Unlock the power of AI in your smart home — experience intuitive control, enhanced security, and personalized automation tailored to your daily habits.

<p>Nowadays, your smart home can do much more than respond to commands &mdash; it can learn what you like and act on it before you even ask with AI. More than just setting a timer for your lights or adjusting the thermostat manually anymore; it's about adapting to your daily routines, preferences, and even the environment around you.</p>
<p>From automatically knowing who&rsquo;s making commands to fine-tuning your energy use for maximum efficiency, AI brings a level of personalization and convenience that traditional systems just can't match.</p>
<h2>AI-Driven Voice Assistants</h2>
<p><img alt="Woman using voice commands in smart home" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q4_2024/CI_Custom-AI-Automation_1.jpg" title="CI_Custom-AI-Automation_1.jpg" width="702" /></p>
<p>While standard voice assistants require specific commands, AI-driven systems understand natural language and evolve to fit your preferences over time. This allows for more dynamic, intuitive control over your home.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Understanding Natural Language:</strong> Instead of saying, "Turn on the living room lights," you can say, "I'm home," and AI will adjust the lighting, temperature, and music based on your previous behaviors at that time of day.</li>
<li><strong>Multi-User Recognition:</strong> AI identifies different voices, so when your spouse asks for music, it plays their favorite playlist, not yours. This personalized touch makes control feel more natural and tailored.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Predictive Automation</h2>
<p>Traditional systems rely on fixed schedules or sensor triggers, while AI-based systems learn your patterns and adapt in real time to make intelligent decisions without needing constant updates.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Routine Learning:</strong> Instead of setting timers for your lights or thermostat, AI notices when you tend to change settings and automates those actions. For instance, if you consistently dim the lights at sunset, AI will do this automatically.</li>
<li><strong>Real-Time Adaptation:</strong> Traditional systems might turn off your lights at a scheduled time, but AI reacts based on your presence. If it notices you've left a room, it adjusts the temperature and turns off lights, immediately cutting down on energy waste.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Energy Optimization</h2>
<p><img alt="Closeup of a smart panel showing energy usage" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q4_2024/CI_Custom-AI-Automation_2.jpg" title="CI_Custom-AI-Automation_2.jpg" width="702" /></p>
<p>Basic home automation systems allow for scheduled energy use, but AI takes it further by learning how you use energy and adapting automatically to optimize efficiency.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Adaptive Temperature Control:</strong> Instead of turning the thermostat up or down at specific times, AI factors your behavior and local weather to maintain comfort and efficiency. For instance, AI knows when you're home and adjusts the temperature dynamically throughout the day.</li>
<li><strong>Device Power Management:</strong> Traditional systems may rely on motion sensors, but AI can track your movement and predict when rooms won't be used. This means it can power down devices and lights without waiting for you to manually set schedules or hit switches.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Smarter Security</h2>
<p><img alt="Video doorbell with facial recognition" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q4_2024/CI_Custom-AI-Automation_3.jpg" title="CI_Custom-AI-Automation_3.jpg" width="702" /></p>
<p>Most security systems trigger based on movement or pre-set scenarios. AI, however, analyzes data and behavior to provide more sophisticated, accurate security responses.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Facial Recognition:</strong> Rather than using just codes or basic cameras, AI systems can recognize familiar faces and differentiate between family members and strangers. It knows when to automatically unlock the door or send you an alert based on who's at your doorstep.</li>
<li><strong>Behavioral Analysis:</strong> Instead of alerting you every time there's movement, AI learns what's normal for your home. If a dog is wandering in the backyard, it won't notify you, but if someone lingers near your window at an odd time, you'll get a real-time alert.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Personalized Entertainment</h2>
<p>Typical systems let you control entertainment through apps or remotes, but AI personalizes the entire experience, predicting what you want and handling multiple devices seamlessly.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>One-Command Scenes:</strong> Instead of setting up each element manually, AI remembers your preferences. Saying, "Let's watch a movie," dims the lights, closes the shades, adjusts the volume, and queues up your home theater system based on your previous settings.</li>
<li><strong>Content Suggestions:</strong> AI learns your entertainment preferences and offers recommendations. If you always play soft jazz in the evenings, it'll suggest similar music when the time comes.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Proactive Home Maintenance</h2>
<p><img alt="Concept image of a smart panel providing predictive alerts" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q4_2024/CI_Custom-AI-Automation_4.jpg" title="CI_Custom-AI-Automation_4.jpg" width="702" /></p>
<p>Instead of waiting for something to break or relying on basic reminders, AI tracks your home systems and predicts maintenance needs before problems arise.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Early Warning Systems:</strong> AI monitors things like HVAC performance or water usage. If it detects a potential issue, such as your HVAC running inefficiently, it will alert you or suggest a service before the system fails &mdash; far more proactive than traditional alarms.</li>
<li><strong>Automated Scheduling:</strong> AI keeps tabs on things like filter changes or water heater maintenance and can automatically schedule these tasks for you. Unlike traditional systems where you rely on set reminders, AI responds based on actual usage.</li>
</ul>
<h2>House Smarts</h2>
<p><img alt="Concept image of an AI smart home" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q4_2024/CI_Custom-AI-Automation_5.jpg" title="CI_Custom-AI-Automation_5.jpg" width="702" /></p>
<p>Traditional home automation systems are great at following rules and routines, but AI goes beyond that by learning, adapting, and predicting what you need. With AI, your home doesn't just follow orders; it thinks ahead, making your life easier, more comfortable, and more efficient. So, don't wait to simplify your home life; <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.pflanzzone.net/contacts" target="_blank">contact us</a></span> at Pflanz Electronics to smarten up your home!</p>

