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Revolutionizing Smart Home Control

A woman sitting on her couch using a touchscreen tablet.

The New Control4 X4 OS

The smart home automation industry is ever-evolving, and Control4 is once again leading the charge with the release of its revolutionary X4 Operating System (OS). As one of the most anticipated product launches in the home automation industry, X4 OS promises to redefine how homeowners interact with their smart environments!

With a focus on user empowerment, seamless integration, and cutting-edge features, Control4 X4 OS is set to change the game. Ready to learn more about this update? Keep reading. 

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Bought a Home with Control4? Here's Your Smart Home Upgrade Path

A close-up view of a tablet with a Control4 smart home automation interface, sitting on some coffee table books.

Turn Your Existing System into a Modern Smart Home Powerhouse

Your new home came with a Control4 system—that's great news! While older automation systems may not offer all of today's capabilities, you've actually inherited valuable infrastructure that can be transformed into a modern smart home. The existing wiring, equipment locations, and basic framework provide an excellent foundation for upgrading to the latest Control4 technologies. But before you start using the system or making changes, it's worth having a professional evaluation to understand what you have and explore your upgrade options. 

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Rescuing a Misconfigured Control4 System

Control4 lighting control interface on a tabletop touchscreen

What to Do When Your Smart Home Isn't Smart Enough

You've invested in a state-of-the-art Control4 smart home system, expecting it to simplify your life and impress your guests. But instead of the seamless automation you envisioned, you're left with a jumble of malfunctioning devices and half-baked features. Sound familiar?

Unfortunately, this scenario is all too common in the world of home automation. The culprit? Often, it's well-meaning but under-equipped integrators who lack the expertise to properly configure and optimize complex smart home systems like Control4.

The result is a smart home that's not quite smart enough—a frustrating, even maddening experience for homeowners who have poured significant resources into their technology. So, what can you do when your integrator falls short and leaves you with a misconfigured Control4 system?

We explore the topic below, so keep reading. 

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Explore the Latest Innovations in Motorized Shades

Lutron's exposed roller motorized shade.

Industry News and Product Highlights: The Lutron Triathlon Select Launch

Lutron has long been known as the leader in lighting and shade solutions for smart homes. Their motorized shades come in nearly limitless styles and materials, ensuring the perfect alignment with a home's aesthetics. These shades are known for their whisper-quiet motors and ease of use, with voice, remote, or mobile app control.

As always, this cutting-edge company has continued evolving, adding to its lines as needs change and technology and manufacturers adapt. In 2021, they released the Triathlon line, motorized shades at a more affordable price point than their other lines. Recently, they've added a new and in-demand product to that line.

Here, we'll explore what the Lutron Triathlon Select launch means to homeowners looking for the incredible convenience, beauty, and comfort of smart shades by Lutron. 

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Case Study: Installing an Outdoor TV with 360-Degree Views

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Enjoying the Big Game on the Patio and Movie Night...

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A Seamless TV Installation Above a Fireplace

A media setup with a TV installed above the fireplace

The Perfect Solution for Comfort and Style

For many homeowners, placing a TV above the fireplace seems like a natural fit, but the height can sometimes lead to discomfort during extended viewing sessions. This challenge was the key focus in a recent TV hanger project where we installed a 75-inch TV above a beautifully crafted wood-finished fireplace. From the beginning, the client had expressed concerns about the height since it was their primary TV and they wanted to be able to watch comfortably.

To overcome these concerns, we implemented a low-profile motorized TV mount, which enhanced the aesthetic and provided smooth, effortless motion to bring the TV down to a more comfortable viewing level. Keep reading below for more! 

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A Custom Home Theater Project to Transform Entertainment

A home theater installation and setup connected to a home entertainment space.

The Perfect Blend of Performance & Practicality

Our recently completed home theater project offers an ideal balance of immersive entertainment and everyday functionality! The client's vision was clear: they wanted a dedicated space for enjoying movies, sports, and entertainment, but they also desired a design that would make the room inviting and practical for other uses.

Our solution was a custom theater that connects seamlessly to the home's main entertainment area, offering both high performance and versatility. Collaborating on the new home build by Newgard Custom Homes, we got to work carving out a dedicated entertainment space that aligned perfectly with the client's desires.

Want to learn more? Keep reading below.

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The Family Room Challenge: Optimizing TV Viewing

Images of the completed project involving the installation of a MantelMount automated robotic TV mount.

Case Study: Creating Comfort with an Above-the-Fireplace TV Installation

In the last several years, home entertainment has transcended the ordinary and entered a world of unprecedented lifelike audio and video. 4K HDR TVs deliver stunning images to nearly every room; crystal-clear audio provides the defining touch. 

Of course, the most common space for a cutting-edge television is the family room. A multipurpose space used for socializing, video gaming, sporting events, movie nights, or just relaxing, it is the home’s beating heart. The challenge lies in setting up the seating to provide the best viewing for everyone present. 

At Avidia, we recently completed a project for a client in Highland Park, IL, who wanted a large TV above a fireplace. This placement created the same type of challenge: how to produce the best viewing in a space not optimally designed for a TV. Here, we’ll explore the solution and the technology that provides optimal viewing, no matter the location. 

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Elevate the Game with Better Surround Sound & Video

 custom home theater space with an open area for recreation near the back of the room

Prepare Your Home Theater for Sports Season with Avidia

As sports enthusiasts gear up for the upcoming season, there's no better time to transform your home theater or media room into the ultimate entertainment hub. A well-designed space that incorporates an immersive surround sound system and a projector/screen combination can make all the difference, bringing the excitement of Soldier Field or United Center right into your Wilmette or Greater Chicago-area living room. 

Below, we’ll share a few images of a recent Glencoe project inspired by a recent custom home theater project we completed in collaboration with Newgard Custom Homes, so keep reading to learn how to prepare your own space for an immersive sports experience. 

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Discover the Benefits of Lutron Hardwired Shades

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Case Study: Lutron QS Hardwired Shades for Ease and Functionality

At Avidia, we specialize in designing, installing, and servicing state-of-the-art automated solutions. Each of our projects is customized and designed specifically for a client's needs, property, and aesthetics. To accomplish this, we partner with industry leaders in various automated fields. Lutron is one of these brands and the global leader in lighting control and motorized shading solutions.

Recently, we had the opportunity to integrate their Lutron QS hardwired shades into a project. Here, we'll discuss the client's pain points and how Lutron shades offered the solution to each challenge.

Let's explore the difference these automated window coverings made to a Glenview, IL, home.

SEE ALSO: Case Study: Transforming Outdoor Spaces with Progressive Screens

The Client's Preferences

Like many of our projects, these clients wanted to retain their privacy while keeping their rooms bright and enjoying natural sunlight. They also wanted to maintain their home's aesthetics and not see the shade when it was open. 

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