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How to pre-wire your home for the future

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What is the best way to pre-wire my  new construction or or remodel home project?

This question is one that is asked us of on a daily basis and we thought we would write a short, brief and simple article outlining what has worked for our current clients that we have had the privilege to pre-wire their new construction and remodel home theater sound systems, their home networks, their internet of things, such as Lighting, Thermostat, Camera control, as well as their consumer electronics home surround sound installations in the past 17 years. We will touch upon these things in this article.

Pre-wire nightmareWhether you are remodeling your existing home, or going through the new construction pre-wire phase building a new home from scratch, we find that most people are relying on their contractor, or electrician to guide them through this process. Most of the times, this does not work out very well and this is the end result seen on this picture to the left of the screen. It is a rats nest.

Unfortunately, we get that call when there has to be changes to what was originally planned and the drywall is up. So what do you do? Call us today at 858-764-2648 to resolve it for you.

 

pre-wiring solutionSpace planning, a good structured cable management system and a little organization will go a long way when it comes to the efficiency and longevity of your audio video home sound systems for your consumer electronics. This is critical when it comes to your home network. Especially when it comes to your WiFi and the streaming of your Netflix, or movies from the internet.

As one of best pre-wire specialist in retrofit wiring companies in Southern California and San Diego County we are your one phone call solution that can future proof your home.

What about my home surround sound system?

in wall speaker installationOver the past 17 years we have been able to seamlessly upgrade our clients house sound system without having to tear up any drywall by the use of our pre-wire conduit system. Since you are here for the first time, looking for answers on how to…… (fill in the blank) we can assist you with this as well.

Good planning and proper prewiring is essential in your remodel and new construction process. Every month technology is changing, so we strive to give you the best house sound system without breaking the bank. Along with that, we can guide you to the best way to wiring a home theater, or whats the best in wall speaker sound system for a tv.

in wall speakerBut most importantly, simplicity in using. Lets face it, you can spend all the money in the world, but if you can’t control it, and need instructions we have failed as a company. Why not take a chance and give us a call for a complimentary consultation at 858-764-2648

So how does your pre-wiring future proof my home?

Our highly skilled design team has spent many years in other construction fields that is revolutionizing the way pre-wiring audio should be. Since 4k video is knocking at your door, what other content for your home stereo systems will be here in a few years? Well, not to let out too much information, but we are working on 16k overseas so that when the time comes here in the United States, we can give you a leg up. And here is how.pre-wire conduit

If you notice in this picture, we have an organized conduit system that weaves throughout your home so that whatever technology that comes down the road, you will be able to remove the old and replace it with the newest and latest widget.

And that my friends will save you thousands of dollars especially on your structured cable, and audio sound systems during the remodel, and new construction pre-wire phase of your projects.  Want to know more? Just give us a call. Or if you are looking for more in-depth information, click on the link below.

too many wiresHow a home network can simplify your life!

So if you have this look like the illustration, or questions about new construction residential wiring, what low voltage wire to use, how many structured wiring panels to avoid the clutter, home wiring basics, or how to on audio sound systems we have a simple, concise answer. Call us today at 858-764-2648 or shoot us a text.

Want more proof? Check out our testimonials by clicking on this link below.

CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS

 

8_rocker_switch_plate_decoraOne more thing, we also have solutions to your pre-wire home automation systems, as well as your residental electrical wiring needs that can avoid having so much wall acne with the numerous electrical switches that electricians love to clutter your home with.

 

 

 

5 button wall keypadIf you are about to dig into the residential electrical wiring for dummies, it will make your head spin and become overwhelmed. Please, let us help you to keep things as simple as possible.

Organization is everything when it comes to your existing remodel, and new construction of your home audio sound systems, home theater, home automation systems, home networking, distributed music systems and surveillance. So why not pick up the phone and give us a call at 858-764-2648 to assist you in un-cluttering your life, and begin simplifying your pre-wiring instead. We are just a phone call away.

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admin

Is you cell service in the DEAD Zone?

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Have you ever walked into someones home and your cell service has disappeared?

That chill that runs down your spine when you notice no cell service. That means you cannot be in contact with your kids. What if something happens and they can’t reach you, then what?

