Here are 5 Important Things to Consider

You’ve heard a lot about 4K, Ultra HD, and other terms.  You want that razor-sharp picture in your home theater.

Maybe you already have a home theater.  In that case, you may be wondering what you’ll need to upgrade.

If you don’t have a home theater system, the good news is you can plan to get new equipment with less concern about what will be compatible with the old.

Let’s look at five important considerations for achieving 4K home theater nirvana in your Maui home.



 
SEE ALSO: Why Should You Invest in a Professional Home Theater System

 

4K Screens: Flat Panel or Projector?

The traditional approach to a full-on home theater has been a ceiling or rear projection system, but recent trends have developed new options.  Flat Panels are now available up to 100 inches in size, with 75-85 inch models becoming quite affordable.  If you don’t like integrating projectors in your room, a large flat panel may be the way to go.  LED backlight dimming, OLED screen technology, HDR (high dynamic range) and Dolby Vision (Dolby Labs’ special version of HDR) offer incredible sharpness, detail, and black level performance.

Projectors have not been standing still.  There are many models to choose from that offer 4K resolution, but one of the things to watch out for is support for HDR.  Look for models that support both HDR10 and Dolby Vision, or at a minimum are software upgradeable for those features. Ultra short-throw projectors are also a viable option now; these models are more easily installed and calibrated than ceiling mounted or rear projection setups.

4K Ultra HD Blu-ray

The next generation of 4K Blu-ray is here, and the prices of players have come down to mainstream levels. More titles are being released in the 4K format, and many old popular titles are also being released in this format, as has typically happened before when the technology changes.  4K Blu-ray is a must for the best quality picture and sound in a theater.  While an increasing amount of 4K content is being streamed, typically the actual picture quality will not equal local playback from a disc.  Further, streamed 4K content will not have the highest definition sound formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.  Movies in 4K Blu-Ray will particularly wow you with their enhanced contrast and brightness.

4K Streaming

You likely know about streaming devices like Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV.  All these vendors have 4K versions of their devices available now.  Apple, Amazon, and Google have varying amounts of movies and shows in 4K.  They all support HDR, but only Apple TV currently supports Dolby Vision.  Netflix has an ever-growing number of shoes and movies available in 4K.  Movie service VUDU (available on all but Amazon’s Fire TV) has a growing library of 4K movies as well.

AV Receivers and Preamps

If you’ve had a home theater audio setup for a while, chances are it’s not compatible with 4K.  You need support for passing HDCP 2.2 signals, which is the standard for enabling 4K video content.  If your receiver or multichannel preamp is not compatible with this, then it may make for some tradeoffs in your video source switching and audio playback possibilities.  We can guide you through those considerations, and decide whether your current equipment can be used in a 4K theater upgrade.

Networking and Internet

Last but not least, 4K video puts considerable demands on a home network.  If you want to stream or distribute 4K signals around your home – including your theater – you may need a router and perhaps cable upgrades.

If reading this has created more questions than answers, you are not alone.  There’s much to consider in planning a 4K home theater.  Contact us; we will guide you through all the choices to create the perfect Maui home theater for you.

 

We are super excited to have reached the top for each of these manufactures. We have been Lutron and Crestron dealer for over 20 yrs and Control 4 just over 2 years now. On-words and up-words we go.

 
                              

Optimize Your Network Infrastructure For Your Home Technology

We understand how essential your home network is to your lifestyle.

You access it every day, whether it’s to use your smart home technology, browse the internet or watch your favorite shows through streaming services.

When your network is underperforming, it can be a significant nuisance. We’re here to help you.

Below, we explore the solutions to three of the most common home networking problems we encounter in Oahu, Maui and throughout Hawaii.

Just keep reading to explore how you can optimize your home network today.



SEE ALSO: Is Your Network Strong Enough for Your Smart home?

1) Your Internet Access Speeds Are Slow.

It happens all too often: You’re waiting for a webpage to load and it takes far too long to appear, or you’re watching a Netflix video and it pauses halfway through to buffer.

Slow internet speeds are a nuisance to your day-to-day lifestyle, and we find it’s a constant issue for Hawaii homeowners.

So, what’s the underlying problem? It could be that your network can’t support a high amount of internet traffic from multiple devices, meaning available bandwidth is an issue.

Or maybe your network isn’t secure, allowing anyone nearby – including neighbors and passersby – to freely access your internet connection and take up your available bandwidth.

The solution is investing in a secure, password-encrypted network that can support a significant amount of simultaneous internet traffic; whether it’s from your smart home technology, mobile devices or computers.

2) You Get Spotty Wi-Fi Reception In Certain Areas.

Often, we will take on home networking projects in which the homeowner struggles to get wi-fi signal in certain parts of the property.

When we evaluate the network infrastructure, we’ll typically notice one router that provides the entire property with internet access. If this seems like a familiar issue to you, you’re not alone.

You shouldn’t expect one router to distribute wi-fi throughout your entire property thoroughly.

Instead, add wireless access points that extend internet signal to the hard-to-browse areas of your home. That way, you can enjoy high-speed wi-fi in every corner of your house.

3) You Aren’t Monitoring Your Network.

Not everyone has the time to review the status of their home network thoroughly.

But without occasionally monitoring your network, you could be missing out on critical firmware updates or threats to the well-being of your system.

