicely with each other. We don't want you to have to go through the hassle of downloading different apps or pairing multiple devices.
Professionally monitored - Your system keeps you safe and secure, 24/7. In emergencies, your monitoring service alerts your local police, fire department, or EMS. Smoke detectors and CO alarms alert you and your monitoring service to potential dangers too.
Professionally installed - Moving into a new home? Let us help. Our smart home pros will install a security system that's customized for your space and controllable from anywhere. After we're done, you can rest easy knowing it's all tested and ready to go.

Implementing these simple strategies will help you relax and enjoy your new home.

Ready to start protecting your new home? Call us at 800-920-7610 for a free consultation .

Lutron Palladiom Shades: Everything You Need to Know

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Thu, 14 Jul 2022 18:32:28 GMT

Learn About the Many Benefits of Motorized Window Shades

Lutron Palladiom shades can bring added value to any Northeast WI home. From improved insulation and energy efficiency to an elegant aesthetic in your living space, automated shading has become a staple of the smart home experience.

Lutron’s Palladiom shading system is known for its innovative technology, sleek design, and many benefits to the homeowner. In this post, we will explore the fundamental components of Lutron’s Palladiom shade system and highlight some of its most impressive features.

Feature #1: Bracket Enclosure Ring

The Palladiom motorized shade's cutting-edge technology is concealed within its own design: the bracket enclosure ring hides all electronics and functionality, so you only see a smooth and silent bracket holding your shade together.

So what exactly is inside the bracket?

Inside you'll find everything that makes the shades operate: the wiring, the programming buttons, and the rotating design that moves the shades up and down. The rotating design allows for swift and easy operation of your shades.

Explore the elements of a complete home automation system:

For more information about the benefits of home automation, contact us now for a free consultation . We will work with you to create a luxurious experience tailored to your individual needs.

Feature #2: Palladiom Bottom Rail

Palladiom is about elegance and simplicity, in both its design and technology. That’s why Lutron has developed the “Palladiom Bottom Rail”, a new technology that will keep the fabric on your curtain always flat and smooth.

Regardless of how thick or thin the fabric is on your shades, you can have a stylish window treatment that’s pleasing to the eye whether rolled down or up. The small curve in the hembar will roll up and hide behind the shade when it is completely open, giving you a full view of the window and what’s beyond it—without any obstruction.

Feature #3: Minimal Light Gaps

When you have exposed roller shades, like those found in the Palladiom system, you'll have light gaps to let in sunlight. The Palladiom shades feature half-inch, symmetrical light gaps that provide a clean look and feel.

While this exposed roller shade setup enhances an open, contemporary design, it also increases the possibility of light gaps. If necessary, finished bearing sleeves will round out your shade’s design and overall appearance with a sleek look.

Feature #4: Modern and Stylish

The Palladiom’s exposed roller shading requires no added recess, pocket, or fascia. The simplistic and stylish design makes it perfect for any room or area throughout your whole home. It operates quietly, making its presence virtually unknown while still delivering a lavish experience and enhancing your interior design.

There are various brackets to choose from, as well as different fabrics to accommodate your style. These sturdy brackets come in several finishes, can support 12-by-12-foot shades, and have an impressive 3-inch profile. Palladiom shades are sleek, slim, and blend in seamlessly with the rest of your existing decor and architecture.

Free Ebook:
The Ultimate Smart Home Buyer's Guide

Everything You Need to Design Your Dream Home. Download Now→

Conclusion

At Evolved Habitat , we’re committed to helping you create a beautiful and comfortable living space. To learn more about innovative motorized shading systems and Lutron Palladiom Shades, call us at (800) 920-7610 or fill out our contact form today. We look forward to speaking with you!

5 Reasons to Hire a Professional for Your Home Security System

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 17:18:46 GMT

Why You Shouldn't DIY Your Home Security

Home security is something that many of us probably feel we can "DIY," but there are lots of reasons why a professional may be the more sensible choice. If you're considering installing a home security system, read on to learn five reasons why hiring an expert can be well worth the cost.

Reasons To Hire A Pro To Keep Your Home Or Business Safe

Even if you are an experienced do-it-yourselfer and have installed other types of home systems, a security system is a different beast. There are several reasons to consider hiring a professional instead of doing it yourself, including:

Expert knowledge: A professional knows how to install technology effectively.
Professionally monitored: In emergencies, your monitoring service alerts your local police, fire, or EMS.
Always-on protection: Your system connects everything in your home to keep you safe and secure, 24/7.
Fire and carbon monoxide alerts: Connected smoke and CO detectors alert you and your monitoring service too.
Simplified process: A pro helps you find a security system that's right for your home and family. They do all the legwork so you don't have to.

Explore the elements of a complete home automation system:

If you are interested in learning more about home automation and its benefits, please contact us for a free consultation. We will work with you to create a custom solution that addresses your specific needs.

1. Receive Expert Knowledge

A pro knows the latest technology and how to install the systems in the most effective way possible. They also can help you decide which features are right for your needs and budget.

If you're new to the world of home security systems, it can be overwhelming and confusing to manage every step of the process by yourself. A professional will help you with each part of planning, choosing equipment, and installing your system so that all you have left is enjoying the peace of mind your new system provides.

2. Professionally Monitored 24/7

When you hire a professional to install your home security system, you will enjoy 24/7 service. Having professional monitoring of your home security system is much more convenient than having to do it yourself. You can rest easy knowing that if something goes wrong at any time of day or night, someone will be there to help you fix it.

This is especially important when it comes to emergencies like when there's a fire or something else bad happens in your house, such as someone breaking in.

Imagine how you would feel, if someone broke into your house in the middle of the night, and tried taking anything they could get their hands on.

Wouldn't you want a security system that could put an end to that?

Your home monitoring service will contact your local police department, fire station, or emergency medical services if an alarm goes off. You can rest assured that someone will be there to help, even if you’re not at home.

3. Always-on Protection

You know what's better than a smart home? A smarter home.

Your smart home system should be just that—smart. It should be able to connect everything in your home, so you can keep an eye on things while you're away, and know that everything is secure 24/7. And it shouldn't require multiple apps or systems to control—you should be able to do it all in one place!

So when you're looking for a smart home pro, make sure they offer an intuitive, all-in-one system that will keep you safe and well without making you work too hard for it.

4. Fire And Monoxide Alerts

While home security systems once meant separate components for different concerns; today’s cutting-edge systems can protect your home against a whole host of perils – from theft and fire to flooding and carbon monoxide poisoning.

And new technologies offer you insights into your system’s performance and even ways to interact with your home remotely.

5. Simplify The Process

If you're going to go through the trouble of installing a home security system, it's likely in your best interest to hire a professional. A smart home pro will guide you through the entire process, making sure that you get everything right for your family and property.

When security matters, you need to know you're dealing with qualified, professional installation experts.

Free Ebook:
The Ultimate Smart Home Buyer's Guide

Everything You Need to Design Your Dream Home. Download Now→

Conclusion

If you’re thinking of installing a home security system, it’s important to consider all your options. Hiring professionals can save you time and give you peace of mind.

Clients want to know that their security system is safe, monitored 24 hours a day, and ready to fend off any burglars looking to take from them what's most valuable. While many people feel confident in installing security systems themselves, why take chances with your home or business when there's a trusted local business with years of experience waiting for your call?

Evolved Habitat is the name you can trust for exceptional customer service, reliable security products, and the peace of mind you deserve. We're ready to protect you.

Home Theater Installation: Advantages of Hiring a Pro

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Fri, 27 May 2022 19:17:14 GMT

The Benefits of Home Theater Installation

While you might be considering turning your home theater system installation into a DIY project, there are some things you should take into consideration before you totally rule out working with a professional Northeast Wisconsin area installer.

A professional can help you design, install, and maintain your home theater system.

If you are looking for a new home theater installation then keep reading to find out what benefits you get to enjoy when choosing to partner with an experienced installer.

RELATED: New Construction Home? Consider Pre-Wiring for the Future →

Guidance from Automation Experts

Home theater and automation systems can be difficult to install properly.

A skilled specialist will bring the prior knowledge and experience needed to ensure that your system is installed correctly the first time. You will also receive guidance on optional equipment you might not have considered.

At Evolved Habitat, we can help you create the home theater of your dreams. Allow our expert team to find the best solution for how you want to enjoy your movies, games, and music.

We can also help you avoid costly mistakes that would set you back thousands of dollars.

Explore the elements of a complete home automation system:

Professional-Grade Installation

Your investment in your home theater system will only be worth it if the installation is optimal—before and after.

That’s why we design, build, and do the installation ourselves so you can pride yourself on a finished product that exceeds expectations.

Home theater installers are trained to integrate all of the components of a home theater system into your property without compromising its aesthetic appeal or functionality.

We begin by working with you directly to develop customized solutions for your project's requirements so that you can have an unparalleled movie-watching experience in your home.

Ongoing Support and Maintenance

After your home theater system is installed, your installer will show you how to use it and answer any questions you may have.

Our experts are here to help you learn about your home theater and its components.

We'll teach you how to get the most out of your system, and we're happy to answer any smart home or automation questions along the way.

If your home cinema experiences a technical difficulty, you can rely on our technicians to help you resolve it. If you have questions about how something works, our specialists will be glad to answer them.

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How Evolved Habitat Can Help

If you're interested in a home theater system with all the latest features and top-quality workmanship, we can help.

We install systems throughout Northeast Wisconsin and surrounding areas.

To get started, give us a call or fill out our online contact form .

5 Key Benefits of Commercial Security Systems

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Fri, 13 May 2022 21:51:56 GMT

The Evolution of Small Business Security Systems

Commercial security systems have evolved from basic hardware and software to offer a variety of next-level features.

Another trend contributing to this evolution is the advent of video surveillance.

Running smart video surveillance equipment may be the key to keeping your employees, customers, and other critical assets safe.

While some business owners may still hesitate to use video surveillance, they would do well to consider its benefits.

There are some key benefits to having a business security system. If you're still on the fence, here are five of the most popular features that can keep your business secure.

1. Remote Cameras

One of the most important features for a small business owner is to be able to remotely access their security system and cameras.

This enables you to keep an eye on your premises from wherever you are, so long as there is an internet connection available.

You can see live footage of what is happening inside and outside of your building, which will allow for better loss prevention control.

You can also use this feature in real-time if there is an emergency or crime occurring at your premises.

The camera footage will help law enforcement see exactly what happened during an incident, which allows them to act accordingly and apprehend perpetrators more quickly than ever before.

Explore the elements of a complete home automation system:

For a free consultation on how home automation can benefit your home, business, and life, please contact us today. At Evolved Habitat , we will create a custom solution that is tailored to your individual needs.

2. Video Analytics

Video analytics is a software feature that can enhance your video surveillance system.

Video analytics uses computer algorithms to detect the motion of objects in the camera's view, then alerts you when detected.

Video analytics can be used to:

detect motion, and alert you if it happens
detect specific objects, such as guns or large bags, and alert you if they appear in the frame (known as object detection)
detect specific people by comparing faces against a database of known offenders (known as person detection)

3. Remote Access

Remote access is a way for small business owners to monitor their business from anywhere. You can see what is going on in your office, even if you are not physically there.

This can be especially useful for entrepreneurs who travel often or have extended vacations, allowing them to check on the status of their employees and make sure everything is running smoothly while they're out of town.

4. Access Control Systems

Access control systems are the backbone of any security system.

They allow you to control access to secure areas and keep track of who is in your building, which can be useful for a variety of purposes, including:

Time and Attendance: Access control systems are often tied into time and attendance systems, which log when employees arrive at work and leave for lunch or other breaks. This helps managers ensure that all employees are working as many hours as they should be.
Access Control: An access control system will enable you to designate certain areas as “off limits” or “restricted” based on who is being allowed in them. For example, if you have an office where sensitive documents are stored, you may have access-controlled doors leading into this room so only certain people can come in (and others cannot).

5. Remote Alarm Monitoring

Remote alarm monitoring is a feature that can be added to your small business security system.

It's ideal for businesses where you have limited staff or need to monitor a large building remotely since it notifies you and the authorities of alarm activity.

This can take place in real time via text message or email, or it may be stored in a recording system until you check in on it later.

Small businesses with remote alarm monitoring will also have access to video cameras that can be used to verify alarm activations by reviewing the footage before contacting authorities.

This is important because it can help to reduce false alarms, which are costly and time-consuming!

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Conclusion

Exploring new surveillance systems can be intimidating, but the rewards of incorporating these features in your business' security routine will far outweigh the risks.

Your business will be safer as a result, and you'll have greater peace of mind as well.

If you live in the Northeast Wisconsin area and interested in commercial security systems, feel free to schedule a no-strings attached consultation with our automation team.

Smart Home Company Insteon Shuts Down: Why It Matters

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Tue, 26 Apr 2022 03:03:46 GMT

Insteon Pulls the Plug Without Warning

Late last week, the connected lighting company Insteon suddenly shut down without warning its users.

Its array of smart light switches and other products lost access to the servers they rely on.

The company also deleted its user forum and leadership page from its website, leaving customers to wonder what had happened.

The company did not respond to a request for comment, but former CEO Rob Lilleness did mention in a LinkedIn post that he was no longer involved with the company.

Users were furious with the abrupt change and found themselves unable to control their home’s lights with the Insteon mobile app.

Some of the company’s smart switches currently still work as regular on-off switches, but many models are now bricked. Attempting to reset devices may cause them to become inoperable.

At Evolved Habitat, We Do Things Different

As a full-service smart home integrator in Northeast Wisconsin, we have the privilege of partnering with some incredible companies.

One of which is Lutron, a true pioneer in the home automation space.

They are a long-standing smart home technology company with a proven track record of producing the best in lighting control systems, motorized shades, and integrated motion and occupancy sensors.

Lighting control can help you take command of your home's ambiance, energy consumption, and privacy all at once.

You can use smart lighting to set customized moods, ensure your kids turn the lights off when they leave the room, or even save money on your electricity bill by setting your lights to automatically turn off in unoccupied rooms.

Motorized shades help you control the light that enters your home.

In addition to giving you a little bit of extra security while you're away from home, they can also prevent the sun from bleaching your furniture and art.

Plus, they can help make sure you wake up naturally by opening in time for sunrise—no more alarms!

Explore the elements of a complete home automation system:

For more information about the benefits of home automation, contact us now for a free consultation . Together, we will create a custom solution that is tailored to your individual needs.

When it Comes to Smart Home Technology, Reliability is Everything

One of the main reasons we offer Lutron products is that they are incredibly reliable. Designed with the highest quality parts, they are built to last.

If you choose our company to install your smart home technology, we'll work with you to create a system tailor-made for your needs—and then we'll make sure it always works perfectly.

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Bottom Line

In the end, we all want the same things out of our homes—convenience, comfort, security, and innovation.

All that's left for you to decide is who to trust with that mission. The benefits a reliable partner can provide speak for themselves.

If you want peace of mind in your smart home, turn to an integrator like Evolved Habitat .

We are committed to delivering an exceptional end result, providing unparalleled customer service and achieving lasting satisfaction.

3 Benefits of Installing a Home Security System

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 21:38:59 GMT

Why Every Homeowner in Green Bay and Northeast Wisconsin Should Install a Security System

Home security serves an important function in assuring the safety of your family and possessions.

But for many, this might not be enough justification for spending time and money to install a home security system.

Fortunately, there are myriad additional benefits to having a home security system, some you may already know about and others that might surprise you.

In this post, we dive into three big benefits of securing your property.

1. An Alarm System Can Prevent Break-Ins

Potential burglars are opportunists. If they see an easy target, they’ll take it.

There are many things that you can do to prevent a break-in, but there’s no better way to deter a burglar than with an alarm system.

A study conducted by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte found that homes without security systems were 2.7 times more likely to be targeted by a break-in than those with security systems installed.

In fact, just having one or two visible outdoor surveillance cameras in place is enough to deter thieves from targeting your home—and the same goes for video doorbells, which have been shown to improve residential safety and reduce crime.

Explore the elements of a complete home automation system:

For more information about the benefits of security for your home or business, contact us now for a free consultation . Together, we will create a custom solution that is tailored to your individual needs.

2. Home Security Systems Help You Monitor Your Energy Usage

In addition to helping you monitor your home while you are away, a security system can also help you monitor your energy usage.

Having an idea of when appliances and lights are used allows people to better predict their energy needs and save money on their monthly bills.

For instance, if your system shows that the kids do not turn the lights off before they leave for school, then it might be easier to control the electrical bill by automating those lights to shut off in the morning.

Homeowners in Green Bay, WI, and surrounding areas in Northeast Wisconsin can also use a home security system to reduce their carbon footprint by making more informed decisions about how much energy they consume.

In fact, according to research from the Department of Energy, data-driven routines (like those generated by security systems) are expected to reduce residential electricity consumption by as much as 20%.

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3. A Home Security System Can Reduce Your Insurance Costs

A home security system can be a great investment for a homeowner.

Installing one can help protect your family and property from break-ins, as well as increase your peace of mind.

But did you know that installing a home security system may also lower your insurance costs?

In order for an insurance company to extend coverage to you, they consider the risks involved in providing it. For example, fire damage is more likely to occur in neighborhoods with older houses than those with newer ones.

Since some homeowners live in areas that are prone to burglary or vandalism (and theft), the risk for these incidents is higher, and so their premiums often reflect this risk by being higher too.

Here's how it works: burglars choose homes that are easy targets — homes without security systems.

When they're concerned about possible detection or apprehension at the hands of people or alarm companies, they'll opt to go somewhere else (or keep their hands off of your stuff).

With a security system installed, you are less likely to become the victim of robbery — and then your insurance company gives you a discount on top of that!

In an uncertain world, you need to make sure that your family is safe from harm in your home

In an uncertain world, you need to make sure that your family is safe from harm in your home.

Installing a security system will not only help you feel safer at night, but it will also give you the peace of mind needed to concentrate on the important aspects of life.

According to the FBI , more than 2,800 burglaries happen in the US every day.

If this does happen, then it could take months or even years for you to recover from such an incident.

So why not protect yourself now?

The Outdoor AV Essentials to Get You Ready for Summer

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 04:27:09 GMT

Enjoy Outdoor Entertainment Without Sacrificing Quality

As summer approaches, make sure your backyard is ready for long afternoons and evenings of fun before the sun and heat arrive.

Smart technology isn’t just for indoor entertainment anymore, and you don't need to stay in the theater for an immersive sound and video experience, thanks to the outdoor AV essentials we’re about to share.

Here at Evolved Habitat , we specialize in outdoor AV solutions that let you enjoy your favorite playlists, podcasts, audiobooks, movies, TV shows, or even the big game in your backyard.

Keep reading to see what outdoor AV equipment you should have on your list for the summer.

Essential #1: Weatherproof TVs

Televisions that are designed for indoor use should not be used outside.

Using your TV outside actually voids your indoor warranty.

Additionally, if you leave your television in direct sunlight for 15 minutes, it will be out of its operational temperature range.

A weatherproof outdoor television is required for your outdoor entertainment area, and we highly suggest Séura TVs.

Unlike other TVs in the industry, Séura's Ultra Bright and Shade Series TVs have unique features that set them apart.

In any application - from bright sunshine to full shade - they have:

superior brightness
better sound
overall superior quality

Séura's outdoor televisions are built to survive the weather while still delivering the great and dependable performance you want.

The panels are three times brighter than those on indoor TVs, allowing you to see what you're watching even in direct sunshine.

Weatherproofing, image quality, sound, and appearance are all reasons why WI homeowners love Séura outdoor TV.

Explore the elements of a complete home automation system:

For more information about the benefits of home automation, contact us now for a free consultation . Together, we will create a custom solution that is tailored to your individual needs.

Essential #2: Outdoor Speaker Systems

If you want to have an immersive audio experience in your backyard, you don't want indoor speakers.

Instead, use outdoor speakers that can deliver crystal-clear, high-quality audio that entertains regardless of where you are in the backyard.

They also have to withstand the elements and inclement weather.

We offer an amazing line of outdoor speakers from Sonance that can handle light rain, extreme cold, heat, and humidity and can be placed inconspicuously throughout an outdoor entertainment space.

They can be tucked away in your garden, foliage, or even sculpted to resemble rocks.

Why Sonance?

With the Sonance Garden Series, there are numerous benefits over traditional outdoor speakers.

It is extremely durable, low profile and customizable, as opposed to other outdoor audio systems, such as the typical rock speakers commonly used in backyard sound systems.

With the same sophisticated design as the Landscape Series, this equipment doesn't try to disguise what it does but still blends in seamlessly in a garden setting.

Thanks to its use of the same technology, this system will provide a better listening experience than most outdoor speakers.

Designed for the discerning home music enthusiast, this outdoor sound system from Sonance combines elegance with durability and power.

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Evolved Habitat is Your Go-to Resource for Outdoor AV in Green Bay, WI

Whether you need outdoor AV essentials for summer entertaining, or you just want to learn more, we're here to help.

To schedule a no-obligation consultation, please give us a call , complete our contact form , or chat with an expert below.

Control4 Dealer: The Benefits of Working with a Smart Home Expert

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Sat, 26 Feb 2022 20:04:36 GMT

Simplify Your Technology with a Dedicated Professional

When looking for a smart home installer, you'll have a lot of questions.

First and foremost, who will be the best fit for you?

Second, what kind of system should you implement?

Control4 combines the control of all of your favorite gadgets into a single, easy-to-use interface.

You can get professional advice on the technologies that are ideal for your Northeast Wisconsin property when you work with a certified Control4 dealer.

Are you interested in learning more? Here are a few good reasons why you should work with a Control4 dealer.

Easily Control Everything in Your Home

Control4 simplifies your technology so you can get more out of it. You can control everything with a single button, from your integrated security system to your smart AV.

You can utilize a combination of controls or use separate systems to control what you want.

For even more possibilities, you may utilize voice control, such as Josh AI , Google Home, or Amazon Alexa.

Explore the elements of a complete home automation system:

Feel free to reach out for a free consultation if you want to learn more about the benefits of home automation. Together, we can come up with a plan that will suit your needs.

Intuitive and Convenient Home Control

Consider this scenario: you're leaving the house in a hurry and press a single button to lock all of the doors in one fell swoop.

When you get home that night, you can easily prepare for a relaxing movie night by turning on the AV, dimming the lights, and lowering the blinds with a single tap.

Control4 makes your technology easy and enjoyable.

