As Your Smart Home Installer, We Provide Unparalleled, Certified Service for Your Maui, HI Home!

Certified for Luxury
The Pacific Audio and Communications team is pleased to announce that the HTA, or Home Technology Association, has distinguished our company within the high-end space by awarding us an HTA Luxury certification. HTA Certification elevates standards of professional excellence for smart home installer smart home installer firms, and we’re proud to have obtained this level of certification. We feel this accomplishment proves our ability to provide a higher standard of service for our Maui, Hawaii customers.

It’s Your Home: Choose Wisely
When you trust a company to enhance your home, the installation firm you choose directly impacts your quality of life. The Home Technology Association, an objective, third-party organization, guides homeowners to the most trustworthy, technically capable, and customer-focused integrators. When you hire a company who has been evaluated and certified to meet the HTA’s stringent standards in luxury living, you are guaranteed to get home technology that you will enjoy for years to come. Keep reading to find out how this certification benefits our customers.



SEE MORE: 3 Elements to Look for in a Smart Home Company
Distinct Advantages
Currently, the HTA standardizes excellence in the industry: they set the bar and only certify companies who meet all requirements. We’re not trying to brag, but only about 10% of smart home installer companies receive an HTA distinction. The three criteria necessary for achieving this honor include 1) Technical Ability, 2) Customer Service and 3) Industry Expertise. We are proud to provide exemplary service in all three of these categories.

More specifically, certified companies have a few competitive edges on other companies of their kind. For example, you’ll find strong business rankings; solid financial history; reputable, enterprise-quality network installations; background-checked technicians; ongoing support plans; and multiple endorsements within other companies of this caliber. Curious about what the “Luxury” part of our certification means for you? Read on!

What Luxury Certification Means
Specifically, meeting HTA’s “Luxury” criteria means that we’ve proven ourselves to homeowners who appreciate the finer things in life. Pacific Audio and Communications customers typically own large, high-value homes that they continue to improve and innovate with home automation systems. They probably have scrupulous design tastes in decor and architecture that they don’t want to compromise with conspicuous wiring. There’s also a good chance our clients have demonstrated their interest in superior audio and video technology by adding a media room or home theater.

Installations with this many details to consider take time. Usually, the updates in the luxury home category are expansive projects that can take several months to complete and involve meticulous, design-oriented requests. We’re prepared for anything and always ready to put our most painstaking effort forward for clients.

The Best for Your Investment
In short, our customers expect and deserve a boutique, bespoke experience when creating their dream homes, and we can’t wait to show you how certifiably excellent business practices, service and expertise can transform your Hawaii home. Ready to explore the possibilities? You can start by contacting us here or send us a chat below.

Gain Peace of Mind with a Smart Home Security System

It’s that time of year for festive parties, holiday lights, and memory making. This season is very special, but it can also put us into a frenzy of stress with the long to-do lists, family visits, and traveling.

For your peace of mind, we’ve put together a list of handy tips that will help you with one item we know is on your to-do list: keeping a safe home. From automated lighting and a smart home security system to a staged home, these tips will help you feel safer whether you’re staying in Honolulu, Hawaii or traveling.



SEE ALSO: Why Invest in a Smart Home Security System?

1. Sync Smart Lighting with Your Surveillance System

If you’re traveling this holiday and leaving an empty home, you’ll feel comforted knowing your house is working to fend off intruders with a smart surveillance system synced with lighting control.

Install motion sensors around your house that automatically turn on lights when movement is detected on your property. The lights will create the sense that someone is home and typically drive unwanted guests away. When movement is detected, your security system sends alerts to your phone to notify you of potential intruders and even sets off an alarm for you. 

2. Monitor Packages with a Smart Intercom

An increase in delivered packages is a guarantee this time of year, and keeping up with each delivery can be a lot to remember. Make the process easier and safer with a web-configurable outdoor intercom that works in tandem with a monitor.

