It’s finally warming up and if you’re anything like me you are beyond ready. After being stuck inside the last several months, I can’t wait to spend some time outdoors with friends and family. If you’re also anything like me, you probably have a little work to do before you’re ready to host that first BBQ of the year. Aside from the usual post-hibernation yard duties, I’ll bet your outdoor living space could use some other upgrades. If you like to stay up-to-date with new technology, then you’ve probably noticed there are tons of great products for outdoor living. From landscape speakers to projection screens, there are plenty of options to create an outdoor space that will give your indoor living area a run for its money. Even if you just want a new portable music streaming device to put out on the deck, the options are truly endless.

If you love music, then why not bring high quality audio outdoors? There are several products on the market that will blow you away. If you want to go all out and install a year-round option, I would go for the Sonance Landscape Series speakers and subs. We’ve installed several of these systems and as far as sound goes, you really can’t get much better. Plus, they tie in beautifully to your already existing outdoor areas. Sonance lives by the mantra that speakers should be heard not seen. You can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll be able to hear these. Several different subwoofer options can be buried into the ground and the above-ground canopy can be easily camouflaged with plants or scrubs. Another great feature about this system is their ability to contain sound with directional speakers. This reduces sound spill and annoyed neighbors!

If you want a more versatile portable option, Sonos has a variety of wireless speakers that can go anywhere you do. For the biggest sound, try the Play:5 or Play:3. For a more compact option try the Play:1 or mix and match any of the three together for optimal performance. Not only do these wireless speakers pack a punch, they are also super versatile. When you’re ready to head inside for the night, these speakers can come on in with you.

Outdoor audio can transform your backyard into a musical oasis. Who wouldn’t want to kick back on the weekend and listen to their favorite albums in the comfort of the great outdoors? Plus, with Mother’s Day and Father’s Day on the horizon, a new outdoor audio system would be an amazing gift for the music lover in your family.

If you really want to jazz up your space, why not add a television under a covered patio or a projection screen by the pool? We've done several projects with outdoor TVs or projection screens and our clients couldn't be happier. It's like having a drive-in theater in your own backyard! The only problem is you may have a hard time getting your guests to ever leave.

If you're looking for an outdoor flat screen, a SunBrite or a Seura Storm TV will deliver high-quality picture and can survive the most undersirable weather conditions. Because the technology is still newer, the price tag can be steep, but their solid engineering will guarantee you'll be able to enjoy your outdoor TV for many years to come. If you don't want to splurge on a weatherproof TV, some covered patios will allow for a basic flat screen, but you're not guaranteed a lasting relationship with that option. Warm spring weather can also bring some nasty storms so install regular flat screen TVs at your own risk! If an outdoor TV sounds good, but you cant find one big enough for your space then there are tons of outdoor projection screen options as well. The great thing about projection screens is the ability to make them disappear when they aren't in use. When they are being used, I can promise you'll love it. How cool would it be to watch a new movie while you're floating under the stars in a pool. In fact, I think every pool needs a projection screen...

If you're been dreaming of an upgrade in your outdoor space since the deep freeze has finally begun to thaw, then let us come out and give you a free estimate. We love doing outdoor spaces and hope that we can give you the backyard you've always dreamed of.

 

 

Are you a Big Sports fan? Let's see, with March Madness starting today, NBA Play offs April 16th and the & MLB starting April 3rd I can't think of a better time for a TV, Projector or Home Theater Upgrade! Every year sees new models that are bigger, better, with more features and lower pries. When is that point where the performance difference of a new device is worth the hassle and the cost?

What to look at when upgrading:  

 The easiest way to start is by comparing how much better the newer models are  compared to your current model. You will want to compare things like picture quality, LED/LCD vs OLED, if you would like 4K or even 8K now adays and size. 

 Another thing you might like to consider for upgrading would be 3D  or Features/Internet streaming. A lot of TVs now offer built in streaming options for movies, gams & music which is a very fun and convienient option to have! 

When considering a new projector or projection screen most of the same things apply as far as what to consider, especially picture quality and size. Some of the new screen are INCREDIBLE as far as the vibrant color and large sizes and even in a lighted area they can be as vibrant as a TV! Unlike TVs, which have only improved slightly in the past few years, projectors have gotten significantly better.  

 Another wonderful upgrade or add on to consider would be outdoor entertainment. Yes now you can take the party outside and watch your favorite sporting event in the comfort of your own backyard!

Companies like SEURA & SunbriteTV have many different size options that offer impecable picture quality for all outdoors weather & conditions including direct sunlight! There are even companies like Camp Chef that off outdoor projection screens! The ultimate in portable screens. It features a huge silver screen made of durable Oxford nylon reflective material for quality high-resolution picture and enriched colors. Perfect for movies, business seminars, and sporting events. 