Simplify your tech to make it easier to use, and see how your life changes for the better.

A Control4 Pro Will Guide You

When you work with a Control4 dealer, you'll learn which equipment will help you get the most out of your system.

The first step is for you to sit down and figure out what you want.

From there, we'll create designs and solutions to help you make the best decisions.

A personalized system should represent your personality, and working with a custom electronics specialist can help you get the most out of your investment.

Your Local Technology Champion in Wisconsin

We know the ins and outs of smart home systems as your local technology champion.

So we know which solutions will leave you wanting more and which gadgets will operate flawlessly with one another.

We'll keep you up to date on the most recent news, tips, and technological developments.

Peace of Mind with Helpful Tech

We recognize that these are challenging times, and that day-to-day living may be stressful.

Spending more time at home shouldn't be a chore when you have helpful technologies.

With our smart systems, you can enjoy hours of entertainment and convenience while having peace of mind about your home automation, entertainment, security, and more.

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Get Your Free Smart Home Consultation

When working with a licensed Control4 dealer, you can design the home automation system of your dreams. We at Evolved Habitat can support you in achieving your goals.

Want to find out more? Schedule a free consultation at 800-920-7610 or send us a message .

Home Automation Services: Here’s 3 Every Green Bay Home Needs

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 21:29:28 GMT

These Smart Technology Services Make Life Easier

People invest in home automation services for a variety of reasons.

The major reasons are to make home maintenance easier, as well as to provide convenience, luxury, and security.

Do you depart Green Bay for a snowbird getaway from the colder winter months? If that's the case, you'll love how home automation services make it easy to monitor and secure your house from afar.

And, whether you're working or retired, smart home technology allows you to reclaim more time in your day for the things that matter to you.

While there are many smart home options to choose from, the following are the most common and helpful for your Wisconsin property.

1. Lighting Control

Controlling lights through more than light switches is one of the most convenient and luxurious features of smart homes.

Lighting control keypads that are programmable and configurable allow you to control many sets of lights with a single tap.

For efficiency and comfort, turn off your interior lights or use only task lights when the Green Bay sun shines brightly during the day.

Schedule your lights and change them according to the season for even more convenience.

Outdoor lighting is also more manageable with lighting control, to the point where sensors and schedules can take care of everything. As a result, no matter what time of day or night it is, your home will be perfectly illuminated.

Of course, wherever you are in the house, your smartphone can also be used to control the lighting.

Explore the elements of a complete home automation system:

If you want to learn more about how home automation can make your home more convenient, give us a call ; together we can devise a plan that will fit your needs.

2. Motorized Shades

Even in Wisconsin, we get plenty of sun, especially during the summer.

Glare, heat accumulation, and damage to interior surfaces and furniture can all result from too much sun.

You won't have to worry about those issues with motorized shades .

Motorized shades, like lighting control, can be raised or lowered at the touch of a button, according to a schedule, or simply by coming into a room.

By utilizing natural light strategically in your house, motorized blinds provide privacy when you need it, security while you're gone, and efficiency.

Motorized window coverings are also an excellent partner for lighting control; when used together, they can create a comfortable environment in your home.

3. Home Security

Security is another popular feature of home automation.

From video doorbells to smart locks and sensors, security features come in many shapes and sizes.

Basic security systems have existed for a long time, but smart home technology has enhanced their intelligence and usability.

If you own a vacation home, for example, smart cameras can keep an eye on things while you're gone. Do you make your summer cottage available to relatives and friends?

Smart locks can grant them access digitally and momentarily, eliminating the need for many keys that could be lost.

Do you want to see how your property is doing? Checking camera feeds, smart lock status, and garage door status is as easy as grabbing your smartphone.

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Conclusion

You can still benefit from all of these features even if your Green Bay home is your primary residence.

Light controls, smart security, and motorized shades all work together to keep your property safe.

Are you interested in bringing the simplicity, sophistication, and security of home automation to your space?

To easily connect with one of our specialists, contact Evolved Habitat or send us a message . We are excited to collaborate with you!

How Smart Locks Work: A Home Security Essential

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Wed, 29 Dec 2021 17:22:11 GMT

Make Your Home More Secure With The Help of Smart Locks

It's always crucial to get the lock right.

Safety is paramount, whether you live in a duplex, a medium-sized family home, or a lavish estate.

Smart locks are a terrific way to connect the technology and smart home systems you already have with new capabilities that will make your home – and your family – safer in the long term.

At Evolved Habitat, we understand that keeping customers safe is an important aspect of our job, and smart locks are one way to accomplish it.

So let's take a look at smart locks. In this post, we'll give you the low down on what they are, how they work, and how they can help you feel safer and more secure. Let’s jump right in.

The Basics of a Smart Lock Security System

Isn't it true that all locks require a key?

Well, there’s actually no need for a physical key with smart locks (though some smart locks also still have traditional keyholes that you can use as a backup option).

You have an electronic key instead. It might be a smartphone app or a key fob. The electronic "key" and the lock interact, allowing you to unlock your door.

Of course, your door is already equipped with locks, but what does this mean in terms of smart locks? It is, after all, dependent on the lock.

Some smart locks can operate with your existing locks, while others can completely replace them.

Explore the elements of a complete home automation system:

This is where we can help - give us a call and we can discuss what alternatives would be ideal for your home, and together we can devise a smart security plan that will keep you safe.

What Do Smart Locks Do?

Now that you've learned what a true smart lock is, let's take a look at what different types of smart locks can accomplish for you and your family, and how they can make life easier and safer.

Some smart locks don't even require you to take your phone out of your pocket; they'll unlock as soon as you approach them with a phone that has the correct digital key.

Others include keypads that you may use if you choose, providing you with more options than ever before when it comes to customizing your home security system to meet your specific requirements.

Smart locks can also be used to lock and open your door from anywhere.

All you have to do if you need to let one of the kids into the house because you were stalled in a meeting and they beat you home is open the app and let them in.

If you're on vacation and need to receive a package, you can simply unlock the porch door, let the delivery person in, and then shut it behind them.

Some smart locks even have video cameras built-in, allowing you to view and communicate with whoever is at the door.

Taking It One Step Further

Smart locks represent just the beginning of a smart home system with a number of benefits that begin to multiply exponentially when you consider them as simply a part of an overall smart home security system.

Your smart locks can also be integrated into your smart home automation system, providing you with practical as well as helpful features: perhaps you want your entryway lights to turn on when you open the front door.

Consider the other side of the coin: you could have your entire home's security system arm or lock automatically when you leave.

These are just a few additional ways you can make a smart lock even more impactful for your home's security.

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Conclusion

Whether you're interested in smart locks or home security for your Northeast Wisconsin home, you can always trust Evolved Habitat to take safety and security as seriously as you do.

For more information, visit our contact page or give us a call at 800-920-7610 .

6 Benefits of a Small Business Security System

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Fri, 17 Dec 2021 17:10:31 GMT

Business Security Solutions Tailored to Meet Your Needs

On the surface, most individuals understand the importance of having some form of small business security system.

Many business owners, however, do not give enough attention to the type of system they have or how it protects them. Their primary focus (at least in the beginning) is to secure the business, even if it's something basic, rather than spinning their wheels trying to figure out the best business security integration solution possible.

Having the greatest alarm systems in today's business usually means using some form of integrated security solution.

Security systems used to be extremely segregated.

A small business may have integrated access control systems, intrusion detection, and a CCTV camera, but each of these components performed its function independently of the others.

With custom integration security, you can combine all of the components of your wireless alarm system into a single centralized hub.

This not only makes them easier to maintain, but it also means that the individual aspects can work together to provide the company with a higher level of protection.

In this post, we'll look at some of the advantages of security system integration.

ALSO READ: Building Automation: 5 Ways to Improve Customer Experience →

1. Easier Management with Security System Integration

When you have integrated security systems, you can manage and control them all from a single program.

If you want to review an occurrence or file a report about an activity, you don't have to go from a burglar alarm system to a CCTV camera and then to the access control system.

It's all in one spot, making business security much easier to handle.

Additionally, these security integrators can enable remote management, monitoring, and control of features.

Many of these security features and integrations work with smartphone apps and desktop programs.

You can check your video surveillance cameras, analyze access reports, and receive customized alarm notifications even while you are away from the office.

Explore the elements of a complete home automation system:

2. Operate a More Efficient Business

Obviously, a systems integration company may help you manage your organization more efficiently, but many people are unaware that it can also help you be more efficient in other ways.

The latest integrated security systems can also work with automation and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies on-site to help manage other aspects of the business.

You can, for example, connect a smart thermostat to the project to make better use of your company's HVAC system.

At different times of the day or in reaction to different events, the thermostat might be configured to operate differently.

It could also detect and respond to open doors and windows, sending a warning to close the door or window.

3. Improved Crime Prevention

Depending on the nature of your business, you may be confronted with a variety of criminal behavior.

You get a far better system with integrated solutions for preventing a number of various sorts of crime.

Even if a crime occurs, an integrated system will provide law enforcement with more usable information, increasing the likelihood of the crime being solved.

Business security cameras can be an effective crime deterrent on their own, but they can also operate in conjunction with other components of your business alarm system.

You might be able to integrate video security cameras with two-way audio into your access control system.

You can also set camera systems to react when doors are opened or motion detectors are activated.

Card access control systems could potentially identify questionable activities, such as entering outside of business hours, and trigger an alarm.

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4. Enhancing Productivity and Safety

A wireless business alarm can help with security in a variety of ways.

One of the most effective deterrents against crime is the use of surveillance cameras for business security integration.

An access control system can be a great way to keep people who could commit crimes off the premises, making it a safer place to work for your employees.

Workplace safety is crucial for a variety of reasons, but many companies are unaware that it can also help enhance productivity.

Workers are happier when they believe they are working in a safe atmosphere, according to studies, and happy employees are more productive than those who are not.

5. False Claims Protection

Most people have probably heard of at least one business that has been the victim of a bogus claim.

In most cases involving false claims, the claimant is attempting to obtain reimbursement from the business's insurer.

In other circumstances, it could simply be an enraged employee or customer seeking retaliation from the business for a perceived slight by causing harm to the company's reputation.

False allegations, in any case, can be harmful to a company's reputation and difficult to refute.

When security technologies are integrated, however, you are much more likely to have the proof you need to combat false claims of any kind.

Video footage is one obvious piece of evidence that can be used to contradict a claim, but there are other evidence that can be used to show that events did not take place as claimed.

6. Alarm Services with Customized Integration

One of the most significant advantages of an integrated business system is the extent to which it may be personalized.

Instead of a one-size-fits-all packaged system, you get alarm solutions that are tailored to your company's specific needs.

You can link a variety of sensors and equipment to a customized wireless alarm system for business.

They can be set up to work in a variety of ways, and they can connect and interact seamlessly with one another to provide an assortment of amazing safety measures.

Conclusion

Integration of security systems may be more costly, but the benefits far outweigh the expense.

Your organization will benefit from improved security that is easier to manage, as well as solutions that can be tailored to the company's unique needs.

System integration can also save you money over time, so it's a fantastic long-term investment.

If you have more questions about integrating a small business security system into your Northeast Wisconsin business, please reach out to us today!

4 Reasons Why Smart Shading Systems Are Essential in Your Home

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 20:24:31 GMT

Discover the Top Benefits of Integrating a Shading System into Your Home

We take our smart home technology seriously at Evolved Habitat, but today we're going to dive into smart shading systems. We look at some of the reasons why you should get off the couch and install some smart shades... so you don't have to get off the couch to adjust your shades.

1. Lutron Shades Help You Cut Costs

Smart lighting makes a lot of sense since it provides you greater control over how much you use your lights and, by implication, your power; however, smart shading is another area where you may save money at home.

Programming options such as "winter warm" with motorized Lutron shades will open the shades, allowing the sun to warm your home instead of your heater.

"Summer cool" lowers all of your shades, keeping your home cool throughout the sweltering summer months and saving your air conditioner some labor.

Explore the elements of a complete home automation system:

2. Shading Systems are Quiet and Efficient

The integration of a motor is one of the main differences between conventional shades and smart shades.

You might be put off by this at first since motors can create noise, and hearing noise whenever your shades move can be annoying. We wholeheartedly agree with you!

You won't have to worry about that with the brands we offer.

They're not just quieter than other shade alternatives, but they also take up less room. Even better, they only consume half of the rated voltage, allowing you to save even more energy.

Don't worry about the setup. We take care of everything!

Give us a call now and we'll be happy to guide you through our smart shading solutions and even install them for you so you can sit back and relax while your shades take care of the rest.

3. Enjoy Couch Control with Motorized Lutron Shades

We promised you would be able to adjust your shades without leaving your couch, and we always deliver!

In fact, your couch won't be the only area where you can adjust your Lutron shades.

You might wonder where else you could go. Just about everywhere! There are a variety of controls available, including keypads, remote controllers, tablets, and even voice controls.

Now that's some true smart home convenience.

Free Download:
The Ultimate Smart Home Buyer's Guide

Everything You Need to Design Your Dream Home. Download Now→

4. Motorized Shading Protects Your Stuff from Sun Damage

While the sun is necessary for life as we know it, it does not rule out the possibility of negative effects.

Although your furniture, paintings, and wood surfaces will never experience a sunburn, the sun's UV rays can however cause harm to your luxury home decor.

Whether you are looking to upgrade your home with motorized shades in Door County or another area of Northeast Wisconsin, we've got you covered. Our shades will help you keep anything valuable to you out of the direct sun, giving your smart home yet another advantage!

You won't have to worry about integrating your smart shades into your home on your own. Instead, call us at 800-920-7610 right now.

We're excited about the new smart shading systems on the market, and we'd love to talk with you about all of our local options and which ones would work best for you!

Why Your Integrated Home Needs a Strong Network

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 19:39:10 GMT

A Strong Network is the Foundation for Smart Home Automation

Your home network is made of many devices, including the phone, tablet, computer, smart home technology, and gaming systems.

They can often communicate with each other when in close proximity to each other on the home network.

There are two main ways to connect devices in a home network: wired and wireless.

Wired connections are faster, more reliable, and provide better coverage for larger homes. On the other hand, wireless connections are less expensive but require more upkeep.

The emergence of new technologies has made a home network just as important and useful as traditional household utilities like gas and television.

When you're streaming TV shows, downloading movies, or planning a party, you need a strong and reliable network. Here’s why your network is integral to great home automation.

SEE ALSO: Learn What Lutron Lighting Control Is and Why You Need It→

Reasons Your Home Network is Remarkably Important

A home network allows you to access the internet from different devices and share music, photos, and information across the network
It enables the streaming of movies, music, and other forms of entertainment across your devices
Streaming gadgets, gaming systems, and smart TVs have made it possible to consume a wide variety of content
It allows you to share printers and scanners. When several computers are joined to a home network, they can print to a single printer
It streamlines the management of smart home devices such as thermostats, cameras, and security systems
It helps you to optimize your smart home devices by connecting them to an automated home in a simple way

The heart of all connected devices inside a home is the home network. It feeds the required info to linked devices to keep them running smoothly.

The number of gadgets that require a connection to the home network has increased dramatically in recent years.

The addition of new devices and technologies to a network can impose quite a burden on the network equipment.

For example, your entertainment experience is dependent on the quality of your home network. When trying to watch a beloved show or movie, no one wants to see a spinning wheel or a shuttering display, which is why a strong and healthy home network is crucial.

Learn more about the components of a whole home automation system:

Things You Can Do to Optimize the Health of Your Network

Use security tools like a firewall and a network password to protect your home network
Manage cables and wires to keep connections in good working order and protect devices from obstructed airflow
Keep an eye on your network speed to see if there are any issues with the bandwidth on your home network
Keep your networking equipment away from light, heat, moisture, and dust to maximize its life.

Unfortunately, if a home network is not properly protected, it can open the door for malicious activities done by individuals with bad motives.

As we become more reliant on home networks, it's more important than ever to invest in the design and technology upfront to ensure you get the best speeds and security.

We provide a variety of alternatives for sturdy, high-quality home network technology, whether you're wanting to get started with a home network or need to update your current home network to keep it working smoothly.

To learn more about our products and services, please contact us.

The 4 Big Components of a Strong Home Network

A successful smart home automation system has a lot of moving parts that all work together to make your home more convenient and comfortable.

The home network is an often overlooked part of this complicated system.

Here are four areas of home networking that are critical for ensuring that your smart home runs properly, whether you live in Green Bay or another part of Northeast Wisconsin.

1. Speed

A successful smart home automation system has a lot of moving parts that all work together to make your home more convenient and comfortable.

The home network is an often overlooked part of this complicated system.

Here are four areas of home networking that are critical for ensuring that your smart home runs properly, whether you live in Green Bay or another part of Northeast Wisconsin.

2. Reliability

When you're viewing a movie in your dedicated home theater or streaming television shows on Netflix, you'll be able to enjoy the full show without any lag or delays in audio or video.

However, 4K streaming demands a lot of bandwidth, and your network may not be capable of handling it.

A lack of robust Wi-Fi is frequently the cause of video latency while streaming. Evolved Habitat can place wireless access points around your home in strategic spots to ensure that each smart device has a strong and dependable Internet connection.

3. Scalability

Not only does your home network need to be ready for today's technology, but it also needs to be ready for tomorrow's.

You don't want to fall behind on the most up-to-date smart home automation technologies just because your home network can't handle more devices.

Using the most recent standards and advancements in home networking technology will ensure that your network will not hold you back when it comes time to upgrade your smart home automation system.

Free Download:
The Ultimate Smart Home Buyer's Guide

Everything You Need to Design Your Dream Home. Download Now→

4. Security

What is the level of security on your home network?

Many people are unaware of how vulnerable their data and gadgets are until a hacker gains access to their system.

Firewalls should protect anything accessible through your home network, from financial data to your laptop's webcam, to prevent outside hackers from gaining access.

To keep malware and other destructive computer infections out, the firewall should also have a strong antivirus program.

Conclusion

You'll need a solid home network if you want your smart home automation system to be secure, reliable, and effective now and in the future.

Contact Evolved Habitat today to understand how we can optimize your home network so that your smart home can run without interruption, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Considering Hi-Fi Speakers? Ask Yourself These 5 Questions First

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Wed, 29 Sep 2021 19:28:38 GMT

Discover a More Refined Audio Experience with Hi-Fi Speakers

Even after your smart home integrations are all in place, you may still want something that takes it to the next level, that makes your 4K cinema content pop, or that makes your vinyl and hi-fi music stand out even more.

It's for this reason that better speakers were built.

Not just any speakers, but ones that will blow your friends' minds! Speakers that urge your friends to come over to your house to watch every new movie, even if they weren't... invited.

Speakers that the entire family loves (but maybe not your neighbors). Speakers that are truly exceptional.

However, purchasing new speakers – especially pricey ones – can be difficult, and it's not something you want to do spur of the moment.

We at Evolved Habitat have put together some ideas to assist you and your ears during the process. So with that said, listen up!

1: How Do You Plan to Use Your Speakers?

Before you go out and buy high end speakers, be sure you know what you're going to use them for.

Is this a pair that you may use in your listening area with your record player?
Do you want your home theater to include a 7.1 surround sound system?
Are you limited on space and need a soundbar to tide you over until you can afford to upgrade to something more substantial?

You should also figure out what kind of connections your present stereo system has and what else you might need to enhance.

Before you jump the gun, take a breath and consider your options.

Learn more about the components of a whole home automation system:

2. What Brands Do You Know and Love?

It might be best to start with a high-end technology manufacturer you already know or have purchased speakers from in the past.

There are, of course, several other great brands that you may not be aware of, such as Sonance, Sonus Faber, or Sonos. That's what we're here for!

We'd love to answer any questions you might have about the brands we offer and which are best suited to your unique home projects and needs.

Please call us today at 800-920-7610 to learn more about our favorite brands.

3. Where Are You Going to Place the Speakers?

The first thing you need to do is decide where these new speakers will go before you decide what type of speakers you should buy.

Which room do you intend to put them in?
What is the size of the room?
Where would you like the speakers placed - on a floorstand, on a wall, inside a wall or in the ceiling?

It's important to choose speakers that are capable of effectively filling the space with sound without overpowering the speakers.

Plus, be sure to take good measurements because nothing is more aggravating than bringing new speakers home and discovering they don't fit in your media center.

Free Download:
The Ultimate Smart Home Buyer's Guide

Everything You Need to Design Your Dream Home. Download Now→

4. What is Your Speaker Budget?

It's a good idea to come up with a rough budget in addition to deciding what you need your speakers to do.

If you're undertaking other house renovations at the same time, make sure to budget for speakers as well.

You don't want to finish everything else only to discover that you forgot to leave enough area for speakers.

You should also consider any speakers' accessories, such as cable wire, receivers, and amplifiers. These can be pricey, but they are essential for getting the finest sound from your audiophile system.

Setting a budget might also help you filter down the vast array of speakers available into something more reasonable.

5. What Sound Quality Are You After?

You can't judge speaker quality by just looking at them online. You have to check them out in person and hear what they sound like.

They need to sound amazing to you since you will be the one listening to them at home. Trust your ears.

Various speaker brands all sound different, and what sounds amazing to one reviewer may seem way too bright to another.

If you can, try an in-home audition to test any speakers you're considering, but if that's not possible, that's what specialists like us are for.

We take the time to get to know you, your room, and how you want to use the speakers; when you combine that with our years of experience assisting clients, you have a winning combination for finding the ideal speaker for your taste and budget.

Conclusion

Make sure your audio amplifier has adequate power to drive your speakers effectively.

Overpowering your speakers might damage the amplifier and degrade the sound quality.

It's also essential to bear in mind that your listening experience is only as strong as the source you're using.

When possible, opt for high-resolution audio, uncompressed audio, Blu-Ray, or vinyl over compressed MP3.

If you have any questions about speakers, please feel free to call 800-920-7610 or contact us online and we'll be glad to walk you through the various options we offer.

If you need help with an A/V project, we're always here to help.

Top Perks of Residential Lighting Control Systems

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 21:10:53 GMT

Lighting Control Systems for Homes Provide More Convenience

Lights are one of the most common items we use every day in our homes, but controlling them has progressed significantly since the advent of the light switch.

Residential lighting control systems are device networks that enable you to control lights from a remote place or device, such as your smartphone.

Instead of a multitude of light switches, these systems allow you to control every interior and external light in your home from the palm of your hand, from a single keypad, or even with a simple voice command.