Use two-way audio and video to both hear and see your visitor coming to drop off a delivery. As soon as the delivery is dropped off and you’re not home to receive it, we suggest you contact a neighbor or friend to pick it up for you until you can get home. 

3. Replace Your Doors with Smart Locks

You won’t ever have to worry if you left a door unlocked when you leave for vacation with smart locks. Remote door locks controlled from your smartphone not only keep your home safer but allow you to unlock your home for a guest if you’re not there to let them in. Integrate your smart locks with smart video surveillance to remotely see who you’re letting into your home for even more peace of mind.

4. Keep a Clear Path to Your Entryways

Even with a smart home security system where you can monitor every inch of your property in real time from a remote location, intruders may sneak behind large bushes or bulky holiday decorations to stay out of view from your cameras.

Keep a clear path to possible entryways of your home, including windows and doors, avoiding large objects that could be used to hide intruders. We also suggest you test your surveillance cameras to make sure you can zoom, pan, and tilt in order to see every nook and cranny of your property.

5. Stage an Occupied Home

To keep your home looking occupied even if your entire family is away, schedule light scenes to turn on at desired times and mimic your family’s daily routines. With a smart security system coupled with your scheduled lighting, you can remotely monitor your home to make sure your outdoor holiday lights and indoor lamps are on when they’re supposed to be.

Feel more at peace this holiday season knowing your Honolulu home is safe and secure! We can help you get started with a smart home security system today. Just contact us here or send a chat below to start talking with a professional security system installer today.

 

Get faster, more reliable performance for your devices

 As more devices in your home come equipped with the ability to connect to the Internet, the strain on your home network is ever-increasing. You may have already noticed some issues already; slow browser speeds, spotty wireless coverage, and issues with streaming content are all signs of an overworked home network. If you’ve noticed any of these problems, it’s time for a home networking upgrade. Here’s a list of ways a stronger home network can improve the lives of homeowners in Maui.



 SEE ALSO: Solutions to 3 of the Most Common Home Networking Problems
 

THE NEED FOR SPEED

When you fire up your internet browser, you want an instantaneous response. But if you’re relying on a single wireless router to cover every area of your home and you don’t have a reliable connection, you’re going to be frustrated by long load times and even the occasional crash.

This is even more true of streaming content. To get the most from your home theater, you want to be able to stream your favorite movie or show in 4K UHD. Without a sufficiently powerful network, you’ll be dealing with pixelated images, buffering issues and lengthy load times.

The solution? Beef up your home network. A professional network installation will ensure you get the maximum bandwidth possible in every area of your house, allowing you to browse and stream without fear of any hiccups or glitches.

 

DO MORE WITH YOUR DEVICES

Getting the most from smart home automation involves more than simply installing the individual systems. To really unlock the value of these devices, you need them to work together, and that can’t happen if your network isn’t up to the task.

For example, smart security systems and lighting control both do a lot by themselves, but they can do more together. If your lighting control talks to your security system, you can lock all the doors in your house and turn off all the lights from your phone, all with one push of a button. If you’re going on vacation, program your lights to turn on and off at different points throughout the day to make it look like someone’s home, all the while knowing you’ll receive an alert on your phone if anything should happen.

The greater number of interconnected systems in your home, the more valuable they are to you. But without a sufficiently powerful network as the backbone, your options are much more limited.

 

KEEP YOUR DATA AND DEVICES SECURE

A strong network is important not only for the physical security of your home, but also your digital security. Hackers, malware and other forms of cyber attack have only been increasing in recent years, making network security more vital than ever.

To best protect the data on your devices, you’ll want to make sure your network is properly protected and encrypted. Your software or other components may be out of date if you haven’t taken a look at your network’s security in a while, leaving you at greater risk of attack and intrusion.

 

BETTER, FASTER, STRONGER

If you’re interested in learning more about Pacific Audio and Communications’ networking services for your Maui home, give us a call at 808-870-1619 or visit us online.

