The director of the facility explains that planners insisted that the system be included in the facility because for many of the residents, music was a large part of their lives and it can be used to help stimulate pleasant memories of the past. The music comes from Internet radio and a special satellite channel created for the facility. And because the caregivers know their patients so well, they are able to customize the musical experience for each resident based on their likes and dislikes. The system provides music throughout the facility, including the 66 residents’ bedrooms.

According to the article, “Research shows that recalling sounds evokes memories of youth, increases self esteem, and puts dementia patients in a better mood.” It just plain makes them happier.

For all the talk about how home automation technologies can make our lives simpler, more efficient, safer, and of course more fun, here is just one example of how these technologies can help people.

By: Certified Connection

Certified Connection was engaged by Jackrabbit Design, a Massachusetts-based marketing firm, to design an office automation solution. Jackrabbit’s offices are in an interesting architectural space, and the company wanted a solution that would not only reflect the modern space, but emphasize the company’s cutting-edge reputation. Jackrabbit sought a solution that would streamline the technical aspects of the space by incorporating high-tech audio/visual systems and building automation equipment. 

Certified Connection designed a solution that met all of Jackrabbit’s requirements. The system is easy to use, inconspicuously integrated, and allows for automated control of all audio/visual systems, lighting systems, climate control systems, the alarm system, and security cameras from multiple access points, including iPhone control.

Certified Connection’s technicians transformed complex technical components and systems into a simple and elegant customized solution for Jackrabbit’s unique physical environment, and even the most non-tech-savvy employees at Jackrabbit are able to use the most complicated of systems.

Some of the Control4 components used for this project were the Portable 7-inch Touch Screen, the Home Controller HC-200, and the SR-250 Remote Control. Click here to see photos of this project: http://certifiedconnection.com/portfolio/.

By: Certified Connection

The solution was the installation of a Control4 automation system to manage the audio and video systems. There are 10 TVs that are on a set program coordinated with opening, closing, and shift changes. The TVs can be preset to tune to a specific source, such as one of the three DirecTV receivers. In addition to managing video, the Control4 system also handles the restaurant’s audio.

There are a total of 34 speakers throughout the interior and exterior of the restaurant that are run through the Control4 system and are connected to an iPod dock. Through these speakers, the restaurant can run audio of a big game, a terrestrial or satellite radio station, or even an iPod playlist. The owner can easily switch between audio options and choose the one that best matches the time of day and the dining crowd.

The main system management is handled through a series of seven-inch touchscreens, and the owner even has mobile access through his iPhone. For parties or business meetings, two touchscreens were installed in private rooms so guests can customize their audio and video during a private event. Automation has allowed this pizza place to step boldly into the future!

Do you own a business that could benefit from this type of automation? Contact the professionals at Certified Connection today and let us hook you up!

By: Certified Connection

Home automation professionals are now able to easily integrate multiple home automation systems with the iPad. “’Benefits are that the iPad is a multi-purpose device that can also be used to control your house,’ said Dick Rozic, president of Aveon Inc., an integration company in Houston, Texas. ‘Just like the Control4 remote can get rid of lots of traditional remote controls, the iPad can morph and fulfill many different functions in one convenient device.’”

Some of the main reasons that industry experts believe the iPad is a perfect match with home automation technologies are:

• Its very user-friendly interface is less intimidating than many remotes
• It has a larger screen, which is helpful for older users and makes it easier to monitor cameras
• It’s lightweight at around 1.5 pounds
• It’s relatively inexpensive, starting at around $499, which is less expensive than many touch screen remotes
• It’s capable of performing many different functions, tying together large numbers of systems
• It’s really cool

Now if only we could control our children via the iPad. It could happen. At the very least we can keep tabs on them with security cameras and iPad home automation integration.

By: Certified Connection

But even if your Blu-ray player, your A/V receiver, and your video processor are all configured in the right way, you might still not get exactly what you want out of your system. For example, if the display mode on your television isn’t set up properly, you won’t enjoy all 1,080 lines of detail that you paid for. With all of the menus and all of the options available on HD TVs – or any piece of electronic equipment – there are countless permutations. Every customization is different, based on anything from the room you choose for your set-up to the distance between your couch and the TV, and you may not even know what you want until you see the type of customization available.

