Every time we discuss home security systems with clients, a big part of the conversation has to do with surveillance cameras. Everyone wants to know what to look for when buying and installing cameras to make sure they're genuinely protecting their Atlanta, GA homes. Rarely is there a one-size-fits-all answer to this since families all have unique needs and vulnerabilities.

However, we can say from our partnership with Avigilon that the cameras outlined in this blog all include innovative features that protect you in any environment. There are those ideal for outdoor use, while others may be better suited for sleek indoor installations. Keep reading to see which are the best fit for your home.    

SEE MORE: Protect Your Family with These Smart Security Features

Edge Solution: Bullet Cameras

If you want to get smart about your home security, then the Avigilon Edge Solution line is the ultimate all-in-one camera. We recommend the HD bullet camera with built-in analytics, storage, and video management software. With impact-resistant housing, these cameras are ideal for outdoor use. To avoid bandwidth issues, they save up to 30 days’ worth of video directly on the camera. For the ultimate control, it has remote zoom and focus capabilities, so you can easily review live and recorded footage.

If you are looking at smart home technology options around Atlanta, GA, you may run into a fair amount of hyperbole. There are smart devices that all but promise to change your life, thermostats that know when you’re home and when you’re not, and lights that can turn into a rainbow of colors. All of those devices may do wonderful, innovative things, but do any of those things by themselves make your life better? 

A smart home may have many smart devices. You have probably heard of many of them; smart thermostats, smart lighting, smart security cameras, smart locks, and many others. You may even have one or two of them, like a Nest thermostat. Beyond having remote control of a device via an app, the way these devices start making your life easier is when they all start working together to fit the way you live—demanding less of your attention, automating routine functions, and making time available for more important things. 

That’s where Control4 smart home automation comes in. It orchestrates all your smart devices into a cohesive, manageable system that works for you.

See Also: The Future is Here with Control4 Smart Home Automation

Peace of Mind

Keeping your home safe and secure is always a prime concern. There are many small ways that a Control4 system makes that happen. Every Control4 Touch Screen has a camera and audio capability.  With a Control4 Door Station, you can remotely see and talk to anyone at your front door. 

With multiple security cameras, you can view each feed on a variety of screens; through a touchscreen, your phone or tablet, or on a TV.  When you’re away from home, you can get an alert if a camera detects a person, and you can view that activity and even interact with the person at the front door. If it’s someone with a delivery, you’ll be able to go one step further and let them in to drop off the package and lock back up when they leave. 

Starting off the day is always a struggle, so why not have smart home technology in place to make it as smooth as possible? As you get ready for work in the morning, what if your bathroom or dressing room mirror could keep you updated on everything you need to know? Imagine if it could help you adjust the lights or temperature. Don't worry; you don't need to be an Evil Queen to enjoy magic mirrors these days. Let us bring that magic straight to your Atlanta, GA home with Séura’s new Smart Mirror TV.

SEE MORE: 4 Ways to Keep Technology from Cluttering Your Home

What is a Smart Mirror?

Essentially, the Smart Mirror is a “vanishing display” that serves more or less the same function as a touchpad or tablet. The display lets you interact with all of your smart home technology directly; whether it’s pulling up your emails, the weather, a favorite TV show or your Control4 application. The digital display disappears when not in use, so the Smart Mirror works like any other traditional vanity mirror. How would you like it to look? Each Smart Mirror comes with a custom frame and ambient lighting options. Even your display is customizable — set it up to feature your favorite apps or information when you pull it up.

How Do You Control It?

We recommend using the Smart Mirror as a touchpad, with quick touch control that lets you navigate your apps and adjust their size and location. Revamp your routine without any risk of cracks or water damage to your smart devices by replacing them with your Mirror TV when you’re in the bathroom. The mirror also integrates with Amazon Alexa, so you can use voice activation if your hands are busy applying your makeup or brushing your hair. Wondering what outfit to wear? Ask Alexa to pull up the weather forecast while you’re getting ready, so you’re not caught in the wrong attire for a fall cold front.

What Does it Control?

The Smart Mirror TV has access to over a million widgets and apps through the Google App store. Access your emails, calendar and favorite social media sites with a simple swipe or press. To really take advantage of this interactive mirror, we recommend connecting it to your home automation system. Just download the Control4 app and save it to your home screen for easy access or add the necessary Control4 skill to Amazon Alexa. You’ll then be able to manage lights, climate, shades, security, and more from the convenience of your Smart Mirror.

Every time there’s big news in the A/V industry, we make it our goal to help our clients learn everything they need to know about the latest products and features. Right now, everyone is talking about IMAX Enhanced. Since you're probably wondering what the company best known for its large screens and immersive viewing experience has to do with home theaters, we're here to sort it all out for you. In this blog, we're going to explain what the IMAX Enhanced program is and how to get it in your Georgia home. 

SEE MORE: 3 Necessary Accessories for Every Home Theater System

What is IMAX Enhanced?

IMAX Enhanced is a certification and licensing program. Its primary goal is to help consumers discern which high-end electronics will best showcase the company’s 4K Ultra HD content and DTS audio mixing. The secondary objective is elevating filmmaker's visions by making sure premium IMAX-remastered content looks just the way they envisioned when viewed in a home theater.

For the last three years running, Control4 has been named the top whole house automation company by industry professionals. That is in large part due to their ongoing innovation from acquiring significant players like Pakedge and Triad to bringing in top-level talent like Amazon Alexa architect Charlie Kindel.

At the 2018 CEDIA exhibition, Control4 continued its commitment to innovation with its new OS Version 2.10.4 which adds new music and personalization features for homeowners. Check out their top CEDIA announcements below. As your local Control4 dealer, you can also experience them first hand at our Alpharetta, GA showroom.

SEE MORE: Are You Curious About Smart Home Technology?