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The Ultimate Surround Sound Setup Guide

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Expert Surround Sound Setup Tips for an Immersive Audio Experience

In an impressive home theater setup, a giant display is only part of the equation. If you want a movie-watching environment that rivals the cineplex, you’ll also need an enveloping, high-quality surround sound system to round out the experience.

We could talk about speaker selection and layout options in great length, but we’ll stick to the basics for those just getting started on a home theater system installation in their Highland Park, IL, home. Read this guide to learn about common surround sound system configurations and get our top tips for ideal speaker placement.

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Is a Control4 Home Automation System Right for You?

Add luxury to living with a Control4 home automation system.

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR SMART HOME WITH SEAMLESS AUTOMATION

One intelligent control system can help you manage many different automated features within your home. As the number of smart tools in your home grows, you’ll find there comes a time when managing them all individually is no longer practical. This is where Control4 home automation comes in and makes things easier.

With Control4, you can merge all of your smart technologies into a single user-friendly control. The days of downloading multiple applications on your phone to operate various features around your home are over. If you appreciate the simplicity of a seamless experience, then consider a Control4 system for your Barrington, IL, residence.

Continue reading to learn more about the core features of the Control4 home automation system to determine whether it’s the best option for your household.

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How to Choose the Perfect Home Projector Screen

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Learn the 4 Things You Should Consider to Enjoy Top-Tier Projection Screens in Any Environment

When it comes to large displays, it’s hard to beat the image of a projector. Today’s projector screens can soar to 300 inches (or more) to deliver truly immersive viewing experiences. But the best home projector screen isn’t based only on size. You must consider other factors, like seating arrangement and ambient light, before selecting the right screen for your entertainment space.

At Avidia, we’re proud to partner with Stewart Filmscreen, an award-winning manufacturer of handcrafted projector screens, to deliver the perfect solution for our clients in Northbrook, IL, and the Chicago area. Stewart Filmscreen displays are trusted by Hollywood filmmakers and suit virtually any environment and style preference. No matter your needs, there’s a Stewart Filmscreen display for you.

Read on to learn which factors to consider before landing on the right projector screen for your home.

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Master Home Theater Lighting: 5 Best Practices to Consider

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Check Out These Home Theater Lighting Best Practices from our Expert Designers

To create a high-performance, luxury home theater, you must think beyond the display and speakers. A well-designed theater room features many unsung heroes that help make it great: acoustic treatments, custom theater seating, strategic lighting, integrated room control, and more.

In this blog, we’re focusing on home theater lighting. When lighting is an afterthought, it can negatively impact your movie-watching experience. If you’re building or revamping a theater room in your Chicagoland home, follow these key lighting tips from the home theater designers at Avidia!

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Experience Seamless Outdoor Sound with James Loudspeaker

A large backyard and patio area.

These Planter Speakers Blend Effortlessly Across Your Backyard

For homeowners looking to integrate high-performance audio into outdoor spaces without disrupting aesthetics, James Loudspeaker's planter speakers offer the perfect solution. These innovative speakers combine superior sound quality with a discreet, elegant design, seamlessly blending into patios, gardens, and poolside areas.

Whether placed along walkways, in outdoor lounges, or around landscaped areas, they deliver immersive, high-fidelity sound while maintaining a clean, natural look. Ready to learn more about bringing these invisible speakers to your backyard? Keep reading. 

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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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