Thursday, February 25, 2010

Smart Home:

Important Message from Smarthome:

We will be moving our store to 1987 Central Ave, Albany Ny 12205....right next to Costumer and across from Taft.

We are very excited to be making this move!

More info to follow, so be sure to check back.

Monday, January 18, 2010

The Importance of Utilizing Surge Protectors

With the amount of money it costs to install high level entertainment systems these days also investing in a quality surge protector is a must. Why spend thousands of dollars and risk losing everything in less than a second because of a bolt of lightning or voltage spike? Surge protectors are the first line of defense for your entertainment system and it provides peace of mind against the unexpected.
Surge Protectors do two things; it will protect the connections inside your home theatre system and provide you with a central location for all power connections. Sure, you can monitor the weather channel and unplug your entire unit before every thunderstorm, but not only is that unrealistic, it won't help stop voltage spikes. Not to mention the many DVD players, VCR or cable boxes have to be reprogrammed when unplugged, which becomes quite the nuisance. Purchasing a surge protector eliminates this headache, provides a place for all power connections and simplifies the ability to track multiple cables. If you already own one and it doesn't have labels, make your own, it is worth the effort.
Surge protectors come in various sizes and plug inputs, being aware of how many you need and how many units you intend to add in the future is important before purchasing. An often overlooked aspect of these tools is that ALL LINES INTO YOUR HOME THEATRE NEED TO BE PROTECTED. Not just the power cables. In other words, the cable connection, any outdoor antenna or phone line is just as important as the power cable. There is a surge protector out there that addresses all these needs, do a little research and buy the appropriate model.
When looking into a surge protector be aware of the shut off limits. Problems only occur when the voltage fluctuates too for above or below the acceptable limits. This happens very quickly and you want to be able to respond in less than a nanosecond. The level of protection increases based on quality of surge protector. Look for one with visual indicators that will quickly tell important information, as well as audible indicators that will sound when a power surge has taken place. Also look into surge protectors that address the filtering of electromagnetic and radio frequency versus those that do not. These will produce cleaner power, which provide a greater protection level.
Finally, make sure you are presented a warrantee that guarantees coverage of the complete value of your home theatre system, not just the surge protector. If this is not available, it is not worth purchasing the equipment in the first place.
The point with all of this is to be a step ahead of any potential problems regarding power surges or voltage fluctuations. Investing in expensive equipment and not a surge protector is foolish and is asking for trouble. Be proactive, be preventive. Make your home a SmartHome.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Make your Home a SmartHome

The SmartHome team is known for large scale audio/video installation projects for businesses throughout the capitol region. However, if you need inspiration for a personal theater in your home look no further! Not only will SmartHome provide you with their designs and concepts, but they are happy to work with your preexisting equipment. If it is time to upgrade or modify your families' entertainment system, checkout this recently completed project in a Waterford, NY home.

This 110-inch electric screen with front projector was installed with 5.1 surround sound and programmed to be controlled with an all-in-one remote. There is a single button for movies, television, etc. No more juggling multiple remotes. Just sit back, hit the "watch movie" button, and relax. All wiring has been completely hidden to provide a clean presentation. The family is thrilled the project took only two days and is excited to share their new theater with loved ones this holiday season.

The SmartHome team has two more similar projects before Christmas, make your home next on their list.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Conference Rooms Installed at GlobalFoundries Plant

Between October of 2008 and March 2009 a collaboration between Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD) and the Advanced Technology Investment Company (ATIC) led to the need for and announcement of a leading-edge semiconductor manufacturing company. The company would address the growing need to enhance independent foundry capabilities.

On March 2, 2009 GlobalFoundries was officially launched.

Since then, GlobalFoundries has asked M+W Zander Operatives (a worldwide leader in architecture, engineering and construction services) to be the general contractor for the 4.7 billion dollar microchip fabrication plant in Malta, New York. This is where the SmartHome team comes in. M+W Zander decided the installation of two conference rooms would be best served with the concepts and ideas SmartHome is known for.