You just bought your dream home and you close escrow, and you find out that you have to go outside your dream home just to get a call out because you have no cell service inside? You have just entered the DEAD ZONE!

Believe it, or not. This is an all too common scenario we see each day. To make matters worse, this is almost like a dirty little secret. You have no cell service, unless you go outside, or you have to hang your cell phone close to a certain window, just to get a single bar of cell service.

Is there a solution to poor cell service?

single story cell service coverageYou are in luck. We at Rancho Santa Fe Home Theater are one of Southern California’s top experts in the field of restoring your cell service inside your home.

Our field technicians can asses, and pinpoint where to boost your cell service bars, and actually enhance your 3g, and 4g Data internet service on your iPhone, Blackberry, and Android cell phones.

In addition with more cell service bars, it will reduce you battery usage on your electronic devices.

What kind of coverage does it have?

2 story cell service coverageWe have several models that cover from a single story application from a 1000 square feet to multiple story homes and offices up to 40,000 square feet.

Using a dual band technology of 800 and 1900MHZ, it does not interfere with your existing WiFi internet of 2.4GHZ and 5GHZ.

Schedule an appointment TODAY!

So pick up the phone, send us a text at 858-764-2648 or if your cell service does not work at your home, then send us an email at support@ranchosantafehometheater.com to schedule an appointment to solve this dirty little secret, once and for all.

 

 

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admin

Interactive TV! Get into it.

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Don’t just watch TV. Get up, become interactive with it.

With the newer SMART flat screens that come with these new bells and whistles, it’s time to get off that couch and literally play with your TV.

Samsung now has flat screens that have a built in camera. That means you can be interactive using SKYPE with friends and interact over Facebook, and Twitter to keep connected within your Social Media Network Friends and Family.

Interactive mount

TV MOVES DOWN TO THE PERFECT VIEWING LEVEL

Here is a perfect example of what we can do with your flat screen that eliminates those neck aches of the past. We bring the flat screen down to the perfect viewing angle so that you can watch TV a whole lot more comfortably than ever before. CLICK ON THE PICTURE FOR A CLOSER LOOK.

How much effort does it take to move it?

With this new flexible arm that only requires an effortless  touch to have a full range of movement with your flat screen that now allows you to be interactive with your TV when watching movies, gaming, exercising and more. Here is a video clip example.

The ActionMount series made by Omnimount brings you closer and more interactive with your TV like never before. The design is from Ergotron’s patented Constant Force technology. I don’t really know what this means, all I know is when I was moving the flat screen, it very little effort to move it around.

Here are just a few of the benefits with this new interactive mount.

Raise and lower your TV with only a light touch

Great for standing activities like gaming and exercising

Pan screen left and Reposition the TV smoothly in all directions

Perfect viewing to reach multiple areas

Ideal for overhead applications

Wide frame offers installation flexibility for centering TV

Arm folds to the wall for a discreet profile

Post installation leveling ensures level screen

What size mount is available for my TV?

We’ve got you covered from the traditional 13-inch for those kitchen nook areas to the 70-inch ones above your fireplace.

Just imagine your TV is in the family room and be able to swing that big TV to view it from the kitchen within seconds.

Call today!

So why not make the most of your flat screen TV investment with a mount that’s designed to be as interactive as the TV itself. Makes sense, doesn’t it? Then pick up the phone and give a call today at 858-764-2648 to get one of these mounts installed today. Your neck will thank you.

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admin

How to create a text emoticon

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Got next generation text messaging?

For most of us 160 characters is plenty to get your message across. But one day someone decided that words are just not enough. That is where the text emoticon came to life.

Now your text can express yourself in such a way like no other way to get your point across. Your message now has your own personality with a certain jen ne sais qua, that your message could not express itself in any other way.

So without further a due here is how to create these little beauties.

Text messaging emoticon dictionarytext message emoticon

 What if 160 characters is not enough for my text?

We live in a multi generational society where enough just does not work for everyone. That is where a new type of text messaging service comes in. Apple rolled out iMessage to give us the ability to include pictures and expand our horizons. but now there is new kid on the block and his name is WhatsApp.