Your smart home will be safer, more convenient, and more efficient with the addition of a lighting control system.

Continue reading to find out how.

ALSO READ: The Skinny on Home Automation Installation Services→

Lighting Control Gives You Increased Efficiency

Residential home automation solutions , especially lighting control systems, help you save energy and money by ensuring that lights are turned off when not in use.

For different settings, such as cooking, reading, or watching TV, you can select different lighting levels.

Light sensors can even assess the brightness of outside light and alter interior lights accordingly, ensuring that only the right amount of energy is consumed.

Lighting systems allow you to control your usage of light when and where you need it.

Learn more about the components of a whole home automation system:

So, how does home automation fit into this picture?

Home automation is the process of linking smart home devices together to produce events automatically, without the need for human intervention.

The idea behind our home automation design and installation is to allow intelligent devices to collaborate based on shared input.

This usually begins with a home automation controller, which links various smart home devices and receives signals from them based on predetermined events.

The home automation controller can then inform other devices what to do based on the events it receives.

The purpose of home automation is to simplify the user's experience by automating specified procedures and chores.

Let's imagine you want your smart home gadgets to play a specific scene when you wake up in the morning. (A scene refers to a group of smart home devices that have been programmed to function together based on an application.)

You may build up a scene with home automation to improve your morning routine.

It might be as simple as pressing a button to start your favorite song on your speakers, changing your lights, turning on the coffee maker, and turning off the home alarm – all with a single push of a button, or dependent on the time of day, or any number of other triggers.

Conclusion

Simply stated, home automation occurs when all of your smart home gadgets are configured to communicate with one another.

To interact seamlessly across different platforms, the devices often employ a controller that is part of a home automation control system.

The control system acts as a bridge across multiple devices and ecosystems, removing the need for separate control systems and apps for each item.

You can modify your smart home devices with home automation to decrease effort and improve the experience of your daily routine.

This is accomplished through gaining a deeper awareness of your lifestyle and programming your devices to work in harmony with your home automation system.

Evolved Habitat offers a variety of versatile, high-quality solutions, ranging from smart home technology to custom smart home installations for automation. To learn more about our products and services, contact 800-920-7610 today.

The Skinny on Home Automation Installation Services

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 16:48:31 GMT

Home Automation Makes Your Life Easier by Helping You Automate Tasks.

Technology is always present in our life.

Our homes' temperatures are controlled by smart thermostats.

While we're away, security devices keep our homes safe. Wearable technology allows us to keep track of our health at all times.

At home, a camera keeps an eye on our pets. We won't be able to avoid technology, so why not embrace it?

It might be difficult to understand all the different terminologies for various tech as we incorporate more devices into our daily lives.

While the terms "smart home" and "home automation" are sometimes used interchangeably, there is a significant distinction between the two.

ALSO READ: 5 Surprising Facts About Outdoor TVs→

What is smart home technology, and how does it work?

Smart home technology is a category or set of electronic gadgets and sensors that may be managed remotely via the internet using a phone, computer, tablet, or other devices.

A dedicated application for controlling the technology inside a certain ecosystem is often included with a smart home device.

Light switches that can be controlled remotely, surveillance cameras that can be viewed from anywhere, thermostats that can be set or modified on the fly, and energy or water meters that allow real-time use tracking are all examples.

Smart home technology is software that you can use to control, monitor, or access information without having to engage with it physically.

Learn more about the components of a whole home automation system:

So, how does home automation fit into this picture?

Home automation is the process of linking smart home devices together to produce events automatically, without the need for human intervention.

The idea behind our home automation design and installation is to allow intelligent devices to collaborate based on shared input.

This usually begins with a home automation controller, which links various smart home devices and receives signals from them based on predetermined events.

The home automation controller can then inform other devices what to do based on the events it receives.

The purpose of home automation is to simplify the user's experience by automating specified procedures and chores.

You may build up a scene with home automation to improve your morning routine.

Conclusion

Simply stated, home automation occurs when all of your smart home gadgets are configured to communicate with one another.

To interact seamlessly across different platforms, the devices often employ a controller that is part of a home automation control system.

The control system acts as a bridge across multiple devices and ecosystems, removing the need for separate control systems and apps for each item.

You can modify your smart home devices with home automation to decrease effort and improve the experience of your daily routine.

This is accomplished through gaining a deeper awareness of your lifestyle and programming your devices to work in harmony with your home automation system.

5 Surprising Facts About Outdoor TVs

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 20:05:29 GMT

A Great Outdoor TV is the Cornerstone of Backyard Entertainment

Outdoor TVs are a great option for patios, porches, sunrooms, and even poolside, allowing you to watch the big game — or the latest movie — in sections of your home where you previously didn't have access to a television.

They can bring a new dimension of enjoyment to your home while also providing the ideal setting for entertaining family and friends.

Outdoor televisions aren't your average TVs; they have a number of unique features that enable them to withstand the environment and survive in a variety of weather conditions.

You've come to the right place if you've been considering acquiring an outdoor TV and want to learn more about them.

Here at Evolved Habitat, we put together a quick list to help you learn more about the top features of a fantastic outdoor TV and what they can provide homes of all shapes and sizes.

ALSO READ: Increase Your Home Value with Lutron Lighting and Shading→

1. Outdoor TVs Are Weatherproof

Rain, sleet, snow, hail, storms, scorching sun, you name it – outdoor TVs are built to endure it all, something that your average inside TV just cannot.

Protective gaskets, temperature sensors, and fan airflow systems are all built into outdoor TVs to assist protect them from the weather.

Learn more about the components of a whole home automation system:

2. Different Outdoor TVs for Different Weather

Outdoor TVs not only endure Mother Nature's wrath but can also be purchased for a variety of unique weather conditions, depending on where you plan to place them.

You can get an outdoor TV perfect for an area with full shade.

However, if you want one that will be exposed to some sunlight — or perhaps full sunlight — you can get TVs that will work flawlessly in that area as well.

There's a model for just about any and every location you wish to entertain outdoors.

Give us a call at 800-920-7610 to see how we can help you level up your outdoor living experience.

3. Outdoor TVs Come in All Shapes and Sizes

Because indoor TVs come in many forms and sizes, some consumers may believe that only indoor sets have a large selection.

Fortunately, this isn't the case! Outdoor televisions are available in a variety of sizes, including 32”, 42”, 55”, and even 75".

No matter what size you are looking for, you’ll be able to find the perfect outdoor set to meet your needs.

Free Download:
The Ultimate Smart Home Buyer's Guide

Everything You Need to Design Your Dream Home. Download Now→

4. Outdoor TVs Need a Great Audio System

Outdoor TVs do not have built-in speakers, as indoor televisions do.

This may appear to be a disadvantage at first, but it also presents you with an opportunity: you may get a good outdoor soundbar or surround sound system.

Built-in TV speakers are seldom very good, and because you'll be outside with a lot more ambient noise, you'll want something that can handle a lot of power.

Including an outside speaker set or connecting your outdoor TV to your existing outdoor audio system is absolutely the way to go, especially when vehicles are passing by and the neighborhood kids are running around.

5. How Do Outdoor TVs Work?

Of course, placing a TV outside requires consideration of several things that an indoor TV might not.

Outside, there are many more bugs, snakes, spiders, and other pests than indoors, so any outdoor TV must be prepared to endure these issues.

But don't worry: outdoor TVs can be equipped with a watertight cable entry system, ensuring that insects won't decide that your brand-new TV would make a nice second home.

You'll be able to rest easy knowing that your outdoor TV set is ideal for entertaining while avoiding any negative consequences of its placement.

If you have any more questions about outdoor TVs, or if you're ready to make the switch to entertainment that isn't contained within four walls, visit our contact page or call us at 800-920-7610 !

In no time, we'll have you set up with the perfect outdoor TV set.

Increase Your Home Value with Lutron Lighting and Shading

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Fri, 09 Jul 2021 21:07:12 GMT

Bring a Sense of Vibrancy and Well-Being to Your Home with Lighting and Shading Control

The importance of light in our lives cannot be overstated.

It has an impact on our environment, emotions, and overall health.

Our homes' illumination is frequently dim, making rooms feel cold and uninviting.

Natural light has numerous advantages because it is directly linked to our evolution and biology.

Sunlight triggers the creation of serotonin, a happy and focused hormone, as well as vitamin D, which aids in nutrient absorption and the formation of neurotransmitters.

Lutron lighting and shading systems offer more than just light to help you navigate in the dark.

In your smart home, the company is taking a more human-centric approach, designing its products to blend whole-home well-being with aesthetic vibrancy.

Are you intrigued by the possibilities for your Green Bay, WI home? To learn more, keep reading.

ALSO READ: New Construction Home? Consider Pre-Wiring for the Future→

Get Total Control of Your Lighting

When you go into a room, what is the first thing you notice?

Is it the interior design?

What about those sweeping architectural lines?

Light immediately affects your senses on a subconscious level. Your feelings, sense of comfort, and well-being are influenced by the color, tone, and intensity of the lighting.

Lutron works with the natural cycles of the sun to lend vibrancy to your environment and keep you in tune with your circadian rhythms when it comes to lighting your home.

Your health and performance are closely related to the quality of your sleep.

While tunable lighting can be adjusted to fit the light of the day, it's also important to use natural light to complement electric lighting.

Your mornings begin with light hues that intensify throughout the afternoon, culminating into warm hues at the end of the day.

Learn more about the components of a whole home automation system:

Benefit Big with Motorized Shades

Window treatments provide fashion and a finishing touch to a room with bare windows, that would have otherwise felt incomplete and unwelcoming.

Motorized shades are useful for controlling your comfort and privacy in addition to sprucing up a room.

Architects and interior designers use daylighting in their designs for both aesthetic and practical reasons.

Opening your home's walls and ceilings to let natural light in and exposing oneself to the natural world allows you to have a more expansive sense of space.

While there are many advantages to having more windows, all that sunlight has some drawbacks.

Heat is a result of light, and if it isn't controlled, it may make your home uncomfortable and sticky. Shades controlled by a home automation system allow you to achieve the ideal balance of light while reducing the load on your HVAC system.

With the touch of a button, the sound of your voice, or sensors, you may activate your shades.

Home Automation is in High Demand

According to a recent study by Coldwell Banker , smart home products can boost your property value.

Consumers in the United States, according to the survey, are most interested in voice control.

If you can install a home automation system like Josh.ai, Google Home, or Amazon Echo in your home, you may be able to attract more buyers and reduce the amount of time your home spends on the market.

Smart technology is popular among people of all ages and backgrounds.

Smart home functionality is desired by parents, Millennials, and Gen Xers alike. Even Baby Boomers want the features; according to the survey, 26% already use voice-controlled devices and apps.

The report identifies three reasons for people's interest in voice control : Voice control is more intuitive and practical, according to survey respondents, in terms of user-friendliness, hands-free control, and location flexibility.

To boost home value more, add other smart home connected devices of interest to homebuyers.

Smart entertainment systems, smart lighting options, and smart security aspects are all very popular right now, and they may significantly raise the value of a home.

Free Download:
The Ultimate Smart Home Buyer's Guide

Everything You Need to Design Your Dream Home. Download Now→

Evolved Habitat is Your Trusted Installer for Lutron Lighting and Shades

We provide a full array of Lutron lighting and shade solutions, as well as professional installation.

Our trained professionals are dedicated to making your home more comfortable and convenient.

Are you ready to live in a home that is both healthier and happier?

To schedule a no-obligation consultation, call 800-920-7610 or fill out our contact form . We are excited to collaborate with you!

New Construction Home? Consider Pre-Wiring for the Future

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 18:28:45 GMT

Build a Strong Foundation for Home Automation with Pre-Wiring

Building a new house is a thrilling experience.

You may create a room that works for your family and has the aesthetic appeal you desire.

Certain components of construction, such as painting, flooring, kitchen and bathroom tiles, and other aesthetic features, can wait until the walls are up.

However, if you want a smart home in northeast Wisconsin, building pre-wiring is essential.

The key to a successful smart home, like all other areas of the construction process, is planning.

Learn why new construction pre-wiring is the best option for a fully automated house in the article below.

ALSO READ: 3 Surprisingly Incredible Uses for Home Audio Systems→

What Does Pre-Wiring Mean, Exactly?

It would be strange if your new house didn't come with plumbing.

What if it wasn't connected to the power grid? Consider the time and money it would take to plumb or wire a home that had already been constructed.

The majority of people are unaware of how much wiring goes into constructing a home. A smart home is no different.

It's critical to have a solid pre-wiring foundation for a home automation system that includes security, networking, and AV.

If you're building a new home, now is the time to set the groundwork for smart home automation, whether you want it now or later.

Although a home automation specialist can retrofit for smart technology after the walls have been built, it is best to do it before the walls are established to save time and money.

The first step is to figure out what kind of technology you want and when you want it. Are you looking for smart lighting, motorized shades, a security system, outdoor audio/video, or a home theater?

Maybe you want everything!

Evolved Habitat can assist you in planning the cabling you'll need for your indoor and outdoor locations.

Before moving on to the next phase, we discuss and coordinate with your architects and builders to get the wires in place.

Explore the elements of a complete home automation system:

Why Use a Smart Home Expert?

Think twice about hiring an electrician to pre-wire your building for home automation.

They can lay wires for electrical switches and outlets, but the majority of smart home wiring is low voltage and unique.

Running a speaker wire beside an electrical cable, for example, could cause issues with your AV system. There are other important aspects to consider as well, some of which an electrician may be unaware of.

You may save a few dollars in the short term, but you may end up paying for it (and more) in the long run.

What Should You Pre-Wire in Your Home?

Pre-wiring can help almost any smart home system, including wireless ones. After all, wireless devices must ultimately "connect" to cabled equipment.

The following systems should be wired while building and designing a home:

Home Networking
Despite the fact that most households use a wireless connection for home networking, a solid electrical infrastructure is required. By hardwiring access points and switches, you can ensure that the signal is strong throughout your rooms and property, avoiding dead patches and delays.

Security Systems
Pre-wiring a security system involves a lot of cords, both inside and outside. This is due to the fact that security components such as cameras, sensors, and intercoms require a stable connection. Although there are wireless security alternatives available, hardwired security systems provide the most reliable protection.

Entertainment Systems
When you're viewing a movie in your home theater or listening to multi-room audio, the last thing you want to see is a tangle of cords! Because all cabling for your components is discreetly hidden behind walls, pre-wiring for an indoor and outdoor entertainment system is necessary. Not only will you get higher quality from your media by pre-wiring all hi-fi speakers and displays, but you'll also gain centralized control of your devices by effortlessly connecting everything into a home automation system.

Lighting Control
It's all about intuitive, smooth control. You'll need wires to link the lights, keypads, and dimmers to your remote power panels if you're considering smart lighting. The lighting system can thus be controlled from a single device, such as a touchpad, smartphone, or even a voice assistant like Josh.ai, Alexa, or Google Home.

Free Download:
The Ultimate Smart Home Buyer's Guide

Everything You Need to Design Your Dream Home. Download Now→

Conclusion

If any of the reasons listed above appeal to you, pre-wiring before sheetrocking is a no-brainer.

Yes, it is possible to retrofit. It's something we do all the time for customers who are relocating into existing homes.

However, if you have the opportunity to build a new home, our best recommendation is to put pre-wiring at the top of your priority list to ensure a smooth build that anticipates all of your new home's future demands.

Construct the infrastructure today to avoid headaches later!

Are you interested in learning more about pre-wiring your Wisconsin home? Call 800-920-7610 or use our contact form to get in touch with Evolved Habitat.

Building Automation: 5 Ways to Improve Customer Experience

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 22:58:20 GMT

Automation Technology Enhances Ambiance at Your Wisconsin Business

The Greater Green Bay area is a rapidly expanding community, both in terms of residents and businesses.

As more businesses move to the neighborhood, the competition becomes more intense.

How does your company plan to stay top of mind?

Below, we'll go through some of the most important ways that building automation technology can help you improve your business by improving customer service.

ALSO READ: Low Voltage Integrator: The Partner You Didn’t Know You Needed →

Small Details Make a Big Difference

Whether you manage a restaurant, a dentist’s office, or a retail business, the same rules apply: if you want your customers to return, you must provide them a top-notch experience.

This isn't to say that you have to have live music every night at your restaurant or that your employees have to be fanatical in their customer service.

The differences between a traditional business and one that has taken steps to foster an amazing atmosphere can often be subtle.

Even if you don't notice them until you're looking for them, they affect your clients' return rates.

Learn more about the components of a whole home automation system:

Building Automation Tip #1: Lighting Control

When you compare a restaurant with harsh fluorescent overhead lighting to one with soft LED lighting that has been set to the perfect brightness for each location, you'll notice a significant difference in mood.

The appropriate lighting levels are vital for creating the perfect ambiance, whether you're attempting to soothe patients in your medical facility's waiting area or stimulate clients at your gym.

Building Automation Tip #2: Visual Displays

You're stuck with the same static graphics if you rely on standard print displays and artwork.

On the other hand, adding digital displays gives you a lot of flexibility in terms of promoting your company's identity.

The possibilities for implementing visual displays are nearly unlimited, from using high-definition screens to keep diners entertained while waiting for a table to showcasing the latest clothing line in your retail store.

Building Automation Tip #3: High-Quality Audio

You're stuck with the same static graphics if you rely on standard print displays and artwork.

On the other hand, adding digital displays gives you a lot of flexibility in terms of promoting your company's identity.

Building Automation Tip #4: Climate Control

As hot as the weather in Wisconsin might get in Summer, blasting your customers with freezing air conditioning isn't always the best strategy.

Your system can automatically maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the day thanks to clever climate control technologies.

Building Automation Tip #5: Motorized Shades

The beautiful glass walls that line your business have suddenly become a concern as the sun sets.

Your clients are being blinded by the sun, which is making them uncomfortable. Why not have the shades adjust automatically instead of having to flag down an employee to lower the shades?

The shades use lighting sensors to detect when the sun is setting and descend to keep the glare at bay.

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Conclusion

Customers and employees alike will enjoy an excellent experience in a completely automated building.

The automation professionals at Evolved Habitat can assist your company in developing a full building automation solution or starting small with audio/video or climate control.

Call us today at 800-920-7610 to get started on a tailored solution for your business!

Whether you are building a new construction home or starting a large home renovation in Northeast WI, we have a solution for you. Get in touch with us over here at Evolved Habitat and we will help you discover what's possible in your home.

Not sure where to begin when it comes to building automation? You can start by downloading our free Smart Home Buyer's Guide .

3 Surprisingly Incredible Uses for Home Audio Systems

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 12:45:02 GMT

Enjoy Audio in New & Exciting Ways

If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your home audio system, but aren’t sure where to start, then this blog post is for you.

There are many components to a home audio system and it can be difficult to decide which ones will work best in your space.

In this article, we’ll discuss three uses for home audio that might surprise you!

We've already explored the benefits of multi-room music, and if you enjoy music as much as we do, you'll appreciate the appeal of having this cutting-edge smart home feature in your northeast Wisconsin home.

Whether you're entertaining your family or unwinding after a hard day at work, home audio may completely affect how you enjoy your property.

A home audio system consists of various components, including high-quality speakers, amplifiers, and music sources that can play your favorite songs.

We'll go through three home audio applications in this blog that you might not have considered before.

To find out more, keep reading.

ALSO READ: Promote Sustainable Living with Smart Home Technology →

Bask in Your Dedicated Listening Room

Relax after a long day at work by retreating to your own private listening room.

A pair of high-end speakers can deliver targeted, localized sound that immerses you in your favorite live musical performances as if you were in the audience at a concert hall.

You can also include lavish furniture into your space, ensuring that you can unwind deeply in a chaise lounge or wingback chair that matches your decor.

With a dedicated listening room, you can retreat to your very own musical sanctuary anytime, any day.

Learn more about the components of a whole home automation system:

Take Your Outdoor Space to the Next Level

Outdoor living spaces in Wisconsin can benefit from home audio systems that extend beyond the walls of your home.

Listen to the audio of your favorite TV show or movie while playing in the yard with your kids, or stream your favorite Spotify station while sitting out by the pool in the warm sun.

Plus, everything can be controlled with a simple tap of your finger on a smart device.

Say Goodbye to the Alarm Clock

Why not program your home audio to come on automatically with scenes instead of remembering to set an alarm clock every evening?

A 'Good Morning' scene can be set for when you want to get up, and your favorite station or song can help you wake up.

To make it even better, set your motorized window shades to rise at the same time as your bedroom lighting, allowing natural sunlight to pour over you.

Instead of a harsh alarm, you'll be awakened by soothing elements such as sunlight and sound.

Free Download:
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Everything You Need to Design Your Dream Home. Download Now→

Conclusion

Evolved Habitat takes pride in offering premium audio to our clients in Northeast Wisconsin, and we’d enjoy the opportunity to help you enjoy your home in new and exciting ways.

Call us at (800) 920-7610 or fill out our contact form to get started!

Not sure where to start? Download our free Smart Home Buyer's Guide .

Promote Sustainable Living with Smart Home Technology

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 21:51:38 GMT

Want to Go Green? Here's How You Can Leverage Smart Home Tech.

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As we all become more aware of the long-term consequences of harming our environment, we realize that we must work together to make a difference.

We can all assist to make the world a better place if we all do our part to lessen our carbon footprint.

Sustainable living necessitates a high level of commitment and awareness.

It's remarkable how small lifestyle adjustments may have a big impact when you have this mindset. Examining your existing lifestyle and devising strategies to reduce your energy and trash production is a good place to start.

It's time to make a change once you've identified important areas where you can improve.

You might be surprised at how these products may help simplify this process if you leverage existing resources and technology, particularly in the realm of the smart home.

Let's look at some of the ways smart home technology can help you live a more sustainable life.

ALSO READ: Enjoy Summer with a Great Outdoor Sound System →

Smart Home Technology: An Overview

Before you buy any device or system, you should first grasp what smart home technology is.

Smart home technology encompasses a variety of devices that can be used to assist homeowners in simplifying their daily lives, and it frequently leverages modern technology to automate and reproduce fundamental human actions.

They can be up and running shortly after a brief set-up and connecting to a home's internet network.

The popularity and utilization of smart home gadgets have skyrocketed since their introduction.

At least one smart device is anticipated to be in a whopping 69% of homes.

We'll be introduced to new ways of combining these systems into our daily lives as new technology emerges.