That’s why Pacific Audio & Communications is here to help you. We can continually monitor your Hawaii home’s networking solution for you and ensure it’s always performing at optimal speed.

Should any threats arise, we will proactively assess and handle them for you. That way, you can sit back and enjoy your day-to-day network usage without worrying about security and infrastructure.

 
Interested in learning more about our professional home network installations for Oahu and Maui, Hawaii residents?

Reach out to our team of networking experts today by clicking here.
 

We've recently moved to a new building and we're excited to announce all of the features you can enjoy for your integrated electronic needs.

Our new 3000 sqft facility will have dedicated offices for admin, design and engineering, programming, staging, rack building, project management and of course a full showroom and conference/meeting space. All better to support our clientsIf you'd like to schedule a visit, give us a call at our new phone number: (808)3 20-8463And visit us at our new location: 1587 Haleukana St. Ste. 101 lihue Hi 96766

Building Automation Solutions Can Enhance Students’ Productivity

Sometimes it’s hard to imagine how much technology has become a part of students’ lives.

From the moment they wake up until just before they go to sleep, many children never take their eyes off of a screen.

Far from an indictment about their behavior, they’re essentially capable of receiving and processing information at a lightning pace. It’s the duty of educators to take advantage of that, and it starts with building automation solutions.

In this blog, we’ll illustrate how enhancing the technological presence in the classroom can improve student engagement and facilitate the learning experience.


See Also: How Conference Room Automation Makes Your Business More Impressive
 

Wireless Network

Sharing information over a wireless network has become second nature. So there’s no reason you can’t share files and other learning materials the same way.

Each student can have wireless access to a school intranet to help them keep track of their work and stay organized throughout their day.

A wireless mesh network integrated throughout the school would ensure that each student has access without battling for bandwidth. They can store their books, notes and more on a schoolwide cloud for easy access.

That way, no one can say they’ve forgotten their homework ever again!

Interactive Whiteboards

Students who don’t receive personalized attention can oftentimes fall behind on their studies.

In a traditional classroom setup, that’s exactly what happens. Students sit through lectures without much interaction and they can begin to drift.

Interactive whiteboards can help them stay on track and engaged with the lesson, by allowing them to ask pointed, specific questions about the task at hand.

Efficient Projector and Slide Sharing

Much of each lesson is taught with a projector. Whether the teacher is trying to share a power-point presentation or a video, the projected image is essential.

But a lot of time can be wasted if teachers spend half of the class setting up the technology.

Instead, offer one-touch solutions for starting the projector and dimming the lights to the appropriate levels.

That way, teachers can get back to teaching more quickly.

Centralize Control

For each system throughout the learning facility, administrators can still maintain full centralized control.

If the lights are left on in a classroom, or if the integrated projector is not stored correctly after use, administrators can quickly solve the problem with the touch of a button.

It will free up time to make their jobs easier.

 
Can your school or learning facility benefit from building automation solutions?

Click here to work with us to get started on your building upgrade or give us a call at (808) 386-5963.

How to get the perfect sound system installation for your business
Audio can affect everything in a business environment from employee productivity to customer engagement. Investing in a sound system installation is often a strategic move, but there are many factors to consider. We’ll walk you through the steps for approaching that installation in your Maui, HI business.

No matter what line of business you’re in, we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn about the steps we recommend.



See Also: How Conference Room Automation Makes Your Business More Impressive
 

1. Initial Evaluation

What are your goals for your business? What are you trying to achieve with your sound system installation? Are you looking to bring in more customers to your shop or bar? Are you looking to create a more lively or focused environment for your employees?

This is the step to set the intention for your installation and how you want it to function for your business.

2. Area Assessment

With any installation, the space must be assessed to plan the specifics of the project and what you’ll be able to accommodate.

You’ll need to take account of the room or building’s size, shape, and layout while considering what will be taking space: Desks? Tables and chairs? Clothing racks? Furniture?

Any physical object placed in the area will affect the way that sound navigates.

3. Technology Selection

Once you have a firm understanding of the space you are working with and what your goals are for your business’s sound system installation, we can begin the selection process for your audio technology.

In this step, we’ll work with you to select the appropriate equipment to meet those goals that best fit the room or business you’re working with. In-wall or in-ceiling speakers may be the best solution for your business if you’re looking to save space and distribute sound evenly, while outdoor-specific speakers are ideal for bars or restaurants that receive a lot of traffic outside.

With any of your business needs regarding sound system installation, our professional team will be sure to make that the proper selections and design.

4. Installation

As an integration company, we work with several industry professionals to thoroughly install the appropriate sound system for your business. We understand that with so many sound system options, just deciding on a solution can feel overwhelming, but the installation is where it will come to life.

Our network of architects, interior designers, builders, and installers will ensure a polished and functional result.

5. Maintenance

We will work to produce a high-quality sound system installation that should need little maintenance on your end. However, if you have any questions or if any issues arise, we provide support to resolve anything or make upgrades when you’re ready.

 
Ready to take your Maui, HI business to the next level with a new sound system? Reach out to us here or give us a call at (808) 870-1619.

Stay Conscious of the Environment While Enhancing Your Oahu, HI Residence
You might not realize it, but Hawaii already is one of the most energy-efficient states within the U.S.