Who is WhatsApp?

WhatsApp is a new platform of text messaging where you are not limited by 160 characters. With this service you can include pictures and videos as well. Now you can send the most elaborate messages to your friends and family without using any of your text messaging data plan. This is because this app uses the internet data network, not the cellular data network.

Can you hook me up?

We sure can! To learn more about how we can assist you in setting up your smartphone with this App or other useful tools that will simplify your life, pick up the phone and give us a call, or shoot us a text message to (858) 764-2648 to make life a little bit simpler.

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admin

Is your art lit correctly?

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Is your art buried treasure?

Over the years we have toured a number of fine homes here in Southern California and the one theme that stands out, is our clients passion for fine art and photography.

Art if very much like buried treasure and the moment you find it, you can’t wait to show it off. Let’s be frank, the whole point of acquiring a piece is for our enjoyment to have it stop us in our tracks! And give us that opportunity to re-tell the story of how you found it.

How to re-kindle the magic in your art.

So you have a guest over and as they are walking around your home and might ask you about a piece, and you just can’t wait to tell the story. But for some reason they just don’t get the point. You turn on the lights for that piece and you explain to them about the magic behind it, but you don’t get any response. Now What?

Have your framed your art lately?

framing art projector

Fortunately, we are introducing a new technology that can re-create that magic for you with just a throw of a switch. It literally gives you the control of how much light illuminates just the canvas, or photograph. So the surrounding frame that is not part of the artwork ever gets any light.

This creates a 3D illusion and sex appeal to the artwork that you have never seen before. Here is an example from Nora Lighting.

Now your artwork from your journey in africa, or a Peter Lik photograph can really come t life, like never before.

Where can I get this magic in a can?

You pick up the phone today and give us a call or send us a text message to (858) 764-2648 to have one of our art appreciation aficionados show you the way to sexier way share that magic with your guests.

 

 

 

 

 

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admin

You need this kitchen remote

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Got a kitchen? You need this waterproof kitchen remote control.waterproof kitchen remote control

If you have ever experienced this scenario, where you are busy being creative with those wonderful recipes you just download and your right in the thick of it and you need to change the channel on the TV, or change the music to something else that will inspire you, what are you going to do? You’re gonna get this kitchen remote!

Washing your hands, then drying them off is just too distracting, time consuming and you end up losing your rhythm .

We live in a world of sufficient distractions and as a cook me-self, I love living in the moment. I don’t want something that is going to get in the way when my hands are gooey. The spices are flying everywhere, and I want change now!

That is why you really should give this waterproof kitchen remote control a try. Check out this cute video created by the Universal Remote team.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B16NJcUs4fs

Does it really float?

Of course silly billy, it just won’t come with the kitchen sink. But if you really, really want it to come with the kitchen sink, all you have to do is ask and we will deliver….. The kitchen sink.

If you are thinking of making room for those bigger pots to cook those Lobster that just flew in the East Coast, or you just want to make a good clam bake, then we really should talk.

We can swap recipes and ideas on how to create those wishes in the kitchen to become reality. I think I am getting off topic.

What if I have a restaurant, will it work there?

You betcha! This kitchen remote will work all of your televisions without having to point it at flat screens, or having to do those special yoga poses just to get the remote to cooperate. Let me repeat myself, just for emphasis. You do not need to point it at the Television to get it to work.

Getting back to the topic at hand, the kitchen remote is washable so you don’t have to worry about getting it greasy, slimy, or dirty. Just remember to use good sanitation practices and wash regularly and promise to exchange recipes with us.

We have a great crawfish boil recipe and also some excellent gluten-free dishes that will knock your socks off. Don’t forget to ask us for the Beer-in-the-Rear chicken recipe (My Favorite)

To get these recipes and a demo on how the kitchen remote control can fit in your kitchen, all you have to do is pick up the phone and send us a text message at 858-764-2648 to get together.

If you are looking for a great Mothers day surprise, why not take her to sample some good creole and take her out on the dance floor with some down home Zydeco music. The event is called Gator by the bay.

 

 

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admin

Is Crestron really worth it?

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 Crestron does it again!