AI-Enhanced Smart Homes: How Custom Automation Works Now

Ready to upgrade your auditorium? Explore smart tech solutions that ensure every guest can fully participate in your events, no matter their accessibility needs.

<p>Hosting events in large auditoriums is a big deal, but making sure everyone can fully participate is often overlooked. Whether it's a town hall, a guest speaker, or a corporate presentation, accessibility should be a priority.</p>
<p>The good news? With the latest smart tech and automated systems, you can transform your auditorium space to accommodate everyone, regardless of their disability status. From visual aids to mobility access, let&rsquo;s explore how you can update your business to be inclusive for all!</p>
<p><img alt="Closeup of a wheelchair accessible button to open the doors, signifies ADA compliance" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q4_2024/CI_Accessible-Auditorum-Solutions_1.jpg" /></p>
<h2>Visual Aids for the Visually Impaired</h2>
<p>For visually impaired guests, experiencing a presentation or performance shouldn't mean missing out on key visual elements. Here&rsquo;s how smart visual aids can elevate the experience:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Screen Magnifiers</strong>: These enlarge on-screen content, making it easier for guests to follow. Controlled through the AV system, they adjust the content size in real-time across projection screens or personal devices.</li>
<li><strong>Text-to-Speech (TTS) Devices</strong>: TTS converts on-screen text into audio, synced with the sound system or streamed to personal devices, ensuring everyone can access important information instantly.</li>
<li><strong>Audio Descriptions</strong>: This tool narrates visual elements during gaps in dialogue, giving visually impaired guests a richer experience. Integrated with the AV system, it works automatically without disrupting the presentation.</li>
</ul>
<p><img alt="A smaller auditorium space with hearing assistance" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q4_2024/CI_Accessible-Auditorum-Solutions_2.jpg" /></p>
<h2>Assistive Technology for Hearing-Impaired Attendees</h2>
<p>When presenting to a large audience, it can be easy to overlook the guests or employees who are hard of hearing (HoH) or deaf &mdash; unless you have automated solutions in place!</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Wearable Lanyards</strong>: These connect wirelessly to your auditorium&rsquo;s audio system, providing clear sound to each wearer without any hassle or personal hearing aids.</li>
<li><strong>FM Systems</strong>: These broadcast sound directly to personal receivers via radio waves, where only the listener wearing the receiver will hear it! FM systems are great for large auditoriums and offer minimal setup time.</li>
<li><strong>Infrared (IR) Systems</strong>: This tech transmits sound through light waves, providing a secure option for spaces needing privacy or limited interference. The sound is contained within the room; guests just need to be in line of sight with the transmitter for the best experience.</li>
<li><strong>Hearing Loop Systems</strong>: If your guests have telecoil-enabled hearing aids, hearing loops are a hands-free, easy solution. Once installed, these systems allow attendees to connect directly to your auditorium&rsquo;s audio without additional devices.</li>
