We ran across this article by our friends at Electronics House and wanted to share.  It’s a terrific checklist of what to look for in an electronics/technology integration company.

May 16, 2011 | by EH Staff

by Chris Chiarella

Apart from finding a spouse, choosing the right home integrator might be one of the most important decisions we ever have to make. We’re not just purchasing components, we could be entering into a long-term relationship. Then again, it is a serious investment, with workers occupying our inner sanctum, and fervent dreams of pushbutton ease and high-definition glory.

So we need to go in with our eyes wide open, understanding the essential topics that must be broached, ones that can enlighten and empower us when we’re ready to close the deal.

To help guide our readers in their future projects, we have hereby attempted to narrow down this list of questions that cut to the chase, formulated to elicit the answers homeowners need to make informed choices.

1. What are the integrators’ training and certifications?
The technology of electronic home integration has never been more sophisticated, and not all of the professionals out there are fully qualified for the projects they take on. Some potential clients are lured only by the lowest bid and don’t take the time to ensure that the people working on their home have undergone the necessary training for the job. They just take it on faith that the work will be done correctly, which can be a costly assumption in the long run. A well-trained installer is proud of his credentials and won’t hesitate to share them!

2. Does the integrator have references, specifically on projects of similar size and scope?
References are the lifeblood of the home integrator. A job well-done for a happy homeowner is the ultimate “win,” and so the thumbs-up from a previous customer—one not unlike yourself—is a great way for the client to establish a comfort level by proving that the integrator has successfully completed similar projects. Again, this information should be freely offered, so don’t be afraid to ask.

3. Do they have photographs of completed projects?
Word of mouth is one thing, but a picture is worth a thousand of ‘em, right? Apart from the beauty of the finished product, a photograph conveys important sub-text: The homeowner thought enough of the work—and the company behind it—to allow them back to take photos, and everyone can preen over the results. But strictly on face value, photographs will show the quality of work and attention to detail that the integrator puts into his projects.

4. How long has the integrator has been in business?
A well-established integrator simply has more hands-on experience, has encountered more challenges and has therefore figured out more solutions. A difficult customer might be the biggest challenge of all, so you can surely appreciate the skills of a pro who has turned numerous frowns upside-down. Successful years/decades past also suggest that he will be more likely to still be around in the future to service the client’s needs.
How many similarly-sized projects has the integrator done in the past?

If this is the first time an integrator has done, say, an end-to-end whole-home project, he is far less likely to have a successful outcome as opposed to one who routinely performs those types of jobs. It’s not solely a matter of experience, but specifically experience that matches your needs.

5. Does the integrator have a showroom location or office that the client is able to visit?
A modern, welcoming showroom is an indication of how stable the organization is. A competitor operating a smaller, home-based installation business might lack the resources to execute larger projects, or to be there to maintain his previously installed systems in the future. 

6. What is the experience level of the company’s installers and technicians?
Even the best techs—the men on the front lines pf the job—have all had to overcome at least some minor (in some cases major) obstacles while installing a system. A seasoned installer/technician brings those experiences with him to subsequent jobs and knows how to best deal with most surprises as they occur. If you’ll pardon the cliché, there really is no substitute for experience.

7. What is the support system behind the salesperson?
An African proverb states that “It takes a village to raise a child.” In the consumer electronics world, it takes a dedicated team to see a job through from the contract to the popping of champagne corks and the watching of the first movie. The right salesperson should have all the answers you need and inspire confidence in your purchase, but ultimately the work is only going to be as good as the weakest link in the chain, so get to know them all: the designers, electricians, A/V experts and so on.

8. What is the warranty period on materials and workmanship and how is service is expedited?
No one wants to imagine that any part of their fancy new custom installation will fail, but preparing for the worst case scenario today might spare you some fretful hours tomorrow. How long should you expect the dealer to stand behind his work? What is the procedure should the need for a service call arise? And the promptness of a repair/replacement visit is one of the distinguishing factors between a good integrator and a great one.

9. Does the integrator offer extended service agreements and/or system maintenance contracts?
Find out how long the standard protection lasts on your new home system, and then ask if extended coverage is available either through the dealer or the manufacturer. System maintenance contracts are also worth investigating, a sort of “umbrella policy” against a multitude of potential misfortunes. Again, here’s hoping you never need to take advantage of it, but a small investment now can bring priceless peace of mind down the road.

10. Does the integrator have a project manager who will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the project?
Having a single contact, a “point man” to oversee the project and all of the stakeholders involved, will drastically reduce any confusion during the execution of the installation. Have a question? A complaint? A new idea? Find out who your go-to-guy is, then program his number in your phone.

11. Who are the vendor partners that the integrator works with and how long has the integrator been a dealer of those proposed vendors?
We can infer a certain confidence from the brands and products that an integrator provides, as they are typically well-researched and backed by solid guarantees and reliable service from the manufacturer. And because the level of support that a vendor/manufacturer provides to the integrator will directly impact the integrator’s ability to support the client, assurances of a strong working relationship “behind the scenes” can go a long way to maintaining total customer satisfaction.

