There are many reasons that people use rack enclosures now a days to help tidy up their automated world. While TVs continue to get thinner and more beautiful and soundbars are making surround sound more discreet, the components we connect to them, such as our Blu-ray players, cable boxes, game consoles etc...have largely remained dull black or silver boxes. And there are still all those ugly wires to manage! So now we have these neat and tidy solutions to all these issues, and putting them on display can have lots of great advantages as well! Lets learn more..

You Go on Vacations, Smart Homes Don't!

One thing we look forward to every year is vacation time! There is so much that needs to be done to prepare for a vacation but protecting your home no longer needs to be one of them! Now connecting to your smarthome while you’re off in paradise can save you money, worries, and stress.

Vacation Mode

All you need to do when you leave the house is lock the doors, set the security alarm, and set the lights to come on at a certain time to deter any suspicious activity. Sounds simple but with all the chaos of getting ready to leave for vacation, things like this can easily slip your mind. Now all of these things can be done with your home automation system with the touch of one button on your way out the door! They can even be done from your phone or tablet from anywhere just incase you do forget. Additionally, there is a great option called "Mockupancy" through Control4 which is a type of “occupancy simulation.” It can keep track of all lighting, blinds, & video entertainment while you’re at home. When you leave the house and put Control4 in “Away” mode, Control4 will replay those behaviors throughout your automated system (using slightly randomized times). To an outside observer, it will look just like you’re home, watching your favorite shows and turning lights on and off at the expected times.

Pet Watch

Left the pup at home? Providing the dog walker with a special code to your door lock will deliver you a notification of when they came in and out, assuring you that your beloved pet is being cared for. You can also check in on your pet from time to time through your cameras and some even let you talk to your pet right from your phone or tablet. 

Flood Damage

Using connected flood sensors with your home automation system, you’ll be able to receive alerts when there is a potential flooding issue – whether the water tank burst or a pipe is leaking.  In addition, you can also have a pre-determined setting so that if water is detected, the shut-off valve will automatically close, saving you and your home from further damage.  When this happens, your system will send you a notification as well.

Temperature Control 

One of the best features of a smart home is the ability to control temperature from a distance.  If you are leaving your pet behind, you can set a certain range for the air conditioning to come on, because no one wants Sparkey to overheat. When the temperature falls to a certain degree, the air conditioning will turn off. Sparky’s comfortable, and no wasted energy means lower energy bills. If it’s a hot day, use the temperature control feature to turn on the A/C before you get home from your trip. Your house will be nice and cool when you arrive! 

Energy Savings

With real-time monitoring, it is possible to look at your processes and see where energy is being used efficiently - or inefficiently - through- out your home or business. Let our control systems optimize energy consumption while maintaining comfort. We work closely with architects and builders, as well, who desire to execute such energy-saving ideas into their projects.

Close your home

Did you have a “Home Alone” moment where you think you left the garage door open? Instead of letting this ruin your trip, know for sure by checking your home automation app. You can see if the garage door is open, and if it is, just close it by selecting the close garage option.

With the ability to control your home from anywhere, you can enjoy your time away knowing exactly what is (or isn’t) happening! Happy Vacationing! 

CALL 865-690-0154 to get your peace of mind before you next vacation!

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.

ISS is in the business of enhancing your life. For thirty years, we have provided the East Tennessee area exceptional security, home theater, and more recently, home automation amplifications. We are a family-run company started by company President, Dan Morales. The Morales’ multi-generational dedication to their vocation is responsible for much of ISS’s competitive advantage over other players. We provide a level of expertise that only time can hone.  However, what really makes us stand out is our dedication to enriching lives with our services. Please check back with us weekly as we share insight and industry musings.

With the new year in full swing and winter beginning to melt away (finally), we are getting a better view of the top design trends on the horizon. Let's take a look at the list!

Home Control is everywhere these days. I'm sure you've noticed the recent commercials for automation services big name companies now offer. Automation is quickly becoming a feature that has made its way on many homeowners' wish lists. I mean who wouldn't want to control multiple aspects of their home such as temperature, lighting, and security with the touch of a button? Just be careful if you decide to go with one of the big companies for your automation needs. This new service they are offering means it's new to the company as a whole as well as their technicians. Are you thinking the prices look too irresistible? My advice is if something sounds too good to be true then it probably is. Sure the intro rates may be cheap, but how much does it jump up after that? One of the companies now offering automation doubled my cable and internet bill after the "introductory" period. Yikes!