 

Make Your Devices Work Flawlessly Throughout Your Home

With the number of devices and entertainment options available to homeowners increasing rapidly in recent years, the need for a quality audio-video system to manage everything has only grown. If your devices aren’t linked and don’t let you enjoy the content of your choice in any room, you’re not getting everything you could out of your home audio-video system. Luckily, Pacific Audio and Communications is ready to meet the needs of the Honolulu area, and we’d be happy to help you with your audio and video solutions. Here’s what you need to know to get the most out of your home A/V setup:



 
SEE ALSO: What Kind of Speakers Work for Your Outdoor Sound System?
 

DISTRIBUTION                         

It’s fairly common for most homes to have multiple TVs these days, which means finding a way to get audio and video to each screen. In the past that might mean having individual cable or satellite boxes for each TV, but distributed audio and video makes that issue nonexistent. Distributed A/V systems transmit the feed from a central source to wherever you want it, meaning one central cable or satellite connection can be viewed in multiple locations throughout your home. This approach not only centralizes and simplifies your system, it can save you money by reducing the number of cable or satellite boxes you need for your home. Of course, not all components are created equal, and Pacific Audio and Communications will make sure you have the right parts for your installation.

 

CENTRALIZATION

Now you have audio and video in every room, but how easy is it to manage? Are you still fumbling with multiple devices to change the channel or music? No need; use home automation to bring all your equipment together under one interface. This can be a universal remote, an app for your smartphone or tablet, or a panel on a wall.

Automation lets you expand the capabilities of your A/V system in exciting ways, such as having your music or whatever you’re watching follow you from room to room seamlessly. You can tie your A/V system to the lights, air conditioning, and other elements in your home to give you greater control and make life simpler and more comfortable. Gain even more convenience by incorporating a smart speaker such as Amazon’s Echo or the Google Home to allow for voice control over your devices.

 
SEE ALSO: Is Your Audio Video System Prepared for the Analog Sunset?
 

STRONG NETWORK

You can have the best equipment in the world and the most intuitive control system available, but it won’t make a difference if the network connecting all your devices isn’t up to the task. As the number of linked devices in your home grows, so does the strain on your home network. You need the right gear and the right network setup to ensure everything in your A/V system operates smoothly. Luckily, Pacific Audio and Communications specializes in home network solutions, so we can make sure your devices keep humming along no matter the network strain.

 

NEED AN UPGRADE?

Feeling like your home audio-video system isn’t meeting your needs? There’s no need to delay; contact Pacific Audio and Communications today. We have offices in Maui, Kauai, Oahu and on the Big Island, or you can fill out our online contact form. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

 

The Features You Should Look for with Smart Security Technology

High-end homes in the Honolulu area are often the target of break-ins, making a smart home security system an excellent investment. But deciding on which features you would like in your security system can be difficult. With so many factors to consider, you may find yourself getting overwhelmed.

Below, we cover the top features that will take your security system to the next level, giving you the confidence that you’ve chosen a robust and user-friendly system that will protect your home and family.



SEE ALSO: Make Your Home Energy Efficient With These 3 Smart Upgrades
 

Features

A traditional security system might include little more than an alarm that trips when a window or door is broken, but smart technology enables security to go far beyond that. Within a smart home, all of the following features can be combined into one easy-to-use system you can control at the touch of a button.