12. How long will it take to fully complete the job?
While a finished product on the scale of The Sistine Chapel would be swell, hopefully no one will be writing a book entitled The Agony and the Ecstasy based upon your home integration experience. Everyone who has ever undertaken a large home project has wondered, “When will they be done and out of here?” This is your turf, so you have every right to be involved in setting the deadlines and enforcing them. Go in with a reasonable timeline in mind, but be prepared to adjust those expectations: Exceptional electronic home systems, much like a certain Italian capital, aren’t built in a day.

Special thanks to Brian Perreault of Barrett’s Technology Solutions for his generous wisdom.

Something to think about this shopping season as another Audio/Video dealer, SMILE, Inc., goes out of business.  I know it is tempting to head to your local “Big Box” store or sit down in front of your computer to do your shopping this holiday season but consider this…every penny you spend on your local small business stays in this community.  Our employees live in your communities.  Their payroll taxes go to your schools and local governments.  Your local Audio/Video retailer does not send jobs out of the country or trade in the stock exchange.  Our employees shop in your local grocery stores, buy gas at the local gas station, dry cleaners, …you get the idea!.

Your local Audio/Video retailer can advise you on the best technology.  This a bigger value than most would think especially if you are one of the hundreds of people who bought electronics to meet a certain need only to find out that the particular model you purchased does not have that feature.  TV’s are great example; we tend to purchase them on price alone because we do not know what all the features mean much less which ones do I really need!  Most people do not realize that your local Audio/Video dealer typically matches the “Big Box” prices on the TV’s they carry.  The big difference is that the “Big Box” stores focus on the least expensive TV’s with the fewest features capitalizing on consumer’s lack of “tech” knowledge while your local Audio/Video dealer chooses TV’s with the best features to maximize your investment.

We get phone calls every week asking for help to install components purchased on the internet or at “Big Box” stores.  The manuals are not user friendly and often show multiple ways to connect their equipment.  And by the way, how do we control all this gear?  Your local Audio/Video dealer can not only install the components for you but they can provide a good universal remote control solution so that you can actually use it!

“what else do you need?”  

• Surge protection?  Power surges and “brown-outs” are one of the biggest causes for electronic component failures.  Sorry, the plug strip you paid $5.00 on is not going to save your electronics!
• Temperature Control?  Heat build up from cramming electronics into cabinets is the leading cause of component failure.  Your Audio/Video dealer supplies whisper fans and/or A/V furniture specifically designed to house electronics.

Connecting Cables?  Which ones guarantee the best performance?  Please do not use the cables supplied with the components…there is a reason professionals throw them in the trash!  There are different grades of cables and components, a professional can help you match them up sensibly.  With the Analog Sunset coming, some of your equipment using component video cables may lose the ability to watch newer BluRay movies as content providers exercise the right to use the Image Constraint Token.  For more information on the Analog Sunset Rule go to this Blog.

• Audio/Video Furniture?  I know we typically shop for furniture at furniture stores, but when it comes to housing your electronics, you need to use furniture specifically made for this purpose.  Heat exhaust, ease of service, wire management, and hiding the gear are all factors to consider.  
• Remote Control(s)?  Can you manage 5 remote controls or would you like to have a professionally programmed universal remote control that simplifies everything?  How about your Smart Phone or iPad?

• Video Calibration?  What is it?  Manufacturers ship TVs with their video settings setup for showrooms with bad lighting.  Professional Audio/Video dealers have special equipment to re-calibrate the video display for maximum performance and longevity.  Look for dealers who have I.S.F. (Image Science Foundation) certified technicians on staff to properly setup your TV.

• What are you going to watch on your TV?  TVs, BluRay players, and video games have the capability to watch content from the internet.  Setting up your home WiFi, router/switch, and installing the connection to your broadband are all necessary. 

If you would like answers to some of these questions, try your local Audio/Video dealer.  Better yet, visit our new showroom, Environments By Design, and speak to our expert staff!

Our signs are in place. The grand opening is just weeks away. Make sure you’re on the guest list. Contact me at lisam@audiovideointeriors.net.

7204 Pearl Road

Take a look at what’s going in onside….Grand Opening is set for August!

Main Showroom

"Outdoor" Fireplace, Fountain and Kitchen

Wine Cellar's Custom Glass Wall

 And much, much more….

In the electronics industry, knowledge is “king”!  I write this blog today because in the past few months we have received numerous calls to come and “fix” someone else’s Audio/Video installations.  This is not unusual in an industry that changes as much as consumer electronics but the frequency of the calls is increasing.  When you think about it, this is also to be expected.  The past three years has forced many Audio/Video companies, big and small, out of business.  These businesses were typically companies who have not developed good installation practices and standards leading to inferior installations.  Inferior installations mean no customer referrals; no customer referrals combined with fewer new prospects means…out of business!  Now we have “orphan” installations where the consumer does not have an Audio/Video company to service their system.  To make matters worse, many times installers who work for these failed companies decide they should go into business for themselves, flooding the market place with low-cost, inexperienced choices for the consumer. 

