Landscape lighting is a must-have in any home. It strengthens your security, boosts your architectural features and enhances your outdoor entertainment. Due to its many functions, it is important that you have the right solution in place to get the most out of your technology. Aside from serving different functions, creating a layered lighting design can also add warmth and depth to your space. In this blog, we will discuss the various kinds of fixtures you can incorporate in your Houston, Texas home and the best control option for each.

See More: Transform Your Outdoor Spaces with Landscape Lighting

Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting will make up the majority of your outdoor fixtures. It sets the overall tone by casting light over large areas of your patio, driveway, garden and other outdoor spaces. These lights help keep your home secure while creating a distinct ambience.

When it comes to your security, these fixtures benefit greatly from smart control. Use pre-set schedules to turn on lights as soon as the sun sets. If you're hosting friends for a barbecue or pool party, you can then use your smartphone to change the intensity of the lights to set the perfect mood for guests.

While there are many benefits of having a connected home where all your technology works together, there’s one glaring drawback for many potential clients. What if someone hacks your home networking system? Not only would they get access to your computer’s information, but also to your security system, climate control and more. The integrators at Relative Home Systems make it their priority to strengthen your network’s security protocols in order to protect your family’s safety and privacy.

SEE MORE: Is Your Network Equipped to Handle a Connected Home?

Buying the Right Equipment

Many of the new connected devices on the market –from thermostats to speakers—where created with convenience in mind, not security. For our Savant or Crestron automation systems, we bring together only products with an established track record of performance and security. We ensure all your connected devices include the necessary software to reduce the risk of viruses or malware.

It all begins with a router with enhanced security features. For example, Pakedge routers come with a multi-layer security system. Through the use of firewalls, VPNs and guest networks, they can reduce the risk of outside parties hacking the system. For advanced systems, like a full home automation solution, go with a Unified Threat Management system which lets an administrator monitor your system for any security vulnerabilities or issues.

While there are many benefits of having a connected home where all your technology works together, there’s one glaring drawback for many potential clients. What if someone hacks your home networking system? Not only would they get access to your computer’s information, but also to your security system, climate control and more. The integrators at Relative Home Systems make it their priority to strengthen your network’s security protocols in order to protect your family’s safety and privacy.

SEE MORE: Is Your Network Equipped to Handle a Connected Home?

Buying the Right Equipment

Many of the new connected devices on the market –from thermostats to speakers—where created with convenience in mind, not security. For our Savant or Crestron automation systems, we bring together only products with an established track record of performance and security. We ensure all your connected devices include the necessary software to reduce the risk of viruses or malware.

It all begins with a router with enhanced security features. For example, Pakedge routers come with a multi-layer security system. Through the use of firewalls, VPNs and guest networks, they can reduce the risk of outside parties hacking the system. For advanced systems, like a full home automation solution, go with a Unified Threat Management system which lets an administrator monitor your system for any security vulnerabilities or issues.

How often do you use your phone during a given day and how are you using it? A recent Pew Research study stated that 46 percent of smartphone users couldn’t live without their phones. That’s because they’re much more than phones to us. We use them to check emails, do our online banking and even watch our favorite shows. So why not use them to control your Houston, Texas home? With the Savant Systems App, you can manage your lights, security, entertainment and more right from your phone.

SEE MORE: 4 Questions to Ask When Upgrading to a Smart Home

How Does Savant Systems Control Your Home?

A smart home automation system brings together all your home’s different components. Instead of buying individual smart devices, you get a comprehensive approach in which all systems are compatible and work together for optimal results. By consolidating all the technology in your home, you can centralize control to the touchpad, tablet, or smartphone of your choice. So why do clients decide to use their phones? Read on to check out some of the best features of the Savant Systems App.

1. Personalize Your System

How often do you use your phone during a given day and how are you using it? A recent Pew Research study stated that 46 percent of smartphone users couldn’t live without their phones. That’s because they’re much more than phones to us. We use them to check emails, do our online banking and even watch our favorite shows. So why not use them to control your Houston, Texas home? With the Savant Systems App, you can manage your lights, security, entertainment and more right from your phone.