1. Door Sensors: Beyond the front door (but certainly including that too), door sensors can keep track of whether any door on your property is open or closed. These sensors can be installed on medicine cabinets, wine cellar doors, and more.
2. Motion Sensors: Install motion sensors that identify if any unauthorized movement happens in key areas of your property, such as a person moving around in your backyard in the middle of the night.
3. Smoke/Heat Sensors: Get notified immediately if there is a health or fire hazard on your property. With a home monitoring service, the smoke and heat sensors can automatically contact emergency services to get assistance to your property as soon as possible.
4. Garage Door Sensors: Ever wondered if you left the garage door open? Simply pull out your smartphone and check the status of the sensor!
5. Water/Flood Sensors: Protect your property from flooding with water sensors that notify you as soon as water is detected somewhere it shouldn’t be.
6. Surveillance Cameras: Real-time, high-resolution cameras are installed around your property, giving you instant access to the camera views via a smartphone or tablet.
7. Smart Door Locks: Remotely lock or unlock doors throughout your property via your smartphone, allowing you to let someone into your home without you having to greet them at the front door.
8. Gate Interface Systems: The same cameras and door locks that protect your home can be extended to a gatehouse. Using a video intercom, you can converse with whoever is at the gate and remotely give them access, if you so choose.
9. Alarm System: Last but not least, your smart home security system can use a state-of-the-art alarm system to notify you of any issues however you see fit – audible alarm, flashing lights, notifications on the television screens, text message notifications, phone calls, and more.
10. Integration with Other Smart Technologies: Imagine having a security system that automatically lights up the pathway from the driveway to the front door whenever your front gate authorizes entry. Or how about a system that automatically locks all of the entryways on your property whenever you select a “Goodnight” smart scene that also turns out the lights, adjusts the thermostat, and powers down electronics? There’s no need to settle for just security or just lighting control or multi-room music. With smart home automation, you can have one system that does it all.

 
Don’t be afraid to go beyond the basics with smart home security. Today’s technologies are not only assisting in keeping Hawaii properties secure – they’re also assisting in making daily life more comfortable, convenient, and luxurious.

If you would like to learn more about which smart home security system features would make sense for your property, please contact us by calling 808-386-5963 or filling out this quick inquiry form.

 

Modern Convenience and Classic Style

Oahu is full of beautiful construction. It’s the perfect place to start building, but it’s also a place that should be preserved.

There’s no need to tear everything down and start again when you can renovate a classic building and bring it into the 21^st century.

In this blog, we’ll explore some of the smart ways you can revive old buildings with modern technology – from wireless solutions to whole building automation!

Want to learn more? Just click below.



See Also: We Have Moved To Our New Kauai Offices And Showroom!

Building Network

The first step in any building revival is integrating a network. The network is like the backbone of all automation, so you can get the most out of anything you add later.

In most cases, a hardwired fiber-optic network will ensure the greatest success. Fiber-optics are high-bandwidth cables, which allow for high speeds and large signal transfer, which makes moving information like 4K video easy.

Other times, you can’t drill through a wall or otherwise modify the space, so a wireless network is essential. If that’s the case, building a mesh network will help give you the coverage you need.

Mesh networks don’t work like traditional wireless networks. In a normal network, one device – the router – broadcasts the signal throughout the space, potentially leading to dead spots.

A mesh network, on the other hand, consists of nodes placed throughout the space that generate their own signal, and strengthen the ones nearby.

That way, users won’t have any issue enjoying Wi-Fi access.

Essential Building Automation

In a renovated space, including essential pieces of technology will help the building manager keep costs low and run efficiently.

One major way to do that is through lighting. LED helps you enjoy energy-efficient lights that don’t need frequent replacing, LED use up to 80 percent of the energy used to light them – unlike incandescent bulbs that burn off most energy as heat.

That means they run cooler and last longer.

Additionally, HVAC control will help ensure the building manager isn’t cooling spaces they don’t need to. That will help keep energy costs down.

Energy management software helps keep track of all real-time energy expenditures, so it’s easy to make real-time adjustments to your system.

 
Want to learn more about the essential technology necessary for renovating old Oahu buildings?

If you’re looking for an automation partner, or you have any questions regarding updating an old building with smart technology, just click here.

Find the Components that Work for You

 
If you’re a fan of music, you know there’s nothing better than the sound of a resonant, high-performance speaker in your Honolulu home.

But during the summer, you don’t want to stay cooped up inside, letting the sunshine go to waste.

The perfect solution is an outdoor sound system. You can enjoy your favorite tunes while basking in the warm air – without missing a beat.

Obviously, the components for an outdoor system aren’t going to be the same in an indoor system. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the differences between indoor and outdoor speakers.