 We always ask these “orphaned” or dissatisfied families how they selected their previous audio video company and one word always comes out in the answer….CHEAPEST!  I did not title this blog “How do you find the cheapest Audio/Video company?”, because “cheapest” only matters if you get a professional installation using quality equipment that meets or exceeds the needs of your family from a company that will be around tomorrow for advice and service!  The phrase “you get what you pay for” has never been truer when it comes to custom Audio Video installations.

 How does the consumer find the best “value” for their technology dollars?  One way is making sure the company you choose has trained technicians and support people. You can easily accomplish this by going to www.CEDIA.net and select “Find a CEDIA Member”.  CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association) is the leading organization providing training and certifications to the Custom Audio Video industry.  When you select “Find a CEDIA Member” from their site, you will get a list of all the companies in your area who have CEDIA certifications.  If a company is not committed to training their technicians, how can they be the best choice to act as your Technology Advisor for your family’s technology needs?

Don’t take my word for it; go to http://www.cedia.net/homeowners/how_to_hire.php for an informative article on Hiring a professional technology company.

In addition to CEDIA’s recommendations for hiring the right Technology Advisor, here are my suggestions of what to look for:

• Years in business
  • The best answer used to be 5 years but in today’s economy, 10 years is safer.
• CEDIA Trained Technicians
  • This means more than one technician!
• Industry Awards
  • CEDIA LifeStyle, Electronic House magazine, and CEA Mark of Excellence awards, to name a few, are not handed out lightly.  The company receiving these awards must display a high level of competency and have customers happy enough to allow their homes to be published!
• Manufacturer Partners
  • The best manufacturers are not normally represented in your favorite “Big Box” electronics store because they realize that qualified technicians are required for their products.  Big box stores specialize in supplying entry level products to the masses at the cheapest prices.  Their business model centers on “cheap”.

New home of Audio Video Interiors & Environments by Design

See how Environments by Design is coming together! Watch this…Design Center Progress

Check out the Italian Kitchen and Rec Room Entertainment Bar.

Have you seen the stone on the Wine Cellar entrance or the etched glass wall?

Be sure to join our mailing list to receive your invitation to the Grand Opening!

Check out this article from CePro by Steve Crowe, “WiFi 30% Slower Than Wired Connection”.  You might be surprised by some common household appliances that are interfering with your download speeds.  Skype calls, online gaming and video streaming could experience latency and data loss.  Solutions include setting up closer to the router or adding a HomePlug product or, of course, “plugging in”.

Outdoor Landscape Speakers

Spring has finally arrived in northern Ohio and this is a great time to consider the range of entertainment options available when you extend your living space to the great outdoors. 

The first option many consider is bringing audio to your outdoor family room and a new popular option is an outdoor TV. Outdoor TVs are perfect for catching a Tribe game or enjoying a family movie night under the stars. These TVs are made to withstand the elements and also output a brighter image for daylight viewing.  For sound, Audio Video Interiors offers speakers that resemble rocks, some look like your outdoor lighting fixtures, and others are designed to hang under eaves.   

Personally, I love a calm morning outside with some smooth jazz, coffee (Kenya AA), and birds chirping in the background while I read the paper.  In the evening many of our favorite family memories involve a post cook-out board game while we listen to our favorite tunes from our CD library, an FM oldies channel, or satellite radio. 

Later in the year we gather outside to watch our beloved Browns while we warm next to the fire-pit and cheer with friends.  Comfy sweatshirts and S’mores are a must for the kids, young and old.  Ambiance and safety are enhanced by the lighting that we control from one simple remote that also controls our entertainment. 

Ohio offers the best of all seasons and we want to enjoy them to the fullest with family and friends, our outdoor living space lets us do just that in Spring, Summer, and Fall. 

Dave Wanner

Wine Cellar Entry

The glass wall created by Solon Glass is scheduled to be installed today, enclosing the Wine Cellar.  Here’s a peek at the stone veneer from Valley City Builders that is gracing the archway.  A stone fireplace has been erected on the patio and several new partners have joined us recently, rounding out our custom mix of offerings.

Stay tuned for updates on the Grand Opening!  In the meantime, we’re here to serve you – give us a call – 440-886-6666.

We’ve shared information about how technology can aid in allowing the elderly to “Age in Place” – sensors for doors, refrigerators, medicine cabinets and easy chairs, special door handles, text alerts…the list of available technologies grows daily.  Many of us can imagine the practical & convenient applications that home automation can provide for those with disabilities, but would you have imagined that it could help a child with austism adjust to a change in schedule without upset and tantrums?  Julie Jacobson, Editor-at-Large, CePro Magazine, recently published this article about how one of our fellow integrators used a Control4 feature to help his austistic child.

Automation Helps Child with Autism Wake Without Tantrums

April is National Autism Awareness Month: Brody Buzzard is headed to preschool but he no longer wakes up grumpy, thanks to a Control4-enabled ‘alarm clock’ that wakes him up to cartoons.

Does your kid wake up this happy in the morning? Brody Buzzard does, with the help of Control4 home automation. (more…)