SEE MORE: 4 Questions to Ask When Upgrading to a Smart Home

How Does Savant Systems Control Your Home?

A smart home automation system brings together all your home’s different components. Instead of buying individual smart devices, you get a comprehensive approach in which all systems are compatible and work together for optimal results. By consolidating all the technology in your home, you can centralize control to the touchpad, tablet, or smartphone of your choice. So why do clients decide to use their phones? Read on to check out some of the best features of the Savant Systems App.

1. Personalize Your System

What part does music play in your River Oaks, Texas home? It could be listening to it as you get ready for work, streaming a playlist when hosting friends or winding down in a dedicated listening room. If you often find solace in your favorite albums, it may be worthwhile to invest in a whole home audio system. We know how personal your music can be, so Relative Home Systems crafts a solution that works specifically to meet your needs. Below are some questions you should ask yourself before getting started.

SEE MORE: Elevate Your Listening Experience With Bowers & Wilkins

Should You Go Wired or Wireless?

Streaming services like Pandora and Tidal have changed the way we listen to music. With wireless access to our music, it's easy to gravitate towards a wireless speaker system as well. The demand has been so high that even high-end manufacturers like Bowers & Wilkins have joined the movement. Wireless is a great option since it’s easier to install, but it does have its drawbacks.

Even in the best wireless systems, some quality may be lost. While we can bolster your home network to play uncompressed files, a wired solution will ultimately get the most out of a whole home audio system. It is easier to incorporate multiple rooms through the use of receivers or matrix switchers and you can integrate multiple sources at once, whether it’s a streaming service on your phone or a vintage turntable.

With the New Year comes new inspiration – and new home improvement projects. A big bucket list item for a lot of our clients is installing a private home theater. Who doesn't want the perfect place to watch movies without having to deal with dirty seats and loud crowds? The integrators at Relative Home Systems work with you to find the perfect place in your Houston, Texas home for an installation depending on your space limitations, family needs, and budget. Below are some of our most popular solutions and the technology behind them.

SEE MORE: 3 Enhancements for Your Custom Home Theater

The Dedicated Theater

The best way to get the most out of your private home theater is still to install it in a dedicated room. The environment is specially designed to isolate light and sound for the best results. In this type of setting, we encourage you to go with the full cinema ensemble.

For your surround sound, incorporate Bowers & Wilkins C800 speakers (pictured above) throughout the space to immerse yourself in high-fidelity sound. When it comes to quality and value, a screen is the best option for a large theater video display. We recommend the Runco Signature Cinema DLP projector with HD capabilities and a Smart Lens System that always remembers the exact position of your screen. For your video display, go with a Stewart Filmscreen product that has motorized masking, which lets you adapt the screen to your video’ aspect ratio. This way you can transition from TV shows to movies seamlessly without getting stuck with a warped resolution or extra screen area.

Relative Home Systems of Houston and Austin has won “Best Of Design” on Houzz®, the leading platform for home remodeling and design. The full-service residential and commercial custom electronics design and installation company was chosen by the more than 35 million monthly unique users that comprise the Houzz community from among more than one million active home building, remodeling and design industry professionals.

The Best of Houzz is awarded annually in three categories: Design, Customer Service and Photography. Design award winners’ work was the most popular among the more than 35 million monthly users on Houzz. Customer Service honors are based on several factors, including the number and quality of client reviews a professional received in the past year. Relative Home Systems was also recognized with Best of Design and Best of Service awards in 2015.

Architecture and interior design photographers whose images were most popular are recognized with the Photography award. A “Best Of Houzz 2016” badge will appear on winners’ profiles, as a sign of their commitment to excellence. These badges help homeowners identify popular and top-rated construction, design and technology experts in every metro area on Houzz.

“We created Relative Home Systems with the hope of changing the traditional stereotype of the residential and commercial integrator and so far it has proven successful,” said Wayne Getschman, COO of Relative Home Systems. “When you have a company filled with some of the industry’s top professionals and you work as a team, it’s easy to gain recognition.”