Learn more about the components of a whole home automation system:

Affording Smart Home Technology

While the capabilities and prices of smart home systems vary widely, there are many affordable gadgets and financing alternatives accessible to you.

You'll be able to pick the ones that are right for you, your home, and your budget, whether you start with one simple gadget or go for a full smart home renovation.

Another thing to think about is how much money you may save on your energy costs over the course of a year if you use smart home technology in your home.

These savings may accumulate to the point where they cover some or all of your initial investment.

The Best Tech for a Sustainable Lifestyle

Now that you know what smart home technology is and how much it costs, you might be asking which devices are worth the investment in a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.

Thankfully there are a variety of options available, many of which we can install for you if you live in the northeast Wisconsin area.

Free Download:
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Smart Thermostats

To begin, let's look into smart thermostats.

These gadgets, despite their simplicity, can provide one of the most significant financial and environmental benefits.

Smart thermostats aid in the regulation of your home's heating and cooling requirements.

They work in the same way as a traditional thermostat, but with more features and remote access.

You may turn off the heat or air conditioning when you are not at home using a mobile application, and some even allow you to monitor how much energy you have used.

This is also useful if you have family members who forget to adjust the thermostat before leaving or if you want to increase the temperature while driving home.

Smart Lighting

If you're looking for a low-cost approach to make an impact right now, switching from normal incandescent light bulbs to smart and energy-efficient LED bulbs can help you save money.

LED light bulbs are better for the environment since they consume less energy and last longer than traditional bulbs, resulting in less waste.

You can take it a step further with smart lights like those from Control4 .

When you use a mobile device to manage the lighting in your home, you'll never forget to switch off the lights when you leave a room again.

You can even turn off all of the lights in the house with a single tap.

Smart Plugs

Smart plugs, which are frequently used in conjunction with smart lighting, can be an excellent complement to your home's smart setup.

Smart plugs can be programmed to turn on and off on a schedule, or they can be controlled with a voice command.

You could watch TV while falling asleep, operate a coffee maker in the morning, or turn off the hair straightener without worrying about wasting electricity or risking a fire with these plugs set to a timer.

These devices not only help you simplify your life, but they also help you stay on track with your sustainable lifestyle goals.

Smart Appliances

Consider buying an eco-friendly alternative when buying a new appliance for your home, whether it's a new refrigerator or a new dishwasher.

Smart capabilities are already being built into many appliances, which can help them run more efficiently.

They also have a number of handy features, such as keeping track of goods, notifying you when a door is opened, and integrating with mobile devices.

When shopping for a smart appliance, search for models that have earned an official energy efficiency label.

Smart Water Systems

Despite the fact that water is one of the most valuable natural resources, American households squander approximately 1 trillion gallons of it each year.

You may improve your water efficiency by installing a smart water system in your home.

These devices offer a variety of functions, including monitoring and lowering usage, as well as the ability to detect emergencies.

Leaky pipes can lead to much more serious problems in the future, such as pipe breaks or an increase in moisture in the home, which can lead to mold growth.

Water conservation is crucial, and with a system like this, the chore of efficiently using water becomes easier.

Conclusion

We'll undoubtedly see more smart home systems as our society evolves and developers build more powerful technologies.

Taking use of these systems is not only helpful to you as a homeowner, but it may also help preserve the environment.

We can make a difference one household at a time if we work together.

Curious about how smart home technology might assist you in living a more sustainable lifestyle? Reach out to us to chat more.

Not sure where to start? Download our free Smart Home Buyer's Guide .

Enjoy Summer with a Great Outdoor Sound System

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 22:29:32 GMT

Take Your Outdoor Living Space to the Next Level with Professionally Installed Audio

You know what's the best part about summer?

The weather.

You know what the second best part is?

Listening to your favorite music outside, with friends and family.

But if you're anything like I used to be, you probably have a system that isn't as good as it could be. Lucky for us, we now live in an age where there are incredible solutions for outdoor sound systems!

Let's dig a little deeper into outdoor sound and why we chose Sonance as our preferred audio partner.

ALSO READ: Smart Home Living: A Day in the Life →

Upgrade Your Outdoor Sound System

With our AV distribution solutions, we make it easy to get high-quality sound anywhere on your property.

It all starts with having the right outdoor sound system and our preferred partner Sonance has made that easier than ever!

Next, we are going to highlight the details of these amazingly reliable weather-resistant products and why they would be the perfect addition to your outdoor living area.

Learn more about the components of a whole home automation system:

Sonance Landscape Series

Sonance's flagship series includes satellite speakers, subwoofers, and DNS amplifiers that are designed to avoid a common layout error.

People frequently mount a few speakers on the outside of their house, projecting outwards.

As a result, the sound is unbalanced, with those closest to the speakers being overwhelmed while those further away are unable to hear. It can also be an annoyance to nearby residents.

Instead, our team creates AV distribution blocks with a limited number of speakers, subwoofers, and amplifiers using the Sonance Landscape Series (SLS).

Speakers are equally spaced and pointing inwards on these blocks, which are placed around the perimeter of your outdoor living area.

Not only is the sound smoother, but it is also contained within your space and amplified when the signal reaches your home's exterior.

A Closer Look at the System

Each element of the Sonance Landscape Series line is designed for outdoor use, which is why it works so well.

Sticking with the same brand for the full AV distribution chain will also increase reliability.

We've broken down each of the Sonance Landscape Series components below so you can see why they're the industry standard for outdoor sound.

SLS Speakers: These speakers are designed to fit in with the surroundings, and they can be placed in trees, plants, or walkways.

They can withstand the harshest weather conditions thanks to corrosion-resistant materials, triple-sealed enclosures, and waterproof connectors.

DSP Amplifiers: Our professional specialists can make the necessary tweaks to obtain the best quality out of your audio sources with over 40 presets included.

They come with Sonance Advanced Room Correction software, which allows them to adapt to any situation.

Subwoofers: Above-ground and underground SLS subwoofers are available. A tuned port is included in each to create deep, powerful bass sounds.

While below-ground subwoofers are somewhat more powerful and blend in better with their surroundings, above-ground subwoofers are also a good option if you have a hardwood application on a patio, roof, or balcony.

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Conclusion

We can construct a customized AV solution with Sonance's Landscape Series to ensure you get high-quality sound no matter where you are.

We can even build several audio zones in your pool, patio, and backyard so that each family member can listen to a different playlist at the same time.

We hope you enjoyed this blog post on outdoor sound systems and will contact us for more information.

If you’re looking to improve your property with the addition of a durable, weather-resistant speaker system that can handle all sorts of conditions, then we would love to partner with you!

Give our team a call today at 1-800-920-7610 .

Not sure where to start? Download our free Smart Home Buyer's Guide .

Evolved Habitat is Now a Certified Ketra Dealer

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Fri, 21 May 2021 16:30:02 GMT

(Photo credits: Ketra)

Ketra Seamlessly Integrates with Lutron Creating the Ultimate Lighting Solution

Lutron has always been at the heart of what we do at Evolved Habitat.

Our lighting control systems and motorized window treatments are so reliable and enjoyable to use because of their products.

As a result, we are ecstatic to now be certified to sell the newest range of Lutron products, lighting fixtures by Ketra.

ALSO READ: 5 of the Biggest Home Automation Myths–Busted! →

Ketra: A Pioneer in LED Lighting

Ketra is a pioneer in LED lighting fixture technology, having been established in Austin in 2009.

Their driver chip has revolutionized LED lighting by correctly rendering colors around the spectrum of white light color temperatures, dimming to less than 1%, and changing the light formula to improve the vibrancy and saturation of everything it illuminates.

Lutron acquired them in 2018, and their luminaires now work seamlessly with the entire Lutron QS range of products.

Explore the elements of a complete home automation system:

Experience the Difference with Ketra

To fully appreciate how different Ketra lighting is from what we have come to know from LED lighting, it must be experienced.

If you're interested in energizing your home or workplace with this cutting-edge technology, please contact us to arrange a time for us to show you the lighting in person!

Connect with us today to learn more about Ketra Lighting.

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Conclusion

Not sure where to start? Download our free Smart Home Buyer's Guide .

Smart Home Living: A Day in the Life

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Mon, 17 May 2021 21:40:27 GMT

Catch a Glimpse of Life in Today's Integrated Home

Imagine a world where you can use your voice, a tablet, or a smartphone to control anything in your home.

That means you can answer the door without leaving your couch, keep an eye on your entire house while you're at work, and lock all doors with a single tap before going to bed.

What if we told you that such a world exists today?

That’s right, it’s already here.

ALSO READ: Low Voltage Integrator: The Partner You Didn't Know You Needed →

What is a Modern Smart Home?

A modern smart home automation system links all of your appliances, thermostats, locks, and other devices to a single centralized system.

This technology, which can be operated using a mobile device or voice command, allows you to manage your home even when you're away at work or on vacation.

Read on to see what it's actually like to live in the smart home of today.

Learn more about the components of a whole home automation system:

Waking Up in the Morning

You can't help but smile as you slowly open your eyes.

Your Lutron shades rise gradually, allowing the Wisconsin sun to warm your skin as you wake up, before shifting your room lights to keep you from squinting.

The thermostat, too, welcomes you with a cozy embrace.

All of this takes place as your favorite classical music gently fills the room via your modern Sonos wireless speaker system.

When your smart home wakes up with you, it's simply more enjoyable to wake up. All you have to do is set your wake-up time with Control4 the night before, and your house will set the alarm to ensure you get up on time.

Control4 is an example of a complete operating system for your smart home.

It enables you to control all of your gadgets from anywhere at any time.

It's in charge of your lighting, window treatments, and all the activities that are about to unfold next.

Getting Ready for the Day

You've woken up and are making your way to the bathroom to get ready for work.

Your mirror greets you with a smile and, among other things, gives you a preview of today's weather.

Because your mirror is a Séura SMART mirror, it works in the same way as your iPad.

Checking email, scrolling through your Facebook newsfeed, watching Youtube videos, and more are all part of your morning ritual.

It's also voice-to-text operated, so getting your hands wet isn't an issue. It's even better because it's completely configurable.

At this point you are all ready for breakfast, and so is your kitchen.

As you approach your kitchen, you'll notice the perfect balance of natural and artificial lighting.

Again, thanks to Lutron's shading and lighting solutions, it's a welcoming environment.

The shades regulate the amount of light that comes in, while the lights are human-centric, allowing them to imitate the sun's brightness throughout your home.

Free Download:
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Everything You Need to Design Your Dream Home. Download Now→

Heading Off to Work

Now is the time to get down to business. With a single tap on your phone, you turn off all electrical gadgets.

When you leave your house, it will lock all of your doors.

And if your doorbell rings while you're at work, you can relax knowing that you'll get an SMS notification.

To communicate with your visitor via the intercom, simply use your smartphone.

Returning Home for the Day

You're driving home from work now, and it's been a long day.

As you come closer to your house, you tell the Control4 system to get ready for you.

And that’s exactly what it does.

The lights are turned on, your ambient light rejecting TV is turned on, and the thermostat starts cooling down the entire house.

You have to admit, unwinding has never been easier.

Getting Ready for Bed

You've reached the point where you're ready to call it a day.

You climb into bed and grab your phone, which is conveniently located near your bedside table.

All you have to do now is go over your messages one last time.

Thirty minutes in, your eyes begin to feel heavy. But before you fall asleep, you set your phone to “good night.”

The lights lower, the shades close, and the thermostat adjusts—all in preparation for a restful night's sleep.

To arm your home, your Control4 system locks all doors conveniently in the background.

At the same time, it discreetly turns off all electronics for the night.

You are now ready to sleep, and so is your smart home.

��

Conclusion

Many people assume that if something sounds too good to be true, it most likely is.

With today's technology, however, anything is now possible, including a home that you can operate with a single touch of a button.

Smart home technology is the way to go if you're searching for a great home investment or even a meaningful gift for a loved one.

It not only makes life more efficient, but it also makes your home safer.

Not sure where to start? Download our free Smart Home Buyer's Guide .

Low Voltage Integrator: A Partner You Didn’t Know You Needed

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Tue, 04 May 2021 17:03:11 GMT

Partner Up With Evolved Habitat on Your Next Project

You take great pride in the work you do with your clients whether you're an architect, custom builder, or interior designer.

Working with a reliable low voltage integrator for your next project is important because, let's face it–our Wisconsin clients oftentimes have some pretty lofty goals with what they want to do in their new construction homes.

Our work can have a big effect on your work and, in turn, on client satisfaction.

Read on to learn why a specialist in low voltage wiring is your best partner for integrating revolutionary smart home technology on properties in the Greater Green Bay area and beyond.

ALSO READ: Make Your Smart Home Extraordinary with Ketra Lighting →

Collaborate with a Smart Home Expert

A low voltage integrator specializes in low voltage wiring with a wide range of technological components.

Let's say your client is redoing their home theater and wants a new projector and projection screen that won't be an eyesore, as well as dimmable lighting and motorized window treatments.

In that scenario, you should think about coordinating with our team.

Audio and video systems, as well as home automation control solutions, have unique electrical requirements, and the current trends and installation methods are rapidly changing.

You should collaborate with an industry expert like Evolved Habitat to create a seamless AV or automation setup that looks modern and works safely.

We all have jobs to do, and working together with our team is the best way to ensure a stellar final product in our Wisconsin clients' homes.

Learn more about the components of a whole home automation system:

Everyone Wins with a Well-Designed Plan

It's a wonderful thing when all of a home's systems work together smoothly and without glitches.

That necessitates a high level of attention to detail.

A wiring and engineering documentation plan benefit all project stakeholders, from surveillance systems to video doorbells to smart lighting.

The plan will be provided to the homeowner, interior designer, architects, and other contractors to arrange product placement, requirements, and other information to complete their tasks.

Electrical and cooling specifications, as well as component rack drawings, prewire, and unit positioning drawings, are among the details we include.

This documentation demonstrates our team's extraordinary ability to consider all aspects of your clients' home technology environment.

Our systems documentation is impeccable, whether it's for a single room or a large estate, resulting in a well-executed implementation and fewer change orders in the process.

Free Download:
The Ultimate Smart Home Buyer's Guide

Everything You Need to Design Your Dream Home. Download Now→

Conclusion

Working with a low voltage integrator can have a huge upside to your client satisfaction.

Are you ready to collaborate with Evolved Habitat?

We’re excited to partner up! Contact us now to learn more about some of the previous projects we’ve done.

Make Your Smart Home Extraordinary with Ketra Lighting

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Wed, 28 Apr 2021 15:01:33 GMT

With the Right Lighting in Your Wisconsin Home, You Can Get Cozy, Energized and More

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Our environment is shaped by lighting, which helps us experience certain emotions.

Consider the lighting in your home, whether you’re in Northeast Wisconsin or beyond.

It can guide you down hallways, light up areas where you need to finish tasks, and build the ideal ambiance for a romantic meal.

Ketra lighting has changed the game when it comes to tunable white lighting because it has figured out how to provide homeowners with a range of lighting choices to make their homes more inviting, efficient, entertaining, or relaxing - in other words, whatever mood they crave.

Products by Ketra go beyond your typical and somewhat limited smart lighting, which can be turned on and off without the use of a switch.

This LED lighting allows homeowners to integrate a diverse range of light into their homes.

Ketra's goal has always been to make light an integral part of the human experience, from its modest beginnings in Austin to the 2018 Lutron acquisition.

Continue reading to learn a few of the big reasons why Ketra Lighting is at the top of the game.

ALSO READ: 5 Key Smart Features When Building a Home →

Ketra Brings Natural Light Back

According to a recent Harris Poll, 89 percent of Americans believe natural light has a moderate to a significant effect on their moods, and 87 percent believe it improves efficiency, alertness, and brain function.

The color of natural sunlight varies during the day, from vivid and crisp to soft and amber as the day progresses.

In a way that conventional LED bulbs cannot, Ketra lighting will dynamically adjust throughout the day to replicate the natural hues of the sun.

There's also a wide range of dimming options, all the way down to 0.1 percent with no light flickering. Other LEDs can only be dimmed to around 10%.

Ketra's warm dimming function can be programmed to work in your home or unique spaces.

At lower light levels, it gradually changes from a cooler daylight bright white for optimum efficiency to a warmer, cozier amber color to help you relax before going to bed for the night.

Learn more about the components of a whole home automation system:

Ketra Locks in Amazing Color

Ketra offers a full high-definition color palette, allowing you to paint your Green Bay home in any color you want.

Ketra employs a four-channel tunable LED system with red, blue, green, and white LEDs that produce a 1,400K to 10,000K spectrum.

This full-color range enables you to move from a soft candlelight glow to icy skies.

Due to the unparalleled range of color temperatures, Ketra developed a calibration method, Ketra Color Lock, to ensure precise color quality.

Color Lock has optical and thermal control mechanisms that constantly track light output and adapt automatically to keep the color stable over time.

T raditional LED bulbs don't do this, so your home's lighting will deteriorate over time. Ten years from now, the lighting you designed will not be the same.

Ketra Makes Your Home Vibrant

Have you ever seen your favorite room in the house illuminated in your favorite color? Probably not.

Is your artwork expertly enhanced with brilliant lighting to highlight each brushstroke?

Hopefully, it is, but if it isn't, you still have the opportunity to improve.

Vibrancy is a feature of lighting that gives your Green Bay, WI home a new level of brilliance you never anticipated.

The ability of Ketra lighting to tune white light that bounces off of objects in any way you want it to is known as vibrancy.

Y our next house party will have the perfect ambiance with perfect, bright lighting, and your artwork will pop in exciting new ways.

Free Download:
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Everything You Need to Design Your Dream Home. Download Now→

Conclusion

Nav Sooch, the CEO of Ketra Lighting said it best, “People want natural light. Vibrant white light energizes you in the morning, and warm candlelight relaxes you in the evening."

Not sure where to start? Download our free Smart Home Buyer's Guide .

5 Key Smart Features When Building a Home

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 21:56:12 GMT

Now That You've Decided to Build a House, Where Do You Begin?

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Building a new home is both exciting and a little intimidating.

Since you will be the one living in it, you will feel compelled to perfect every detail. Although architecture, exterior, and interior design are essential, your Wisconsin home's overall functionality is equally important.

The first step in building a smart home that complements rather than complicates your lifestyle is to identify your technology requirements.

Knowing the right questions to ask after you've outlined your specifications will lead you to the most efficient and automated home for you and your family.

Hiring a home automation expert, such as Evolved Habitat, to explain home automation topics and navigate you through technology choices will ensure that you have all the answers to questions you didn't know to ask, as well as assisting you in achieving your smart home goals.

Our top picks for the most requested home technology features are listed below.

ALSO READ: How to Take Your Control4 Home Automation to the Next Level →

1. Custom Lighting Control

Creating a custom lighting scene in your home is an important part of increasing efficiency, comfort, and relaxation.

While most people are concerned with the overall design and appearance of their lighting scheme, we take it a step further and focus on the control of the lights as well.

The first of many automation controls in your new home is the ability to monitor your lights from your phone, a touch screen, a remote, or an old-fashioned switch on the wall.

We suggest starting with the most used areas of your home in the early stages of planning: the family room, kitchen, hallways, and so on... You'll want the most control over the areas of your home that get the most traffic regularly.

Control switches from Lutron or a Control4 dealer enable you to turn connected lights on and off, as well as dim them to the desired level.

Many clients, however, opt to link all of their lights in their homes to a single control device. We always hear from our clients how relieved they are to know that with the click of a single button on the way out the door, all lights are switched off, including the kids' closet!

Learn more about the components of a whole home automation system:

2. Multi-Room Audio

When it comes to audio, asking yourself, "How do I want my sound to look?" will help you determine which items to use in your system.

W hen integrating speakers into a home, there are a variety of options available, all of which are based on the experience you want to build.

We often start in the rooms where you imagine yourself listening to music the most, then match the quality and design to fit seamlessly into your environment, similar to lighting control.

The family room, kitchen, patio, and master suite are all common choices for many clients. The speakers' quality and quantity can range from background noise to high-end, two-channel audio.

When deciding on the best choice for you, it's critical to first decide your habits, which will help you determine your requirements.

Often, clients combine options and install the highest-quality speakers in their family room while opting for a lower-quality speaker in their children's bedroom.

3. A/V Integrations

When it comes to audio-visual components in your home, we always encourage our clients to try to predict their potential needs so that we can wire the home appropriately during the construction process.

Although it may seem like a daunting task, determining where TVs will be placed is always a good place to start.

Start by asking yourself, "What is the main viewing area or space in my house?" and “Where do I want a TV right now, and where would I want one in the future?”

Even if you don't mount the TV for years, it's still easier to run the wire through the wall when the house is being built.

Another factor to consider is what you watch regularly.

Clients often abandon traditional cable providers such as AT&T or DirectTV in favor of streaming devices such as Apple TV. Knowing how many outlets (Apple TVs, Cable boxes) there are will help decide how the device should be configured to optimize the experience.

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4. Motorized Shades

Motorized blinds will provide privacy while still allowing you complete control over your custom window shades.

We recommend thinking about how much light you want to let in, how your shades will be powered (hardwired or batteries), and how you want them to look. To ensure the best control and power experience, we suggest running the hardwire during the construction process.

If you can't hardwire, wireless is a perfect alternative; the only drawback is that you'll have to recharge or upgrade the batteries over time.

In terms of style, we partner with Lutron Shades, allowing us to customize your shades in a range of fabrics and styles to match any interior design.

We will help you design the best layout to optimize natural light, ensure your family's safety, and maintain a consistent look throughout your decor.

5. Total Home Automation System

Each of the previously listed categories would be able to speak with one another with the aid of a fully integrated control system, allowing you to design automated scenes or buttons for multiple actions.

Every evening when you get home, imagine that your garage door would open, the hall and common area lighting would illuminate, and the alarm would be deactivated.

Although this is only one of the many customizable choices available with a control system, it can be configured to suit your and your family's specific schedule and needs.

Control4, our most popular control system, has every automation option imaginable and can be accessed from any device.

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Conclusion

When you incorporate these five key smart features in your home, it will help you map out the biggest components of a great smart home automation system.

Custom lighting control
Multi-Room Audio
A/V Integrations
Motorized Shades
Total Home Automation System

Not sure where to start? Download our free Smart Home Buyer's Guide .