According to a 2017 WalletHub survey, Hawaii ranked No. 1 in the country in lowest electricity consumption per consumer and No. 1 in lowest natural-gas consumption per consumer.

If you’re reading that statistic and are surprised, perhaps it’s time you consider an energy management system for your home.

You can make your Oahu, HI residence energy efficient and environmentally conscious with the following smart home upgrades. Keep reading if your property’s energy consumption already is low, too.

Best of all, each system we’ll discuss below can add convenience to your day-to-day life.

SEE ALSO: Why Invest in a Smart Home Security System?

Smart Thermostat

Imagine your thermostat sensing when you leave for work in the morning, and it automatically turns on “eco” mode. Or, picture it showing your energy consumption patterns and how you can consume more efficiently.

It’s possible with a smart thermostat.

While you’re away from your home, your thermostat can regulate itself to use as little heating and cooling technology as possible. And at the end of the month, you can review during which times of day you spent the most to regulate your home’s temperature and in turn have a better knowledge of how your energy management system can save you more.

Another great benefit of a smart thermostat is that you can access it anywhere you go. If you want to cool your residence before returning home, you can set the temperature from a smartphone or tablet application.

Lighting Control System

With smart lighting control, you don’t have to worry about leaving lights on and spending unnecessary energy.

From the convenience of your handheld device or an in-wall keypad within your home, you can turn off every light with the press of a button.

When you’re home, you can adjust the amount of light each room receives through dimming options, and you also can create lighting “scenes” that illuminate specific areas – like a walkway to the kitchen when you wake up in the morning.

We also recommend you use LED bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs, so you save on energy consumption even while you have the lights on.

Motorized Shades

End the hassle of raising and lowering each blind in your home and instead have them motorized.

You can save time and energy with a motorized shading system, in which you can raise or lower your blinds with the single press of a button. Or, you can have them entirely automated.

At sunrise, your blinds automatically can lower so that light enters the room and heat stays out. Your shades will allow your home to stay cool so that you can simultaneously stay comfortable and conserve energy.

If any of these technologies sound appealing to you, we are experts at installing them to perfectly fit your Oahu, HI home’s energy management system needs. To find out more, all you need to do is click on the chat button on the bottom right of your screen or call (808) 386-5963. We look forward to hearing from you!

How Home Networking Impacts System Performance
Picture this: you’ve just gotten home from a long day at the office. You pull up to your driveway in Oahu, HI, walk into your house and sit down in a comfortable media room ready to watch a little Thursday Night Football. But when you try to turn on your AV system, you notice it takes a little while longer than normal. And the signal – normally crisp, beautiful high-definition, is lagging and pixelated. Eventually, you don’t get a signal at all. Why is this happening? The answer may be out of date home networking. If you want to avoid this type of situation, keep reading.



See Also: How to Keep Your Smart Home Running Smoothly
What Is the Home Network?
Let’s start by answering a simple question: what do we mean by network? It’s essentially the backbone of your smart automation system.

It’s the internet signal that connects every device in your home. It facilitates communication between your smart lights and shades, each component of your AV system and any smart security and surveillance gear integrated in your smart system.

The primary concern of home networking – at least from a user’s perspective – is bandwidth. If you think of it like a highway, bandwidth is like the lanes on the highway.

The more devices in your system you have, the more information you need to move through your network. That means you’ll need higher bandwidth, or more lanes on the highway.

If you don’t have enough lanes, you could suffer a traffic jam.

And, of course, if you get a traffic jam you could suffer signal lag or blackouts. That could mean anything from an unresponsive lighting system to missing the second half of the Thursday Night Football game.

What to Do About a Slow Network 
Before we get to what you should do, here’s what you shouldn’t do. Don’t trust your ISP for network advice, and don’t assume raising your broadband plan will solve the problem.

Many homeowners will run a speed test through their ISP. Unfortunately, that only tells you how fast the signal is on their end. It won’t tell you much about what’s going on in your home.

Of course, there are times when all you need to do is increase your service plan. But if your network stops working after a long period of perfect signal, that’s probably not the problem.

Instead, it’s time to focus on what’s going on inside your home. A common problem can stem from out-of-date cabling throughout your spaces.

As we move closer to a total 4K Ultra HD takeover, more information is being passed between devices than ever before. That means it may be time to upgrade to fiber-optic, HDBaseT and HDMI 2.0 cabling for your AV gear.

Other common problems include changes in device configuration and easy-to-make user errors.

So what’s the easiest thing to do about network downtime? Consult a professional of course!

At Pacific Audio and Communications, we make your smart home run better. Contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation about your home networking performance.

You’re just one click away.

Contact Us

Improve Operations With Smart Solutions for Your Oahu, HI Business

The way your business looks and feels is essential to closing the types of deals that will make you successful. If you’re running a slip-shod operation out of an old building, that’s the impression you present to your clients. But if you’ve invested in modern conference room automation solutions, you can impress every potential client who walks through the door. More than that, you can enhance the efficiency of your meetings with easy-to-use solutions. Want to learn more? Keep reading!

See Also: For Commercial Builders, Automation is the Key to Success
Impress With Automated AV
There’s nothing worse than trying to start a presentation and failing to get your AV gear in order. Whether you’re using a screen and projector or 4K digital monitor, speaking to a large room via an integrated sound system or simply trying to control different slides, you need to make sure all of these devices work quickly and efficiently. That’s why you should invest in an automation system.

