Uncrossing The Wires

Being a homebuilder is no easy task. Aside from managing the concerns of a new homeowner, you have to deal with each and every one of the contractors that comes into the home. For better or worse, you're the face of the home, and that means that if something goes wrong, it is likely you that ends up with the black eye.

As a builder, you tend to be a jack of all trades. Bringing together so many different pieces of the home puzzle means that it is nearly impossible for you to be an expert in all fields, and high-quality A/V has changed significantly in the last few years. From custom speaker installations to full-home automation systems and televisions on motorized brackets that can slide away behind a picture or under a bed, the world of in-home electronics has become extremely complicated, especially when it comes to programming new pieces in a home.

Two of the best things that any Electronic Systems Contractor can do for you are to ensure that not only every piece of equipment they bring to the home is ready to go, but that they also take the time to program and test the same equipment before it ever arrives. Simply put, testing and programming before equipment leaves the shop leads to faster and more efficient installation times. Further, everything from television color and stereo sound can be tweaked, all before a homeowner ever sees it.

If you find yourself with equipment that hasn't been properly tested, you'll need to have it removed, serviced and properly re-installed. By finding a company that can set up racks, fit stereos and program components in-house before they are ever installed, both you, the builder, and the owner can save time and money, the two most valuable commodities in any home design.

At Kiwi Audio Visual, we know how important in-house testing and programming is to every new home project. For that reason, we never leave you in the lurch. Come see what we can do to make a project flow more smoothly.

Timing Is Everything

As a builder, when you’re completing a large and complicated home, you have more than a few things to worry about, but coordinating the work of various subcontractors ranks high on the list. Clients sometimes hire contractors on their own, which can disrupt a production team and cause pain all around. In particular, you may be concerned about the ESC bringing system components on site for installation without programming and/or testing them in the shop. You might have survived pain like that before, but only barely, and you likely have no desire to endure it again. Due to similar circumstances, you can likely remember one home you’d worked on vividly that had not ended well.

Some clients will hire an AV systems and installation consultant who shows up at the project site with tons of new gear and racks intending to program, lace and test them on site. Inevitably problems arise with the programming, leaving the installation team scratching their heads for solutions. So they’ll need to call the project managers, but often new homes are in areas with lousy cell service, and of course no Internet yet either. So, the installers need to find cell service, call the project managers and explain all the complications they’ve observed and wait while the project managers researched the issues for them and call back. Most builders will find an experience like this maddeningly inefficient and cumbersome.

By contrast, an ideal project will feature a highly reputable ESC who assembles, laces, programs and tests the entire home automation and AV systems in the shop before even trying to install anything. This allows for all teams to troubleshoot the issues they uncover together and with all their resources around them. Upon site arrival, the installation will go quite smoothly as a result, with the added benefit that the various trades can stay out of each other’s way and still get the work done on time and under budget. An experienced ESC can dramatically increase the project’s efficiency by testing and programming in the shop rather than on site.

Visit us at www.KiwiAV.com to learn more.

Understanding The Plan

Today the architect began sketching for his latest design project, a residential property nearby. The project had all the earmarks of an ideal engagement: a large lot, clients with a vision, resources to support that vision, and a full slate of subcontractors to complete the work. What could possibly go wrong? As he contemplated the blank sheet in front of him, the architect ruefully recalled the answer to that question: presenting detailed project drawings to contractors who fail to read them correctly.

Perhaps other architects recognize the scenario. The design firm produces project drawings, meticulously detailed and revealing in elevation and plan view how each element of the home automation and audiovisual systems relate both to each other and back to power distribution. When the design team meets over the completed plans, the audiovisual contractors start asking tons of questions betraying the reality that they have no idea what the drawings mean. This begins a downward spiral for the project, as information in plain sight on paper must be conveyed verbally, wasting valuable time. Even worse, they might suggest the wrong size speaker boxes or perhaps misjudge the projector’s throw size, thus jeopardizing the client’s vision and wasting more time.

Shuddering, the architect shunned the memory of previous jobs and scanned the list of the subcontractors on his new project. Relieved he located the AV contractor and recognized the name of a reputable ESC (electronic systems contractor) he’d done business with before. He knew that the teams installing the home automation systems would arrive at the job site with their own meticulously detailed drawings. They would have already studied his drawings and culled from them exactly the information they need to complete their work. In short, they’ll contribute to the timely execution of the vision, while causing no pain at all.

Finding a high quality ESC to work with will enhance the value of your projects and minimize the pain associated with bringing them to completion on time and under budget. Visit us at www.kiwiav.com to learn more.

The Never Ending Project

Builders know that the pace of home building changes from exciting and well-thought out in the beginning of a project, to narrow and focused nearing the delivery date. In preparing to usher homeowners into their new residence, the professional builder carefully ties up many loose ends. He then delivers the house and moves onto the next job. At least that’s how it’s supposed to work, right? But often, that “finished” job keeps coming back to haunt his dreams.