<li><strong>Wi-Fi Audio</strong>: This option lets your guests stream audio straight to their smartphones or personal devices, giving them a more customized listening experience using your auditorium&rsquo;s Wi-Fi network.</li>
</ul>
<p><img alt="An auditorium with pathway lights" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q4_2024/CI_Accessible-Auditorum-Solutions_3.jpg" /></p>
<h2>Mobility Solutions</h2>
<p>Sure, seating in an open auditorium space means making sure you follow ADA compliance. But with custom solutions, you can be smarter in how you meet the guidelines!</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Automated Seating Adjustments</strong>: Motorized systems can transform standard seating into wheelchair-accessible spaces in seconds. Controlled centrally, this feature allows venue staff to modify the layout quickly for different audience needs without disruption.</li>
<li><strong>Smart Pathways and Lighting</strong>: Motion-activated lights guide guests with mobility aids through the venue, illuminating pathways when movement is detected. This smart system not only improves safety but also conserves energy by activating only when needed.</li>
<li><strong>Adjustable Stages and Platforms</strong>: Stages with built-in, height-adjustable platforms allow presenters with mobility challenges to access the stage smoothly. Controlled via the venue&rsquo;s smart automation system, these platforms adjust effortlessly to ensure presenters are visible and comfortable.</li>
<li><strong>Hands-Free Entry Systems</strong>: Automated doors equipped with motion sensors provide independent access to the auditorium. These hands-free systems make entering and exiting seamless for all guests, without needing assistance from staff.</li>
</ul>
<p><img alt="A blank digital signage screen, ready to provide clearer wayfinding instructions" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q4_2024/CI_Accessible-Auditorum-Solutions_4.jpg" /></p>
<h2>Smart Navigation and Wayfinding</h2>
<p>Navigating a large auditorium can be tough for guests with mobility or cognitive challenges, especially in complex spaces. But luckily, with wayfinding technology everyone can find their spot in no time!</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Smart Signage</strong>: Integrated with your auditorium&rsquo;s AV system, digital signs can adapt in real-time, offering visual and auditory cues to guide attendees to key areas like exits, bathrooms, or seating sections.</li>
<li><strong>Mobile Apps &amp; Beacons</strong>: Mobile apps linked to beacon technology offer personalized, step-by-step navigation, making it easier for guests with special needs to navigate the space.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Opening Doors for Everyone!</h2>
<p>Why settle for standard when your auditorium can be a space where everyone feels at home? With smart tech like automated seating, personalized navigation, and assistive listening, you're not just ticking boxes &mdash; you&rsquo;re creating an experience. So, why should anyone miss out? <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.pflanzzone.net/contacts" target="_blank">Visit</a></span>&nbsp;<span>Pflanz Electronics</span> to start customizing your auditorium today!</p>

How to Design Accessible & Inclusive Auditoriums with Smart Tech

Discover how smart thermostats can keep your home warm and energy-efficient this winter. Learn about their comfort features, savings benefits, and tips for choosing the right one. 