The Best of Houzz awards recognize the companies that have inspired its users to discover new products or take on new projects. They have done this by encouraging a collaborative relationship between homeowners and the architects, designers or contractors they work with.

When thinking about what smart products to bring into your home, you should begin with technology you use on a daily basis. Why not start with your home's lights? It's the first thing you interact with in the morning and the last thing you shut off when you go to bed. For a technology so entrenched in your daily routine, shouldn't you find a way to control it just the way you want? Get the versatility you deserve with a home lighting control solution from Lutron. Read on to find out the many unique ways Lutron lets you control the light fixtures in your Houston, TX home.

SEE MORE: Upgrade Your Home With Automated Lighting Control

Centralize Control of All Your Home's Lights

There are many smart lighting products on the market, but they usually offer limited reach. With Lutron HomeWorks QS incorporated into your Savant or Crestron home automation system, you can access all your home's lights from a touchpad, smartphone or tablet. Eliminate the clutter of switches on the wall and make it more convenient to pull up what you need. Simply pick the room you want to access then choose the fixtures you want to control. You can dim their power, turn them off or even change their color.

Enhance Your Style With Elegant Wall Switches

When thinking about what smart products to bring into your home, you should begin with technology you use on a daily basis. Why not start with your home's lights? It's the first thing you interact with in the morning and the last thing you shut off when you go to bed. For a technology so entrenched in your daily routine, shouldn't you find a way to control it just the way you want? Get the versatility you deserve with a home lighting control solution from Lutron. Read on to find out the many unique ways Lutron lets you control the light fixtures in your Houston, TX home.

SEE MORE: Upgrade Your Home With Automated Lighting Control

Centralize Control of All Your Home's Lights

There are many smart lighting products on the market, but they usually offer limited reach. With Lutron HomeWorks QS incorporated into your Savant or Crestron home automation system, you can access all your home's lights from a touchpad, smartphone or tablet. Eliminate the clutter of switches on the wall and make it more convenient to pull up what you need. Simply pick the room you want to access then choose the fixtures you want to control. You can dim their power, turn them off or even change their color.

Enhance Your Style With Elegant Wall Switches

It seems every day new smart technology hits the market. There are thermostats, lights, cameras, locks and even humidifiers that boast the smart label. But are they worth the investment? The professional integrators from Relative Home Systems can help you navigate through the latest technology and incorporate it all into a smart home control system. Read on to find out we can ‘smarten up’ your Memorial, Texas home.

SEE MORE: Relative Home Systems Overcomes Smart Home Challenges

Making Sure You Get the Best Equipment

There are thousands of options flooding the market from individual solutions –like the Nest thermostat—to full smart home hubs. With years of experience, Relative Home System serves as your advisor to get you past the clutter and impostors. According to your needs and specific budget, we work with you to create a solution that includes only the best products in the market. We work with Savant Systems and Crestron for your smart automation needs due to their compatibility with multiple products. This way you get versatility and reliability in your system.

Install Only the Components You Need

As we deal with the chilly winter weather, it's natural to start daydreaming about spring and heading back outdoors. We can't wait to have a barbecue with friends on the patio or enjoy a swim with the kids. Once the heat returns, why not get the party blaring outdoors with a reliable outdoor audio system? You can play your favorite music as you prepare some burgers or connect your audio to an outdoor television to enjoy some sun as you watch the game on Sunday. Read on to learn the best ways to get a high-quality, reliable outdoor audio system in your Austin, Texas home.

Read More: Transform Your Outdoor Space

Purchase the Right Equipment to Fit Your Family's Needs

For good sound, you need good speakers. For good sound outdoors, you need good, sturdy speakers built to handle the elements. We recommend going with Coastal Source, which offers a variety of product options to meet any need. Spread sound throughout your patio and backyard with bullet or bollard speakers designed to blend perfectly with their surroundings.

You can even incorporate all your speakers in a wireless Turtle audio system. The Turtle subwoofer serves as the brains of the operation and can have as many as sixteen speakers connected to it. Your smartphone or tablet will recognize the Turtle system as a network. Once you connect, you can stream content from iTunes, Spotify or Pandora.