How to Take Your Control4 Home Automation to the Next Level

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 19:59:26 GMT

A Control4 Home Automation System Offers a Host of Clever Capabilities

(Source: Control4 )

Innovative Smart Home Applications

The primary function of any home automation system is, well, to automate the electronic systems in your house and to let you control them easily and succinctly through devices like smartphones, tablets and touch screens.

For example, you can have your system programmed so that first thing in the morning or when you swipe an icon on your tablet, the automation system will turn lights and A/V equipment on, raise motorized window shades and regulate the thermostats.

But there’s more to an automation system than its ability to put your home on autopilot.

ALSO READ: A Healthier Home with Smart Thermostats→

When programmed by a home automation integrator, it can help you remember important dates, tell you when your teenage daughter has returned home, give you a bird’s eye view of what’s happening in every corner of your house, and much more.

A Control4 home automation system can support and facilitate a host of innovative control applications. Be sure to ask your integrator about the following functionalities below.

Audible and Visual Reminders

It’s Wednesday, which means someone should have taken the trash to the curb. Or did they forget, again?

Like your smartphone, an automation system can be programmed to issue reminders of trash pickup, your anniversary, dentist appointments, anything at all.

The system can play a pre-recorded message through the speakers in your house and/or display a visual cue on the screen of the TV, touch screen or other device.

Activity Log

Did your teenage daughter make curfew? Even if you’re not home, you can still be notified the second she walks through the door with the help of your ever-diligent home automation system.

Your home automation integrator can set up the system to maintain an activity log in your absence and to text you whenever someone walks into the house.

Tie in a security camera or a smart door lock with personalized codes, and you can further confirm that it’s your daughter who entered.

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"Mockupancy Scenes"

During family vacations a home automation system can make your empty house look occupied.

Sure, timers can instruct lights and other devices to turn on and off, but it doesn’t take long for someone to recognize the pattern—a sure sign that the house is open game.

A home automation system creates a more realistic simulation by adjusting the lights, window blinds, music and other features randomly throughout the day or evening.

Wake-up Call... and a Lullaby

Imagine waking up to the smell of coffee, soft music and your bedroom gradually brightening to give your eyes time to adjust?

It’s a much more pleasant way to wake up than to the sound of a blaring alarm clock.

With a home automation system, you can customize a “Wake-Up” scene to do anything you want.

Ditto for when you turn in for the night.

An automated lullaby, where soothing music plays and lights dim gradually, can be a blessing to parents of young children.

A Few of Your Favorite Things

Let’s face it, you’re never going to watch or listen to half of the cable or Internet radio stations available through your home entertainment system.

A home automation integrator can streamline the process of finding your preferred channels by creating a “Favorites” menu, which represents a half dozen or so of your most liked stations on the screen of your smartphone, tablet, TV or touch screen.

And of course, you can always drill down and find a non-favorite when you’re in the mood for something different.

Daylight Harvesting

Why use the lights to illuminate a space when the sun is available?

A home automation system can harvest this natural resource by opening the window shades and turning off the lamps on sunny days.

At the same time, the sun can help heat a home, and your home automation system can automatically adjust the thermostat to save energy.

An Open and Shut Case

It’s difficult to remember which lights you used and where, which windows you may have opened and which doors you may have forgotten to lock.

With a home automation system, you can see in an instant by peering at the screen of a touch screen or your mobile device the status of every electronic product in your house, including the sensors that track the position of the doors and windows.

And what’s more, you can have one button programmed to shut everything down all at once as you leave the house.

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Conclusion

A wide world of home automation opens up when you partner with an qualified integrator who takes your personal tastes to the next level and really makes the system truly yours.

Not sure where to start? Download our free Smart Home Buyer's Guide .

A Healthier Home with Smart Thermostats

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 21:29:39 GMT

Contaminants Inside Your House Can Cause Indoor Air Pollution

(Source: Control4 )

For decades, Los Angeles residents have been dealing with poor outdoor air quality, but did you know that the air inside homes is often more polluted than the air outside?

Such conditions affect not only your health, but the integrity of your home furnishings.

Smart Thermostats Can Help Clear the Air

According to Environmental Protection Agency , 96 percent of homes are victim to at least one type of indoor air quality (IAQ) issue.

The offending IAQ problem could be tiny dust particles and pollen to cleaning chemicals and paint fumes.

When ignored, these contaminants can build up and aggravate allergies, asthma, and cause other health problems.

Although poor indoor quality is pervasive among households, many homeowners aren’t even aware of the problem or understand how to prevent it.

Here’s where a smart thermostat from a company like Control4® can help. Sure, a smart thermostat is a champ at adjusting your home’s HVAC unit to maintain a comfortable temperature.

It can also help you save a few bucks on energy costs by setting back automatically, but there’s another benefit, a healthier indoor environment.

ALSO READ: The Biggest Perks to Smart Lighting Installation→

There Are a Few Ways You Can Use a Smart Thermostat to Combat Indoor Air

The first is through the thermostat itself.

You will need a thermostat that can monitor for conditions like air purity and humidity, and can be integrated with air purifiers, air cleaners, ventilation systems, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, as well as with your HVAC unit.

With an IAQ-responsive thermostat, like Control4 Wireless Thermostat by Aprilaire® , the humidifier can activate automatically when the relative humidity (RH) reaches a certain threshold.

Having clean air to breathe is not only good for your health–especially for asthma and allergy sufferers–it also helps preserve the integrity of so many of those expensive architectural, decorative, and high-tech features you may have integrated into your home.

RH, in particular will affect wood flooring and woodwork, artwork, and electronic equipment.

Flooring can warp and curl when there’s too much humidity in the air, or crack and shrink when there’s not enough.

Canvas artwork can start to degrade over time when RH levels are out of whack.

In addition to gaining control over certain IAQ components, a smart thermostat when integrated with a home automation system becomes an even more useful tool at maintaining a healthy home environment.

For example, your smart home can send status reports to whatever device you choose: smartphone, tablet, or in-wall touchscreen.

You can receive notifications when levels are off. It’s a great way to gain a better understanding of how your habits might affect the indoor air.

Learn more about the components of a whole home automation system:

The integration between a thermostat and home automation system also lets smart home professional create more elaborate schedules for the IAQ equipment to follow and allows them to sync the operation of the IAQ equipment with other systems.

For example, the home automation system can trigger the thermostat to activate the air cleaner during days on which the pollen count is high or to kick start the ventilation system when a sensor notices smoke in the air.

You can even weave motorized skylights and windows into IAQ scenarios.

For example, after cooking dinner there’s bound to be some odor and smoke. The automation system can open a few windows to air out your house and shut them a few minutes later.

Better indoor air quality requires the right HVAC equipment, but by being able to more actively monitor, regulate, and control the conditions of your home environment you’ll be better prepared to protect both the health of your family and the furnishings in your home.

You’ll breathe easier and your hardwood floors, in particular, will last longer when the proper humidity levels are maintained.

Smart thermostats, when combined with home automation systems, provide the tools to do this and much more.

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Conclusion

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In summary, a smart thermostat is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to improving the air quality in your home.

The real magic happens when it is integrated into a whole home automation system and other appliances like your HVAC unit.

Are you ready to breathe cleaner air and preserve the integrity of your architectural, decorative and high-tech features in your home?

Not sure where to start? Download our free Smart Home Buyer's Guide .

The Biggest Perks to Smart Lighting Installation

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 18:10:05 GMT

Smart Lighting is a Brilliant Addition to Any Home

(Source: Control4 )

You’d like to reduce your energy bills, smarten up your home’s light fixtures, and protect your house from theft while you’re away.

Smart lighting can stand vigilant.

Given its wide range of benefits, smart lighting is…well, one of the smartest additions you can make to your home.

And there are so many ways you can implement a smart lighting plan—from basic smart switches in a room or two to a full-blown system that automates every light fixture inside and out.

There are options galore for every need, every home, and every budget, so why not bring some lighting brilliance to your home?

ALSO READ: Top 4 Tips for a Better Home Theater System Installation→

Smart Lights for Home Security

Lighting as a measure of home security ? Absolutely!

When the lights are on, a house looks occupied—a proven burglary deterrent.

Sure, you can switch on a few fixtures before you leave the house, but a more effective method is having the lights turn on and off randomly in a way that makes it look as though someone is truly at home.

Smart light switches can do this automatically. They can also ensure that you never walk into a dark house again.

At a predefined time the lights can activate, or from an app on your phone you can turn them on as you pull the car into the driveway.

Explore the elements of a complete home automation system:

Smart Lights for Energy Efficiency

LED bulbs are already extremely efficient, so investing in dimmers can maximize your energy savings.

Dim the lights by 50 percent and you use 50 percent less electricity. Over time, this can really add up, and you won’t notice the difference.

In fact, when lights are set at a dim level, they look softer and more pleasing to the eye (more on this below).

You can dim the lights right at the switch or have the switch alter the intensity of the lights automatically based on the time of day, occupancy, when the shades open and close, and other variables.

Smart Lights for Ambiance and Elegant Interiors

Home is a place where you put your feet up, connect with friends and family, celebrate, and create.

Smart lighting can help your home environment adapt to each and every one of your activities.

Cooking in the kitchen?

Press the “Cook” button on a wall-mounted keypad, or utter the command with your voice, and watch as the lights brighten.

Watching a movie?

The lights can fade gradually to create the perfect movie viewing atmosphere.

Other commands can launch lighting scenes that accentuate architectural details, artwork, and other elements.

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Everything You Need to Design Your Dream Home. Download Now→

Smart Lights for Convenience

Imagine the time you can save by having every light turn off when you press a “Good Night” button on your phone.

Or how quickly you can get the house prepared for a dinner party when one command adjusts the lights in the foyer, dining room and kitchen. And this is just brushing the surface.

When smart lights are integrated with other smart devices—door locks, motorized shades , music systems, and more—you’ll realize even greater convenience.

That same bedtime command could also lock the doors, set the security system, close the shades, and lower the thermostat.

It's Time to Make the "Switch"

The impact that smart lighting can have on your home and lifestyle is so expansive and meaningful, it’s hard to justify using old-fashioned lights.

Smart lighting solutions come in so many varieties, in so many price ranges, and in so many styles, there's something for every household—whether you’re looking to beef up your home security, enhance your home’s cosmetics, save energy, or enjoy greater convenience.

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Conclusion

To recap, smart lighting strengthens your home security system, enhances your home’s energy efficiency, upgrades your home’s ambiance, and last but not least–maximizes your convenience.

Are you ready to improve your lighting?

Not sure where to start? Download our free Smart Home Buyer's Guide .

Top 4 Tips for a Better Home Theater System Installation

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Tue, 09 Mar 2021 21:13:57 GMT

Four Helpful Tips for an Extraordinary Home Theater Experience

Listen to this Article ⤵

(Source: Control4 )

The cornerstone of any great home theater is the A/V gear.

A big, bright screen, a stellar surround sound system, and high-res components are critical to the experience.

However, if this equipment is too difficult to operate, you’ll quickly begin to lose interest in your entertainment investment.

ALSO READ: Home Automation: Key Benefits of Professional Installation→

Tip #1: Consolidate Your Controls

Thankfully, there’s a simple solution: a system that consolidates the controls of all A/V components into one single remote.

Instead of juggling several clickers, pressing one button on one sleek remote can kick-start the entire home theater setup.

Commands can even extend to equipment beyond A/V, as many home theater systems can be configured to command the room lights, fiber optic “stars” on the ceiling, temperature settings, or even a motorized lift that rolls down a projection screen from the ceiling.

Indeed, much of a home theater’s appeal has to do with special effects and the overall room atmosphere.

The space should be inviting and welcoming, while also giving off a vibe of being a special area of your home where you can escape and envelope your senses with pure movie magic.

When you combine whole-home automation and entertainment systems, you elevate your home theater experience while enjoying incredible peace of mind so you can relax and be swept into the magic.

Learn more about the components of a whole home automation system:

Tip #2: Set the Scene

We all know displays look brighter and more vibrant in a dark environment.

It’s the same in your home theater. Under the command of a home theater system, the lights in your home theater can fade slowly to black when you press play.

If it’s more comfortable, you can have some of the lights—like step lights—stay on at a dim level so that latecomers can see their way to their seats.

When the movie is over, the lights can slowly ramp up.

To these basic settings, you can add an "Intermission" scene that lights a pathway to the refreshments and bathroom; a "Clean-up" scene that puts the lights on at full brightness so you can see every popcorn kernel, and a "Game Time" scene that keeps the lights closest to the screen on so that gamers can see their controls.

Tip #3: Curb the Interruptions

It’s natural that you might get interrupted during a pivotal plot twist when viewing a movie at home.

Someone might ring the doorbell or you might hear a commotion in the kitchen.

When a home theater system is tied to surveillance cameras , you can see what’s happening without leaving your seat.

Views from the cameras can be transmitted to a portable touch screen, the screen of your television, or even to your smartphone.

If you're using a Control4 Touch Screen to control your home theater, you could even use an app like Intercom Anywhere to speak with family members around the house, visitors at the front door, or even lock the front door without ever leaving your seat.

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Tip #4: Share Your A/V Sources

It’s a shame to sequester all of that audio and video goodness to one room.

Many home theater systems are capable of transmitting A/V signals from the home theater gear to displays and speakers in other rooms of the house.

You’ll get more bang out of your home theater buck and never miss a second of the movie action.

Whip up snacks in the kitchen, host outdoor movie night on the patio, retire to the master bedroom—with multi-room audio and video you’ll be able to enjoy entertainment throughout the entire house.

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Conclusion

Those are our top 4 tips for a better home theater system installation. As you can see, most of the battle is in the planning.

If you are able to accurately plan out and design a great smart home automation system beforehand, you will be in much better shape than if you tried to piece different components together after the fact.

Are you ready to build the home theater or media room of your dreams?

Not sure where to start? Download our free Smart Home Buyer's Guide .

Home Automation: Key Benefits of Professional Installation

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Sun, 07 Mar 2021 21:25:38 GMT

Despite improvements in the ease of setup, most home automation systems work best when designed and installed by a trained professional.

(Source: Control4 )

Home automation has been inching slowly into the mainstream, and with new do-it-yourself focused systems hitting the marketplace hard and heavy, consumers are faced with the decision of whether to tackle the setup of a home automation system themselves or to hire a professional to do the job.

While you may save money in the short run by handling the task yourself, don’t underestimate the value that professional installation can add when making your decision.

There are many good reasons to pay for a professional, and the good news is that most manufacturers have implemented technology into their systems that can streamline the programming and installation process significantly.

Here are five reasons that will make you think seriously about hiring a professional home automation Dealer.

ALSO READ: 5 of the Biggest Home Automation Myths–Busted!→

1. Smart Home Pros and Integrators Keep Up With Trends

Technology moves at a fast pace. What’s new today is often old tomorrow.

Professional home automation installers make a point to stay on top of and ahead of the curve when it comes to technology for the home.

They know what’s fresh and relevant, and what new developments are on the horizon. This insight is crucial when selecting systems for your home.

You’ll want to be able to rest assured that your automation investment is sound and will stand the test of time.

Learn more about the components of a whole home automation system:

2. Smart Home Pros and Integrators Understand Technology

Almost everyone has experienced the frustration of a home improvement project gone wrong.

Whether it’s a shoddy paint job or an afternoon kitchen update that turned into a month-long project, moments like these are when most people wish they would have handed over the paintbrush and drill to a pro.

The installation of a home automation system is no different. Rarely is setup as easy as the instructions make it seem.

Many times the problems have nothing to do with you or the system, but rather unforeseen obstacles like a weak wireless home network or poor structural integrity.

A professional automation installer should be able to work around the specific challenges your project presents and implement solutions to ensure your system works reliably.

3. Smart Home Pros and Integrators Customize Your Automation System

The functionality of a home automation system often hinges on the programming of its software, which should be handled by a professional.

Through training and ongoing education, they can perfect the skill of software programming so that they can tailor a home automation system to meet your precise needs and expectations.

These programming skills also come into play when integrating products with a home automation system.

For example, if there’s a particular product that’s incompatible with your home automation system, a professional home automation installer is usually able to troubleshoot and get the two communicating freely.

He or she is also able to personalize the system’s user interface (the menu of commands that is displayed on the screens of tablets, smartphones and touch screens) to be easy and intuitive for everyone in your family to understand and navigate.

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4. Smart Home Pros and Integrators Work Well With Other Professionals

The integration of electronics into your home will often involve professionals besides the home automation Dealer/installer.

A professional can ensure that people like your interior designer, contractor and electrician all understand the goals for your home automation system and are communicating and working together to achieve that goal.

5. Smart Home Pros and Integrators Provide Peace of Mind

System snafus are bound to happen when there’s technology in your house.

A professional installer can remedy the problem—whether the fix is a simple reboot which can be issued remotely or whether it requires some on-site sleuthing to resolve.

Do-it-yourselfers, on the other hand, may be left scratching their heads.

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Conclusion

Today, with what feels like an endless selection of smart home gadgets on store shelves, it's easy to get caught up in the idea of a DIY, hodge-podge-type home automation system.

Unfortunately, what usually happens when you go the DIY route is you end up having a bunch of different products that run independently from each other, all being managed through their own respective apps.

What's more, they don't communicate seamlessly with each other.

Not sure where to start? Download our free Smart Home Buyer's Guide .

5 of the Biggest Home Automation Myths–Busted!

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Wed, 24 Feb 2021 20:03:18 GMT

Here are Five Common Misconceptions of Home Automation Systems

(Source: Control4 )

Myth: Automation is Too Expensive

Because the sky's the limit with home automation, it is entirely possible to invest a significant amount of money.

But is a large initial investment required? Not at all.

Control4 offers options that can get you up and running with an automation solution for what it would cost to install a new HDTV.

You can then enhance your system as your needs and budget allow.

Myth: Automation is Too Complicated

Like any technology, home automation systems have become increasingly easier to use as they’ve matured.

Additionally, manufacturers now provide home automation Dealers with pre-configured templates to ensure that control menus are simple and straightforward for consumers to navigate and that the user interface looks and performs consistently across all platforms (touch screens, mobile devices, keypads, etc.).

Myth: Automation Systems Become Outdated

No matter what type of technology you’re using—smartphone, cable box, computer— it doesn’t take long before its operating system is outdated.

The same is true for home automation systems , but don’t let that discourage you from investing in one.

Like other technologies, updates are a natural part of its lifecycle.

As manufacturers continue to upgrade and refine the features and capabilities of their systems, firmware can usually be easily updated remotely via an Internet connection, ensuring the automation system you buy today will be fresh and relevant for years to come.

Free Download:
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Myth: Automation is Overbearing

Some people worry that an automation system is, well, too automated—that the system rules the house rather than the people who live in it.

While an automation system has the smarts and power to dictate the operation of nearly every electronic device and system in your house, most are designed to put the power of control in the hands of the homeowner.

With an automation system you are in total control of what happens in and around your home.

Myth: Automation is Unreliable

What happens when a home automation system locks up or goes down?

Will you be unable to work the lights and thermostats?

Thanks to failsafe measures implemented by manufacturers and home automation Dealers, the devices in your home remain operational even if the automation system experiences a glitch.

Usually, automation problems are minor, requiring a reboot of the system, which many integrators can handle remotely from their offices.

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Conclusion

There you have it, folks! Five of the top myths surrounding smart home automation have been debunked. Whether you are building a new construction home or starting a large home renovation in Northeast WI, we have a solution for you. Get in touch with us over here at Evolved Habitat and we will help you discover what's possible in your home.

Not sure where to start? Download our free Smart Home Buyer's Guide .

3 Powerful Ways Home Lighting Control Improves Your Lifestyle

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 18:59:07 GMT

Smart Lighting is Much More Than a Luxury for Your Wisconsin Home

Do you want to know what the #1 most requested smart home feature is for homeowners when doing any significant remodel or building a new home?

That’s right, it’s home lighting control. It’s easy to see why–smart lighting can save energy, enhance convenience, and even add an additional layer of security.

It’s very possible that you might view home lighting control for your Green Bay home as a luxury item – and you'd be right, as it's not an absolute necessity.

You see, businesses also implement lighting control in order to take advantage of those same benefits we described above.

Those businesses are not doing this based on luxury. Rather, they are laser focused on the bottom line benefits of time, money, and environmental awareness.

As a standalone option, home lighting control makes good sense on its own. But Evolved Habitat is a smart home integration company, and we do more than lighting control.

We take it much further and show you how integrating other smart home features along with lighting control makes your home even more powerful and useful – for convenience, energy savings and security.

Ready to learn the 3 powerful ways lighting control can improve your lifestyle at home? Keep reading.

Home Lighting Solution #1: Smart Lighting, Motorized Shades, and Climate Control

Let’s be honest, Wisconsin weather can be a bit unpredictable at times. However, during the summer months we’re usually blessed with a fair amount of warm, humid, and sunny days.

Lighting control helps you harness all the natural light possible, and tone it down when it feels overbearing. Motorized shades are a smart feature that can help protect your interior furnishings from the sun’s harmful UV rays and excess heat.

At specific scheduled times of the day or with the assistance of automation from sensors, your smart shades can be drawn when the sun is high in the sky, and then opened up later in the day to let more light in.

With lighting control, you can have the perfect mix of natural and artificial light. When you add smart thermostats and temperature sensors, you can have a complete smart solution that saves energy and increases your home's comfort.

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Home Lighting Solution #2: Smart Lighting, Outdoor Lighting, and Multi-Room Audio

With the help of smart lighting, you can set the perfect ambiance for any activity. Imagine having a custom keypad on your kitchen wall with a button simply labeled "cooking."

With a single tap, your kitchen island and under-counter lights instantly shine to their brightest setting. At the same time, your favorite Spotify cooking playlist kicks in at the ideal volume, thanks to multi-room audio .

When it's dinnertime, a special dinner lighting automation turns down your kitchen lights, softly lightens the dining area, and switches the music to a relaxing background instrumental.

At the end of the evening, one button sets your hot tub to your desired temperature, lights up the patio and the garden around it, and plays a little Frank Sinatra on your outdoor speakers for a soothing soak before it’s off to bed.

Home Lighting Solution #3: Smart Lighting, Alarms, and Security Cameras

When you get down to it, lighting has always provided a sense of safety. More often than not, bad things tend to happen when it’s dark over when it’s light.

Beyond just the lighting itself, your home security system becomes even more powerful when you integrate smart lighting control.

