Summer is right around the corner—the time for pool parties and outdoor movie nights. If you have an underutilized patio or backyard, the best way to make it your go-to area for relaxation or fun is to add a stellar outdoor entertainment system. To learn the best technology for transforming your Texas home’s outdoor spaces, read on!
1. Audio
A sound system is the backbone of any outdoor entertainment system. Whether you want to blast the music at a party or simply play some jazz as you relax by the pool, it’s important that your outdoor audio supply crystal-clear sound throughout the space.
When installing an outdoor sound system, there are two main things to keep in mind:
- Weatherproofing: Outdoor areas require speakers and audio equipment designed specifically to withstand the Texas heat, occasional storms, dust, wind, etc. When we install outdoor audio, we prefer to use Sonance’s Sonarray speakers, which are incredibly durable without compromising on sound quality.
- Placement: Every backyard is different. The area of your pool, topiaries, patio seating, and more will all impact the best places to install speakers. The goal is to provide even coverage of sound, without any areas where the music is blaring in your ears or too soft to hear. Typically, these speakers are placed pointing inward so that you gain the benefits of great sound without affecting your neighbors.
2. Video
Just like with your sound system, your outdoor television needs to be equipped to handle different weather conditions. This goes beyond the standard waterproofing. The best outdoor televisions are designed with antiglare screens so that you get top-quality visuals no matter how brightly the sun is shining. Depending on your space, you might opt for a home theater system instead of traditional television. Then you can host movie nights in your backyard!
3. Landscape Lighting
You’re not going to be able to enjoy your backyard after the sun sets if you don’t have proper lighting. A landscaping lighting installation not only helps you safely navigate the outdoors in the evening but also makes the backyard look gorgeous. The best outdoor lighting accentuates your home’s architecture, landscaping, and décor. From path lights to in-pool lighting, we can design the perfect setup for you.
SEE ALSO: How to Get More Use Out of Your Home’s Lights
4. Bug Screen
You don’t want mosquitos or gnats driving you and your guests indoors. We recommend adding a motorized insect screen to your patio area. The screen can retract into the ceiling when insects aren’t out in force, but if they start to become a problem, one button press lowers the screen and provides impenetrable protection from the bugs.
5. Home Network Setup
With standard home networks, it’s common for Wi-Fi coverage to be limited to around 150 feet. So unless your router is placed right next to your patio, you’re not going to have a good signal while you’re enjoying your outdoor areas. By investing in a professional home network setup, we can ensure that you always have Wi-Fi access, no matter where on your property you’re located. So if you want to stream a movie on your poolside television or browse the internet on your smartphone, it won’t be a problem!
6. Centralized Control System
When adding all of these different technologies to your outdoor spaces, it’s important that you can easily manage them at the push of a button. We recommend incorporating your outdoor entertainment system into a holistic smart home automation solution. Your media, lights, climate, motorized shades, and more are all accessible through a single app on your smartphone. When you want to change the music playlist or lower the bug screen, just pull out your phone and press the button! You can also automate the technology so that it works without any effort from you. For example, have your system automatically turn on the landscape lighting once the sun sets.
Don’t let your outdoor areas go to waste. To learn how DB Media Solutions can upgrade your backyard or patio with smart technologies, give us a call at (817) 980-0347, fill out this quick form, or click the live chat window at the bottom of the screen.