By now you’ve likely heard of the latest standard in television technology: 4K Ultra HD. Its higher resolution offers crisper, more life-like images than traditional high-definition. We also understand if you might be wary of new technology when it comes to watching your favorite movies and shows. The last big television trend to come out, 3-D televisions, failed to take on in most households. So why is this new technology different? Read below to see the many ways it can enhance the whole home audio video system in your Houston, Texas home.

See More: 5 Steps to Creating the Dedicated Home Theater of Your Dreams

Enjoy the Best Video Resolution Around

First of all, how does the new technology work? 4K UHD has four times the pixels of high-definition video at 8.2 million pixels. The added pixels result in sharper lines, smoother curves and more distinct colors for increased realism and sharpness. You can also sit closer to the screen without distorting the image, adding a new level of flexibility to your television viewing. Many UHD televisions also offer High Dynamic Range (HDR) for a wider range of colors, shadows and highlights.

Find a Screen to Fit Any Space in Your Home

By now you’ve likely heard of the latest standard in television technology: 4K Ultra HD. Its higher resolution offers crisper, more life-like images than traditional high-definition. We also understand if you might be wary of new technology when it comes to watching your favorite movies and shows. The last big television trend to come out, 3-D televisions, failed to take on in most households. So why is this new technology different? Read below to see the many ways it can enhance the whole home audio video system in your Houston, Texas home.

See More: 5 Steps to Creating the Dedicated Home Theater of Your Dreams

Enjoy the Best Video Resolution Around

First of all, how does the new technology work? 4K UHD has four times the pixels of high-definition video at 8.2 million pixels. The added pixels result in sharper lines, smoother curves and more distinct colors for increased realism and sharpness. You can also sit closer to the screen without distorting the image, adding a new level of flexibility to your television viewing. Many UHD televisions also offer High Dynamic Range (HDR) for a wider range of colors, shadows and highlights.

Find a Screen to Fit Any Space in Your Home

There was once a time when your home networking consisted of your phone, fax and home computer. Now it also includes your laptop, smartphone, tablet, cable box, music, cameras and more. We’re living in the connected era, making a robust network the backbone of any home. Wondering if your current system is up to the challenge? Relative Home Systems shows you how you can get quick, reliable service for all the devices in your Houston, Texas home.

See More: The Beauty and Benefits of a Connected Home

Increase the Performance of Your Smartphone and Tablet

What’s the connected device you use most in your home? You’re probably using it right now to read this blog. We use smartphones for everything in our lives and there’s no reason we should be suffering through slow data or interrupted service in our own homes. Enhance the performance of your smart phone or tablet with cellular booster systems. These systems capture outside signals from nearby towers and enhance the signal for indoor use.

If you would rather rely on your home’s wi-fi network, you can add Pakedge Wireless access points that relay your router signal to ensure you get blanket coverage throughout your space. Pakedge’s SectorMaxx technology works three times faster than conventional wireless technology to make sure your connection stays consistent whether you’re checking emails or streaming music.

With the rise in quality home entertainment via Blu-Rays, media servers, streaming and cable, custom home theaters have become a popular request for many luxury homes. Whether it's a new construction or retrofit, for many builders and designers it can be difficult to find the balance between the technological requirements of a custom theater and the distinct style the clients want. This is why it's important to bring in a professional integrator for your next Austin, Texas project to better craft a space that meets all your clients' needs. Read on to find out how an expert integrator can help you build the perfect home theater.

Do a Thorough Initial Consultation

The first step is communicating with your clients to find out where the home theater will be installed. Once you have a space in mind, it's time to bring in a professional audio video integrator to gage the needs of the space. During this initial consultation it is important to take into account space limitations, light considerations, acoustics and preferred seating arrangements.

It is important that no electronic equipment be purchased before this stage, as the equipment needed could depend entirely on these details. Always build a home theater system to fit your space, not the other way around. After consultation, the integrator will work with you hand-in-hand throughout the installation process to ensure everything falls within your project's scope and budget.