Imagine you have an intelligent security camera that triggers your smart lights to turn on brightly when unexpected motion occurs, startling a potential intruder.

Smart lighting can also assist in emergencies. If the smoke alarm were to go off in the middle of the night, your smart home lighting could light helpful paths to exit, and flash the outside lights so first responders can quickly find your property in a dark neighborhood.

Ready to take advantage of home lighting control and smart automation in your Wisconsin home? Call (800) 920-7610 or reach out to our team today. We are excited for the opportunity to work with you.

What are the Essential Features of a Home Automation System?

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 17:42:39 GMT

Look for These Key Characteristics When Choosing an Automation System

(Source: Control4 )

You wouldn’t typically book a hotel room without first investigating the amenities offered: Is there room service and a gym? Do they cater to business travelers by offering free Wi-Fi? Can you expect a free continental breakfast in the morning?

The same should be true when looking for a system to automate the electronic components of your home. Granted, the criteria by which you judge a system will be vastly different than the factors that influence your choice of lodging, but they are probably even more important to your overall satisfaction.

Unlike a temporary hotel stay, this is a decision that will impact your life every day for as long as you live in your home. Although the performance of a home automation system will hinge largely on how well it’s been engineered, programmed and installed by a home automation Dealer, there are some inherent features of a system’s design that are important to consider.

Plays Well With Others

One of the biggest benefits of a home automation system is its ability to unify the operation of many different types of electronic components. By wrapping multiple products together, it allows you to control the lights , thermostats, A/V gear from a single user interface—tablet, smartphone, touch screen, keypad, or computer.

A good example of this capability is having the lights turn off, the thermostats set back and the motorized window shades close when you press a “Goodbye” button on a keypad or when a motion sensor notices that you have exited a room.

Getting the disparate devices to work cohesively can be simple or complex, depending on the “openness” of the automation system.

Basically, the more open a home automation system is, the easier it will be for a home automation Dealer to place all the components under its supervision and have those components operate seamlessly with each other.

To support interoperability between products, Control4 , for example, has an open platform and works with over 8,000 devices and 60 other companies to ensure that its line of automation products can communicate openly with a wide variety of other systems.

Another way manufacturers are fostering interoperability is by adhering to particular technology standards. For example, many manufacturers have embedded ZigBee, Z-Wave or Wi-Fi wireless communications technology to ensure that their products can network with other ZigBee, Z-Wave or Wi-Fi products.

Modularity

To automate every piece of technology in your home in one shot can be a bit overwhelming, not to mention expensive. Thanks to innovative designs by manufacturers, you don’t have to do everything at once.

Instead, you can automate your home room by room, feature by feature, piece by piece, updating gradually as your needs and budget permit. A system that’s been manufactured to be modular will allow you to incorporate a few basic features first, and then add complexity when you’re good and ready.

Upgrades should occur without any major disruptions to your household.

M ake sure your automation system can be easily expanded both vertically to incorporate additional products and horizontally to support additional rooms.

One way manufacturers support modularity and expandability is by designing their systems to speak a common networking language, like IP (Internet Protocol), and by offering wireless retrofittable products that can communicate via a home’s existing network of wireless products.

Easy Updates

Software updates are what keep the computers, cable and satellite boxes, e-readers and other pieces of technology in your home fresh and relevant.

The same is true for home automation systems. Software is the driving force of a home automation system—it’s like the brains for your home.

A s new products are added to your system, and as manufacturers release new, improved versions of their automation software, your system’s original software will need to be updated to keep pace.

Before you buy an automation system, be sure the manufacturer and home automation Dealer will be able to unlock and download software updates.

Friendly User Interfaces

Automation systems, by their definition, are supposed to make things happen automatically. While such systems are able to do this based on conditions like the time of day or season of the year, most people prefer greater spontaneity in the operation of their home’s electronic systems.

T his is the role of the “user interface.”

There are numerous types of interfaces, so be sure the manufacturer of your chosen home automation system offers the models you are most comfortable using.

If you’d like to use an assortment of interfaces—a solution prefered by many families—again, make sure your automation system supports the types of interfaces you need.

Strong Dealer Network

You can have the best automation system available, but without someone qualified to install it into your home and tailor it to your individual lifestyle, you won’t be happy with your investment.

Evolved Habitat is a Certified Control4 Smart Home Pro in Northeast Wisconsin. Building a new home or starting a large home renovation? Start with our free Smart Home Buyer's Guide to help you figure out the perfect system for your home.

Benefits of Home Automation in 2021

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 17:41:07 GMT

What Does Home Automation Really Look Like in Your Home?

(Source: Control4 )

Think back. Can you remember what it was like to change the channels of your TV manually? When channel surfing and volume tweaking meant bouncing back and forth between your couch and console?

Although the generation that remembers these antiquated modes of control may not have realized it then, this was highly inconvenient. Now fast forward to the era of the handheld remote, where we find all the necessary buttons for finding and enjoying a TV program right at our fingertips.

A home automation system offers that same kind of convenience, but on a much broader scale, and often without any button pressing required. In addition to firing off commands to video equipment, an automation system can control lights, thermostats, security devices, lawn sprinklers, motorized window treatments and more.

In seconds, your house is exactly the way you like it and all you had to do was tap a button on your smartphone.

Needless to say, using an automation system to simultaneously adjust the lights, temperature, and other elements of your house for your arrival, departure, bedtime and other occasions is a huge convenience and time saver.

But there are a host of other benefits you’ll realize by installing an automation system.

Enhanced Safety & Security

Nothing against residential security systems—they may do a great job of protecting your home and family. But when working hand-in-hand with a home automation system, home security systems can provide an even higher level of safety.

For example, typically when an alarm trips, the security system will notify the provider (sometimes after 30 seconds or even a minute) who will then need to contact you. When tied to your automation system, you can receive a text message the instant that there is unauthorized access to your home.

The automation system can also zero in on the breach by linking the nearest surveillance camera to your smartphone. From your smartphone, you can then view the situation and react accordingly.

Instant Status

Did the kids leave the lights on in the game room downstairs? Are there any windows open in the master bedroom? Did your teenager remember to close the garage door?

A home automation system keeps tabs on happenings in and around your house and can share that information with you, both while you’re at home and when you’re miles away on a vacation or business trip.

Real-time status reports can be viewed on a variety of user interfaces, including the screen of a smartphone, tablet, TV, or touch screen. Using this information, you’ll be able to respond appropriately.

For example, an automation system can be programmed so that touching one button on the kitchen tablet will turn off every light and entertainment component left on in the game room.

Comfort & Efficiency

Keeping a home at its most comfortable state while still being mindful of energy use can be a challenge when you’re forced to adjust thermostats, position draperies, and turn on and off lights manually.

Based on parameters that are pre-programmed into a smart home automation system by a professional, the thermostats can lower at night and all lights can turn off right before bedtime to save energy. An hour before you wake up the thermostat can adjust so that the house is comfortable the second you step out of bed.

Meanwhile, the lights in the kitchen can turn on, the shades in the living room can open, all while your bedroom music slowly wakes you up, raising in volume over a 10 minute span of time.

Overall Enjoyment

Home automation applications allow you to be in control of how you want your home to function; whether you want added relaxation or to transform your home into an entertainment oasis—or somewhere in between—it’s entirely up to you.

For example, from the smartphone, tablet, keypad or touchscreen you use to monitor and operate the lights, thermostats and other electronic gear, you can tell your home’s music system to deliver songs from your favorite Internet radio station to speakers in the family room and kitchen.

Later, you and your guests might convene in the media room where with one tap of a button the lights fade, the shades lower, and the A/V system sets up to present a movie on a big projection screen.

Evolved Habitat is a Certified Control4 Smart Home Pro in Northeast Wisconsin. Building a new home or starting a large home renovation?

Get a quote today.

Home Builders: Time to Partner with a Smart Home Installer

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 19:12:59 GMT

Team Up with an Integrator for Smoother Builds & Higher-End Clients

Smart devices are everywhere these days, and homeowners across the country have jumped on the smart home bandwagon.

Nearly every American will own more than 10 smart devices, if the trend predictions hold true through 2021.

Whether you choose wired or wireless home automation solutions, there are certain design solutions to consider and it goes beyond simply including a wireless network to support the devices you have.

When you as the builder partner with a custom technology specialist like Evolved Habitat, you are facilitating a partnership that also includes homeowners.

A recent Houzz survey shows remodeling spending is healthy, with popular smart home additions including home security, outdoor lighting and audio/video entertainment.

A smart home installer can help builders like you extend your access to higher-end clientele in the Green Bay,WI area that are looking to spend money not only on new-builds but remodels, too.

Want to learn three key reasons how you’ll benefit from a partnership with a dedicated home automation installer? Read on.

New Builds and Remodels are on the Rise

Your high-end clients typically reach out to you looking to build a new custom home or embark on a large remodel. Either option comes along with its own unique set of challenges.

A good smart home installer understands a builder’s intention to see a project all the way through, from initiation to final installation.

They also know that basic solutions won’t cut it for clients focused on a higher-end luxury living space.

Evolved Habitat is a Control4 Certified Smart Home Pro as well as Residential Lutron Pro, meaning our specialty lies in 5,000 to 10,000 square foot homes with advanced technology needs.

From whole home audio solutions to the latest privacy-first voice control like Josh.ai , we support your luxury clients and keep them coming back in the future for the newest products and smart home solutions.

Not only are these devices and solutions smart by themselves, but they can integrate into a comprehensive smart home automation system to make life easy in Wisconsin.

Your Clients Want the Latest Trends

Requests for the latest technology trends have exploded in recent years. Homeowners want everything they own to be “smart.”

Evolved Habitat keeps a tight focus on all the latest design and technology trends so we can help you provide clients with functional and sophisticated spaces.

Working with a smart home installer ensures your builds can incorporate today’s technology as well as technology demands 10 or 20 years from now.

We can help you incorporate wiring or devices into structures, then train your clients on how to use the automation systems effortlessly.

Give Your Business the Smart Home Edge

It is our mission to make every client a client for life by building and nurturing relationships. We strive to help them learn how to design the ultimate dream smart home and educate them on how to use every new piece of technology with ease.

We continuously monitor the industry to ensure we only provide the best and longest-lasting products when it comes to integrated smart home automation.

In new builds, we love sitting down with you and your client during the design phase and develop a plan to deeply integrate all the technologies your client wants to have.

From there we have an optimized strategy to implement and install everything easily during the build process.

Once the construction is complete, we sit down with your client again and show them exactly how everything works, help them customize their system, and even show them a few cool tips and tricks.

Our support is always a phone call away.

We can’t wait to collaborate with you and help your clients. Reach out to us today at (800) 920-7610 or fill out our contact form so we can begin our longtime partnership to help homeowners in Green Bay, WI and surrounding areas in Northeast Wisconsin.

3 Fresh Ideas For Your Next Audio Video Installation

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 20:36:07 GMT

A Few Cool AV Home Trends to Consider in 2021

As we embark together into a brand new year, there’s a good chance you asked yourself how you might improve your life in 2021. Beyond the typical new year’s resolutions to upgrade yourself, have you also considered upgrading your Green Bay, WI home?

Not only can a new audio video installation drastically up your home’s style game, but it can also bring a new level of comfort and convenience to the way your entire family lives.

From streaming your favorite playlist on full blast through the entire house or enjoying it softly in the kitchen, an AV upgrade will help get you there.

Read on to discover three cool audio video systems that will take your home from bland to grand in no time flat.

A Whole Home Audio System Might Change Your Life

Let’s say the kids are hanging out downstairs in the playroom, streaming their favorite songs on Spotify while you are in the kitchen playing the latest Taylor Swift album while cooking dinner.

The same system easily controls both rooms of your home, making it all possible with a whole-home audio system .

Zones can be programmed in every area of your home, making it easy to play different music in each zone.

If you have everybody together, you can set all zones to play the same music throughout the home with a simple command. Your outdoor entertainment spaces can even be included in this popular audio video installation solution.

Reach out to us if you would like some help setting up whole home audio.

A Media Room for the Whole Family

The term “media room” has really evolved into a multipurpose social space that typically has a large flat screen TV, surround sound and cozy seating.

The entertainment area of your Green Bay, WI home can be a great place for the entire family to hang out, even if you're doing different activities.

Maybe it’s movie night and you and your spouse are watching a movie on your 8K Ultra HD TV, while your kids are lounging and playing on their iPads.

Perhaps you’ve got a friendly game of billiards going while your favorite Pandora station streams through the in-wall and in-ceiling architectural speakers. Media rooms are a blast for the whole family!

For more media room design tips, fill out our contact form today.

Create a Wellness Space in Your Home

One of the big trends in the AV space is turning specific areas of the home into wellness spaces. Have your media room or home theater turn into a calming oasis with the tap of a button.

Imagine that your motorized shades automatically lower, the nature sounds pipe through the surround sound system, and your TV plays a soothing nature slideshow while the lights dim.

Use this scenario to create the perfect environment for a quick yoga session or relaxing afternoon after a long day.

Conclusion

If you live in Green Bay, Door County, Appleton, Neenah, Oshkosh or surrounding areas of northeast WI, and are interested in any of these trends or any other audio video installations options, call us today at 800-920-7610 or fill out our contact form.

A s your audio video specialists in Wisconsin, we are excited to help you integrate cutting edge technology and AV solutions into your home.

Evolved Habitat is your certified smart home pro in northeast Wisconsin, providing complete smart home installation and integration services including Control4 , Lutron Homeworks, Seura and more.

Expand Your Home Theater with Automation

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 18:45:31 GMT

Create a Luxury Theater Experience via Smart Home Automation

Upgrade Your Home Theater with the Help of Automation

Building the ultimate cinematic experience in your media room or home theater is more than a big screen and surround sound.

High-end A/V equipment is a great starting point, but if you can’t help but feel like your home theater is missing something, you might be right.

Read on to discover how smart home automation can take your dedicated home theater from “just okay” to... “this is amazing!”

Perfect Lighting Every Time

Remember what it was like (prior to the pandemic) to go see a movie at your local cinema?

You’d walk into a dimly lit movie theater, find your seat, and watch some trailers before the movie starts.

Then, when the movie was set to begin, the lights would slowly fade to black, leaving you in complete darkness ready to enjoy the main feature event projected in crisp HD.

So, what does this have to do with home automation, you ask? It has everything to do with automation.

If there’s no way to control your lights, it will quickly take you out of the moment the second you have to get up and manually flip off the lights.

And keep in mind, this is going from 100% brightness to completely dark in an instant, leaving your eyes to adjust from the rapid change in lighting.

A smart lighting control enables you to set the perfect lighting levels for your movie with just a tap or voice command.

Want it done automatically? No problem. Set up an automated routine to lower the lights automatically when your movie begins, without lifting a finger.

One Remote for Everything

If you’re like most Wisconsin homeowners, you probably have a remote control for your Blu-Ray player, one for your HD projector or TV, and another for your speaker system.

Why not remove the need for so many different controllers and simplify everything by using your smartphone or tablet to control everything at once?

Speakers too loud? Thanks to your simplified home automation dashboard for your entire home, you can tap the screen to adjust the sound to the perfect level.

Need to pause the movie while you grab some popcorn? Simply tap the same screen for that too.

You never need to mess around again trying to find the correct remote, especially in the dark, because everything you need to control all of your A/V equipment now lives in one place on the screen you love most.

Easily Control All Your Media

Finding a show or movie should be a quick and easy process, whether you’re streaming Disney+, Netflix, Hulu or picking out a flick from your own media server.

Your smart home automation system can provide instant access to your streaming services and media library from the same smartphone or tablet you used to control the lighting and home theater system.

Merely select the movie you want to watch and press play.

Your integrated automation system will take care of everything so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the show.

With smart home automation, you get all the perks of a traditional home theater, along with the added benefit of choosing what you watch and when you watch it⏤all from the comfort of your own home.

To learn how Evolved Habitat can design and install the perfect home theater or dedicated media room for your northeast Wisconsin home, reach out to us today.

Why You Should Work with a Smart Home Pro

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 22:40:26 GMT

Forget DIY– Here’s Why You Want to Work with a Smart Home Pro

Make Your Wisconsin Home the Smartest on the Block

If you’ve been to one of the big chain stores recently (or visited their website due to the pandemic), then you’ve likely noticed a whole slew of smart devices available.

From smart video doorbells to DIY outdoor security cameras to smart light bulbs, there is definitely no shortage of smart home devices accessible to easily purchase and install.

The major downside, however, is that nearly all of these devices work independently from each other and use their own apps to control them.

So you are left managing your home through multiple apps, making everything feel clunky, disjointed and difficult to operate. Sort of the opposite of smart, right?

With the assistance of Evolved Habitat, your local Smart Home Pro in WI, we can join forces to design, integrate and simplify your home’s smart system perfectly to match your vision and have it do exactly what you want it to do, whether you live in Green Bay, Door County or anywhere else in northeast Wisconsin.

We make sure your smart home automation system is not only high-tech and highly efficient, but also extremely easy to use.

Read on to learn a bit more about a few popular smart home solutions we can integrate into your home, making life easier and more convenient.

Lighting Control & Motorized Shades

Imagine this– Depending on the time of day, your exterior lights, interior lights and window shades are all set to their own automated routines so you never need to worry about manually flipping on lights, opening and closing each and every shade, or coming home to a dark house at night.

All of this can happen automatically, and if you would like to operate your smart lighting system or motorized shades independently, you can do so through a singular unified app on your phone or tablet, a single tap on a wall touch screen, or a simple voice command.

With the assistance of a Smart Home Pro, lighting control and motorized window shades functions can work effortlessly in your Wisconsin home.

Smarter Home Security

Before you take the DIY approach and try installing a video doorbell yourself, imagine your video doorbell integrating into a much larger, expertly designed smart home automation system.

Enjoy the convenience of smarter home security by using any screen in your home (smartphone, tablet or wall panel) to see who’s arrived on your front porch – whether triggered by a doorbell ring or motion sensor.

You can also easily tie-in your surveillance cameras, so you can monitor your Green Bay home while away at work or when you’re on vacation.

Home Theaters & Media Rooms

Remember the days where the “clicker” was the only way to operate your TV?

Well, those days are long gone!

Now you can manage your entire entertainment space from a single universal remote that is also integrated with your entire smart home automation system.

As your Smart Home Pro, we can take your home theater or media room to the next level and program a “movie night” scene – dimming the lights, lowering your motorized window treatments, turning on your smart TV and audio system all with a simple tap or voice command.

Instead of piecing together a haphazard DIY smart home, let’s make your Green Bay home operate seamlessly with maximum convenience and efficiency.

Call us today at 800-920-7610 or submit our form to get started with a no-obligation consultation.

We are excited to work with you on your next home project!

Smart Lighting is a Smart Home Essential

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 20:00:04 GMT

What makes a smart home truly intelligent? To us, one of the smartest and most convenient components is smart lighting.

With benefits like energy efficiency, added peace of mind, streamlined day-to-day activities, and automated actions, it’s pretty easy to see why. Or is it? What does smart lighting actually entail?

Let’s shed some light on the subject. (See what we did there?)

Recommended Reading: What are the Capabilities of Control4 Home Automation? →

What is Smart Lighting?

It’s not a fancy bulb or an app on your phone; although, those can certainly be part of it! It’s the intertwining of the lighting in your home, the multiple functions you can create with them, and the ways in which you can control it all.

Using keypads, voice assistants, an app, touchscreens, or a remote, you’re able to dim lights or change colors and hues in any (and every) room, turn individual fixtures or groups of lights on and off, and set a specific mood.

With just one action, set an entire scene that dims the kitchen lights to a certain percentage while the speakers start a playlist and the front door locks. The smartest thing about smart lighting is that it’s more than just lighting.

DID YOU KNOW?

There are two main ways smart lighting can be installed:

The first is called “Centralized Lighting” which is used for homes in the new-build process or going through major renovations. This option actually connects the lights to a central location, similar to a breaker box, which is hardwired and connects to the smart home “brain” or controller.
The second is called “Wireless Lighting” and is mainly used for retro-fitting. This option uses the same wires that run to your current lighting switches, but the regular switches are replaced by a smart switch or keypad and then communicate wirelessly to the “brain” or controller.

What Can Smart Lighting Do?

Conveniently placed lighting keypads allow you to turn off every light on your way out the door with one tap. As you arrive home, your garage door can trigger the entryway lights to lead your way into the house.

Motion detectors brighten the hallway lights during the evening and throughout the night, making it easier to move about without disturbing the rest of the household.

S mart lighting simplifies your daily routine—and even tasks that only happen every now and again—in an intuitive way easy enough for the whole family to use and enjoy.

What Does Smart Lighting Look Like?

Switches, dimmers, and customizable keypads ( check out colors and finishes here ) match your decor and blend in seamlessly to your home; no unsightly or boring switches plastered your wall creating “wall acne.”

No longer will you need to fiddle with switches until you find the right one. Instead of a bank of four—or more!—switches on your walls, one sleek customizable keypad can take care of multiple lights in multiple rooms, or even set an entire scene with preset lighting, music, temperature control, and door locks.

How Do I Use Smart Lighting?

Smart lighting wouldn’t be very smart if sleek switches and keypads were the only way you could control it, right?

With Control4 Smart Lighting, you’re also able to use an app on your phone, tabletop or in-wall touchscreens, voice assistants like Google Home, Amazon Alexa and Josh , and even a TV remote to control your lighting throughout the entire house.

When your hands are full while you’re working in the kitchen, just ask Alexa or Google to turn up the lights for you. When you’re cozied up on the couch, use the remote to dim the lights for the movie.

When you’re out on the patio enjoying the evening, use the mobile app to turn on the ambiance of the outside lights. And of course, as you’re headed up the stairs to catch some Zzzz’s, use the lighting switches and keypads to put the whole house to bed.

SO MANY POSSIBILITIES...

Keep your home safe while you’re away
Smart lighting can help deter burglars from targeting your home. With remote management capabilities, you can turn lights on and off right from your phone while you’re away, or using our “Mockupancy” feature, your lighting—and electronics like TVs—will turn on and off on their own to “mock” how they would be used if you were home; perfect for while you’re away on a holiday or just out for the night.

Spruce up the holidays
Add a little extra spirit to your holiday decor and never have to walk outside to plug in the exterior lights in the snow! Simply tell Alexa or Google to turn on outside lights, or have them power up and down at a set time every night along with other decorations without having to lift a festive finger.