Just keep reading for more.



 
See Also: Get Ready for Summer with an Outdoor Sound System
 

Bullet Speakers

In an indoor system, speakers are usually configured in pairs. A two-channel system is the perfect way to listen to music staged as if it were performed live.

But outside, there are other considerations: Ambient sound and lack of reflecting surfaces means you can’t count on the environment to help you out. And wood would likely rot when left too long in the elements.

Instead, bullet speakers are made from durable materials like brass or plastic. Their cabinets are long and slim, and they point in the direction you want to listen. Plus, they’re usually configured with four or more units throughout your yard, facing in toward the listening zone, so you can listen at a comfortable volume without disturbing the neighbors.

 

360-Degree Speakers

On the other hand, there are also semi-buried 360-degree posts. These components play loud and reach every corner of your space.

Most common in commercial applications, these are large units that are designed to draw attention. However, some manufacturers disguise them as elegant art pieces or as art of the stonework layout, so you can get the most out of the sound without looking at clunky components.

 

Wall-Mounted Speakers

Wall-mounted speakers are perfect for a deck or patio space. As the name implies, they hang off a wall and offer great sound for movies and music around a sitting space.

They typically offer bigger cabinets than bullet speakers. Otherwise, they look very similar to indoor bookshelf units.

 

Underground Sub

Perhaps the single most important speaker you can find is an underground subwoofer. Subs help deep bass notes resonate, giving your music a much higher impact.

Of course, on the island, you probably aren’t going to bury anything too deeply. In those cases, the sub can be placed below your deck to hide it.

If that’s not an option, you can select a semi-buried style that will help protect the device but won’t completely cover it. The above-ground part is designed to be aesthetically pleasing, so you won’t have to worry about it disrupting your landscaping.

 
Want to learn more about what you can get out of your outdoor sound system? Just click here for more info!

 

Enhance the Beauty of Your Oahu Property with Smart Lighting

 
While the islands aren’t known for their big seasonal climate shifts, summer is still the perfect time to get out and enjoy all the natural beauty Hawaii has to offer.

Getting out and spending some time in the sun is a blast – but the fun doesn’t have to end when it sets.

Instead, why not make your summer nights special with outdoor cookouts, movies under the stars, and quality time with your property’s backyard and pool areas.

To make it all possible, it may be time to invest in advanced landscape lighting technology. Want to find out more? Keep reading.



See Also: Want a 4K Home Theater System?
 

Types of Fixtures

Landscape lighting is designed to work within a space, not dominate it with clunky components. That’s why many outdoor lighting fixtures are discreet and easily hidden within the natural foliage.

Many systems feature simple, directional lighting that help highlight the areas that you want to showcase. Some can be installed under stairs or along walkways to accent the existing look of your perfectly maintained backyard.

You can also install fixtures within your pool for added safety and beauty.

 

Connecting to Your System

Landscape lighting may exist in the backyard, but that doesn’t mean you have to re-learn how to control everything.

Most systems integrate seamlessly into your current smart home control ecosystem, allowing one-touch commands for every fixture – indoor and out.

Plus, when you integrate with a smart home system, you can set timers, combine controls, install sensors and other smart features that make using your lights a breeze.

 

Environmentally Friendly

Most modern outdoor lighting fixtures feature LED illumination. Those are beneficial for many reasons.

First LED are much more energy-efficient than their incandescent or fluorescent counterparts. They use up to 80 percent of the energy used to light them – unlike the other two which burn off most of the energy as heat.

Due to this, LED can last up to 11 years under normal use. Plus, LED lamps’ less frequent replacement  and recyclable materials means you won’t have to worry about your system’s environmental friendliness.

Exploring the Capabilities

When you add landscape lighting, you don’t just enjoy more lights. You can get the most out of your property and craft a uniquely beautiful look.

From arranging the lights in a beautiful, layered way that accentuates the parts of your yard you love, to adjusting the hue of your LED fixtures for a simple splash of color, there’s plenty to love about learning to use your system.

