The Design Perspective

I’ve noticed that new technology features are often added at the expense of other features.  Eventually, the old features are added back into the final product and this is when I finally say “time to buy!”
This is the case with the latest crop of Super Thin flat panel displays.

Sharp created the D64 series as the […]

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In many cases, custom installation simply means “no visible wires”.  But what do you do when you want to plug in something portable into your home audio/video systems?
The answer is what we call a “backfeed” or ”Jack Pack”.  These are inputs into your custom installed audio-video and network system that is typically located in a convenient wall […]

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Many home builders will build a speculative home (”spec home”) to keep their crews busy during slow times.  This is definitely a slow time for builders. 
Trouble is, once the home is completed, it will be added to a long list of similar homes in the same communities, at the same price point.
A large inventory of […]

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You research and purchase the exact granite counter top and matching custom tile backsplash for your dream kitchen.  The cabinet finish is impeccable.  The fixtures and appliances are stunning and functional.  The outlets are hidden from view, tucked under the cabinet.  Full spectrum under-cabinet lighting spotlights the effort and attention to detail of the materials used.
A bank of […]

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One of the biggest complaints I hear from owners of complex home electronics systems is: “every time I want to make a little change to the system, I need to call a service technician”.
The biggest fear of most buyers is: “What happens if you die?”
If I die I’ll probably not be in a position to service […]

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Okay, so maybe there’s not 103 prior uses for theater chairs but there are definately a lot of good reasons.  A recent stint of back pain caused by a pinched nerve helped me identify another one:
They’re comfy.
We’ve had a lot of people comment about how comfortable our theater seats are.  They’re nothing special.  In fact, […]

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Many people ask me what they can do with home automation to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.
From an electronics standpoint, the most important things you can do are: Good insulation, good windows, geothermal HVAC, and radiant floor heating.
Those are the most important things other than some operational activities, like keeping your doors and windows […]

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One of our clients was demonstrating the systems we installed to his colleague.  When they were looking at the heart of the system, the head-ends, his guest commented that the wires were not “all lined up” perfectly and tightly tie-wrapped.
In all my years designing control systems for pharmaceutical applications, I’ve always seen perfectly tidy wiring.   […]

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I’m constantly asked the “Cable or Satellite?” question. “Which do you recommend Derek?”
Because we provide fully integrated home HD systems, many of our clients have multiple HD video sources available at all of their TVs. This includes Cable, Satellite, IPTV (ie AT&T U-verse), and OTA ATSC (Over-The-Air antenna).
I recently had an opportunity to view all […]

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Remodeling with DistinctAV
Come see us at the Indy Home & Remodeling Show!
Do you have remodeling plans in mind? Thinking about how nice it would be to convert or update your basement into a comfortable recreational space? Imagine a home theater with enough comfortable chairs for the whole family, and ambient lighting that adjusts to whether […]

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