<p>Winter is here, and staying warm without breaking the bank can be challenging. Smart thermostats are changing the game by offering precise control over your home&rsquo;s temperature while helping you save on heating costs. Let&rsquo;s explore how these devices can make your home more comfortable and efficient this winter. If you're ready to make the upgrade, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.pflanzzone.net/contacts" target="_blank">contact us</a></span> for expert advice and installation!</p>
<h2>Greater Control Over Comfort</h2>
<p>Imagine never having to fiddle with your thermostat again&mdash;smart technology keeps your home cozy without the hassle. Here&rsquo;s how:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Adaptive Temperature Adjustments</strong>: Smart thermostats learn your preferred temperatures over time, making automatic adjustments to keep your home consistently cozy. No more getting out of bed to tweak the heat!</li>
<li><strong>Remote Access and Scheduling</strong>: With easy-to-use apps, you can set the ideal temperature for when you wake up, come home, or turn in for the night. Even if plans change, remote access allows you to make adjustments from anywhere.</li>
</ul>
<p><img alt="man adjusting smart thermostat" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q4_2024/CI_maximize-warmth-minimize-costs_1.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<h2>Energy Efficiency for Winter Savings</h2>
<p>Why waste energy heating an empty house? Smart thermostats help you save money while staying snug and warm.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Advanced Energy-Saving Modes</strong>: Many smart thermostats feature eco-modes that automatically lower heating when you&rsquo;re away or asleep, saving energy without compromising comfort.</li>
<li><strong>Insights and Usage Reports</strong>: These thermostats provide reports on your energy consumption, allowing you to track and optimize usage patterns, lowering heating costs all season long.</li>
</ul>
<p><img alt="smart thermostat and smart thermostat app" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q4_2024/CI_maximize-warmth-minimize-costs_2.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<h2>Enhanced Convenience and Smart Integration</h2>
<p>Make your thermostat part of the team! Sync it with other smart devices to create an environment that&rsquo;s efficient, comfortable, and pretty impressive to show off to your friends.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Integration with Other Smart Home Devices</strong>: Seamlessly connect your smart thermostat with other systems, like automated blinds or smart lighting, to enhance comfort and efficiency. For example, you can program blinds to open during the day to let in warmth and close at night to retain it.</li>
<li><strong>Voice Control for Easy Adjustments</strong>: Voice assistants make temperature adjustments effortless. With just a simple voice command, your home can feel warm and inviting when you need it most.</li>
</ul>
<p><img alt="smart thermostat set to 74 degrees " src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q4_2024/CI_maximize-warmth-minimize-costs_3.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<h2>Tips for Choosing the Right Smart Thermostat</h2>
<p>Not all smart thermostats are created equal. Make sure you pick the one that fits your home and your needs so that your heating system is smarter and your wallet is happier!</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Compatibility with Your HVAC System</strong>: Not all thermostats work with every system, so double-check that your chosen model is compatible with your current setup.</li>
<li><strong>User-Friendly Interface and App</strong>: Look for a thermostat with an intuitive app and straightforward controls to ensure you can easily manage your home&rsquo;s climate.</li>
<li><strong>Energy Star Ratings and Features</strong>: Prioritize Energy Star-certified models and those with the latest features like learning algorithms, geofencing, or temperature sensors in key rooms.</li>
</ul>
<p>By choosing the right smart thermostat, you can achieve the perfect balance of warmth and efficiency this winter. With the ability to customize settings and automate temperature control, you can enjoy a cozy home while saving energy and reducing costs. A smart thermostat also offers peace of mind, allowing you to focus on what matters most&mdash;spending quality time with family and friends during the colder months.</p>
<p>If you&rsquo;re ready to embrace the comfort and savings of a smart thermostat, Pflanz Electronics is here to help. Reach out to us for personalized recommendations and professional installation to make your home the perfect haven this winter. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.pflanzzone.net/contacts" target="_blank">Schedule your appointment today to get started</a></span>!</p>

Maximize Warmth and Minimize Costs with a Smart Thermostat 

The first step in setting up a smart home figuring out your network requirements! Find out what you need to know to keep from overloading your Wi-Fi!