Face it: You need help. You may be a computer whiz or remember fondly your time spent as president of the A/V club, but technology moves fast and you might not know what you don’t know. Not only that, the industry focuses on customizability and the user experience, so there are tons of options on every piece of equipment, whether it be part of a security system, a home theater, a lighting system, or a home computer network. And I think your baby just re-set your system to factory settings while she was chewing on the remote. So c’mon – call a professional. It’ll be our little secret.

By: Certified Connection

When the iPhone was introduced, people noticed its similarities to a home automation touch screen and began developing software that would allow users to control their home automation features from their iPhones. The portability factor of the iPhone makes home control from a phone so much simpler than from a wall-mounted touch screen. To make changes to your environment, no longer will you have to seek out a wall-mounted screen or lug your desktop screen around. The remote control to your entire home will sit safely in your pocket, limited only by the range of your home’s WiFi network, which the iPhone uses to communicate with your home automation system.

By: Certified Connection



Aside from a few upgrades and a few variations (running in wires for a television antenna, and then eventually cable) home wiring remained pretty much the same throughout the 20^th century. But now here we are in the 21^st, and the old home wiring just doesn’t cut it any more. New advances like satellite television dishes, fiber optic networks, security systems, high speed Internet, and remote lighting systems all require a whole lot of new wiring and all sorts of new cabling.

While it’s obviously more of a challenge to wire up an older home for all this great tech, getting your new home prewired is easy for the experts. Prewiring, according to the Certified Connection Web site, “allows seamless integration of audio, video, voice, and data networking throughout your home. Watch DVD or satellite on every TV in the home. Enjoy music in every room of the home – even outdoors. See who is at the front door from any TV!”

So if you’re going to get yourself a new home, make it a smart home. Wire it up beforehand and enjoy all that modern technology has to offer.

By: Certified Connection

Home lighting control solutions are quickly becoming one of the most popular home improvements. One of the main benefits of home lighting control is the potential energy savings. According to the a white paper produced by the Energy Conservation Enhancement Project at Louisiana State University, “20% of all electricity produced in the U.S. is used for lighting, but 50% of that is wasted by inefficient lighting sources or careless consumers.” And, they recommend that home lighting controls should now be part of every family’s home energy plan.

And when your home lighting control system is connected to your other home control systems, you will be able to control everything with one panel. So, you can dim the lights, turn up the music, and set your alarm system without leaving the couch.

Check out this article in Electronic House that gives 10 ideas for improving your home’s lighting system and enhancing your overall living environment through lighting. To learn more about the benefits of home lighting control, visit the Home Lighting Control Alliance’s website.

A backyard pool is a big investment, and you want to make sure you’re getting the most out of it. By hiring an expert to set up a pool control system, you’ll improve the safety features of your pool and protect your friends and loved ones, save money in energy costs and do your part for the planet, and be certain that when you slip into your pool after a long, hot day, the temperature will be absolutely perfect.

By: Certified Connection



But what if your favorite summertime activity is watching TV or movies? Are you cursed to sit inside for the season while everyone else is out having fun? Not if you’ve got some outdoor entertainment.

Manufacturers have finally embraced the great outdoors, and are offering up outdoor-specific components to keep you entertained no matter where you are. A television is not unusual to find on a porch or in a sunroom, but generally can’t go much further than that because of the elements. But a waterproof TV can, and does. No more worries about a sudden rain shower, splashed pool water, or a spilled soda. The waterproof TV is resistant to them all. And with the announcement of HD waterproof TVs, the picture never looked better.

If you’re all about the music, there are waterproof iPod cases as well. You can use your headphones, or hook your iPod up to waterproof speakers and DJ the pool party.

For those who desire the whole audio/visual experience, believe it or not, there’s an inflatable solution. Inflatable outdoor entertainment systems come with an 8- or 12-foot screen, a projector, a DVD player, and full-range speakers. They can be a little tricky to set up, so you might want to consult an expert, but once they’re blown up, tied down, and hooked in, you’ll wonder how you ever considered sitting inside in the dark with a solitary fan.

One thing’s for sure: When mom wants the kids to leave the house and go outside for some fresh air this summer, with cool gadgets like these, she’ll likely encounter less resistance.

By: Certified Connection