When you think of an intercom you probably imagine a clunky eyesore with limited capabilities circa 1985 and, given the technology we have today, it’s not something you'd expect to consider as an upgrade for your home. But with so many new ways to communicate, we need to redefine the “com” in intercom. That’s exactly what Control4 has done with Intercom Anywhere. Not only does Intercom Anywhere let you speak with anyone in any room, but it also lets you see and control what’s going on in your home while functioning as a highly effective video doorbell. Read on to find out all the things it can do for you.

Home networking might seem to be simple. With a modem to access your Internet service, and a router — both often provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) — you can get wireless networking in your home, both between devices and connecting to the Internet. But if you have a larger home or have many smart devices, the standard solution from your ISP may not work well in all areas. While there may be settings you can tweak in your router to improve performance, networking is a very technical area, and few consumers know how to do this, or fix something when it doesn't work. Indeed, some consumers don't even know how to change the initial default password for their wireless network – which is a security hazard waiting to happen.

The number of smart devices that are being connected to home networks is exploding every year. Smart lights, cameras, speakers, thermostats, appliances, streaming devices, and TVs all need robust networking for proper operation. You may not even remember how many devices you depend on that are connected to your network. But when the network falters, you end up noticing. Your high definition and 4K video may buffer incessantly or freeze, your smart speaker can't do anything because it lost its connection, or your smart camera can’t send any alerts video feeds. More serious issues might come up, like being unable to operate your smart lock — hope you have the key!

If you have a smaller house or perhaps can tolerate the occasional hiccups from your network, maybe you can get by without professionally installed and optimized home networking. But if you want to run a smart home with many devices, you rely on your network for security features, and you need high bandwidth for work and entertainment at home, you would be wise to consider professional installation services and equipment for your home network.

At Encore Audio-Video, we work with Pakedge for installing high-performance home networks in Portland, OR. Why? Because Pakedge is part of Control4, our smart home solution partner, and they offer business-class performance for your home networking needs. Read on to learn more about how Pakedge networks stand out from the rest.

Everyone wants to feel safe in their homes.  A recent survey by real estate firm Coldwell Banker revealed that homebuyers were highly interested in smart security features.  70% of respondents said they wanted smart fire and carbon monoxide detectors in their next home.  Over 60% of the people surveyed were found to be interested in having smart locks, smart lighting, and smart surveillance cameras installed before they moved in.  

This kind of data would indicate that homeowners are motivated to use newer technology to keep tabs on their homes and make sure that their homes, possessions, and loved ones are safe. So, if that old-style alarm system with the timed beeps for arming, the inconvenient control pads, and the sensors that inadvertently go off at random aren’t going to cut it, what are consumers looking for?

They’re looking to be aware and be informed at all times about what’s going on at their home. But beyond alerts and viewing a video feed from a security camera, they want a system that is flexible, as well as proactive in its ability to react to potential incidents. 

A Control4 smart home security system has the power and intelligence needed to take your Vancouver, WA home’s security to the next level.  Read on to learn about the security features that can deliver true peace of mind. 

The internet is changing things. It makes it easy to find information, communicate with family and coworkers, and use complex technology.

One of the greatest benefits of an Internet-connected world is how simple it is to shop. Online retailers abound, and you can get anything your heart desires with a few taps on your keyboard. The only problem is that when those items arrive at your door, they’re not always what they’re cracked up to be. No matter the sizing chart, reviews, or specs, you just can’t ensure quality unless you try things out before you buy them.

It goes for your clothing, your car, and especially your multi-room audio system. If you’re thinking about adding audio distribution to your property, here are three great reasons you should stop by our Portland, OR Control4 Certified Showroom before you make an investment.