Ready to get started? Give us a call today & let us help make what can be a confusing decision become and AWESOME & rewarding experience! 

 

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!

VOLS first game of the season is just a few days away, and I am sure quite a few of y’all are already getting everything ready to throw a great tailgating party. So we want to help you in making the first kick-off of this season one to remember, and we have an awesome list of techy gadgets to make that happen.

The game is definitely number one when it comes to tailgating. The Hitch-N-View and the TailGater go hand in hand to create a great tailgating atmosphere. The Hitch-N-View is a TV stand that mounts onto your trailer hitch; and the TailGater is a portable antenna and receiver from DISH Network that can go anywhere. Not only watch one game, but catch up on all the games going on that day! Don’t be surprised if your tailgating set-up becomes the most popular one.

Now the Hitch-N-View and Tailgater is great and all, but you may just want to listen to the game or blast some tunes for your party. The best outdoor portable speaker would be the Melody by Soundcast. It is a one of their smaller speakers and can stream via Bluetooth. The Melody has a weather resistant design, and can produce an incredible 360 degree sound wherever it is sitting.

Lastly, good food and thirst quenching beverages also goes into creating a great atmosphere for your tailgating party. A couple cool gadgets that caught our eye for helping you maintain the goods are the iGrill and RC Cooler.

The iGrill is a blue-tooth enabled thermometer that pairs with your Apple or Android device allowing you to walk up to 200ft from the grill. So you can mingle and enjoy the banter of everything without worrying if the meat is getting burnt. The RC Cooler is a remote controlled cooler that keeps up to 12 beverages cold and always within reach for everyone. So no more walking over constantly to the community cooler, have the cooler come to you!

A great tailgating party would not be a party without some amazing friends and family. Ask them to bring a chair, a potluck dish, and get their game day face on! Oh, don’t forget the cornhole boards. It is always nice to have some activities to do when tailgating. Hope these gadgets help in creating a great football season for you. As always if you ever need any help or suggestions we are just a call away.  GO VOLS!!!

Ah, that time between Spring and Summer has finally arrived in Knoxville. Pollen covers every exterior surface imaginable in yellow blankets of dust. The quickly-warming temperatures remind you that the humidity of a Tennessee summer isn’t far off. Right now it is baseball season, but soon enough, the UT fight song will be echoing from every living room in Rocky Top while we watch our football team make it all the way to the national championship this year (a girl can dream). You begin to think about the home theater you always wanted, and how great these games would look on a big screen. You think of the home theater that would allow you to be immersed in the experience of the stadium, without having to buy tickets to the game or spend eight dollars on a beer--that theater with state-of-the-art audio technology, the one you always put off on installing because other things came up along the way. Hey, we know that life happens, and things get put off. Here at iSS LLC.  we are here to make your life a little easier—and a lot more fun. Now featuring Control4 home automation software, we can create the home theater of your dreams--and tailor home automation installations to your personal wants and needs. Still not convinced? Check out a few of the things we can do for your home or your commercial business space by clicking the link below.

 CLICK ME!

 

What is a Smart Home?

While there are many smart products available today, it isn’t until these devices work together in orchestration, that you experience the magic of a smart home. From homes small to large, new and old, Control4 delivers power and performance on one platform that coordinates the technology in your house into complete, brilliant experiences—interactions that fit your lifestyle and are easy for your family to enjoy. With one touch, dim the lights, stream high-resolution music, turn up the heat, lock the doors and arm the security system. Or, check in on your home no matter where you are. It’s a smarter living experience that you’ll wonder how you ever lived without. We call it, the New Normal.

WHAT CAN CONTROL4 DO FOR YOU? GET READY TO BE AMAZED!

HOME THEATER: 

 

A high-end home theater experience is more than just a nice TV with surround sound. With a home theater system from Control4, you’ll be the envy of every movie theater goer in town. Turn the lights off, turn on the surround sound and start the movie all with the touch of a button.

CLIMATE:

 

Forget about ever touching that thermostat again, in fact, forget about the thermostat all together. With our automated climate control, your thermostat is anywhere you are. Curb your monthly bills and ease your eco-conscience. Advanced temperature control is a simple and affordable addition to any home with Control4.

 

CALL ISS TODAY TO LEARN MORE TO DESIGN YOUR CONTROL4 SMARTER LIVING EXPERIENCE!

School is out, BBQ get-togethers are planned, and flower beds are looking great. Now all there is to do is make sure your outdoor living space is ready for those warm summer days and nights with some tech savvy upgrades. Besides having some great tunes playing through your audio system, or having your own outdoor home theater, have you thought about your outdoor lighting display?