Crestron cheat sheet

So this client calls us up and she begins to explain, how the only way to watch television is by following this Crestron cheat sheet.

Really? after spending thousands of dollars on a sophisticated Crestron system this is as good as it gets?

Now I don’t know about you, but I would not put up with this kind of programming that requires a cheat sheet. That is just plain wrong on so many levels.

Nor is this fair to this housewife that if she gets one thing out of sync all you see is snow on the TV.

I mean really? Can you imagine the humiliation that one has to go through each day with this monkey on your back that you are rolling the dice each and every-time you pick the remote.

I gotta say that if your spending $250.00 an hour for a crestron system and some so called programmer, and he hands you this cheat sheet?

I don’t think there would be a whole lot of nice things to do except rip that system out and start from scratch.

And that is exactly what we are going to do to simplify the system.

Is there an alternative to Crestron?

With the introduction of Google home, now being called Nest home, your voice is in control of all your devices as illustrated in this picture. As you can see there are limitless possibilities, but like with any project, we like to take small steps to create a solid foundation for all the devices to play well with each other.

Now that the construction of Race communication that has installed their fiber optic lines in Rancho Santa Fe, gigabit speed is a reality. Some areas in the Time Warner now Spectrum area, and Cox are providing a new wifi service of 1.3 Gigabits not Megabits per second in your area. AT&T has also jumped on the bandwagon of installing their Fiber optic wiring offering faster speeds as well.

Since you are here for the first time we thank you for taking a moment of your time to see if we are a good fit to assist you in the installation of the best Crestron alternative home automation system for your home network without breaking the bank.

What we do is replace that clunky remote control touch screen with their iPad, kindle fire HD, iPad mini and iPhones to be their remote control. Now everyone has a remote control in their pocket using the Leviton bitwise system, that keeps track of what is on, what off and what you want to do. Simple as that.

Leviton Bitwise iPadsThe layout will be simplified with large icons and legible size text so that you don’t need a pair of 3.0 reading glasses.

In addition, you don’t even need to be in the same room, or point it at the television.

But the best part about your new alternative to crestron is that it requires very little to no instructions at all.

apple tv remoteOh! by the way, we also include a great little gadget called Apple TV from the makers of Apple.

This little gem replaces the bulky 300 CD carousel. So no more cataloging and trying to remember what slot the cd belongs in. No more yelling at anyone about who took the CD out of the tray.

Lets face it, we all have a certain way to accomplish what we want to hear and watch. So why is it too much to ask for having it your way!

If Burger King can, then guess what? We can too. We promise to let you have it your way! In a language that you understand and simple to use.

How can I get rid of my Crestron system?


For more information on how we can simplify your life. Rid yourself of ever having to make that dreaded phone call to your husband on what input is the TV supposed to be. And have the best home automation system that we will cover in a different article in the palm of your hand then….

What are you waiting for? Pick up the phone and give us a call at 858-764-2648 to resolve these issues once and for all.

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admin

Hotmail is dead, now what?

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Hotmail is no more as of today, May 2nd 2013

hotmaillike most of the other familiar names that we have grown up with, like email.com, AOL, me.com, Richochet wireless services and most importantly Dial-up internet, Hotmail is dead. Just like a floppy drive.

Microsoft announced that your hotmail account is now on their outlook.com server and state that you will now have some newer features like SMTP and Skydrive.

But for most of us that have been faithful to Microsoft since the 1990’s that just want a simple email account, we now face a new challenge of this merger.

Here is what Micrsoft stated about Hotmail:

“Today, we’re excited to announce that we’ve completed upgrading all Hotmail customers to Outlook.com. Coupled with the growing organic excitement for Outlook.com, this has pushed us to over 400 million active Outlook.com accounts, including 125 million that are accessing email, calendar and contacts on a mobile device using Exchange ActiveSync.”

The last time Microsoft did cut us off at the knees was with Microsoft Money. This accounting software had all the bells and whistles you needed with a great dose of simplicity. For those of you that have made the journey to transfer your date to Quicken, you will need a third party application to make it work correctly.

What happens next now that hotmail is dead?