High Quality Audio Systems are HUGE right now. The big focus is on high resolution audio or HRA for short. HRA basically refers to anything over CD quality. Products like the new Sony 500-gigabyte HAP-S1 high-resolution music system offers audio quality far beyond compressed formats such as MP3. Plus, there has been a huge influx in download services such as Universal Music, Sony Music Entertainment, and HD Tracks. 

Anyone remember the Sonos ad during the Super Bowl this year? Wireless audio solutions are becoming more popular than ever. With systems like Sonos that offer a variety of speakers and subs, users can completely customize their desired sound and easily fill every room with music. Plus, the Sonos app is great for streaming your favorite tunes from Pandora and Spotify.

Cloud Video Surveillance is the perfect tool to keep an eye on things while you're away from home. Cloud video surveillance is a great option for homeowners that can't afford on-site recording and storage equipment; however, homeowners should be weary of DIY equipment. Opting for cheaper equipment may mean slower low quality video which isn't what you want if you have any unwelcome visitors on your property. For video surveillance, it's best to trust professional integrators. You'll be able to benefit from professionally hosted services that offer higher quality video, police dispatch, and false alarm reduction.

Automated Door Locks and digital credentials have been on my radar for a while now. Automated door locks are especially handy because of their versatility. I know I hate fumbling for my keys when I arrive home with groceries in tow. Automated door locks can actually be programmed to lock/unlock when your smartphone is in the vicinity. Do you have a housekeeper, babysitter or contractor regularly coming in and out of your home? Automated door locks would be especially perfect for you because they can be programmed to unlock when they arrive and lock up when they leave. My favorite part about automated door locks? Not wondering if I forgot to lock the back door all day while I'm at work because I can keep tabs even when I'm away. 

Which top trend is on your wish list for 2014? We would love to hear from you!

Today, when referring to wireless audio, most are referring to the ability to wirelessly deliver a song or music source from say, you’re iPhone, to the speaker.  Known as ‘streaming music’, this technology is a game changer and is now being done through numerous 'wireless' formats such as; Wi-Fi, mesh-networks, Bluetooth, as well as others. These new technologies are here to stay and have improved dramatically over the last few years.

If you have been waiting to purchase a wireless audio system until the kinks were worked out - now is the moment to embrace it.
Enjoy your tunes while poolside, cooking dinner, or anywhere you want!    

You can finally play your favorite music where you never thought possible! 

Ever dream of coming home after a long day and playing your favorite tunes in the kitchen while you prepared dinner? Or maybe you want to rock out while you work on the yard. Before, these things may not have been possible due to long wire runs, the age of the house, or just the logistics. Today, in mere moments, a wireless speaker can be installed in these locations (remember you still need power!). Pop a powered speaker (with wireless audio abilities) in your kitchen and after syncing it to your phone you’ll have music streaming through it in no time.

You can now afford music throughout your house.

Multi-room audio has notoriously always been sold as four or six room systems minimally. These systems require added planning while a house is being constructed, and are a large upfront investment.  Today's wireless audio systems, from companies like Sonos, allow you to combine speakers wired back to a central location (as in-ceiling or in-wall speakers) with additional stand-alone wireless powered speakers to create an entire home audio system. Bose is also a great option for stand-alone speakers!

The best part is, not only can these systems that are located in different parts of your house play separate things, they can also ‘talk’ and play the same thing everywhere without audio delays. Think holiday party with music filling the home beautifully. If you’re wondering how to control these systems, it is via an app off your smartphone or tablet.

You’ll be able to the play more stations then you ever thought possible

So if you’re craving an affordable audio system that will allow you to install a speaker anywhere and play more music than you ever thought possible, check out the new wireless audio systems of today. 

Currently our Deal of the Week is on the new Bose SoundTouch speakers so...

WATCH VIDEO HERE: Bose SoundTouch Speakers

Call us at 865-690-0154 TODAY to get started!

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.