Automation allows each device to work simultaneously with the touch of a button. When you’re ready to start the presentation, touch the button and watch as the screen lowers, the projector starts, your sound system turns on and your computer feeds the image of your Power Point directly to your video display. It’s simple, it’s efficient and it allows you to focus on the things that really matter.

Integrate Other Technologies for Greater Efficiency
Why stop at AV equipment? Automation can incorporate all of your different devices, including lights, shades and climate. You can create a system that will help you out even more by simplifying the process of setting up for your meetings, but also help you create a more focused space.

Lighting is key to your presentation space. Whether you want a spotlight to draw attention to the speaker, or you want to minimize the distractions of solar glare, you can control it all with the same touch panel device you use for your AV. Tap a button and your conference room becomes the perfect place to present.

Geo-Fencing for Commercial Spaces
Some business owners think geo-fencing is simply for security purposes. Once you cross a certain threshold, your security and surveillance system arms. However, you can also use it to keep your conference room activity confidential.

By installing geo-fencing technology in your conference room, you can share files and data with everyone inside. Once they step outside, those files are automatically removed from their computers or mobile devices. It’s the perfect addition to your conference room automation system.

Are you ready to enjoy better quality meetings, and impress your clients while you’re doing it? Contact Pacific Audio and Communications today for more information!

Stay Safer the Smarter Way


Whether you’re headed out on vacation or you’re just around the corner getting some chores done, you never want to leave your home unprotected. That’s why many Honolulu, HI homeowners consider investing in a smart home security system. But for some, the time and expense of installation seems like too much to be worthwhile. On the contrary! Smart security is an investment that keeps on giving. In this blog, we’ll show you why installing integrated security features is one of the best choices you can make for your property. Read on for more.

See Also: 3 Things to Look for in a Smart Home Company
Smarter Family Protection
If there’s one obvious reason to invest in smart security features, it’s that you can protect your family and property with ease. Whether you want to keep an eye on things or know who is coming and going from your home at all times, you can do it simply, quickly and without hassle. Here are a few of the most common security upgrades:

• Surveillance Cameras: Unlike the big, clunky gray boxes you see at the bank, modern surveillance cameras can look discreet so they don’t ruin your home’s aesthetic. Offering 4K resolution, 360-degree viewing angles and modern software like facial recognition, keeping an eye on your property has never been easier.
• Alarm Systems: If someone tries to break in, there are few better deterrents than an alarm system. Not only will it blast a loud sound, alerting the whole neighborhood, but it can also automatically contact the appropriate authorities.
• Smart Locks: Ensure each door is locked with the touch of a button. Smart locks offer unique authorized-access capabilities so you’ll know who is entering or leaving your home at any time.

Environmental Protection
If you think home security is all about keeping bad guys out, you could be sorely mistaken. Most property damage is caused by environmental factors, like weather, water pipe leakage or fire. Here’s a few smart solutions:

• Smoke and Carbon Detectors: One of the most common issues homeowners face is the potential for fire. Smoke detectors can alert you before anything serious happens so you can get to a safe place, and they can also notify the fire department if necessary. Carbon is potentially even more dangerous, because you won’t know when it’s around. A carbon detector can alert you and activate an integrated HVAC system to flush out harmful gasses.
• Flood and Leak Detectors: A leaking pipe is no laughing matter. It can lead to serious repair costs. Stay in-the-know with real time alerts that monitor the moisture in a given space, so you can head off any potential damage.

Lower Insurance Costs
If you’re of the mind that the installation of these devices could end up costing you more than they’re worth, you may want to consider that smart security can help lower insurance costs as well. By ensuring the safety of your property, you can get more back in the long run.

 
Are you ready to enjoy a smarter, safer property with a smart home security system? Contact Pacific Audio and Communications today!

Ensure the Projects You Build Will Stand the Test of Time
More and more frequently, builders and other tradesmen are collaborating with custom electronics professionals to help make their projects smart home ready. As the market for integrated technology continues to grow, smart home prewiring is becoming essential in areas like Oahu, HI and beyond. But now that the analog sunset has happened, there are some big changes happening. In this blog, we’ll explain why builders should be concerned with smart digital prewiring solutions. Read on below.



See Also: Is Your Audio Video System Prepared for the Analog Sunset?
The Importance of Prewiring
Prewiring is the act of laying the network foundation for future electronic devices as the property is being built. The benefits of this are obvious: if the wires are installed before the walls are fully built, it’s easier to avoid costly rework time down the line. By collaborating with an established professional custom electronics installer from the beginning, you can make sure the end user gets exactly what they want the first time around.

Understanding the Analog Sunset
At the start of the decade, the analog sunset began to take effect. Essentially, it meant that devices would no longer include analog inputs and outputs, like RCA connectors, and would solely include digital input and outputs, like HDMI. That has slowly taken effect over the past few years. Now that no new audio video components offer analog connections, properties throughout Hawaii have been rendered unprepared for easily installing many modern smart home features.

So that means today’s wiring is different from what it was 10 years ago. Whether you’re building a room to be a dedicated home theater, or simply a versatile living room, there are new requirements that you’ll need to meet if you want to avoid coming back to rework the same project.