<p>A smart home makes everything easier, but not when it's overloading your Wi-Fi. So, to avoid that, you first need to find out whether your network can handle streaming your favorite shows, working on a laptop, and running your smart hub.</p>
<p>And while there are several ways to connect your smart home network, it's best to let the professionals handle it. They handle things like checking which bands to use (2.4 or 5 GHz) and whether to set up a different network or router while making the connection seamless!</p>
<p>To give you an idea of what you need, we&rsquo;ve done some digging on the network logistics your custom installers will consider, so check it out!</p>
<h2>Do you need a smart home network?</h2>
<p><img alt="Woman looking over her smart network hub" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q3_2022/CI_Smart-Home-Network-Requirements_1.jpg" title="CI_Smart-Home-Network-Requirements_1.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>The first question you should ask yourself is whether or not your smart home devices can connect to the internet without a dedicated smart home network. Many smart home devices can connect to the internet via your existing Wi-Fi network. However, it can cause issues with your bandwidth if you have video-supported devices.</p>
<p>With a dedicated network or a separate router, you can lump all your smart devices together to free up your bandwidth and get the most out of your smart home tech. Plus, having a separate network makes it more difficult for hackers to access your information &mdash; they'll only be able to access the connected smart devices!</p>
<p>Whichever your smart home automation needs, your custom installers will figure it out for you!</p>
<h2>What type of connection do you need for your smart devices?</h2>
<p>The next consideration is what type of connection you need for your smart devices. Most smart devices will use either a wired Ethernet or a Wi-Fi connection. But there are other types, too, including Z-wave and Zigbee, which use radio waves on frequencies that are different from your Wi-Fi frequencies.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Wi-Fi Connection</strong> is reliable and comes in 2.4 GHz with a longer range and 5 GHz bands featuring faster speeds.</li>
<li><strong>Bluetooth Low Energy</strong> is capable of mesh networking and has improved range and government-grade encryption.</li>
<li><strong>Zigbee/Z-Wave</strong> has zero impact on your Wi-Fi network and frees up bandwidth (although your smart hub will need to connect to the internet).</li>
<li><strong>Insteon</strong> uses a mesh network using two bands to increase reliability and performance while also using powerline networking.</li>
<li><strong>Thread</strong> creates a secure home network that can handle up to 250 smart devices.</li>
<li><strong>Universal Powerline Bus (UPB)</strong> turns home wiring into a network for transmitting signals, but it can be slower and less secure.</li>
</ul>
<p>There are several ways to set up your smart home connection, but professional smart home installers know exactly what your system needs to communicate with each other.</p>
<h2>What is the range of your smart home network?</h2>
<p><img alt="Pixelated image of WiFi range" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q3_2022/CI_Smart-Home-Network-Requirements_2.jpg" title="CI_Smart-Home-Network-Requirements_2.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>The range of your smart home network is important to consider as it will determine how far away you can place your devices from your router before they lose connection.. Traditional Wi-Fi routers have a 300-ft outdoor range and a 150-ft indoor range, so you might need to extend your range using access points, additional routers, or a mesh network.</p>