Find the Perfect Technology for Your Needs

Landscape lighting can serve many functions in a home. It can help increase security, accentuate architectural features and illuminate outdoor entertainment spaces. All of this can be accomplished through a well-designed mix of lighting fixtures. But why settle for a static system? Optimize your space with Coastal Source outdoor lighting fixtures and a smart control system that can anticipate threats and even conserve energy. Read on to find out how a smart solution can benefit your Houston home.

Read More: Illuminate Your Landscape and Light Up Your Life 

Stay Ahead of the Sun and Conserve Energy

While some lights may stay on throughout the day, it’s when the sun goes down that your lighting design really shines. This is why it’s important to create a system which transitions seamlessly from day to night. Your smart control system helps you in this regard in two different ways: by creating schedules or incorporating sensors. 

At a given time every evening, your lights are programmed to turn on then dim back down in the morning. For ultimate efficiency, you can link your fixtures to sun sensors. As soon as it starts getting dark, lights turn on to avoid dangerous unlit areas and allow you to continue outdoor activities. Meanwhile, you conserve energy by making sure lights are only turned on when needed. 

A recent study by IHS Technology determined that by the year 2019, there will be an average of five connected devices in homes throughout the world. The trend has helped push the growth of the connected home, with the smart home automation market expected to be worth over $50 billion by 2020. People have become accustomed to full control at a moment’s notice and their home is no exception. 

Want to join the movement? With our new office in Austin, Texas, Relative Home Systems can work with you directly to craft a solution that will provide you with full control of lights, entertainment, security and more. Here are some questions you should take into account when thinking of the smart home solution that best fits your needs:

What do you want to control?

Though a smart home automation solution implies full control of your home, you can always choose the systems you want to include. Many people, for example, begin with whole home audio/video or smart security and eventually expand their systems to include lighting, shading, and temperature. Relative Home Systems designs a solution that lets you control what you want while remaining scalable---meaning you can easily add other subsystems when you decide to do so.

How do you want to control it?

A recent study by IHS Technology determined that by the year 2019, there will be an average of five connected devices in homes throughout the world. The trend has helped push the growth of the connected home, with the smart home automation market expected to be worth over $50 billion by 2020. People have become accustomed to full control at a moment’s notice and their home is no exception. 

Want to join the movement? With our new office in Austin, Texas, Relative Home Systems can work with you directly to craft a solution that will provide you with full control of lights, entertainment, security and more. Here are some questions you should take into account when thinking of the smart home solution that best fits your needs:

What do you want to control?

Though a smart home automation solution implies full control of your home, you can always choose the systems you want to include. Many people, for example, begin with whole home audio/video or smart security and eventually expand their systems to include lighting, shading, and temperature. Relative Home Systems designs a solution that lets you control what you want while remaining scalable---meaning you can easily add other subsystems when you decide to do so.

How do you want to control it?

Though technology has changed the way many companies do business, boardrooms have only grown in importance in the modern office. Many employees work from home and even have independent hours, but it is still pivotal for everyone to come together for group projects or company-wide decisions. Between collaborating with employees and videoconferencing with clients, a boardroom control system offers the best way to maximize the efficiency of your Austin, Texas office.  

The seasoned programmers at Relative Home Systems can boost the efficiency of your space with Crestron’s AV Framework office control system, which helps you monitor what is going on in all your conference rooms and gives you control of your audio video, lights and shades from your smartphone, tablet or touchpad. Read on to find out why a Crestron system is the best way to upgrade your boardroom.

Prepare Presentations Seamlessly

Prepare a powerful sales pitch with Crestron’s DM 3.0 Digital AV presentation and control system. With a built-in 4K scaler you can use any resolution source effectively on your display. To share presentations on the screen, employees can connect their laptop to the room’s system or use AirMedia for wireless presentations.  

The system will know what screen you’re closest to and give you display options at the press of a button so you can get your content playing quickly. With centralized control of lights, temperature, shades and audio/video, you can also prepare the room with the press of a button. Select your “Presentation” setting and the shades close, lights dim and your screen or television switches to display mode.