How to Avoid Analog Sunset Rework
Here are some helpful tips any builder can take to make sure the project is completed to customers’ satisfaction the first time around:

• Ensure that digitally-capable cables are being used throughout the house. HDMI cables are perfect for a home theater system, but AV signals have to travel across great distances. Your partner integrator can define a wiring scheme with fiber optic and other appropriate cables to ensure the best signal over any distance.
• Find out if the homeowner is looking to automate any satellite houses or garage spaces. Often homeowners don’t realize that a hardwired connection is possible between the main house and the pool house. Integrators can lay down long range digital cables throughout the entire property before the build is complete.
• Don’t neglect rooms that aren’t typically AV ready. Modern technology means homeowners can enjoy streaming music in the kitchen and TV in the bathroom. Collaborate closely with your integration partner to find out exactly what they can do to make sure the property is ready.

Looking for an established AV partner in the Oahu, HI area? Contact Pacific Audio and Communications today!

Pacific Audio & Communications Creates Energy Efficient Systems in Maui, HI

Hawaii depends heavily on the use of petroleum for its energy needs, more than any other state in the country. While less than one percent of the United States’ electricity is generated using oil, by contrast, Hawaii relies on oil for 69.4 percent of its electricity production. Therefore, the state’s electricity prices are more than double the U.S. national average. What does this mean for luxury Maui, Hawaii hotels? Building automation systems allow hoteliers to effectively and efficiently manage energy consumption throughout their properties. Read on to learn about how to get started.



SEE ALSO: How to Distribute Quality Audio and Video in Your Business

Develop an Energy Management Plan

Knowing there is a better way to manage the use of energy within your hotel is a valuable realization but will do nothing to impact your bottom line unless there is an action that follows. The first step is to study how electricity is used throughout the property, where is energy being wasted or conserved. Such an evaluation will yield ways to save and therefore reduce consumption. Are spaces such as ballrooms and conference areas fully illuminated even when not in use? Can the temperature automatically be monitored and adjusted so that you need not rely on staff? The experts at Pacific Audio & Communications can make recommendations about a variety of building automation solutions that can further hotel management staff reaching their energy goals. Consider harvesting daylight by using motorized shades that respond intuitively based on the amount of available sunlight. Lights and shades can be paired to help keep large spaces from overheating resulting in an HVAC system that performs more efficiently.

Form a Team

As you develop an energy management program, you’ll want to be sure to include key employees as well as training focused on electricity-saving steps they can employ. The number of members and the team make-up will depend on the size of the organization and the amount of time and resources that can be committed to the project. Team members may also include local utility representatives or outside consultants familiar with the hotel industry.

Evaluate a Hotel’s Lighting System

A typical hotel is made up of many subsystems from water and ventilation to security and AC. A hotel’s lighting is often a good starting point since you’ll have data related to usage. Proper lighting within a hotel property requires some of the most sophisticated design. Each space within the hotel, think guest rooms, lobbies and restaurants, all need different types of lighting to create the right atmosphere. If the light is not used correctly, you’ll not only fail to set the mood, but you’ll also drive up costs related to electricity. At PAC, we partner with the best lighting designers to help you evaluate the way in which you currently use light throughout your property and the means by which you can control it. Light switches and dimming knobs are an antiquated way to adjust lighting levels. A commercial lighting control system allows you the flexibility to easily adjust lights using a keypad, hand-held remote or smart device. Hotel staff can easily recall specific lighting scenes to set the mood in various spaces throughout the property. Dimmers, sensors and timers all aid in the reduction of energy consumption.

PAC building automation systems have many additional capabilities to assist hoteliers with energy management. We’ve only just scratched the surfaces when it comes to upgrading the various systems in your hotel and would welcome the opportunity to talk to you in more detail about the possibilities.

Make Sure You’re Getting the Reliability and Performance You Need

On our blog, we’ve talked a lot about the many benefits of smart home automation – energy efficiency, convenience, comfort, property value, etc. But deciding that you want the benefits of a smart home is the easy part. The struggle for many homeowners is finding a smart home company that will do the job right. With so many contractors in the Honolulu, HI area, how can you know for sure which one is the right fit for your needs? There are a lot of factors to consider, but here are three key characteristics you should look for.

1.   Appropriate Licensing

Effective July 1^st, a new ordinance in Hawaii requires all AV contractors in the state to have an electrical journeyman’s license. This licensing helps to ensure that the person working on your smart home project has the skill and knowledge to do the job right.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a good process in place to track down and stop smart home installers who are operating without a license. The good news is that all licenses are kept on record, and you can easily check to see if the company you’re considering has the appropriate licensure by visiting Hawaii’s Professional & Vocational Licensing website.

2.   Experience

If you’re relying on a contractor who has never done AV or automation work before, you’re simply not going to get high-quality work. A smart home automation system needs to be installed seamlessly into your home and work great both now and in the future. Here are some ways to assess experience level:

• Find out how long they’ve been in business
  • A company that has been around for more than a decade likely knows what they’re doing
• Ask to see work samples
  • A picture is worth a thousand words. If they can’t provide you with examples of previous work, it might be because they don’t have any. Of course, you can also assess the quality of the installation from the imagery.
• Ask for references
  • If previous customers are happy with the smart home company’s work, they’ll have no problem putting in a good word.