Be eco-friendly
Smart lighting helps you conserve energy in a few different ways. Lights can stay consistently at 70% luminosity for most preset scenes. Exterior lights may come on at a certain time in the evening so you aren’t arriving home to a dark house, and then turn off at an early morning hour so you aren’t wasting energy when someone forgets to flip the switches the next day.

But this is just the first hint of light when it comes to the benefits of smart lighting. The future of your smart lighting journey is looking bright!

Content sourced from control4.com

Level Up With the All-New Control4 T4 Touch Screen

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 20:04:04 GMT

The Ultimate Smart Home Experience with the Control4 T4 Touch Screen.

As a direct replacement for the T3 Touchscreen, T4 delivers a high-resolution screen, dual microphones, and more powerful speakers than the T3. With its elevated features, T4 is the perfect companion for the new Control4 Chime Video Doorbell, OS 3, and Intercom Anywhere.

Improved Features

T4 is the most powerful touchscreen Control4 has ever built, with 2x the resolution of the T3, dual microphones, more powerful speakers, and a faster processor. Plus, T4 can be installed in the same backbox as a T3, making installing a T4 on every job an easy way to upgrade your client’s smart home experience.

The Ideal Smart Home Experience

T4’s upgraded features allow for clear communication and seamless control of the entire smart home experience, from lighting and music to shades, thermostats, and more. Unlike a smartphone or tablet, T4 is always connected, so it’s easy for you to get a complete picture of your property at a glance through the OS 3 dashboard.

Quick and Easy Installs

Tool-less installs (no ribbon cable required) make touchscreen installation and removal fast, and mounting is easy and secure thanks to powerful magnets and a tamper-resistant screw. Plus, T4 is available in portable and in-wall models and uses the same backbox as all Control4 touchscreens built since 2010 for a quick retrofit solution.

T4 Touchscreen + Chime: A Perfect Pair

When paired with T4’s superior audio and video quality, Chime brings complete peace of mind to security-conscious customers. The T4’s faster processor shows customers who’s at their door in an instant, and constant connectivity with Intercom Anywhere makes it easy to communicate with visitors on the porch or others inside the home.

Built-in Commercial Features

Simplify complex multimedia systems in bars, restaurants, boardrooms, and other commercial environments with Control4. With the power of OS 3, you can set your user access to lock out or password protect certain features of the Control4 T4 Touch Screen to ensure business environments are controlled by authorized users only.

Control4 T4 Touch Screen Features

Browse your playlists with a simple swipe, display bold cover art images, and easily personalize your lighting experience.
Delivers always-on, dedicated control over all the technology in the room.
Features low-profile design, edge-to-edge glass and crisp picture with two and a half times the resolution of previous models.
Custom wallpapers can be added to match the room’s decor, or graphically treated with the hotel’s logo.
Available in White and Black.

Smart Tips for a Safe 2020 Holiday Season

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 15:29:31 GMT

This year, more than ever, we all deserve a festive, peaceful holiday season. That means doing our best to protect our holiday moments by taking those extra steps to keep our homes and loved ones safe.

To help with that, we've put together some easy tips to strengthen your home security now, so that you can focus on the fun parts of the season.

Originally published by alarm.com

1: Start with security cameras

Two-thirds of homeowners worry that their home is more attractive to criminals during the holidays. There are plenty of ways to deter those criminals, though. One of the most visible and useful is security cameras, which send a clear message to potential intruders that you've taken action to protect yourself.

Alarm.com smart home security cameras go a step further with video analytics, an intelligent feature that classifies moving objects as people, animals, or vehicles and lets you know who's there. It can even trigger your home's smart lights to turn on, surprising a potential intruder (two-legged or four-legged).

2: Make friends in the right places

It's the perfect time to re-connect with your neighbors; not just for the feeling of community, but to team up against neighborhood crime. By keeping an eye out for each other, you'll make your own homes safer too.

When you can't connect in person, new digital tools make it easy to stay in touch and up to date on neighborhood news. If you see something suspicious, let your neighbors know and ask them to do the same.

3: Give your packages plenty of protection

With so many people buying gifts online to avoid the crowds, even more packages will pile up on doorsteps across the country this year. A doorbell camera and smart lock can help keep your packages safe.

When a delivery driver rings your doorbell, you'll get an alert on your smartphone instantly. Just tap the microphone button to say hello and ask the driver to leave the package outside. If you're away from home, you can unlock your door and turn off your security system for a moment so that the driver can put your packages inside.

4: Simplify your home security routine

Did you know that most days, one in three homeowners worry that they didn't lock their house ? Holiday excitement makes it especially easy to forget things like checking all the doors and security system before running an errand. Don't worry: we have solutions for you.

Alarm.com Scenes let you secure your whole home with a single command as you leave. Just tap your preset Away Scene on your Alarm.com app to have your doors lock, your security system arm itself, your garage close, your lights turn off, and the thermostat set itself back to save energy. It's a smarter approach than trying to do it all yourself when you're running late.

If you forget to close or lock something, our Geo-Services feature sends you a reminder. Once you hit the road, you'll get a notification that you need to lock up, close the garage or arm your security system from your Alarm.com app.

5: Enjoy the coziness but watch the candles

Decorating and cooking are some of the best parts of the holidays, but they bring seasonal fire risks. Make safe choices, like choosing flame resistant holiday decorations, and be sure to replace any worn or broken cords or loose bulbs. Always turn off light strings and other decorations before leaving the house or going to bed.

Home cooking fires cost $1.2 billion in property damage each year, according to the NFPA . Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to make sure they work and replace them at least every ten years. A professionally monitored security system like Alarm.com can alert you to a fire and notify your monitoring service, who'll dial 911 on your behalf while you focus on your family's safety.

6: Create an essential just-in-case plan

Hopefully, you'll never have to use it, but an emergency plan is crucial for everyone living under your roof, including furry family members. If a fire breaks out, all members of the household should know what to do, where to meet, and who to call.

The Red Cross recommends practicing different versions of your plan twice a year . If you use Alarm.com, you can add family members to your alerts, and relax in the knowledge that your professional monitoring service has the emergency call covered.

7: Look out for your loved ones

Even before the pandemic, 7 in 10 adults with parents over 60 felt concerned that they couldn't visit them frequently enough. At the end of 2020, the feeling is universal.

Consider Alarm.com's Wellness technology for a new way to stay connected and ensure that your loved ones are safe and well. Installed in an older adult's home, Wellness discreetly reads daily activity patterns to alert you to any potential wellbeing issues. It's ideal for an older parent who values the independence of living by themselves, but who feels that they use an extra safeguard, just in case.

Bonus tip: protect yourself from digital danger too.

If you're new to smart home security, remember to protect your account from online intruders. The idea of a digital attack on your home security is frightening, but protecting yourself is simple.

The typical intruder doesn't target the technology company but your login credentials. The solution: update and improve your password, and set up Two-Factor Authentication.

Thinking about home security for the holidays?

You'll appreciate the extra peace of mind this season but you'll enjoy the benefits of a modern security system all year round. Professionally installed and monitored, and customized for your home, it's the easiest way to rest assured and enjoy the season.

Want to protect your holidays with Alarm.com technology?

Upgrade Outdated LiteTouch to Lutron Lighting System

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 17:43:13 GMT

LiteTouch Became Obsolete in 2015

Some years ago, the LiteTouch system was a fairly popular smart lighting system found in many smart homes. In 2015, however, they shut down the line, leaving many homes with outdated and dysfunctional solutions.

Lutron HomeWorks QS has stepped in as the ideal replacement. If you have a Lite Touch system in your Wisconsin home, a Lutron lighting system is the necessary replacement for a retrofit solution that embraces all the latest technology.

In this post, we’ll look at what LiteTouch was and what the transition to Lutron’s HomeWorksQS system looks like.

Lutron HomeWorks QS is the Perfect Replacement for LiteTouch

The Lutron HomeWorks system is a great replacement for the Lite Touch system because it uses the same or similar wiring for keypads and panel connections. For homeowners with existing Lite Touch installations, this makes for an easy switch.

The Lutron HomeWorks system provides all the benefits of a Lite Touch solution. On top of that, you’ll gain remote access of your home’s lighting system, along with in-home control via smartphone, tablet, voice control or dedicated keypad.

With the Lite Touch system, you didn’t get these added control capabilities. This is where the Lutron HomeWorks QS truly shines and make it a true upgrade.

A Lutron lighting system is a smart addition to any home. Additionally, for homes with the pre-existing LiteTouch setup, the HomeWorks system specifically makes the transition easy.

If your home has an existing LiteTouch system, or you’re looking to buy a house with a discontinued system built in, this upgrade is inevitable and will be a vast improvement.

In these cases, we recommend having one of our Smart Home Pros evaluate the existing LiteTouch system to design the best possible Lutron HomeWorks replacement. This not only ensures the replacement and technical work are completed properly, but also provides the luxury of a new and improved system.

Why Invest in a New Smart Lighting System?

Lutron HomeWorks is the leader in smart lighting control for luxury homeowners and has been so for over a decade. The Lutron system provides convenient, intelligent, and cutting-edge management of your home’s lighting and shades. This versatile system can also be integrated with security and home entertainment systems.

A single HomeWorks keypad can control a variety of functions and zones of light throughout your home, eliminating the need for unsightly control panels or extensive rows of switches.

You can also control your lighting from your smartphone, tablet, or with your voice, enhancing your lifestyle. In addition, Lutron HomeWorks stylish controls are available in a wide number of colors and finishes. For luxury homeowners looking to create stylish yet eco-friendly homes, Lutron’s HomeWorks is the way to go.

Control4 Just Updated the Neeo Remote: Here's What's Included

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Wed, 30 Sep 2020 15:31:00 GMT

Enjoy powered up thermostat control and a streamlined tuner page in the latest update on the Neeo Remote.

Control4 Neeo Remote Firmware Release

Message from Control4

We are excited to announce some new features in our latest Neeo Automatic Update. Thermostats get more control with the extras tab, and the customer interface has been simplified with new icons for dimmers, switches and fans, as well as unused buttons on the Tuner page removed.

Changes since last release:

Adjusted Dimmer, Switches and Fan icons
Do not show devices from other buildings in "All" filter
Thermostat Extras are implemented (behind Feature Flag)
Removed unused/unusable Tuner Transport Control Page

Neeo Remote for Control4 Release Notes

The Neeo Remote for Control4 puts the power of Control4 Smart Home OS 3 in the palm of your hand.

Engineered by our team of Swiss designers, the remote's machined aluminum chassis and intuitive interface are expertly crafted to bring a highly refined experience to your media room.

The Neeo Remote controls television, movies, music, lights, thermostats, and virtually anything else in a Control4 Smart Home. Its 81 mm (3.2-inch), high-resolution touchscreen and software-driven graphical interface reduce the number of buttons and make personalized features of Smart Home OS 3—like favorites—available now from a handheld remote.

It includes physical buttons for the essentials, so it’s easy to mute the movie or adjust the volume without looking down. The Neeo Remote is more than a television remote—it is a smart home interaction device that is always available and easy for anyone to use.

Control4 is committed to providing new features for the Neeo Remote in a timely manner. Firmware updates for the Neeo Remote are rolled out automatically—without needing your Control4 Dealer to update the system.

Evolved Habitat is your Certified Smart Home Pro in the state of Wisconsin. We specialize in custom smart home systems, innovative home automation design and installation, and cutting-edge home security solutions. Connect with us today if you are planning a new construction or home renovation and we will design a custom smart home automation plan, create a streamlined strategy to blend it into your space, and deliver unmatched service during the entire process and beyond.

21 Amazing Automation Ideas to Supercharge Your Home

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 19:52:57 GMT

Home automation doesn’t have to feel daunting. Here's 21 ideas to make life at little easier at home.

When you build a strong foundation, your whole home automation system will be completely integrated together for seamless operation.

The possibilities are endless! If we were to try and list a complete list of home automation ideas, we’d be here until the cows come home.

So today, we are going to feature 21 of our favorites to get your wheels spinning. Enjoy!

Smart Lighting Ideas

Turn off lights automatically each morning when kids leave for school.
Motion sensors in critical areas can signal the automation system to switch off lights when a room has been vacant for some time.
If the natural light in the room is less than 50%, lights adjust to 50%. If natural light is less than 40%, lights increase to 60%, and so on. This helps for when the shades are drawn, or on a cloudy day in the middle of summer.

Smart Lighting Idea:

"Turn off lights automatically each morning when kids leave for school."

Tweet this!

Smart Audio Ideas

Create a “Music” scene, which sets the lights at 30% and volume at your preferred level – perfect for late-night focus while working on a project.
Install a touch screen behind a waterproof wall mount in your shower to control music streaming in the shower.
Program your own “His and Her” audio settings. With a Control4 System, you can time each to correspond with the time of day, designated keypad buttons, or audio zones.

Home Theater Automation Ideas

Automatically lock your home’s front and rear doors when a movie begins.
When you press pause, bring the lights up by 30%.
A “Good Night” scene, which provides a push notification on your kids’ iPad to turn off their TVs. The lights in each bedroom flash as a warning, and 10 minutes later, the TVs switch off automatically.

Home Theater Automation Idea:

"Automatically lock your home’s front and rear doors when a movie begins."

Tweet this!

Smart Security Ideas

If there’s a security breach, program every light in the house to illuminate to 100%. Simultaneously, the front door automatically locks, the motorized shades open, and every TV displays views from all surveillance cameras.
Automate your bedroom touch screen to see who’s at the door when the bell rings from your front door or gate intercom.
Watching TV when someone rings the doorbell? Have an image from the surveillance camera appear on any TV that happens to be on, pausing the TV show or movie for 15 seconds.

Climate Control Ideas

“Wakeup” scene that opens the curtains, gradually raises lighting over five minutes and sets the temperature to your preferred level.
Program shades and drapes to open and close automatically based on the position of the sun and home occupancy.
An “Exercise” scene that lowers the temperature for a workout, even turning a TV to a favorite station or starting a customized music playlist.

Energy-Saving Automation Ideas

Set sprinklers and lawn systems to respond automatically to weather conditions (so you’re not watering the lawn on rainy days).
Implement an energy management system that continually monitors the current energy production of your home’s solar panels.
Measure your entire home’s energy consumption, circuit by circuit, automatically with your home automation system.

Voice Control Ideas

“Hey Google, good morning” brings lights up gradually, starts a mellow playlist, turns on kitchen lights. Now you’re ready to start the day!
“Alexa, turn on party time” drops disco ball from the ceiling, starts up LED color changing lights, turns your favorite party playlist up at max volume.
Queue the movie, even when the remote is lost in the couch cushions. A voice command can start up the Blu-ray player, dim the lights to 30%, draw the shades, and set the perfect ambiance for enjoying movies!

Smart Home Voice Control Idea:

"Hey Google, good morning” brings lights up gradually, starts a mellow playlist, turns on kitchen lights. Now you’re ready to start the day!"

Tweet this!

Select content sourced from Control4.com

Conclusion

There you have it! There's 21 of our favorite home automation ideas to inspire you. This list is only cracking the surface of what's possible with home automation. If you are looking to build a new construction home or thinking of starting a home renovation project, don't hesitate to reach out to us at Evolved Habitat. From design, to installation and through to education, we are ready to help you with all your smart home automation and home security needs.

And now it's your turn! What are you favorite home automation tips and tricks? Let us know in the comments section below.

Weatherproof Outdoor TVs for Your Backyard

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 22:30:21 GMT

Séura Outdoor TVs are made to withstand all of Earth’s elements while providing exceptional and reliable performance.

F rom extreme temperatures to rain, snow, and dust, Séura Outdoor TVs are engineered to endure anything Mother Nature throws their way – something an indoor TV just can’t do.

With screens that are three times brighter than indoor TVs, Séura Outdoor TVs cast a picture you can actually see in bright sunlight.

Indoor warranties are voided by putting a TV outside. In full sun, if you put an indoor TV outside, it will be out of its operating temperature range in as little as 15 minutes.

Séura Outdoor TVs outperform the competition with the best weatherproofing, best picture quality, best-sounding and best-looking Outdoor TVs in the industry.

With screens as large as 86 inches and soundbars that perfectly match the width of every model, Séura’s full line of sleek Outdoor TVs were designed to fit seamlessly in your outdoor space.

Carefully calibrated for use in shade or full sun, Séura Outdoor TVs are the best and brightest in their class. Every Séura Outdoor TV boasts exquisitely vivid 4K UHD and HDR technology.

Séura’s front-facing weatherproof outdoor soundbars project sound toward you to deliver rich, powerful audio in every backyard setting. For a world-class experience, upgrade to our premium 60W RMS 2-Channel Bluetooth® Enabled Soundbar.

Content sourced from Seura.com

3 Ways Home Automation Makes Life Better

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Thu, 27 Aug 2020 19:21:01 GMT

How will you know when you're living your best life?

That's a tough question to answer, but we do know that Control4 home automation has the potential to make the life you're currently living measurably better.

Efficiency

If smart technology has taught us anything, it's that automated features can make us more efficient. Think of your cell phone alarm clock, which can be customized to wake you up at various times on different days of the week. Thanks to this smart feature, you can set your alarms once and move on with your life.

In a similar way, automated home features are designed to help people get the most out of their energy consumption by learning their lifestyle habits and adapting energy consumption accordingly. As a result, smart homes can save up to 30-40% of energy!

A classic example of how this works is good, old-fashioned heat monitoring. Whereas an old thermostat would kick on the air conditioning or heat when the internal temperature of the entire house reached a certain level, a house that's been set-up with a fully automated system would take it a step further by tracking when the house is occupied, when it's empty, and which rooms need to be kept at what specific temperatures and when.

Such automation home ideas allow both you (and your house!) to maintain maximum efficiency.

Security

We're not talking here specifically about automated security systems (although those certainly do make life better!) but about how generally safer your home life can be when your smart devices and systems are fully coordinated and automated.

Take, for example, the following scenarios.

You're at the store but can't remember if you have coconut milk in the fridge.
You're already in bed half asleep when you pop awake, wondering if you remembered to shut the garage door.
You're halfway to work and can't remember if you unplugged your curling iron.
You want to turn the music down but you don't want to walk all the way over there to do it.

All these scenarios (and more!) can be easily handled with a smart, automated home system.

Everything from smart lighting solutions, smart kitchen appliances, smart garage doors, smart sound systems, and--yes, smart home security systems--can be fully integrated, automated, and easily controlled from anywhere in (or out of!) the house.

No matter what frustrations or inconveniences arise, Control4 home automation helps set your mind at ease.

Convenience

Efficiency and security are wonderful benefits of Control4 home automation, but we won't pretend that they're the ultimate benefit.

The simple fact is that the number one way automation makes life better is by making each moment more convenient .

Convenience is one of the biggest reasons that people build and purchase smart homes. These homes give users remote access to systems including heating and cooling systems, intercoms, music and multimedia devices throughout the home. Integrated hard drives allow homeowners to watch video or listen to audio in any room; video intercoms make it easy to communicate with others in the home or visitors at the door. All of these smart home technologies streamline common tasks.

Honestly, we get it!

We're all busy, distracted, and on the go.

A nything that makes our daily life more convenient puts us well on our way toward living our best lives.

We Can Help

When your home's important systems have been integrated and fully automated, you're free to focus your time and attention on the things you really love. Try out our free smart home planning tool and see how easy it is to take charge of your entire home .

Learn more about Control4 home automation today!

Working from Your Connected Home

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Sat, 15 Aug 2020 19:15:08 GMT

We understand that many of you are adjusting to working from home during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The landscape of remote working is unfamiliar for many of you so we’re here to help. Perhaps you already have a basic smart home ecosystem in place? If so, there are many ways you can harness your tech to help you work more effectively from home. Maybe you haven’t yet experimented with home automation?

Work From Home Hacks

Set up a dedicated smart workspace
Control entry with a video doorbell
Create do not disturb zones with color-coded lighting
Use the timers on your smart display to establish structure
Minimize distractions with online tools

1) Setup a Dedicated Smart Workspace

If you’re currently trying to work from home, you’ll need a dedicated workspace even if you don’t have a smart home office . This is the perfect opportunity to create a distraction-free environment so you can get more done in less time.

Make sure your chair is upright or very slightly reclined. You should be aiming for a neutral posture so you’re neither bending nor thrusting forward. You want your back relaxed but still supported
Use a laptop stand so the top of your screen is at eye level or just below. If you don’t have a stand, use reams of paper or phone books instead
Use an external keyboard and mouse at or below elbow height
Add a smart plug to your desk lamp so you can streamline control while enjoying the task lighting you need for focused work
Ensure that WiFi signal is strong enough for your needs. If you’re looking to start working from home more often and you have flat spots or patchy signal, consider a mesh WiFi network . With small nodes hosing signal to all corners of your home, you’ll be free to video call and download seamlessly

Remember: Even if you have the ergonomic set-up above, take frequent breaks every 30 minutes or so. You need to rest your eyes and stretch your legs so don’t skip this.

2) Control Entry from Your Laptop with a Video Doorbell

If you’re working from home in a busy household, you should minimize distraction wherever possible. Do you have a video doorbell ? If so, you can take control remotely from your laptop so you’re not constantly reaching for your smartphone.

With Ring or Google Nest smart doorbells, for example, just download the app on your laptop as well as your phone. With Ring Video Doorbells , if you’re working some distance from the door, consider the Ring Chime Pro WiFi Extender .

This will boost your network signal and ensure you never miss a visitor even if you’re engrossed in an intensive project. We touched on the idea of a distraction-free zone but how about if you really need some privacy?

3) Create Do Not Disturb Zones with Color-coded Lighting

If you have a video call with clients or you need to focus on a complex spreadsheet, how can you ensure nobody disturbs you? Save reaching for the Post-Its and make a game of things with your kids.

Show them that when the lights are a certain color, you’re not to be disturbed. Walk them through how to create scenes like this in-app and school them on some home automation at the same time. You can achieve this with a color-changing smart bulb .

Take advantage of an Echo device or Google Home smart speaker and you can activate Do Not Disturb mode hands-free.

4) Use the Timers on your Smart Display to Establish Structure

While smart speakers can be useful for hand-free control and help organizing your day working from home, a smart display is even better. If you have an Echo Show or Google Nest Hub, use the on-screen timers to create some structure in your day. Think about a typical day at the office.