Let’s just say there are some awesome upgrades to the technology you already love. Think swipe-motion control on panels; instant energy data with pie graphs to boot; geo fencing; cameras so smart they could track down Columbo. We discussed, learned, and networked for days, all to bring the best of the best back to you.

Here’s our show favorite that you can look forward to soon:  

2Gig’s Go! 2.0 next generation control panel was chosen as Best Overall Product by a distinguished panel of judges drawn from the leadership and ranks of ESX's owner/sponsor associations, the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA) and the Electronic Security Association (ESA). In addition, the Go! 2.0 was named Best Alarm Equipment in the Wireless Alarm System category.

We can’t wait to bring it to you. Check back soon for more information.

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 The desire to have home automation is often a complex decision for any homeowner. Some may want their home to showcase exceptional technology or to entertain guests. While others may want a powerful experience that helps to ease the actions of their everyday lives. However, most commonly, users of home automation systems want one thing: to feel safe and secure in their homes.

The good news is that we are a Control4 dealer! A Control4 system can integrate seamlessly with most security systems. Providing homeowners with the peace of mind they desire. By using the broad selection of motion sensors, door and window contacts, stylish smart door locks, surveillance cameras and video recorders, plus whole home audio and lighting products—as a homeowner, you can provide the deterrent measures that create the illusion that somebody is home even when no one is there. There are so many things you can do with a home automation system, that the possiblities are endless!

Any homeowner will appreciate the safety they feel when they use these products daily. Both within the home and remotely, because they have confidence that their home is helping to protect their most valuable assets.

If you are thinking about a whole home automation system or need a few additions to your home security system, give us a call. We are always here to offer you better life solutions.

Tis the season! Before you pack up the kids and head over the river and through the woods it's important to make sure you're leaving your home secure and out of the eyes of thieves. Almost 400,000 break-ins occur in the US during November and December, according to the FBI. The last thing you want to worry about during the holidays are burglars. Fortunately, home automation is a great tool to keep your home safe and sound while you're away enjoying the holiday season.

Alarm.com and RTI offer home automation solutions that can simplify your life and ease your mind while you're traveling. For example, experts say one of the best ways to ward off intruders is by leaving lights on. Home automation allows you to take it up a notch by controlling a variety of lights in your home. While leaving a front porch light on may be helpful, burglars may notice if the light is left on during the day as well. Automated light systems allow you control lighting to mimic your usual activity and patterns.

Another great benefit of home automation is the ability to get notifications when there is any activity in or around your home such as doors opening or someone pulling into the driveway. Even when you're away, home automation allows you to still feel constantly connected to your home.

Not going out of town this holiday season, but instead having the family come to you? Home automation can make having company over for the holidays a breeze. Houseguests can come and go as they please with temporary entry codes on smart doors and locks. They can even be programmed to expire when your guests head home. Automate your lights inside and out to come on at dusk and off at midnight. Also, don't worry about pulling down shades and blinds in the evening. Control them all with the touch of a button so you don't have to miss a beat. Keep guests entertained with festive holiday playlists that you can control right from your smartphone.

In today's fast-paced world it's important to slow down and enjoy time with friends and family. Home automation is a great addition to any living space, but also a huge added safety feature and tool for keeping guests comfortable.

Why You Need it & What You Can Do With It:

What lies behind the desire for home automation is often a complex question.  Some may want their home to showcase exceptional technology or to entertain guests, while others may want a powerful experience that helps to ease the actions of their everyday lives.  But almost universally, users of home automation systems want one thing: to feel safe and secure in their homes and businesses. 

In December 2012, the Consumer Electronics Association published a powerful Market Research Report entitled "Consumer Perspective on Home Automation." In that report, 62% said that their primary interest in purchasing a home automation system was “Security.”  The next two categories, Energy Saving and Convenience, were a distant second and third (20% and 14% respectively).  It also reported that 8 of the top 10 interests people had in home automation were security use cases. - John Epeneter, Control4 Senior Product Manager, Security and Communications Products.

A smart home automation system makes your life more comfortable, but also provides the security you need, deters potential burglars and helps you monitor and check in on your home remotely—from anywhere you are. From smart locks that keep track of the comings and goings in your home, motion detectors that can trigger notifications to your phone or smart watch, surveillance cameras that you can check in on while away, and alerts that can be sent to you if your garage door was left open by mistake, Control4 home automation solutions offer everything that you need to make your home a safe haven for you and your family.