The large-scale project will include complete audio/video installations of the highest quality.Some of the features specifically involved are a pair of 1080P High Definition front projectors, two 110-inch motorized screens, a 50-inch Plasma display with a SmartBoard overlay, eight pairs of Kef Uni-Q in-ceiling speakers, wireless Shure lavalier microphones and a Denon receiver to decode HDMI audio from two computer towers.


All of this equipment will be streamlined so users can control their presentations by simply plugging in a USB thumb drive and utilizing the touchscreen controller. Audiences of fifty people will be able to hear speakers with out them ever having to raise their voices.


The GlobalFoundries project is a prime example of the SmartHome Theater and Technology Center installing innovative equipment in an efficient, cost-friendly way.

The SmartHome team would like to thank everyone they worked with this past year and is grateful for a successful 2009.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Wolf's 1-11 Project Completed

The Smarthome team completed a large scale installation project at the recently opened Wolf's 1-11 in Colonie. The restuarant and game center will offer 32 HD televisions spread throughout the space, as well as a 110-inch screen and projector. The layout will allow customers to see multiple games, events and shows at once from any table.


Stop by Wolf's 1-11 for a fun night out in the newest spot in Colonie and checkout the work of the Smarthome team. They can network multiple televisions or install single units. They know how to do it all and can accomodate businesses and personal projects.


If you would like to learn more about everything Smarthome can offer, take a look at their website for more ideas or contact information.

http://smarthomealbany.com/Welcome.html

Monday, November 16, 2009

SmartHome Project Update

Just a update on some of the projects SmartHome is working on.

Global Foundries - the AMD plant in Malta - We are contracted to do their
confeence rooms with smart media systems for projectors and presentatin
technology


Halliday Financial- completing their new conference room next week with
projector and motorized 100" screen. See John Sieper at Halliday Financial
for all your investing needs.


Were still working on our biggest project - the 16,000 sq ft $15 million
dollar home in greenwich CT....19tv's, theater, automation in the main
house, pool house asnd guest house...pics to come soon.

WOLFS 111 - the former old chicago- working on opening it near the end of the
month - we installed more than 30 tv's and a huge projecton screen for the
entertainment room. I would like to mention that.

Your Special Project Could Be Next !!!!!
Contact us Today
SmartHome
243 Wolf Rd
Colonie NY 12205

518.813.9164 - phone
518.813.9183 - fax

info@smarthomealbany.com

http://www.smarthomealbany.com

Friday, November 6, 2009

Unbelievable Sale Just in Time for the Holidays!


Just in time for the 2009 Holiday Season, Smarthome Albany is rolling out the savings! You will not find this unbelievable deal anywhere else in the Capital District, so get it while its hot!!!!

42” High Definition Plasma TV (42” diagonally)With an ultra-high
dynamic contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1,
the PQ10 will impress gamers, movie buffs, and design enthusiasts alike
.

Mega Contrast Ratio
2,000,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio provides sharper image

AV Mode II
LG HDTVs include 3 AV Modes, preset to optimize picture and sound settings
based on Cinema, Sports or Game content. AV Modes can be easily set with a
convenient button on the remote control. Cinema Mode is pre-calibrated
using ISFccc parameters for a film-like experience.

600Hz Sub Field Driving
With LG's 600Hz sub-field driving refresh rate technology, see realistic
movement in Sports, Action, Movies and Video games like never before.

Clear Voice II
Automatically enhances and amplifies the sound of the human voice frequency
range to help keep dialogue audible when background noise swells. Can also
be personalized with a new 12-step adjustment level.

here is the link to the tv on LG site:
http://www.lge.com/ca_en/tv-audio-video/tv/LG-plasma-tv-42PQ10.jsp


Regular price $899...on sale next week only for $599 !!!!!!! Call to place orders or pick up at our store today! 518-813-9164
http://www.smarthomealbany.com