Outdoor lighting control can provide your outdoor living space with a lovely atmosphere, and is a great way to display your beautiful backyard and patio. Outdoor lighting control can also provide you a lighted path when the party stays out a little longer than anticipated, and can be integrated with your home automation system especially if it is a year-round option.    

A year-round lighting system is one that can help illuminate even the darkest of paths, and can create a great ambiance for any get-together. This kind of lighting system can be permanently displayed between patio steps, under sitting areas, or around the pool. Then once everyone is in for the evening can be easily shut down with one push of a button that is integrated in with your home automation system!

Now, if a year-round lighting system sounds a little too much, we suggest a cool portable option! These portable LED cubes and globes can be easily placed where you want, are weatherproof, and can create a colorful display in your outdoor living area. By having these tech savvy products placed throughout your backyard and patio area can liven up any get-together!

So we have given you something to think about, is your outdoor lighting display up to your standards? If not, then let us help you create an outdoor living area that you have always dreamed of!

 

Home automation has become all the rage these days and if you have experienced it yourself then you will most likely agree that is has become a convenience you just don't want to live without! Well great news! Now when you vacation or even when you take the boat out, you don't have to be without the automation luxuries you have grown so accustomed to!

 

AUTOMATION IN YOUR VACATION HOME:

What?: It would be easier to tell you what you cant have because the possibilities are truely endless. 

• Security systems 
• Audio & Video
• Home Theaters
• Media Rooms
• Outdoor Automation
• Lighting control
• Shade Control
• Temperature Control
• Music in Every Room
• Entry Systems
• Energy Management
• Scenes & More!

Imagine being an hour away from your vacation home and being able to get everything ready for your arrival with the touch of a few buttons! Turn on the spa, heat up the pool, turn on the lights, raise up the shades, set the perfect tempature, start your favorite music and be vacation ready as soon as you walk through the door! Check it out for your self... VIDEO HERE

 

BOAT AUTOMATION:

Boat Automation has several options as well and of coarse as the size of the boat increases so do the options. A Control4 System can be used to manage different things throughout the vessel, access navagation equipment, make service requests for staff, Incorporate state of the art secuirty systems and several other options such as:

• • Remotely controlling lights and heating or air conditioning to turn on shortly before arrival, ensuring everything on the vessel is set to preference yet reducing energy consumption
  • Automating exterior running lights to allow the crew to move around safely
  • Adjusting the thermostat to ensure appropriate interior cabin temperatures
  • Providing GPS and navigation data through the television or touch screens so owners and onboard guests know the current location of the vessel and anticipated arrival
  • Triggering lights to automatically turn on, off or dim, based on detected light levels or specific times of the day
  • Opening and closing blinds, according to when the sun sets or the skies become cloudy to allow for optimum levels of natural light
  • Centralizing audio and video collections from multiple sources and allowing selection of music or movies by cover art from a single library from any room on the vessel
• • Outdoor TVs that can withstand the elements of the ocean or water as well as weather, and even theaters and media rooms!         Check it out: VIDEO HERE

 

CALL iSS Today and start living the Smart life even when you are away from home! 

 

 INDOORS:

Commercial control can provide high tech savings and convenience! From a massive bar in Las Vegas to a sports bar in the center of San Jose, every business needs a “control freak.” After all, there are raw materials, your budget, and a planet to save. We, with the help of Control4 and others, can answer every question you have around commercial control, whether you’re looking for a robust system to support an expansive building or just a room within it.

On top of automating lights, shades, music, video, HVAC, security and energy, Control4 also gives you the ability to control it all from a secure, back-end system. Better still, it’s not just affordable—it’s intelligent. You can also access everything from any device thanks to SAVI controls! Because our commercial solutions can easily integrate with your existing business networks and enable communication between devices from most manufacturers, we ensure that you experience bottom-line benefits sooner rather than later. Even the most sophisticated commercial automation solutions are easy and affordable. Practical Control4 products make it easy to build on when you’re ready. Start with an intelligent lighting control solution and add more features when you’re ready—smoothly and economically.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

 Managing numerous TVs on different channels in a sports bar can become very complicated. Control4 makes it easy for you and your team to control the AV system, LIghts, Music, etc. Play HD video from a variety of sources on multiple TVs, and control them all from one simple interface. Automate lighting and climate control systems to save energy. Turn on the building in one touch and make “Closing” time easy by powering down everything with one button.

We offer a premier experience of all-weather digital signage displays, touch screen monitors and outdoor HDTV by SunBriteDS - the leader in outdoor television, as well as SEURA and others! Designed for permanent placement outdoors, and capable of enduring harsh climate conditions, outdoor signage displays, all-weather HDTV & video screens and outdoor signage solutions - provide an optimum viewing experience for any outside commercial venue. SunBriteDS now offers all-weather menu boards for QSR quick-serve restaurants. The weatherproof features include direct-sun tolerant, bright screens, anti-reflective glass, multi-fan airflow systems, along with a best-in-class rugged exterior engineered for demanding commercial-grade applications. If you have a great outdoor patio be sure to keep the entertainment going! 