For those of you that have configured your email accounts to hotmail and are having a difficult time with the integration of outlook.com you can pick up the phone and give us a call, or send us a text message to 858-764-2648 and one of our technicians can re-configure your computers to simplify this process.

Remote Services available for hotmail

If you are out of our service area and require assistance we now have remote services available to assist you with your computer without having to be physically there on-site. Now there is a solution for every situation that may arise on your PC, or Laptop. One more thing i forgot to mention that we work on Machintosh computer as well.

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admin

keyboard symbols

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HOW TO MAKE SYMBOLS WITH KEYBOARD

If you ever had to make a legal document, or every try to find one of those special keyboard symbols, here is a short cut that has been created to assist you with your windows keyboard. keyboard symbols

By holding down the “Alt” button, then entering the number that is located on the right hand side of the keyboard, it will create that special symbol.

 

Keyword symbol list

Alt + 0153….. ™… trademark symbol
Alt + 0169…. ©…. copyright symbol
Alt + 0174….. ®….registered ­ trademark symbol
Alt + 0176 …°……degree symbol
Alt + 0177 …±….plus-or ­-minus sign
Alt + 0182 …¶…..paragr­aph mark
Alt + 0190 …¾….fractio­n, three-fourths
Alt + 0215 ….×…..multi­plication sign
Alt + 0162…¢….the ­ cent sign
Alt + 0161…..¡….. ­.upside down exclamation point
Alt + 0191…..¿….. ­upside down question mark
Alt + 1…….☺….smiley face
Alt + 2 ……☻…..black smiley face
Alt + 15…..☼…..sun
Alt + 12……♀…..female sign
Alt + 11…..♂……m­ale sign
Alt + 6…….♠…..spade
Alt + 5…….♣…… ­Club
Alt + 3…….♥…… ­Heart
Alt + 4…….♦…… ­Diamond
Alt + 13……♪…..e­ighth note
Alt + 14……♫…… ­beamed eighth note
Alt + 8721…. ∑…. N-ary summation (auto sum)
Alt + 251…..√…..square root check mark
Alt + 8236…..∞….. ­infinity
Alt + 24…….↑….. ­up arrow
Alt + 25……↓…… ­down arrow
Alt + 26…..→…..r­ght arrow
Alt + 27……←…..l­eft arrow
Alt + 18…..↕……u­p/down arrow
Alt + 29……↔…lef­t right arrow

For more good stuff that you are looking for regarding your keyboard symbols, home computer issues, pick up the phone and call us or send us a text message at 858-764-2648.

Or your wireless internet just is not reaching outside on your patio, garage, or 2nd story, we are here to assist you. Stay tuned for more How to tutorials.

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admin

Love, Hate relationship with you new TV

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Love, Hate my new TV

You love the new TV’s that gives you a beautiful picture of the shows you love. As well as offer you netflix and other widgets that you may or may not use.

On the other hand you can’t stand the crummy, tin can speakers that come with the TV. That is where you have 2 options of getting great sound without creating more clutter.

Solution for poor TV sound quality

Quixel, a national consumer research firm recently reported soundbars have captured the consumers imagination because, “they fulfill a need”.  Consumers are struggling to hear dialog from their new thin TV with equally thin sounding internal speakers.  The second reason is it’s easy for the consumer to understand the installation process of a soundbar.

Option 1, the thought of someone cutting holes in their ceilings or rectangles in their walls is a bit scary. They also probably conclude all that cutting and wiring will be expensive.

Option 2 which is our preference is to install a soundbar from Leon Speakers that matches the color, and exact width of your new TV. You just cant get this TV soundbarkind if quality from picking something up at Best Buy.

The bottom line is when it comes to the sound quality for your new TV. Front staged speakers leave 3 in the ceiling speakers in the dust. There is just no comparison at any price point.

Here is an example of one of your neighbors bedroom TV we installed. At Rancho Santa Fe Home Theater we have a completely customizable product line that delivers immersive, theater-like experiences to any environment. With limitless custom options and premium sound quality, Leon makes audio integration a fine art.

Call us Today, or shoot us a Text Message at 858-764-2648

So why not pick up the phone today for a complimentary visit to review how we may be of assistance in completing your investment of your TV so that you no longer have a Love, Hate relationship.

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