2017 was a great year for technology, especially with smart home automation. Moving into the new year means even more innovation and progress. Upgrading the components of your Dallas, Texas home’s audio video system has never been more exciting with the expected trends for 2018.

Read on to learn about the audio video trends for the upcoming year. 

See Also: Can You Control Your Home from an iPad?

OLED TVs

Whether you are watching a movie or your favorite TV show, you deserve a quality viewing experience. OLED displays have a lot to offer. Their technology allows them to provide excellent image quality without requiring a backlight (as opposed to LCDs), making them a thinner and more efficient addition to your home audio video system. 

What makes OLED a watchable trend is that its unique technology isn’t terminal, meaning that it has plenty of potential for progress in the future. OLED will eventually allow for rollable and transparent TVs, making your house the home of some of the most innovative technology.

As a home automation installer, we work with many architects and builders throughout the Southlake, Texas area, and it’s kind of funny how often the same questions come up. Especially for construction firms just dipping into the smart home automation market, it can seem daunting.

If you’re in that boat, we hope this article will be useful to you. Below, we answer the most common questions about smart home technology we hear during the home planning and construction process.

See also: Make Homes Smart from the Start

What exactly is home automation?

Smart home automation is technology that allows the homeowner to simplify and customize the way they interact with their home. This means everything from motorized window shades, smart lighting and audio/video, temperature control and more.

Homeowners can control these systems via a single remote or device such as an iPad or another touchscreen device. Home automation carries many benefits like saving energy, increasing convenience and simplifying tasks for the homeowner, ultimately providing a luxurious living experience.

With so many types of motorized shades on the market, selecting the right one can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t know the differences.

 In this blog, we will discuss the differences between single roller and dual roller shades, why this distinction matters, and what that means for your Dallas, TX home.

See also: Why Smart Window Shades Are a Great Addition to Any Space

What is a roller shade?

Single or double, roller shades are made up of a panel of fabric rolled on a rod that is fixed to the top of a window frame.

Unlike traditional drapery or blinds, roller shades are designed to be compact, so they can be completely invisible when rolled up. This is especially beneficial for rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, where you don’t want shades detracting from the view outside.

At DB Media Solutions, it’s our job to provide direction, recommendations on products, and of course excellent home theater services.

But as a homeowner in the Dallas, Texas area, it’s always a good idea to contemplate exactly what you want before making any big moves. When it comes to your home theater, you should consider themes, locations, décor and layout.

So why is it that a lot of home theater installers don’t do anything beyond just installing the equipment? We don’t take that approach.

Instead, we offer services that result in a home theater that is completely in line with your goals and personality, from start to finish.

Theme and Design Recommendations

Don’t overlook the overall design when working with an AV installer. We’ve done many home theater installations over the years, and we know what works and what doesn’t when it comes to design.

Research has shown that burglaries increase during and just before the holiday season. They’re more likely to occur when the home is unoccupied, making your house particularly vulnerable if you plan on traveling to visit family or just go on vacation. This holiday season, protect your Colleyville, TX home with the right home security system. Read on to discover the features and benefits of smart security.

See also: What Features Should Be Include in Your Home Security System 

Stay in the Loop

While a regular alarm system may sound off when someone enters the home, you may not actually get notified until minutes later, and won’t be able to see what’s going on.

A smart security system allows you to check in on video surveillance from your phone or iPad. You can even go in the app and check out footage from each room if you are expecting guests, but just want to keep an eye on your belongings.

The system is reliable in that it will instantly notify you if any unexpected activity occurs, and you can monitor your home in real-time whether you get an alert or you just want to do a random check-in.