Latest Postings

P.B. Country Sheriff's 4th Annual Classic Car Show ( Penny Sheltz )
Sunset at Jupiter sandbar ( shanna gross )
Big Heart Brigade Oktoberfest Oakwood Grill PBG ( Penny Sheltz )
Jupiter Rotary Club Kicks Off "Reading Program". ( Steven Schafer )
Helping to keep Indiantown Road litter free. ( Faith Fick )

share a story | more postings »

YourHub.com \\ Jupiter \\ Stories \\ Tips & Techniques \\ General Tips & Techniques

Technology is not just for computer geeks anymore.

e-mail to a friend | print this | link to this

NEXT › ‹ PREVIOUS

Contributed by: John Pugsley on 1/18/2008

More and more homeowners are installing sophisticated electronic systems that do everything from storing movies for viewing on demand to regulating your home's energy use. Few know this better than Don Dixon, whose company, Definitive Electronics, integrates and installs a wide range of automated controls in homes in Palm BeachCounty and on the TreasureCoast. Dixon recently took a few minutes to talk about hot products and emerging trends in his industry, as well as to offer consumers a few words of wisdom.

Tell us about one of the hottest electronics products with consumers right now.
Demand is growing for systems that allow people to store movies - much like people have been storing music for the last few years. This year, we've sold more DVD-based server systems than we ever have before. These systems consist of a central server in your home that stores movies and music, and can distribute that content to other devices anywhere in the house. For example, one television in your house can be pulling one movie from the server, while a different television in another room is pulling a different movie. Video on demand is a hot trend.

What's new in terms of high-definition products?
The current gold standard for consumer distribution of video products is 1080p, which is shorthand for a category of high display resolutions. The number "1080" means there are that many lines of vertical resolution, while the "p" stands for progressive scan. 1080p is sometimes referred to as "Full High-Definition." We're seeing more people asking for Blue Ray and DVD players that can take advantage of the 1080p experience.

What are other popular applications of technology for home systems?
Besides entertainment systems with top-of-the-line audio and video, homeowners are taking advantage of new technology for security and energy control systems. For instance, we install security systems that can notify a homeowner while he or she is at work, via email alert, if a security camera detects motion. Another big trend is merging technology with the environmentally-friendly movement. Electronic systems can control motorized shades, which close automatically in warm months to keep out sunlight. This helps regulate household temperature, and also protects valuable art and furnishings from excessive exposure to sunlight. Another "green" trend is lighting systems that make use of LEDs, short for light-emitting diodes, which are significantly more efficient than incandescent fixtures.

What should a consumer look for in an electronic systems installer?
As a homeowner, you should look for companies that have support personnel and an adequate number of technicians. Find out what their service policy is - what happens if something breaks? What can you expect if you call them with a problem? Ask for references of past customers. A reputable company will provide them. Besides asking about the previous customers' satisfaction with the installation and service plan, also ask about how the company helped the customer determine what he or she needed. You want a company that does not try to oversell.

Providing custom home automation and integrated services, Definitive Electronics, 561.748.3564, is setting new standards for home electronics. Definitive Electronics designs and installs systems tailored to a client's individual needs that range from home theatre systems, lighting, and remote climate controls to automated shading systems, telecommunications, and security and surveillance systems. Definitive Electronics is a member of www.ReferredHomeServices.com, a website of respected, experienced, dependable businesses who meet or exceed RHS's rigorous review process which requires proof of proper licensing, certifications, insurance and ten verified customer references. Referred Home Services 561-401-4004 www.ReferredHomeServices.com.

[Report this as objectionable content.]

SUBMIT COMMENT

Rate the above story