<p>We recommend using a mesh Wi-Fi system for smart home networks as they provide better coverage than traditional routers. And wherever possible, increase the strength of your network by using wired connections.</p>
<h2>How fast does your home network need to be?</h2>
<p>As mentioned before, sometimes smart devices can clog up the bandwidth on your network. And while you can set up your smart devices to work on a separate network, you should still consider the speed. You don't need a fast connection for basic voice commands, but devices that use cameras, like smart doorbells and security cameras, require more bandwidth.</p>
<p>On average, you'll need to add 5Mpbs to your internet plan for every ten smart devices, plus an extra 5Mpbs when installing cameras. And if you don't want to do the math, you can work out what speed you need with your custom installers and internet provider.</p>
<h2>Do you need any special hardware for your smart home network?</h2>
<p><img alt="Man checking out his router connection" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q3_2022/CI_Smart-Home-Network-Requirements_3.jpg" title="CI_Smart-Home-Network-Requirements_3.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>Depending on the smart devices you have, you may need to purchase additional hardware for your smart home networks such as a Wi-Fi extender or a powerline adapter. These devices can help to improve the performance of your smart home network by boosting the signal strength or extending the reach of your network.</p>
<p>But one thing you will definitely need is a smart hub to connect all your devices. Think of the smart hub as the central brain for all your smart home automation, which helps everything communicate with each other. Keep in mind that these will need their own power supply and ethernet port in your router.</p>
<h2>Is your smart home network secure?</h2>
<p><img alt="Woman touching a lock symbol of her secure network" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q3_2022/CI_Smart-Home-Network-Requirements_4.jpg" title="CI_Smart-Home-Network-Requirements_4.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>Another essential consideration for smart home networks is security. Many smart devices can collect sensitive data such as your location, contact list, or financial information. As such, it's essential to make sure that your smart home network is adequately secured to protect your privacy. One way to do this is to use a VPN (a virtual private network) to encrypt all the data being sent and received by your smart devices.</p>
<p>So, if you deal with a lot of sensitive information and want to secure it, please mention your concern to your custom installers when planning out your smart home. They'll help fortify your connection so you can use your smart home worry-free!</p>
<h2>Setting Up Your Smart Home</h2>
<p>A smart home makes your life more convenient, and with the proper network settings, every command will run seamlessly. So, if you're finally ready to upgrade to <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.pflanzzone.net/catalog/electronics-automation-control/" target="_blank">smart home automation</a></span>, check out what you need at Pflanz Electronics.</p>
<p>Our team of custom installers will help set up your smart home network to the system's exact requirements. We'll work with you to assess your needs and recommend the best solution for your smart home. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.pflanzzone.net/contacts/" target="_blank">Contact us</a></span> to get your consultation started!</p>