 
Want to learn more about landscape lighting? Reach out to us here, or just click the button at the bottom of your screen to chat with a real person right now!

Here are 5 Important Things to Consider

You’ve heard a lot about 4K, Ultra HD, and other terms.  You want that razor-sharp picture in your home theater.

Maybe you already have a home theater.  In that case, you may be wondering what you’ll need to upgrade.

If you don’t have a home theater system, the good news is you can plan to get new equipment with less concern about what will be compatible with the old.

Let’s look at five important considerations for achieving 4K home theater nirvana in your Maui home.



 
SEE ALSO: Why Should You Invest in a Professional Home Theater System

 

4K Screens: Flat Panel or Projector?

The traditional approach to a full-on home theater has been a ceiling or rear projection system, but recent trends have developed new options.  Flat Panels are now available up to 100 inches in size, with 75-85 inch models becoming quite affordable.  If you don’t like integrating projectors in your room, a large flat panel may be the way to go.  LED backlight dimming, OLED screen technology, HDR (high dynamic range) and Dolby Vision (Dolby Labs’ special version of HDR) offer incredible sharpness, detail, and black level performance.

Projectors have not been standing still.  There are many models to choose from that offer 4K resolution, but one of the things to watch out for is support for HDR.  Look for models that support both HDR10 and Dolby Vision, or at a minimum are software upgradeable for those features. Ultra short-throw projectors are also a viable option now; these models are more easily installed and calibrated than ceiling mounted or rear projection setups.

4K Ultra HD Blu-ray

The next generation of 4K Blu-ray is here, and the prices of players have come down to mainstream levels. More titles are being released in the 4K format, and many old popular titles are also being released in this format, as has typically happened before when the technology changes.  4K Blu-ray is a must for the best quality picture and sound in a theater.  While an increasing amount of 4K content is being streamed, typically the actual picture quality will not equal local playback from a disc.  Further, streamed 4K content will not have the highest definition sound formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.  Movies in 4K Blu-Ray will particularly wow you with their enhanced contrast and brightness.

4K Streaming

You likely know about streaming devices like Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV.  All these vendors have 4K versions of their devices available now.  Apple, Amazon, and Google have varying amounts of movies and shows in 4K.  They all support HDR, but only Apple TV currently supports Dolby Vision.  Netflix has an ever-growing number of shoes and movies available in 4K.  Movie service VUDU (available on all but Amazon’s Fire TV) has a growing library of 4K movies as well.

AV Receivers and Preamps

If you’ve had a home theater audio setup for a while, chances are it’s not compatible with 4K.  You need support for passing HDCP 2.2 signals, which is the standard for enabling 4K video content.  If your receiver or multichannel preamp is not compatible with this, then it may make for some tradeoffs in your video source switching and audio playback possibilities.  We can guide you through those considerations, and decide whether your current equipment can be used in a 4K theater upgrade.

Networking and Internet

Last but not least, 4K video puts considerable demands on a home network.  If you want to stream or distribute 4K signals around your home – including your theater – you may need a router and perhaps cable upgrades.

If reading this has created more questions than answers, you are not alone.  There’s much to consider in planning a 4K home theater.  Contact us; we will guide you through all the choices to create the perfect Maui home theater for you.

 

We are super excited to have reached the top for each of these manufactures. We have been Lutron and Crestron dealer for over 20 yrs and Control 4 just over 2 years now. On-words and up-words we go.

 
                              

Optimize Your Network Infrastructure For Your Home Technology

We understand how essential your home network is to your lifestyle.

You access it every day, whether it’s to use your smart home technology, browse the internet or watch your favorite shows through streaming services.

When your network is underperforming, it can be a significant nuisance. We’re here to help you.

Below, we explore the solutions to three of the most common home networking problems we encounter in Oahu, Maui and throughout Hawaii.

Just keep reading to explore how you can optimize your home network today.



SEE ALSO: Is Your Network Strong Enough for Your Smart home?

