If your audio system does not extend outdoors, then you are missing out. Outdoor audio gives you a reason to utilize your oudoor space more often. It beats having to carry an iPod doc and speaker outside. Plus, it adds an additional level of entertainment to a cookout or pool party.

4k TV is the future of television. We're here to explain what it is and why it will replace your HD TV one day.

First, what does 4k mean?  PC Mag says that 4k, "Refers to approximately 4,000 pixels of horizontal and 2,000 pixels of vertical resolution used in several digital formats for shooting high-quality video and scanning 35 mm frames. The 4K refers to horizontal resolution in contrast to standard digital TV resolutions, which are stated in vertical lines. "

So, how does that technology compare to the norm? Christina Bonnington of Wired.com writes,  "Previously the stuff of high-end projector, [now makes] inroads into televisions of late." She also cites YouTube videos to give you a taste of the 4k experience.

If the resolution wow factor isn't enough to turn your head, then note that Sony's 4k boasts  "virtual" 5.1 surround sound on a detachable 10-speaker system. Built-in wifi supports your every Pandora and Netflix whim. Oh, and 3-D is included on the 85" screen.

We just spent 3 days in Indianapolis at the 2012 CEDIA Expo. At this, one of the largest electronics expos in the country, we feasted our eyes on the most exciting technologies to date that 400,000 square feet could contain.

Now, we report back with ISS'S FAVORITE 0.001 PART OF THE EXPO (or our top 4 picks)!

Really, you should be excited too.

1. Sony's 4k television. Ever look out a window and wish your TV's picture was that clear? How about clearer? Well, just so you know an image that pristine would be the result of 3,840x2,160 pixels, and it exists! As cheesy as it sounds, when we saw the 4k TV, our jaws dropped like we had unexpectedly run into the Grand Canyon. This technology is a sight to behold. The 4k will set you back 25k, but it is almost hard to believe they can put a price on something so majestic.

A sound system in just one room is not doing you any favors. Knoxville, whole house audio is the way to go. Having a system the entire family will enjoy is easier than ever to possess and control.

The term "security system" means many different things to many different people - a family pet, a shot gun, even Legos scattered on the floor. If you recognize your definition in the aforementioned, then it is time to ask yourself a very important question. Can you trust your family and your possessions to nontraditional forms of security?

According to the FBI data for 2010, our country experienced 2,159,878 burglaries. Victims of burglary offenses suffered an estimated $4.6 billion in lost property in 2010; overall, the average dollar loss per burglary offense was $2,119

No family would welcome such a frustrating and scary offense; and no family has to.

Security systems of today are relatively inexpensive and have a multitude of uses. Not only can law enforcement be dispatched quickly, security systems can capture imperative evidence on film for prosecutions. Plus, they make your life easier. Most burglaries are unlawful entries (without force) that happen during the day. Simply put, people tend to forget to lock their doors or do not have window sensors. But what if you could lock your home on the go with your cell phone? You can? What if you were immediately notified when a window broke or became ajar? You can. What if the cost was less than what you spend on gas in a week? It is.

Did You Know?

"There are property insurance claims due to damage by water leakage, temperature extremes, improper humidity and power failure annually than burglary of fire."

According to the Insurance Institute, claims from enviromental damage total more than $4 billion dollars per year in the U.S., with the average loss claim being $3,000.

So, how can you protect your home? The answer: By integrating HAI and Winland technologies.

HAI systems can be installed in new or existing structures and may be accessed and controlled over the telephone or the internet. This technology gives you the power to remotely monitor your home and vacation getaway. The HAI monitoring systems work in accord with Winland sensors to prevent costly damage to any location.

If you are in the market for a new security system, then we have news for you. With today’s security systems, you can monitor and record activities while at home, in the office, or half-way around the globe. Enjoy peace of mind knowing that your property is being guarded day & night by the most sophisticated of technology. We can route the security system to a central monitoring station or alert you via text message of events that you set. And modern life safety systems can furnish not only property safety, but can provide in-home health monitoring, as well, for our aged loved ones.

Having a home theater is a great way to bring the family together and to add value to your home. Creating a home theater is an investment you'll cherish for a lifetime. Therefore, it is crucial to make your purchases count. Here we discuss styles of home theaters that fit any home.

Note: All of the following establishments have full bars

Soccer Taco - Soccer Taco has two locations – Bearden and Market Square. The Bearden location is busy, loud, a little cramped, and awesome. The Market Square location is more aesthetically pleasing, busy, and also very fun. Go to Soccer Taco for a communal experience, and for the delicious Mexican food named after your favorite sports teams. Obviously, this place is great for watching soccer.

The 2012 Olympics' connectedness will establish a tome for future games. In our app-loving world, designers are imitating athletes by competing for most useful Olympics app. Which app will take home the gold? Only time can tell, but we know which apps are forerunners. Learn more about the functionality of each, below, and judge a winner.

Lifesaving smoke detectors are only as good as their upkeep.

Every year approximately 20,000 people stand in the ashes of disbelief when a fire happens to them. That staggering number represents people injured by home and business fires. It does not account for the 3,000 individuals whom lose thier lives to fires every year. Adding to the tragedy of it all is that most of us do not take 30 seconds to test our dectors monthly, and yet those 30 seconds are invaluable when fires happens. In half a minute, a room can engulf in flames.

Hey Knoxville, let's talk about shades. Surely yours are getting a lot of use this summer. Shade control is a very necessary and very dull aspect of owning a home, or at least until now. Lutron's plethora of shade control options speak to everyone with their beautiful designs and smart operation. Not only will you be pleased with how they function, but you might even enjoy selecting the perfect pick for your home. Here's why:

Multiple Style Options

Choose from Venetian blinds, Roman shades, roller shades, drapery, vertical drapery, cellular, and skylight shades in a variety of colors, patterns, and materials.

Safety Features

Cord-free design provides a clean look that is safe for children.

RadioRA 2 offers control of lights, shades and temperature from wall or tabletop keypads, as well on your mobile device.

The main benefit of a keypad is that you can create customized “scenes”- predetermined setting for lights, shades, and temperature.

Home automation systems are what a security system should be. They offer protection plus additional benefits of remote access, energy management, and lighting control. With your home automation system, you have these benefits and more:

A picture says a thousand words, and this one evokes the fun we had at the Electronic Security Expo in Nashville this week.  In between hanging out with R2D2, we explored the latest security technology demonstrated by the nearly 200 vendors in attendance.

2012 Electronic House Product of the Year in Remote Home Monitoring.
2011 CEDIA Manufacturer's Excellence Award for Best New Product.
Custom Retailer's Exc!te Award
What do the above accolades have in common?
RTI

Lighting is everything in film and photography, yet it is often brushed aside in our daily lives.  Wouldn’t it be nice to add ambience to the rooms you occupy every day? Integrating a lighting system into your home enhances design features, accentuates cabinetry, and transforms the mood of a room.

Do yourself a favor and review your history of speaker selection. It’s akin to examining one’s choices in past haircuts – a bit perplexing/scary. What was it about those hefty black box speakers that was so awesome? They were half the size of your couch.  Alas, bigger was better. It meant greater sound, or so we thought. Then again, we thought big hair meant big living, too. Let’s learn from our lapses in judgment.

Here you will find inspiration and advice for your security and home automation goals. We archive interesting ideas and products that you seek. This blog also serves as a forum for discussion and posing questions to our staff.  Finally, it is written with the intent to enhance your life.