What’s more, Control4’s Mockupancy solution can also help create an impression that someone is at home even while you are on vacation by switching on lights, shades and televisions at random.

 With so many unfortunate burglaries happening now a days and crime ever increasing you just never know when your ticket could be up! Make sure your home, belongings, and loved ones are safe and have peace of mind at all times!

Call iSS Today to discuss your smart home Security Options!

With so many different companies offering security systems, home automation, sound, lighting control, and custom home theaters, it can be a little overwhelming when you begin your search for an installer. You may have found someone to do the audio, but you still need someone to do security cameras. Or maybe you found a company that does media rooms, but you still need to get a fire protection system. You will probably feel like you’re getting pulled in so many directions that you’ll want to abandon your projects altogether. Fortunately, by selecting one company that is licensed and trained to do all of the above home upgrades, you’ll be saving yourself time, money, and lots of headaches for several reasons.

Time

In this day and age time really is a precious resource. When you choose one company that is experienced in all aspects of audio, sound, wireless, and security then the help you need is only one call away. You also only have to worry about setting up one appointment.

Money

You may have heard that buying in bulk or package deals can save you money. The same is true for all your customized home technology needs. Hiring individual companies for various services will add up fast. Before you know it you'll be covered up in invoices and fees. By using one company you'll not only save money, but you'll save the headache of remembering to pay multiple bills each month.

Experience

Any company that can specialize in multiple aspects of home automation, fire protection, lighting and security is certain to have more knowledge and a better understanding of whole house or commercial property installations. Other installers might get snagged up if they get out of their area of expertise, but installers that have experience in all aspects can sail on through. This is especially important in troubleshooting. Perhaps your audio system has malfunctioned and you call the company that installed it, but they tell you the company that just did the whole house WiFi must have changed a setting on the system and to call them. This is not a situation you want to find yourself in.

Contact iSS today and find out more about how we can maximize the quality of your space with only one call and one team.

The Control4 philosophy is as straightforward as it is simple: life's better when everything and everyone works together. From a company strategy perspective, Control4 stands behind an open platform: we are committed to interoperability so both Control4 dealers and customers can count on a system that communicates with and controls virtually anything and everything in the home.

They partner with the world's leading brands in HVAC and lighting, cable and satellite, consumer electronics, and security to ensure their products integrate seamlessly into the Control4 platform to deliver an exceptional automation experience. With support for over 8,000 devices from hundreds of world-class brands, Control4 solutions are designed to work with the consumer electronics and appliances you already trust and love.

With over 6,500 drivers from 150 different companies sometimes it feels like you need a personal IT department to manage and control all of the electronics and systems in your home. There must be a better way than having dozens of remotes and a library full of manuals. That’s where Control4 comes in. 

Leading consumer electronic companies and home-automaton solution providers are teaming up with Control4 to accelerate the adoption of standard control methods for consumer electronic devices used in home automation. Control4 allows all of the technology in your home to work seamlessly together, giving you more control with more convenience. As we like to say – life’s better when everything works together! When you are looking for flat-panel TVs, home theater equipment, smart lighting or even door locks, remember to look for Control4 Partners.

So Many Options and Much More! Call iSS Today to set up your complete home automation one stop shop!

CES 2016 Brings the Future of Technology Innovation to Market

With more than four decades of success, the Consumer Electronics Show ® reaches across global markets, connects the "who's who" of the industry and enables consumer technology (CT) innovations to grow and thrive. Let's take a look at some of the Top products of #CES2016 that we offer to our customers! We pride ourselves on offering the Best of the Best to you! See why here:

Four Best of CES Products We Offer:

1. The LG OLED TV

One year later and we're right back here: LG's flagship OLED TV is the Best of CES again. Why is it still ahead of the pack? A stunning package of technology provides the best picture we've seen this week, and it's the one we really want to take home -- even without knowing exactly what the price will be. 