When customers move in and start using the components of their new home, they may find that certain devices don’t perform as advertised. As the main contact for the customer, the builder can expect to take calls from them when this sort of event occurs. All builders want happy customers, so they deal with these questions as professionally as they do everything else. However, the process gets complicated when the questions involve systems beyond his control, like the home automation and A/V systems. Now someone must chase the vendor who sold the components and get them to return to make things right. Further, builders often need to source an expert to help if a customer has ended up buying anything that the local vendor subbed out. Now, he's got to deal with another company another arm’s length further away.

All professionals servicing the building trades prefer to move cleanly onto the next job. Time spent fixing completed jobs eats into an already thin margin. No one wants to handle such situations; especially after already getting paid. But when the customer discovers that the DVD player can’t send an audio signal to the amp, someone needs to address the customer’s legitimate concerns. Getting that to happen can cause great pain (this must sound very familiar).


What can be done? Successful builders choose to work with a reputable, experienced ESC (electronic systems contractor). How can a builder be sure to partner with a reputable ESC? They’ll consult with the customer and advise them on solutions, rather than selling them gear. The best ECSs will tailor a solution to fit the customer’s needs, budget and the time constraints of the project. Then, once they’ve finished installing the equipment, they’ll stand by the job until the customer is totally satisfied that the entire system functions as intended.
Visit us at www.kiwiav.com to learn more about how a good ESC can ease the pain of the never ending project.

Keeping The Peace

Every neighborhood has one, the guy no one talks to. Whether it starts with an unkempt yard, a house needing paint for three years or constant dog barking, this family puts bees in everyone’s bonnet without even trying.

No one intends to become that family, but circumstances intervene. Last week, having just finished a new home theatre, our homeowner tries it out with an action feature with tons of explosions and loud effects. This would be fine, except the new outside speakers remained on all evening, broadcasting every impact and detonation for the entire neighborhood, which, due to the sound proofing of the home theatre, our homeowner couldn’t hear. Next up: that visit from the local PD that no one wants.

Our homeowner shouldn’t feel too bad; it could happen to anyone. Anyone, that is, except the family that engages a reputable and capable electronic systems consultant to start the home theatre project. Our family got it mostly right. They got a great audio system (including the now infamous outside speakers), a nice, big HD flat screen, and a control system that gives them fingertip command of the entire system.

However, omissions often matter more than inclusions. In this case, a component as simple as visual indicators, showing which elements of the system remain active, would have helped our homeowner avert becoming a local pariah. An electronic systems consultant would have suggested this, among other solutions, thus enabling peace to reign uninterrupted.

Under Control?

Inside his renovated home, our eager homeowner searches for the lighting control panel he expected to find near the entry. Scanning the darkened foyer, he recalls the controls expert assuring him he would never return to an unlit home… So much for that. When he finds the panel (behind the door), he's still lost as he scrolls through seemingly endless menu options before ultimately stumbling on the lighting controls. But the trouble doesn't end there, as the labels are incomprehensible. So, he tries a switch called ‘front room’, and the outside lights come on. The switch labeled ‘stairs’ finally illuminates the entry.

Sadly, this scenario is all too common. Our hapless homeowner would have been better served with an electronics system consultant programming the lighting functions, making them easy to understand and control. From placement of control panels to simple construction of menus, a consultant partner can program a home automation system that makes managing your home easier and less expensive. A more intuitive approach leads to better and easier outcomes. Clearly, our homeowner in the above example didn't seek that as an option.

A true electronic systems contractor consultant functions as a partner and recommends solutions that enable the project to remain under budget while still accomplishing all its goals. Armed with a thorough understanding of how you use your lighting, an electronic systems contractor can ensure that panels end up where they should and that labels and levels match the homeowner’s expectations and needs.

For more information on lighting solutions, follow these articles (1 and 2) or contact a sales representative at 760-931-9922.

Super Bowl Syndrome

Everyone needs a new TV for the big game, whether it’s to watch celebrities like Ozzy Osbourne and Justin Bieber awkwardly interact in yet another legendary commercial or to watch famous attendees feed each other (thank you Cameron Diaz and Alex Rodriguez). So, shoppers flood the big box stores to find themselves staring at countless televisions with repetitive images. Relating these devices to a family's needs requires more than cursory examination. So, the smart shopper researches televisions leading to confusion over acronyms like LED, LCD, 3D, plasma, CRT, DLP, ICBM and FDIC. All of this information can overwhelm a shopper before he or she even enters the store.

Shoppers tend to rely on the knowledgeable associates who, they believe, will be ready to untangle the technology and confusing advertising claims for them. Although sales associates are indeed knowledgeable, all they really have at their fingertips are the two least helpful statistics available: the size of the screen and the price. There happens to be a great deal more to large screen televisions than screen size and price.

Scenarios like these, which result in regrettable choices, can be avoided by engaging the assistance of electronic systems contractors. Experienced A/V consultants protect clients by asking questions of substance; questions about the size and configuration of the room in which the TV will sit, the viewing habits of those expected to use the device, and any other equipment it may need to accommodate will all be handled by A/V professionals.