From meetings to chatting with co-workers, from bathroom breaks to lunch breaks, you’ll seldom be anchored in one place for too long. Don’t fall into the trap at home of working for long and unbroken periods. You need to rest your eyes and stretch your legs. Consider using the Pomodoro Technique .

This simple but highly-effective time-management technique goes as follows:

Set a countdown timer on your smart display for 25 minutes
Focus on a single task until the timer rings
Take a short break
After 4 Pomodoro sessions, take a longer break
Repeat

Feel free to alter the time periods to suit but don’t work for more than 45 minutes without taking at least a very short break. If you’re working on a task and something else comes into your mind, write this on a sheet of paper and deal with it later. This will help to keep you focused. You could also use timers on your smart display to remind you to stay hydrated if you struggle to drink enough water.

5) Minimize Distractions with Online Tools

Working online can be remarkably distracting, especially if you’re not in the office and nobody will raise an eyebrow if you lose yourself down a Reddit rabbit hole for hours. Add a simple toolbar extension to block websites that suck your time.

Set limits and stay on track then make use of your favorite sites when you’re taking a break. Don’t open social media accounts or unnecessary communication apps when you’re in work mode. Avoid constantly checking your personal email. Check out Simpleology to help you get more things done in less time with fewer distractions and more purpose.

The content of this article was sourced from smarthome.com

What are the Capabilities of Control4 Home Automation?

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Tue, 28 Jul 2020 18:48:05 GMT

Complete Smart Home Control From Top to Bottom, Inside and Out.

Every Home Can Be a Smart Home

It’s a common misconception that in order to have a smart home, you must get in during the building phase. We’ve debunked that myth. Whether your home is yet to be built, in the construction process, or has been standing for years, Control4 has the power to make it the smartest one on the block.

And size is of no importance; you can smarten up a small flat or a sprawling estate. Control4 products are built to scale. This means you can start with a universal remote for all of your entertainment equipment and then add a few smart lights or door locks (or anything else) as you’re ready to expand.

Control4 Home Automation Makes Homes Intelligent

Your Control4 home is powered by a system controller—the brain of your home. Then, by using a Control4 interface—like a handheld remote, a wall keypad, or touch screen—you can conveniently connect to wired and wireless devices, allowing you to adjust the thermostat, start music throughout the house, close the shades or garage door, or perform many of these actions in unison.

From smart lighting to audio equipment, thermostats, security cameras , speakers and beyond, Control4 connects products that enhance your security, comfort, convenience, and entertainment at home.

Control4 Plays Nicely With Others

The Control4 Home Automation software operates on an “open” platform. This means you have choice. Whether you want to use products from other manufacturers or choose the products we have purpose-built for the smart home, it’s entirely up to you.

Brands like Bose, Dish, Denon, LG, Samsung, and Sony already have Control4 technology built into many of their products, but Control4 also communicates with tens of thousands of devices from over 300 brands. The way you listen to music , relax, work, watch a movie , cook, entertain, and create—are all made better when the products you personally know and use every day are integrated into a single system.

A Home That Works For Your Life

A Nest thermostat, a Phillips Hue light bulb, a Ring doorbell camera—they’re all controlled through their respective apps. But do any of them communicate together? Does your porch light illuminate at night when the doorbell is pressed?

Will your door camera allow you to remotely grant access to a service worker while you’re away? Can every light be turned off as the thermostat sets itself into “Away” mode when you leave for work? With Control4 Home Automation, your home can do all of this—and so much more—on an easy-to-operate system the whole family will love.

The content of this article was sourced from Control4.com

Séura Launches New Shade Series 2 Outdoor TVs

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 02:30:13 GMT

Séura ^® brings home entertainment to a new level with industry-leading outdoor TVs

Shade Series 2™ outperforms the competition with the biggest, brightest, best-looking and best sounding Outdoor TVs for shaded areas in the industry.

GREEN BAY, Wis. – The latest model in a line of weatherproof outdoor TVs from U.S.-based Séura was designed to knock the socks off the competition – and also allow users to put up their feet and relax in style while watching a top-of-the-line TV in their shaded outdoor space. It’s made for staying home, something most of us are getting good at.

Séura, a leading manufacturer of outdoor TVs, recently released the Shade Series 2 Outdoor TV , a follow-up to its original Shade Series Outdoor TV. The Shade Series 2 features improved brightness and contrast, sleek micro-edge design for nearly borderless viewing, better integration with streaming devices and a higher waterproof rating.

Shade Series 2 enhancements include:

43-inch TV size option for $1,999 MSRP, soundbar included
IP56 rating to withstand powerful water jets and protect against dust and solid particle ingress
700 nit brightness, which is three times brighter than indoor TVs and 75 percent brighter than the competition’s shade models
25 percent greater contrast (5,000:1) than the previous model
Self-powered soundbar has amplifier with integrated Digital Sound Processor
RF window for faster transfer from streaming devices, remotes, and WiFi connectivity
Micro-edge 9mm bezel for nearly borderless viewing
IP, RS-232, and IR integration for more options and seamless use with control system

Like its predecessor, the Shade Series 2 also features 4K UHD and HDR picture technology for dynamic color and realistic images that bring the picture to life.

I ts included 50W RMS 2-channel forward-facing soundbar provides 2.5 times the power of the competition’s down-firing speakers. And, as always, it comes with an industry-leading two-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Now more than ever, when families are spending extra time at home, Séura Outdoor TVs provide peace of mind when it comes to picture quality, weatherproofing, safety and warranty.

GRETCHEN GILBERTSON, SÉURA CEO

“Using a TV made specifically for the outdoors is vital in outdoor entertaining spaces. The benefits are simple, but they’re often overlooked in favor of less expensive indoor options, which is a mistake,” said Gretchen Gilbertson, Séura CEO. “Now more than ever, when families are spending extra time at home, Séura Outdoor TVs provide peace of mind when it comes to picture quality, weatherproofing, safety and warranty.”

Séura’s Shade Series 2 Outdoor TV is specifically designed with all electrical connections and critical devices properly protected and sealed to withstand heat, cold, moisture, dust, and insects.

They’re safe, secure and durable enough to be permanently displayed and operated outside year round in temperatures ranging from -24° F to 104° F and stored in temperatures from -24° F to 140° F.

Shade Series 2 Outdoor TVs are available in 43-, 55-, 65- and 75-inch sizes and ship within three to five business days. Séura is offering free shipping on all Outdoor TVs through the end of September.

To learn more about the Séura Shade Series 2, visit seura.com/products/outdoor-tvs/shade .

Source: Seura

The 9 Best Music Streaming Services

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Sat, 18 Jul 2020 20:07:57 GMT

Here's a Glimpse into the 9 Best Music Streaming Apps Available

Choosing the best smart speaker or smart display for your connected home is tough enough, but what about choosing between all the different music streaming services?

Today, it seems like there’s an almost infinite choice and, sometimes, that can lead to analysis paralysis. Also, the vast bulk of streaming services seem broadly similar on the surface, so choosing the right one seems like a Herculean task. After all, 40 million songs might sound great, but really it's just more music you won’t listen to.

As usual we’re here to help out and guide you through your decision making process. We’ll look today at 9 of the strongest streaming services so you can decide which best meshes with your listening needs.

Rather than implying some kind of best to worst order, we’ll alphabetize them for your convenience. Also, we’re not going to list prices as they are all broadly comparable and also subject to change.

So let’s get this party started with a glimpse of the music streaming giants we’ll be looking at…

Amazon Music Unlimited
Apple Music
iHeart Radio
Pandora
Qoobuz
SoundCloud
Spotify
Tidal
YouTube Premium

1) Amazon Music Unlimited

Amazon Music Unlimited is Amazon’s attempt to rival Apple Music and Spotify. If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you’ll automatically get access to the Prime Music app. With Amazon Music Unlimited, you’ll get 40 million ad-free songs. You can also download them at will so you can enjoy them offline, too. Prime Music, by contrast, has just 2 million songs but this is still more than enough for most reasonable purposes. Keep your eyes peeled for special offers from Amazon in tandem with Echo devices.

Amazon also serves up a free, ad-studded service when you’re listening on an Echo smart speaker. You won’t be able to search and you’ll be limited to Amazon playlists and radio, but it’s a nice taster.

As with most Amazon services, you can road test their music streaming with a free 30-day trial and see if it aligns with your expectations.

Key Benefits

The best choice for Alexa-heavy households
The free trial lets you try before you buy
Many deals available including Echo exclusives

2) Apple Music

While Apple Music was struggling to come out the gate, these teething problems have been cured and its reputation has strengthened.

Get started with a free 3-month trial on your iPhone, iPad, Mac or PC. Thanks to this robust freebie, Apple now attracts 50 million subscribers making it the second most popular music streaming service behind Spotify.

There’s no ongoing free option like with Spotify, though. However, you can get a slight discount by paying annually.

You’ll get your iTunes album combined with any music you don’t own. You’ll also be able to download up to 100,000 tracks with the paid plan and access 45 million songs along with live radio. Linking to HomePod is a breeze as you’d expect and AirPlay 2 integration gives you multi-room audio.

Key Benefits

Digital storage allows you to keep up to 100,000 songs
Live Beats 1 radio is a valuable extra
Get exclusive songs and albums from your favorite artists

3) iHeart Radio

iHeart Radio merges live radio alongside a catalog of music, but does it really work? Since being founded way back in 2008, services have expanded to include more music recommendations and neatly customizable stations.

In terms of live radio, there are more than 800 iHeart radio stations spread across the US. You’ll also get an excellent selection of genre stations and 1500 other stations, so you really are spoiled with choices. If you’re looking for a free music streaming service, iHeart Radio delivers. With no hidden fees and no subscription plans at all, you get a comprehensive streaming package completely free of charge.

You won’t be menaced by ads on the custom stations and you’ll get a great deal of valuable artist info along with some highly informative news articles. Functionality also extends to podcasts and you can download the iHeart Radio app for use on your mobile device. You can’t download at all so you’ll need to make sure you’ve got a reliable Internet connection to get the best from this streaming service.

Key Benefits

Get the advantage of live radio without sacrificing curated music
19 genre stations and 1500 live radio stations
Completely free service with no paid packages at all

4) Pandora

Often referred to as the best music streaming service for passive listening, Pandora demands very little by the way of user input. Powered by the Music Genome Project , the underlying principle of this platform is to capture the very essence of music, but does it succeed?

Absolutely. With live radio, you can sit through the ads without needing to pay anything or invest a nominal monthly sum to eliminate advertising. On top of this, Pandora also introduced paid, on-demand music streaming.

Pandora has slowly but surely built up its catalog, so you should find almost anything you’re looking for unless you veer off into ultra-low key genres. Social sharing is somewhat lacking but this is more than compensated for by exceptional discovery functionality. Thanks to the Music Genome Project, curating playlists with Pandora Premium is super-simple with music automatically added.

You’ll get a 60-day free trial, so you can see for yourself if Pandora truly does capture the essence of music and whether it works for you. There’s an in-browser player, desktop program and mobile app, so you have all main bases covered.

While no serious rival to Spotify, Pandora finds its own market. All that remains for you to determine is whether you’re part of that market.

Key Benefits

Free and paid radio along with on-demand streaming
Remarkably user-friendly experience even for beginners
Majestic simplicity of algorithm offers intelligent suggestions

5) Qoobuz

While Qoobuz won’t win any prizes for its user base, it’s a class-leader if you prioritize audio quality above all else. Qoobuz is a French-based company that’s slowly been edging into other territories including the US It is pricey, but is it worth the price tag?

If you are a serious audiophile hankering to stream ultra-high-res FLAC files, Qoobuz is only rivaled by Tidal.

Playlists are curated by humans. If you’re used to the almost endless choice on other platforms, you might find the number slightly disappointing. Building your own playlists, on the other hand, is straightforward. You can also easily import playlists from other platforms so it’s not all doom and gloom.

None of the 4 paid tiers are cheap with the line-topping Sublime+ option which is only available as an annual plan. While Qoobuz is ruthlessly expensive compared to opposing music streaming services, it comes with an inbuilt advantage. If you’re a lover of high-res music, you’ll get a discount of 30 to 60% if you buy from the Qoobuz download store.

For anyone wanting to stream at 320kbps, there are more modest plans that bring Qoobuz within most budgets.

Key Benefits

Stream high-resolution FLAC files up to 24 bit
Track documentation and metadata
Stream in 5 different ways

6) SoundCloud

If you’re involved in the music industry or you just enjoy discovering brand new music by unknowns, SoundCloud needs no introduction. For a listening experience completely free of commercial interruptions, SoundCloud is also hard to beat.

In a vertical where most platforms have very little to differentiate themselves, SoundCloud stays fresh by allowing anyone to upload content.

Whether you prefer listening from a web browser or mobile app, the stripped-down interface makes everything super-simple. There’s a pop-up media player at the bottom which allows you to remain in control of playback even as you navigate hunting down fresh material.

If you’re looking for a selection of music you simply won’t find on other music streaming services and you’re disinclined to pay for the privilege, SoundCloud is the obvious solution.

Key Benefits

The best platform for discovering new music
No ads during playback
Minimalist and intuitive app
Completely free across all platforms

7) Spotify

If you’ve ever tried searching for an obscure track on Spotify , it’s highly likely you’ve never been disappointed. From obscure Japanese hip-hop to experimental jazz, Spotify pretty much always delivers.

Obviously, all music streaming platforms make their money from paid subscriptions and with 96 million subscribers, Spotify has millions more paying customers than their nearest competitors.

What makes it so good and why do many instinctively flock to this platform?

First, it’s free to get started and you can continue without paying for as long as you can tolerate ads. You won’t be able to download unless you pay to play and you’ll have fewer skips at your disposal.

The interface is clean, responsive and beginner-friendly and offers enough scope for more advanced users.

Opt for Spotify Premium and you’ll eliminate the ads while enjoying updated audio quality. At 320kbps, this is better than Apple Music. You’ll also benefit from unlimited skips. The paid service also allows you to choose songs on demand through your mobile devices.

The Family option allows you to link up to 5 accounts while the Student package offers a premium ad-free service at half price. With a huge library of 35 millions songs, you can build out playlists while also discovering new music through others users. Algorithm-based learning allows Spotify to suggest the Discover Weekly playlist based on your listening habits. New Music Friday also offers you the chance to broaden your listening.

Sharing between friends or on social media is seamless.

As we nudge toward 2020, the Swedish streaming pioneer shows no signs of fading. Spotify is probably our personal favorite in a crowded field.

Key Benefits

Complete cross-platform functionality
The free version is more than fit for purpose
Collaborative playlists

8) Tidal

Differentiating itself as the high fidelity music streaming service, Tidal was purchased by the legendary Jay-Z back in 2015. While you can get lossless audio at 1411kbps, you’ll pay more than double for the privilege. The regular subscription delivers standard 320kbps compressed audio.

This is where Tidal’s split focus offers something for everyone. Geared to the mass market, the cheaper tier has audio to compete with Apple Music and Spotify. The 24-bit lossless format quite simply gives you the best streaming resolution you can find.

On the downside, the interface is glitchy at times and music discovery is distinctly underwhelming.

If you’ve got a more fluid budget and you’re not prepared to compromise on quality, Tidal is your best bet. Now how long will it be before Spotify, Apple, and Amazon catch up?

Key Benefits

Hear lossless audio as the artists intended it
50 million songs including exclusives
Perfect if you’re an audiophile with expensive equipment

9) YouTube Premium

Google Play Music has been rebranded repeatedly and it has now evolved into Y ouTube Premium. Many of the features like playlists you might have loved from GPM are still in place along with the flexibility you’d expect from YouTube.

New music discovery is nimble thanks to Google’s smarts and the YouTube algorithm. Playlists are suggested based on genres and mood. While you might not get the laser targeting of Spotify, it’s nipping close at their heels on this front.

The volume of unofficial music on YouTube is one of the key draws for anyone with more eclectic tastes. From leftfield covers to rare mixtapes, imagination is your only limitation. The Basic plan is free but forces you to endure a welter of adverts. The Premium version allows you to sidestep this ad circus.

Once Google delivers on its promise to step up the sound quality, the music streaming service leaders might have something serious to worry about.

Key Benefits

You can easily upload your own songs
Lossless FLAC compatibility when uploading
Stream MP3 audio from an enormous library

Content sourced from smarthome.com

A Guide to Smarter TVs for Smarter Homes

info@evolvedhabitat.com (Jamie Jansen) — Sat, 18 Jul 2020 19:20:36 GMT

Smart TVs are Designed to Deliver an Immersive Experience

Smart TVs are pretty much standard-issue as we approach 2021. You’d struggle to find a suitable television that doesn’t incorporate at least some smarts. But first, there are some common questions about televisions we will answer first.

So, What Do You Mean by Smart TV?

Today, a smart television is an internet-connected and capable of streaming as well as showing terrestrial broadcasts.

What Can Smart TVs Do?

Depending on functionality these options range from surfing the web to downloading amazing apps like Disney Plus, Hulu, Netflix, HBO, and other streaming services. Some companies even sync with Alexa and you can remote control them from anywhere in the world.

We’re not here today to give you dense, jargon-heavy reviews. Instead, we’ve looked at smart TVs across the following major platforms:

• Android TV

• Tizen

We chose the best smart televisions across these categories, and we’ve then stripped down the science to tell you all you need to know.

What are the Best Smart TVs We Offer?

1. Sony XBR-65A9G Master Series 65-Inch OLED 4K

2. Samsung QN65Q70RAFXZA 65-Inch QLED 4K

3. Seura Shade Series TV Weatherproof Outdoor 55-Inch 4K

The Best Smart Televisions In Detail

1) Sony XBR-65A9G Master Series 65-Inch OLED 4K

Arguably the finest running on Android TV is this 65-inch from the Master Series by Sony. Available in a trio of screen sizes, our overall favorite is the 65-inch. You can buy it with a wall-mount bracket and choice of soundbar if you’re looking for a bundle. Google Assistant comes baked in. You can also use Alexa for voice control, but you’ll need an Echo device.

The 4K HDR processor controls 8 million pixels to create vivid splashes of color and the most exquisite detail. This X1 Ultimate processor continually works in the background to optimize the picture and contrast so you can kick back just like you’re at the movies. Upscaling means that even regular SD and HD content shines on the Sony. Acoustic Surface+ audio makes sure you’ve got a suitable soundscape for those staggering visuals.

This beast is certainly not cheap, but you’re not likely to get much satisfaction if you base buying a based on price alone. When you view the price tag of this Sony in relation to the overall viewing experience, it suddenly seems like great value.

2) Samsung QN65Q70RAFXZA 65-Inch QLED 4K

Samsung’s 65-inch QLED is an affordable yet highly effective choice if you’re hunting for a Tizen. Compatibility with the SmartThings ecosystem means you can tie neatly in with your connected home.

OneRemote gives you user-friendly control, and Samsung’s virtual butler Bixby comes baked in. You’ll also be able to use either Alexa or Google Assistant for hands-free control. All you’ll need is the requisite smart speaker or display. The simple on-screen universal guide makes navigation a cinch even if you’re not that comfy with tech.

Fueled by Quantum dots, Samsung serves up a billion shades of color. Whites are pristine, and blacks pitch dark. Auto-adjusting contrast results in sharp and immaculate visuals that’s surprisingly cheap. Sub-par content is upscaled to 4K, meaning whatever you watch will be popping off the screen.

Ambient Mode is a nice touch. You can use the screen to display visuals rather than leaving it switched off. Think of it as an impromptu digital art frame on a grand scale.

Suit all the family and slot snugly into your SmartThings ecosystem; you can’t go wrong with the Q Series.

3) Seura Weatherproof Outdoor 55-Inch 4K UHD LED

As one of our favorites we’ve got an awesome outdoor smart TV so you can enjoy watching the game with a BBQ or relax with a movie when you’re soaking in the hot tub.

The Seura Shade Series is ideal for shaded outdoor viewing. Thanks to the direct LED backlight, you’ll get a crisp and bright picture out on the patio or gazebo. The housing and components are all strongly weatherproofed and capable of withstanding hostile conditions built for and in Wisconsin.

A generous media bay gives you access to content from whatever media player or streaming device you prefer.

With all the connections you need from HDMI to USB, you can watch the content you want however you want it out in your smart garden. What’s not to love?

source smart home dot com

Evolved Habitat Blog

Bright Ideas: Customizing Your Home with Smart Lighting Solutions

How to Tailor Your Space with Lighting Control

Why Choose Smart Lighting?

Explore the elements of a complete home automation system:

Exploring Lutron Lighting Control Systems

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Conclusion

How Automation Enhances Your Custom Home Design

Intelligent Design Elevates Your New Construction Home

Key Takeaways

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Benefits of Smart Home Automation

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Planning for Home Automation During Construction

Conclusion

Transform Your Home with Seura's Lighted Vanity Mirrors

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Unleash the Magic with a Smart Vanity

Level Up Your Living Space with Evolved Habitat

Are You Missing Out? 10 Game-Changing Reasons to Install a Home Theater

Revolutionize Your Home Theater Room Design with Evolved Habitat

1. Personalized Entertainment Space

2. Enhanced Audio and Visual Experience

3. Increase the Value of Your Home

Explore the elements of a complete home automation system:

4. Comfort and Convenience

5. Save Money on Movie Nights

6. Perfect for Hosting

7. Family Bonding

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9. Enhanced Gaming Experience

10. Expert Installation and Support

Conclusion

Learn What Lutron Lighting Control Is and Why You Need It

The Benefits of Integrating a Lutron Lighting Control System Into Your Home

The Advantages of Dimming

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Dynamic Lighting

Daylight Harvesting

Why should you use daylight harvesting?

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The Advantages of a Connected Home: Improving Your Quality of Life

Convenience and Comfort

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Security and Safety

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Increased Home Value

Conclusion

The Benefits of Hiring a Home Theater Company

Bring the Theater Experience Home With a Professional AV Integrator

Luxury and Tech: The Perfect Combination

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Technical Expertise and Engineering Knowledge

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Take Your New Construction Projects to the Next Level

Evolved Habitat is the Partner You Need for Your Next Architectural Design Project

Total Control: Whole Home Automation

Smart Lighting Control Adds a Touch of Elegance

Offer Boastworthy Home Audio & Video

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Conclusion

Commercial Automation Systems for the Modern Workplace

The Tech That's Changing the Way We Work

Commercial Spaces Transformed by Smart Technology

Make the most of your work environment by using integrated technology

Use Light and Sound to Create Memorable Customer Experiences

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