1) Your Internet Access Speeds Are Slow.

It happens all too often: You’re waiting for a webpage to load and it takes far too long to appear, or you’re watching a Netflix video and it pauses halfway through to buffer.

Slow internet speeds are a nuisance to your day-to-day lifestyle, and we find it’s a constant issue for Hawaii homeowners.

So, what’s the underlying problem? It could be that your network can’t support a high amount of internet traffic from multiple devices, meaning available bandwidth is an issue.

Or maybe your network isn’t secure, allowing anyone nearby – including neighbors and passersby – to freely access your internet connection and take up your available bandwidth.

The solution is investing in a secure, password-encrypted network that can support a significant amount of simultaneous internet traffic; whether it’s from your smart home technology, mobile devices or computers.

2) You Get Spotty Wi-Fi Reception In Certain Areas.

Often, we will take on home networking projects in which the homeowner struggles to get wi-fi signal in certain parts of the property.

When we evaluate the network infrastructure, we’ll typically notice one router that provides the entire property with internet access. If this seems like a familiar issue to you, you’re not alone.

You shouldn’t expect one router to distribute wi-fi throughout your entire property thoroughly.

Instead, add wireless access points that extend internet signal to the hard-to-browse areas of your home. That way, you can enjoy high-speed wi-fi in every corner of your house.

3) You Aren’t Monitoring Your Network.

Not everyone has the time to review the status of their home network thoroughly.

But without occasionally monitoring your network, you could be missing out on critical firmware updates or threats to the well-being of your system.

That’s why Pacific Audio & Communications is here to help you. We can continually monitor your Hawaii home’s networking solution for you and ensure it’s always performing at optimal speed.

Should any threats arise, we will proactively assess and handle them for you. That way, you can sit back and enjoy your day-to-day network usage without worrying about security and infrastructure.

 
Interested in learning more about our professional home network installations for Oahu and Maui, Hawaii residents?

Reach out to our team of networking experts today by clicking here.
 

We've recently moved to a new building and we're excited to announce all of the features you can enjoy for your integrated electronic needs.

Our new 3000 sqft facility will have dedicated offices for admin, design and engineering, programming, staging, rack building, project management and of course a full showroom and conference/meeting space. All better to support our clientsIf you'd like to schedule a visit, give us a call at our new phone number: (808)3 20-8463And visit us at our new location: 1587 Haleukana St. Ste. 101 lihue Hi 96766

Building Automation Solutions Can Enhance Students’ Productivity

Sometimes it’s hard to imagine how much technology has become a part of students’ lives.

From the moment they wake up until just before they go to sleep, many children never take their eyes off of a screen.

Far from an indictment about their behavior, they’re essentially capable of receiving and processing information at a lightning pace. It’s the duty of educators to take advantage of that, and it starts with building automation solutions.

In this blog, we’ll illustrate how enhancing the technological presence in the classroom can improve student engagement and facilitate the learning experience.


See Also: How Conference Room Automation Makes Your Business More Impressive
 

Wireless Network

Sharing information over a wireless network has become second nature. So there’s no reason you can’t share files and other learning materials the same way.

Each student can have wireless access to a school intranet to help them keep track of their work and stay organized throughout their day.

A wireless mesh network integrated throughout the school would ensure that each student has access without battling for bandwidth. They can store their books, notes and more on a schoolwide cloud for easy access.

That way, no one can say they’ve forgotten their homework ever again!

Interactive Whiteboards

Students who don’t receive personalized attention can oftentimes fall behind on their studies.

In a traditional classroom setup, that’s exactly what happens. Students sit through lectures without much interaction and they can begin to drift.

Interactive whiteboards can help them stay on track and engaged with the lesson, by allowing them to ask pointed, specific questions about the task at hand.

Efficient Projector and Slide Sharing

Much of each lesson is taught with a projector. Whether the teacher is trying to share a power-point presentation or a video, the projected image is essential.

But a lot of time can be wasted if teachers spend half of the class setting up the technology.