2. Luxul XWS-2510 Wireless Controller Kit

The #CES2016 Mark of Excellence Awards winner for Wireless Product of the Year! The Luxul XWS-2510 comes with one XWC-1000, two XAP-1510 AC1900 Dual-Band Wireless APs and PoE Injectors.The XWC-1000 Wireless Controller uses Luxul’s exclusive Roam Assist™ technology to ensure seamless roaming of mobile client devices within wireless networks that utilize more than one Wireless Access Point (AP), while providing simple, centralized deployment of up to 16 Luxul APs through an easy-to-use setup wizard. With seamless roaming, installation simplicity and sensible pricing, the XWC-1000 is purpose-built to meet the needs of the residential and light commercial custom installation professional.

3. Control4 Smart Home App for the Connect Car 

The Control4 proof-of-concept smart home app for the connected car demonstrates one-touch smart home integration using an Android phone and a Toyota vehicle head display unit. The Control4 app syncs with the vehicle’s head display unit to enable Control4 users to access and control their smart home devices, such as thermostats, lights, locks and garage doors, right from the driver’s seat.The app can initiate automation scenes in the home right from the dashboard. Touch “Away” and, in addition to closing the garage door, the lights will turn off, security system will arm, doors will lock and the temperature will set to energy-saving mode. Touch “Arrive” before you turn into the driveway and your smart home will automatically turn on the lights, queue up the music and get the heat going to welcome you home. This is just one example of why we continue to use Control4 as our favorite go to for most automation products. Their impressive forward thinking and technology leading mentality is key!

4. GoldenEar Triton 2+, 3+ and the Supersub XXL

GoldenEar burst into the audio category back in 2010, and now six years later the company is introducing its second-generation Triton Two+ and Triton Three+ floorstanding loudspeakers and the Supersub XXL, the company's new flagship subwoofer! 

GoldenEar's Triton Two+ and Triton Three+ have been upgraded to adopt the same lively sonic signature as the Triton One. Improvements to the fabric-covered wedges include balanced crossovers, new mid-bass drivers, and better bass tuning for the built-in powered five- by nine-inch quadratic bass drivers. GoldenEar also showed the SuperSub X whose opposed eight-inch woofers are driven by a 1400-watt amp with 56-bit DSP. Demoed with video game material, it woofed way beyond anything its size would suggest.

Call Today to learn more about any of these great products and many more CES worthy products we offer!

When people talk about home automation most are really talking about control. What’s the difference between the two? The difference is simple really! Automation will do a multitude of things for you automatically without you having to tell it to do so. Control on the other hand can also do a number of things but you have to tell it what to do and more importantly, when to do it. Control and automation are both important and when used appropriately can make your electronic life at home MUCH easier.

Here are some scenarios to help you understand:

Say you want to show your guests the BREATHTAKING sunset view from your living room window.

Scenario 1: (Control) You take out your phone, swipe through the screen of apps, launch the right one, wait… press a button, and the shades rise to the sunset beauty that will requisite compliments.

Scenario 2: (Automation) The shades are already open because your automation system knows you like sunsets!

This in essence is the difference between control and automation. “Control is a party trick. Automation is a lifestyle enhancer!”

Routine: 5:30am: alarm clock goes off, you get out of bed, shuffle to the bathroom, turn on the light, wash your face etc. 5:40am turn on the bedroom/bathroom radio & Take a shower. 6:00am, turn on the kitchen light & open the blinds, go to the bedroom to start getting dressed…

Using automation you can have all of your lighting routines, comfort routines and entertainment routines happen at the same time. Example:

5:20 bedroom & bathroom lights slowly dim up to 10%, 5:30 your whole house audio system plays an alarm to wake you up. 5:32 your whole house audio system begins to play your favorite radio station or cd in the bedroom & tells the projection screen to come down in front of the TV. 5:40 it turns on the audio in the bathroom & While you are in the bathroom the lights slowly increase in brightness from 10% to whatever your preferred brightness is so by the time you are out of the shower and ready to shave or put on your makeup the bathroom is as bright as you need it to be. You didn’t have to lift a finger!

INTERACTIVE DEMO: http://isstenn.com/innea-livingroom-demo

What to automate and what to control?