3.   Insurance

Just like with an electrician, roofer, or plumber, it’s not a good idea to hire a smart home company that is not insured. Your smart home installer will be working with electrical wiring and components, and in the unlikely event that there is an accident or injury, it’s not worth the risk of having to pay for it yourself. Instead, choose a company with appropriate insurance, and you can rest easy knowing that everything is covered.

SEE ALSO: Why Building a Strong Infrastructure for Your Smart Home Pays Off
When you find a quality company for smart home automation, you’ll have the assurance that your home will be taken care of for years to come. At Pacific Audio & Communications, we do every smart home installation to the best of our abilities. Our low voltage contractors are licensed, insured, and experienced. We also provide 24x7x365 tech support for all of our clients.

If you’d like to learn more, please contact us today by calling 808-386-5963 or filling out this quick form.

 

Another happy client, this one from our Kauai office, Mr Gary Henderson.

It is a real pleasure to recommend the services of Pacific Audio and Communication. They just installed a Home Theater System in our Large Room and a beautiful, fully controllable, dispersed audio (music) system throughout our house. Alex designed the system(s) and Chris did the installation. Both are real \"pros\" - knowledgeable, great sense of what the client needs are, meticulous in their work, and lightening fast in responding to questions/concerns.
I am an Apple \"addict\", a bit concrete in my thinking, like designs that are minimal/clean, modern, and don\'t like to be oversold on things I don\'t really need (am I a customer from hell?). Well, I was completely won over by Pacific Audio! They patiently educated me on the state-of-the-art AV technology, worked with me through multiple design changes, installed everything with minimal disruption (e.g., ceiling speakers in every room, but did not require a bit of touch-up painting or clean-up), and their \"tech support\" rivals Apple (I\'m not kidding).
My last request of them? Could you please move my new (BIG) flat-screen TV down a bit (4 inches!!!). Their response? \"No problem\" and was done the next day (even though it took two people because it is really big and heavy).
I can give you many more examples of \"beyond my expectations\", but just let me conclude with -
I heartily recommend Pacific Audio & Communications, enthusiastically, and without any reservations Gary Henderson

Understand how the Latest Technology Upgrades will Affect You

The analog sunset is causing some big issues for homeowners in the Honolulu, Hawaii area. If you’re unaware of what the analog sunset is or how it might affect you, then you’re going to want to read the information below. We break down what this technical issue is and how you can make sure your audio video system is prepared.

What is the Analog Sunset?

Before we can explain what the analog sunset is, it’s important to have a solid understanding of what analog technology is. Generally speaking, audio video system technologies fall into one of two main categories: analog and digital.

A good example of the differences between them is a household clock. With an analog clock, there are physical hands that spin around to indicate the time, while a digital clock shows the time on a display screen.

The trend with consumer electronics is to evolve from analog to digital technologies, and that is where the analog sunset comes in. Soon, analog devices within your audio video system simply won’t be compatible with anything else. It’s time for analog to go away for good.

A Brief History of the Analog Sunset

The origins of the analog sunset start way back in 2005 when the Advanced Access Content System (AACS) released a licensing agreement intended to prevent people from illegally copying media. Analog video outputs on devices such as Blu-Ray players made it too easy to get past copyright protections, so the solution was to create AV equipment that didn’t offer analog outputs. On top of that, many movies now include code that prevents them from being played on systems with analog capabilities.

We’re now reaching the very end of the analog sunset. While the standard for media devices is now for them to be completely analog-free, you’ll still run into analog components every so often.

SEE ALSO: What Cables Should You Use for Your Home Audio Distribution?

What Does This Mean for You?

The analog sunset obviously had a big impact on the audio/video industry, but what about Hawaii homeowners? Well, if you still have an audio video system with analog components, you’ve probably noticed some issues with your system:

• Media that simply refuses to play
• New devices that won’t work with your system

If you want to take advantage of the latest and greatest media technologies, like 4K Ultra HD video, you need to consider how those technologies will fit into your system as a whole. One of our AV experts can offer guidance on the best approaches with a consultation.

Another concern for homeowners seeking a media upgrade is the type of components they choose moving forward. You wouldn’t want to accidentally buy a new TV with analog inputs right at the end of the analog sunset! Again, your best bet is to consult with an expert on which brand and model are right for you.

 
If you need assistance with this transition with your home media, we’re one phone call away. Contact us today to learn more.

 

 

   

Offering Tech Support 24/7/365 via text, phone or email

Have you been down and out with your electronics not working, Cable box keeps locking up, Internet seems slow or your network seems to have slowed down some, well give us an email or a call at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 808-824-3495, 24/7/365 availability, 30-minute response time.


As systems get more and more complicated and businesses come and go you can count on our 26yrs in the industry to get your systems back up and running 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Yup anytime you have an issue just reach out to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 808-824-3495 and we will be glad to help. If the line is busy just send us an email as well we will get right back to you one way or the other.

We are dedicated to the ongoing service and support of equipment and training of our clients.

Service is our full-time job.  We provide:

• 24/7/365 availability, 30-minute response time
• Email or phone (text support coming soon)
• 70+% of support requests are resolved over the phone or email.