Further, consultants like the professionals at Kiwi Audio Visual can typically source various brands of equipment and demonstrate enough expertise to help clients choose the best device while simultaneously staying under budget using the technological specs they are familiar with.

The iPad Doesn't Program Itself

Home automation experts praise the iPad as a home controller. You probably already know that. On the other hand, you probably also know that the reality falls short of the promises the experts have made. Cutting through the hype and noise became a full time job months ago.

To begin with, the iPad has plenty to recommend it as a home control device. The form factor makes it ideal for wall mounting as well as moving effortlessly around the home. The on board battery allows for long term operation, and the touch screen shares the ease of use and accuracy of its smaller cousins on the iPhone and iTouch.

The problems lie with the software. As a homeowner you want a system that consolidates all of your home control systems: HVAC, lighting, entertainment and security. Multiple vendors have introduced systems that do this, including Crestron, Savant and Home Controls, to name a few. But even with these systems you need to program the iPad to control your environment seamlessly. Some people have designed their own systems, which is fine if you can crank out code.

The short answer is that you’re going to need some help. The best home automation dealers also offer consulting guiding their clients in making these decisions. Ask about what you need now while considering what you'll need in the future. For the best results, look to Kiwi Audio Visual, who listens to your needs and has expertise in working with the latest technologies.

Everything Works At The Touch Of A Button? Which Button?!

They had been so friendly, so knowledgeable. They had delivered everything as promised, from the big-screen TV to the stereo and integrated lighting system.

Not a cord was in sight, not a piece out of place. Technological magnificence, just waiting for someone to sit down and turn it on.

“It all works”, they said, “at the touch of a button.”

Yeah, right, but… Which button?

You’d like your technology to work as expected. But it doesn’t, always. In fact, sometimes you might just wish for simpler days when a power button was a power button, and changing the channel was as easy as…

Getting up and walking across the room and twisting a knob on the TV?? NOT!!

Especially when Kiwi AV is there to assure you can easily use and enjoy the latest home systems – automated lighting and home energy management, entertainment, home networks, security. Sophisticated systems whose technological power is revealed, not by the difficulty of using them, but through the simple joy of experiencing them.

Experience the thrill of whole house audio and video distribution. Effortlessly control which sections of your house stream your favorite albums or have the movie you are watching follow you from your living room to your bedroom, without having to miss a single frame.

Kiwi can make just about anything you want to happen, happen. Even something that really does work…

At the touch of a clearly labeled button.

Experience Kiwi. For you, we’ll fly.

To find out more about home A/V distribution, check out this article.

Crestron's DM (Digital Media) System

Crestron has long been known in the electronics industry for supplying the best in both technology and innovation; the company has never been satisfied with simply following trends. Instead, it focuses on creating them, on thinking outside the box before anyone else has ever figured out just what the box looks like. Now, Crestron has once again created a solution intended to help audio and videophiles get the most from their systems - their line of Crestron Digital Media (DM) products. Intended to work with a wide variety of input types over a large range, the DM line of switchers and input cards helps homeowners to find a unified system that streamlines all applications through one simple-to-use console. The DM concept has proven popular - Microsoft, Time Warner, and ESPN all have Crestron systems working for them, as do Rice, Midwestern, and Ohio State Universities to name a few.


The DM Advantage - Getting Specific

New technology leads to innovation, but also to a reduction in support for signals of a previous generation. Not only that, but multiple media sources will often use different inputs and outputs, leaving a homeowner struggling to find an overall solution that minimizes cabling issues. Fortunately, the Crestron DM system is designed to deliver in a big way. Take the entry-level DM-MD6X1 as an example. The MD6X1 supports RGB, HDMI, multi-format BNC video and SPDIF audio. In addition, the HDMI input comes with support for HDCP and DVI. This gives the MD6X1 the ability to take input from virtually any source in a home - computer, laptop, cable, or satellite box - and effortlessly route it where it needs to be. Speaking of routing, the system also allows for extra inputs up to 450 feet away from the source box with extra DM transmitters, giving MD6X1 systems the power to perform both in residential homes and in large business complexes with equal facility. Now you can stream multiple video and/or audio sources across several rooms in your house; all in the highest quality with no lag time or distortion.


Tying It In - Using DM with Other High-Quality Products


Crestron's technology is such that it can broadly accept inputs from a variety of audio and video sources, giving a consumer and an electronics systems contractor the ability to create a full-home theater system from the ground up. No longer will you be limited from putting in a custom-built Triad or Prodigy sound system or a wide variety of both Plasma and LCD TV inputs. Ease of use is key for Crestron technology, as evidenced in their use of QuickSwitch technology when changing between HDMI signals. In order to minimize latency and lag time between signals, QuickSwitch ensures that an HDCP connection is maintained with each device in the system, meaning that no re-authentication of a new signal is necessary, greatly reducing lag experienced by users.


Crestron continues to push the home theater edge with innovations such as their DM system, helping to drive the entire industry forward. Visit our Website for more information on Crestron products.