Anything that doesn’t require your direct manipulation in order to achieve the desired result should be automated. The easiest things to automate are related to your environment and or your routine. Lighting, heating and air conditioning, background entertainment. Most of us perform streaks of some type every day. We wake up at the same time, we turn on the same lights, turn on the TV and or stereo, go to the bathroom, wash our face, brush our teeth etc. Where automation comes in to play is having all of those streak components done for you so you can focus on the manual things such as personal grooming.

As you can see, there are similarities between automation and control. Many times they overlap and are both great conveniences. The great thing is most automation platforms are great control platforms. Most control platforms are not automation platforms so be careful.

VIDEO HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7kHR7x1Zm8&feature=youtu.be

CALL US TODAY! Take CONTROL of the situation or enhance & AUTOMATE your lifestyle!

How to Create an Outdoor AV Haven for all Seasons:

If you’re planning your new home, you’ve probably noticed that “interior” design has found its way outside. In modern homes, the backyard patio, deck or pool area can often be as elaborate as any inside space, sometimes incorporating a full kitchen, extensive seating and dining areas, and, of course, electronic entertainment. That means getting sound and video, normally enjoyed under the protection of a roof, safely outdoors. It also means being sure your AV equpiment is protected from the weather in all seasons.          

Outdoor Sound:

There are several approaches ranging from simply plopping down a wireless portable speaker that can be brought back inside when its too cold or the weather is bad to permanent, wired solutions.

The easiest way to get good sound outdoors today is with the new generation of high performance wireless speakers. Most use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi communication  to route Internet radio services like Pandora or your favorite playlists from your phone, tablet or computer to the speaker. Some of the newest and best options for this would be the Bose Soundlink II or one of there cheaper options might be the SoundLink Mini or SoundLink Color. Another great option would be the new Sonos Play:5 smart speaker. All have AMAZING sound and are the easiest route to go for sound. Keep in mind that Bluetooth transmission range usually tops out around 30 feet; Wi-Fi solutions will go farther.

For those looking for more permanent and wider range solutions, I recommend checking out Sonance's Landscape Series. Sonance Landscape Series is a totally scalable outdoor speaker system that delivers perfectly-even coverage and unbelievable sound quality throughout any sized space. SLS provides jaw-dropping sonic performance from small satellite speakers and below-ground subwoofers that are hidden completely out of sight amongst plants and under foliage.                  

Outdoor TVs & Screens:                

Enjoying your outdoor space can also mean watching television sports coverage by day and sharing a movie by night. Bringing video outside is more complicated than audio due to both the weather elements and the need to feed both audio and video signals along with AC power. If you only desire to keep an eye on the big game while you put away a few beers with the gang, most small indoor LCD televisions are light enough to carry outdoors in fair weather and plop down on the patio table. They can be easily brought back inside during inclimate weather or on colders days.

For a bigger screen and more permanent arrangement, you’re probably looking at investing in a dedicated, weatherproof outdoor television. Manufacturers like SunBrite and SEURA make LCD televisions up to 80 inches that are ensconced in housings designed to keep the elements (and animals) out and temperatures within normal operating range.           

 Want bigger? Of course, the ultimate outdoor big screen experience calls for home theater-style front projection, with a separate projector and screen. A permanent installation might involve the use of a glass rear-projection screen mounted on an exterior wall facing the outdoor viewing area. A dedicated projector shed can also be created with the screen mounted on the side facing a pool or patio area, though forced ventilation or even air-conditioning might be required to keep the projector cool. There are also companies like Camp Chef and Stuart Film Screen that provide easier options like The Outdoor Big Screen or Stuarts Outdoor Oasis Series Screens. These are the ultimate in portable screens!

Outdoor Control:     

Thanks to Control4 the options in automating & controling your outdoor oasis are practically unlimited now a days. There are also several great options that help you control things with just the touch of a button to help keep you cool in the summer, warm in the winter and protected from the elements. For example, we have a customer who has a mostly covered patio area but it is still subjected to the outdoors and the weather. For him we set it up so that at the touch of a button he is able to turn on and off heaters throughout the area, turn the outdoor fireplac eon and off, control the ceiling fans, and even bring down or put up bug screens surronding the space! Again the possibilites are endless!

Call us TODAY to Start Designing Your Own Outdoor Haven you Can ENjoy Year Round!