Our technical assistance center is comprised of PAC employees that are among the most capable and certified experts in the industry. These experts will guide you through preliminary trouble shooting, remote diagnosis, testing and resolution.
Our directResponse Support program ensures end to end support across the full life-cycle of collaborative technology ensuring maximum system up time, efficient end user operation and expert network assistance.
Don’t let your electronics frustration get the best of you or your system. Contact us today at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 808-824-3495 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We will answer your calling.

Hi-Fi Audio is the Key to Outdoor Entertainment

Does your Kauai area home have a high-quality outdoor sound system? If the answer is no, you’re missing out on many opportunities. One of the biggest advantages of living in Hawaii is the gorgeous views that await you whenever you look out the window. And while you may enjoy lounging at the beach or hiking the Nounou Trails, there’s definitely something to be said for relaxing or entertaining at home.

If you want your verandah or patio to be a place where you can watch your favorite movie, host an exciting party, or listen to a relaxing playlist, you need to outfit the space with the right entertainment equipment. Keep reading to learn how best to install and leverage outdoor audio.

How to Do It Right

• Choose the Best Equipment

Not all audio equipment is suited for Hawaii’s hot, humid climate. If you want an outdoor sound system that will work reliably for years, you need quality components. We work with high-end audio manufacturers of all styles, and we can provide guidance on which brands and speakers are the ideal fit for your property.

• Keep Landscaping in Mind

Outdoor audio should be heard, not seen. Clunky, large equipment can detract from your home’s beauty and the natural landscape, so it’s important that all of the components are strategically placed to flow with the design of your outdoor space. We can provide speakers that are designed to look like rocks or other landscaping elements as well as bury some audio equipment so that it’s completely out of sight.

SEE ALSO: Interior Designers’ New Best Friend: Home Lighting Control

• Design Audio Zones

Every home is different, and many outdoor elements such as pools or topiaries can affect the way that sound is dispersed. That’s why we start any outdoor audio project by assessing your home and designing a plan that has the perfect speaker placement and sound levels. This plan ensures that the sound is heard evenly throughout your property, with no dead zones or overly loud areas.

• Set Up Central Control

Your outdoor sound system should be just as easy to use as any indoor stereo. Using a central control system, every aspect of your outdoor audio can be managed right from your smartphone, tablet, or even your voice. If you want to change the music playlist or turn up the sound levels, it’s an incredibly simple process.

Don’t let your outdoor areas go to waste. To learn more about the different options for adding high-end audio throughout your property, give us a call at 808-245-6255 or fill out this quick contact request.

How Smart Home Automation Helps Sell Homes

Honolulu has a very hot real estate market. Whether you’re selling new homes or previously owned properties, it’s always a good idea to explore new ways to appeal to home buyers. And the trend that is hitting it big in Hawaii is definitely smart home automation. Historically, smart home technology has been limited to custom installations by individual homeowners, but real estate companies are starting to realize the advantages of upgrading homes with automation in order to sell properties fast for top dollar.

3 Reasons to Invest in Smart Home Automation

1.    It’s Growing More Popular (and It’s Here to Stay)

According to a recent study by Houzz, almost half of homeowners prioritize adding smart technology when renovating homes. It’s clear that smart devices are part of everyday life, so why not make it easy for buyers by giving them the technology right from the start?

2.    It Gives You an Edge on the Competition

Imagine how different the experience is for buyers when they walk into a fully automated home. The windows shades rise, the lights brighten, and the audio system starts playing music at the touch of a button or single spoken command.

When given the choice between that and a home without smart technology, it’s not difficult to guess which option is going to win.

3.    It’s Easy to Get Started

You don’t have to integrate all of this technology yourself. By partnering with Pacific Audio & Communications, you can gain all the benefits of having technology-infused homes without any of the time or effort. You do the real estate work, and leave the rest to us.

Possible Technologies to Add to Homes (and Their Top Selling Points)

Once you decide to embrace the smart home automation movement, it’s time to explore the possibilities! There are a lot of smart technologies out there, but not all of them are an ideal fit for new home buyers.

Here are the options we recommend that real estate companies consider:

1.    Lighting Control

We can connect all of the lights throughout the home to one central management system. With this technology, you can adjust a single light, a certain area, or the entire home with one tap on your smartphone or tablet. It’s convenient, it can help keep energy bills low, and it’s great for enhancing a home’s décor.

SEE ALSO: Interior Designers’ New Best Friend: Home Lighting Control

2.    Motorized Shades

Motorized shades give a “wow factor” to each room. With zero manual effort, the shades can raise or lower upon command. The biggest selling point for motorized shades is their energy-efficiency—we can add smart sensors to the windows that automatically adjust the shades to avoid solar heat gain, which keeps energy bills low.

3.    Climate Control

There’s a reason why Nest Learning Thermostats are so popular. Homeowners love how easy it is to set the temperature from their smartphone. We can go beyond just a smart thermostat though. Ask us about our full climate and energy management solutions.

4.    Smart Security

Security is usually top of mind for home buyers. Make it easy for them with an already integrated security solution that includes surveillance cameras, smart door locks, window sensors, and more.