What Network Requirements Do You Need for Your Smart Home?

Smart home control panels give you control over your tech without the need to juggle dozens of apps and devices. Learn more here.

<p>It&rsquo;s hard to believe, but there was supposedly a time when Steve Jobs was not keen on the idea of allowing third-party apps to run on the iPhone. Obviously, he ended up warming to the idea. These days, the phrase &ldquo;there&rsquo;s an app&rdquo; for that &mdash; first coined in a 2009 Apple TV commercial &mdash; has become true for a myriad of things. One of those things is the control of smart devices.</p>
<p>While not yet as popular and as ubiquitous as mobile devices like iPhones and iPads, smart home technology is gaining ground and becoming more mainstream every day. Smart lights, thermostats, and cameras are no longer only seen in the homes of the rich and famous. You and your neighbors probably have a smart device or three in your house right now.</p>
<h2>Where It All Began</h2>
<p><img alt="man watching tv and changing channels with a remote" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_electronics/ci-smart-home-control-panels-remote.jpg" title="iStock Credit: gilaxia" width="700" /></p>
<p>Many of the smart home manufacturers that have been in the game for a while started, at least to some degree, with a more modest aim than automating your home. They started by making it easier to operate your TV and all the various devices that you had plugged into it. Essentially, they started with creating a universal remote.</p>
<p>As technology advanced, broadcast television was no longer the only thing to watch on your fancy color TV. We added cable boxes, VCRs, Ataris, surround receivers, and more. Each one of those devices generally came with its own remote control. Simplicity gave way to a plethora of button-filled devices strewn across the coffee table, challenging you to decode the correct sequence of button presses to turn on the nightly news.</p>
<p>Universal remotes fixed all that. That original mess of remotes got shoved in a drawer, replaced by a simple and intuitive device that only required a single button press to bring everything to life. It wasn&rsquo;t long before people started wondering&hellip; what else could we control with this thing?</p>
<h2>Smart Home Meets Smartphone</h2>
<p><img alt="woman controlling home with a digital touch screen panel" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_electronics/ci-smart-home-control-panels-header.jpg" title="iStock Credit: RossHelen " width="700" /></p>
<p>Smart home manufacturers expanded past the media room to control lighting, shades, security, HVAC and more. Universal remotes were joined by proprietary touch screen panels, some in-wall and some wireless, to simplify the operation of these increasingly sophisticated systems. Touch screen technology was pretty new. It was also pretty expensive which contributed to making the smart home a strictly luxury product.</p>
<p>The release of the iPhone, and later the iPad, brought the price of touch screen devices way down. Smart home manufacturers started to look at how they could leverage these mobile devices to enhance their own offerings. They released apps that would allow a client&rsquo;s iDevice (and later Android devices as well) to communicate with their smart home devices. Since these devices were mobile, they added the benefit of allowing people to control their system even when they weren&rsquo;t home.</p>
<p>In some cases, people decided not to invest in an <em>integrated</em> smart home system at all since so many devices like smart bulbs and smart thermostats had their own apps. For each &ldquo;smart&rdquo; device you bought, there was an app to control it. But the more devices that got added, the more apps you had to download to control them. Your iPad essentially became a digital version of that old coffee table littered with different apps instead of remote controls.</p>
<h2>Why Smart Home Manufacturers Still Make Touchscreens and Remotes</h2>
<p><img alt="family leaving the house locking the door using automated security system" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_electronics/ci-smart-home-control-panels-family.jpg" title="iStock Credit: Hispanolistic " width="700" /></p>
<p>Everyone these days has a mobile device that they&rsquo;re accustomed to using for just about everything (email, internet, reading, checking the weather, starting the car, etc.) so it&rsquo;s not uncommon for a person outfitting their smart home to say, &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll just use my phone to control the system&rdquo;. While that&rsquo;s certainly an option, there are a few reasons to consider having a few dedicated devices (touchscreens, remote controls, keypads, etc.) for operating your system.</p>
<ul>
<li>Surfing the cable guide on your TV is much easier with tactile buttons on a universal remote than it is on your iPhone.<br /><br /></li>
<li>If you&rsquo;ve got your in-ceiling speakers cranked to eleven when your smartphone rings (you know, the phone you were controlling the system with), your pause button and volume controls have disappeared to show you who is calling.<br /><br /></li>
<li>Mobile devices are wireless and sometimes they disconnect or can suffer from interference. A dedicated device, especially one that is hard-wired, is dedicated to staying connected to your smart home.<br /><br /></li>
<li>Apple or Android releases a new OS chock full of great features and you really want to take advantage of them. But, for the most part, those new features have only been tested for how well they work in the Apple or Android eco-systems. Sometimes those updates have detrimental, albeit usually temporary, effects on third-party apps &mdash; including the one that controls your TV, lights, security, HVAC, and cameras.<br /><br /></li>
<li>When something goes wrong, we can contact tech support for the smart home system we installed. Getting an Apple or Google person who can help on their side is a lot tougher!</li>
</ul>
<h2>Call or Visit Us</h2>
<p>For a smart home that actually <em>feels</em> smart, your best bet is to invest in an integrated system dedicated to making your life easier and to use dedicated smart home remotes and touchscreen, with your mobile devices layered in as a secondary or off-site solution. <a href="https://www.pflanzzone.net/contacts/" target="_blank">Our team at Pflanz Electronics</a> can guide you through the options and tailor a solution that&rsquo;s perfectly fit for your goals and budget.</p>

What are the Benefits of Smart Home Touch Control Panels and Remotes?

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What are the Benefits of Smart Home Touch Control Panels and Remotes?

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