We can also provide you with top of the line secuirty options for your sports bar as well as help you keep things neat and tidy with our rack enclosure options! Some bars even put their racks on display ;-) Call us today to learn more & make your Sports bar the MVP this year!

 

Do you want to throw at least one more EPIC outdoor party before the summer is over? Tons of friends, pool party, grilling, hanging around the fire pit, ice cold beverages! Well what better way to make it EPIC than with some great outdoor entertainment to make your party rise above the rest! SunBriteTV has the products for you!   

SunBriteTVdesigns and engineers the only time-tested TVs in the world that are specifically built from the ground up for the outdoor environment. These trueall-weather, outdoor LED-LCD TVs deliver superior brightness, while resisting the harsh effects of rain, dirt, insects, extreme temperatures and UV rays. And even better, they are actually manufactured right here in the United States!

SunBriteTV takes a beating but keeps on gleaming!               VIDEO DEMONSTRATION CLICK HERE: http://ow.ly/QiulQ

Want to make your restaurant/bar, Stadium or Business stand out above the rest and give your customers an even better experience? Well who doesn’t like being entertained in the great outdoors? SunBriteTV is the outdoor TV of choice for many professional sports stadiums including: Yankee Stadium, Gillette Stadium, Wrigley Field, Soldier Field, Marlins Park and many others.

They offer digital signage, TVs, and lots of accessories to fit any outdoor idea you might have. From outdoor patios or waterparks to stadiums and even The Oscars, They’ve got you covered!

SunBriteTV’ smissionis todeliver a safe, outdoor, worry-free entertainment experienceto their customers. The goal is to design and produce the highest quality outdoor products in the world. Their core values are integrity, innovation, teamwork, and they are deeply committed to delivering complete customer satisfaction.

Call Us TODAY & Become the outdoor Guru of your next gathering or event!               865-690-0154

 

          CEDIA is the international trade association and central touchpoint for 3,500 member companies that represent every facet of the ever-evolving technology market. The expo places you at the epicenter of the furture in home experience and lets you experience the intrigue of how it is all connected!

BEST NEW PRODUCT:

Two of the products we offer recieved the Best New Product reward at the expo this year! The Seura Storm Outdoor TV and Sonance DSP Amplifiers with SonARC.

Seura’s Storm Outdoor TV is built to last in a variety of climates and, through careful calibration, is capable of delivering quality images during sunny days. It also has a great wide viewing angle!

The Sonance DSP amplifiers add Amazing audio in any environment! The new line of DSP amplifiers feature SONARC (Sonance Advanced Room Correction), which offers hundreds of EQ presets designed specifically for Sonance speakers available through simple pull down menus. The presets enable effortless DSP without the need for additional hardware, software, and more importantly time.

Seura Outdoor TV Video: http://ow.ly/U3twM                            Sonance DSP Amplifiers Video: http://ow.ly/U3uwT

                                           CEPro Editor's Choice Picks:

There were also two of the speakers that we offer picked as the CEPro Editor's Choice, The Sonos Play:5 and the KEF LS50!

Hear it just like they played it. Pure and true. The PLAY:5 uses six state-of the-art digital amplifiers individually coupled with six speakers to deliver great sound to any room. Each instrument, each voice, every detail shines through, pure and precise. With remarkably distinct clarity. And zero audible distortion. Even when you crank it up loud. Really loud! 

The KEF LS50 was also quite an awe inspiring product at CEDIA 2015! An innovative concept inspired by the legendary LS3/5a, LS50 mini monitor speaker is designed to bring professional studio monitor concept into the home. Rarely the case in such a compact design, the LS50 monitor delivers a rich, multi-dimensional ‘soundstage experience’ that is out of all proportion to its size. Patent-pending acoustic designs, together with state-of-the-art technologies from KEF’s latest flagship Blade loudspeaker, provide the ultimate studio experience – even in the smallest of spaces.

Play:5 Video: http://cnet.co/1Q1coIk                                   KEF LS50 Video: https://youtu.be/E0B-l2eoVtg

Many companies had some pretty amazing products this year that became quite the show stoppers! Call us today to learn more about any of our great products. 

• Sony    
• Orgin Acoustis
• Screen Innovations
• Martin Logan
• Golden Ear
• Atlona
• Pakedge
• SnapAV
• Kwikset
• WIlson
• BOSE
• SunBrite TV
• Lutron
• Peerless AV
• Luxul
• Yale
• This list GOES ON & ON