5.    Professional Networking

The last thing you want is to be showing a home and have the potential home buyers discover that they have no cell service or Wi-Fi access in certain areas. Ensure reliable coverage in every room with a professional networking installation. Cellular boosters and wireless access points are strategically placed throughout the home for top-notch performance.

Whether you’re in Honolulu, Kauai, or another area of Hawaii, Pacific Audio & Communications is your smart home automation expert. We work with builders, interior designers, real estate agents, homeowners, and more to develop high-quality, easy-to-use technology.

Contact us today for more information.

• Enjoy hands-free technology
• Effortlessly control every aspect of your home
• Customize your system to fit your lifestyle

Total Control of Your Home is Possible with Crestron

Just a month ago, CEO Facebook Mark Zuckerberg achieved his 2016 goal of creating an artificial intelligence system to run his home. Aptly named Jarvis, the smart home technology controls everything from the lights to the surveillance cameras to even a T-shirt cannon. Zuckerberg even commissioned Oscar winner Morgan Freeman to do the audio recordings for the voice control system. If the idea of having your own Jarvis is appealing to you, read on to learn how you can add a voice control system to your Honolulu, HI area home.

Say Hello to Jarvis

Zuckerberg’s Jarvis system has a lot of fantastic elements that make it easy for his family to enjoy life at home.

• Lighting: All of the lights, from the landscape lighting to the bedside lamps, are connected to Jarvis. The Zuckerberg family can turn lights on, off, or to a specific brightness level in any area with a single voice command.
• Climate: They can set the thermostat to a certain temperature, turn the HVAC on or off, or simply request to make the room cooler or warmer.
• Appliances: Zuckerberg’s Samsung televisions, smart refrigerator, and even the toaster can all be voice-controlled.
• Music: To enjoy music throughout the home, Zuckerberg chose the simple yet high-quality audio brand Sonos. To listen to a favorite Spotify playlist, all he has to do is ask Jarvis.

SEE ALSO: Why Invest in High-End Audio?

• Security: When leaving home, Zuckerberg can ask Jarvis to arm the security system or lock the front door. Using Nest cameras, Zuckerberg can also keep track of his loved ones while away just by pulling up his smartphone.

Creating Your Own Voice Control System

The backbone of Jarvis is formed by Crestron, the biggest name is smart home automation technology. Crestron has the largest collection of home control devices, which makes them the obvious choice for a custom system like Jarvis.

Zuckerberg gave a personal shout-out to Crestron, saying “I recommend using a system like Crestron as a common interface to all those basic devices to simplify things.”

You may be thinking that having an artificial intelligence system in your home is only for the likes of moguls like Zuckerberg, but anyone can experience the comfort and convenience of smart home technology through Crestron (minus the dulcet tones of Morgan Freeman).

Pacific Audio & Communications is Hawaii’s top choice for Crestron smart home systems. Contact us today to learn how to we can help you transform your home with the power of voice control technology.

• Get the Best Sound Quality
• Enjoy Music the Way It’s Meant to Be Heard
• Gain Peace of Mind

The Benefits of Getting a Professional System for Home Audio Distribution

Home audio distribution technology has come a long way in recent years, making it easier than ever to enjoy pure, high-quality music in your own home. With the influx of so many “off the shelf” audio systems that you can pick up at your local Oahu electronics store, the question for audiophiles in Hawaii is usually whether a professional system is worth it. The short answer is “Yes.” For the long answer, keep reading.

The Difference in Sound Quality

Have you ever gone to a concert or symphony to enjoy your favorite music, then listened to a recording of the audio at a later time? It probably didn’t sound quite as good. There are a lot of reasons why this loss in quality happens:

• Equipment: A lot of research and innovation goes into the materials and style of sound equipment.
  
  • Material: The rigidity of the materials used in speakers affects how sound reverberates, which in turn affects sound quality. Some high-end manufacturers even use materials like Kevlar and diamond in their speakers to produce better sound.
  • Style: The size, shape, and depth of speakers all have an impact on sound reverberations. Top manufacturers utilize an extensive quality assurance process to ensure there are no workmanship flaws in the speakers that could cause dead spots, muffled sound, or other issues.

SEE ALSO: What Cables Should You Use for Your Home Audio Distribution?

• File Format: MP3s and similar audio files are typically compressed to allow for small storage size and easy streaming. Unfortunately, these file formats use a “lossy” compression that sacrifices quality for size. To improve sound quality, listen to MQA-encoded DSD or FLAC files, which use a lossless compression style. The file sizes are larger, but the increase in quality is more than worth it.
• Acoustics: It’s hard to beat the acoustics of a concert hall, but a common mistake that people make when installing audio systems is to ignore the acoustics in the room. A professional audio installation ensures that you have the right sound equipment in the right locations to make your music sing out with clear, pure sound.

The Professional Touch

• Peace of Mind: High-end audio systems are about more than just sound quality. They’re also about reliability. With a professional installation for home audio distribution, you gain the peace of mind that comes with knowing it will be done right the first time and will be set up to last over time.
• Ease of Use: Tired of fumbling around with different remotes for different speakers or stereos? With home audio distribution, you get one remote that controls every aspect of your sound system. Using your smartphone, you can select a song or playlist from your favorite streaming service, then choose whichever room you want it to play in.

Explore the Possibilities

Ready to enhance the way you enjoy music in your home? Contact Pacific Audio & Communications today to get started.