Instead, offer one-touch solutions for starting the projector and dimming the lights to the appropriate levels.

That way, teachers can get back to teaching more quickly.

Centralize Control

For each system throughout the learning facility, administrators can still maintain full centralized control.

If the lights are left on in a classroom, or if the integrated projector is not stored correctly after use, administrators can quickly solve the problem with the touch of a button.

It will free up time to make their jobs easier.

 
Can your school or learning facility benefit from building automation solutions?

Click here to work with us to get started on your building upgrade or give us a call at (808) 386-5963.

How to get the perfect sound system installation for your business
Audio can affect everything in a business environment from employee productivity to customer engagement. Investing in a sound system installation is often a strategic move, but there are many factors to consider. We’ll walk you through the steps for approaching that installation in your Maui, HI business.

No matter what line of business you’re in, we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn about the steps we recommend.



See Also: How Conference Room Automation Makes Your Business More Impressive
 

1. Initial Evaluation

What are your goals for your business? What are you trying to achieve with your sound system installation? Are you looking to bring in more customers to your shop or bar? Are you looking to create a more lively or focused environment for your employees?

This is the step to set the intention for your installation and how you want it to function for your business.

2. Area Assessment

With any installation, the space must be assessed to plan the specifics of the project and what you’ll be able to accommodate.

You’ll need to take account of the room or building’s size, shape, and layout while considering what will be taking space: Desks? Tables and chairs? Clothing racks? Furniture?

Any physical object placed in the area will affect the way that sound navigates.

3. Technology Selection

Once you have a firm understanding of the space you are working with and what your goals are for your business’s sound system installation, we can begin the selection process for your audio technology.

In this step, we’ll work with you to select the appropriate equipment to meet those goals that best fit the room or business you’re working with. In-wall or in-ceiling speakers may be the best solution for your business if you’re looking to save space and distribute sound evenly, while outdoor-specific speakers are ideal for bars or restaurants that receive a lot of traffic outside.

With any of your business needs regarding sound system installation, our professional team will be sure to make that the proper selections and design.

4. Installation

As an integration company, we work with several industry professionals to thoroughly install the appropriate sound system for your business. We understand that with so many sound system options, just deciding on a solution can feel overwhelming, but the installation is where it will come to life.

Our network of architects, interior designers, builders, and installers will ensure a polished and functional result.

5. Maintenance

We will work to produce a high-quality sound system installation that should need little maintenance on your end. However, if you have any questions or if any issues arise, we provide support to resolve anything or make upgrades when you’re ready.

 
Ready to take your Maui, HI business to the next level with a new sound system? Reach out to us here or give us a call at (808) 870-1619.

Stay Conscious of the Environment While Enhancing Your Oahu, HI Residence
You might not realize it, but Hawaii already is one of the most energy-efficient states within the U.S.

According to a 2017 WalletHub survey, Hawaii ranked No. 1 in the country in lowest electricity consumption per consumer and No. 1 in lowest natural-gas consumption per consumer.

If you’re reading that statistic and are surprised, perhaps it’s time you consider an energy management system for your home.

You can make your Oahu, HI residence energy efficient and environmentally conscious with the following smart home upgrades. Keep reading if your property’s energy consumption already is low, too.

Best of all, each system we’ll discuss below can add convenience to your day-to-day life.

SEE ALSO: Why Invest in a Smart Home Security System?

Smart Thermostat

Imagine your thermostat sensing when you leave for work in the morning, and it automatically turns on “eco” mode. Or, picture it showing your energy consumption patterns and how you can consume more efficiently.

It’s possible with a smart thermostat.

While you’re away from your home, your thermostat can regulate itself to use as little heating and cooling technology as possible. And at the end of the month, you can review during which times of day you spent the most to regulate your home’s temperature and in turn have a better knowledge of how your energy management system can save you more.

Another great benefit of a smart thermostat is that you can access it anywhere you go. If you want to cool your residence before returning home, you can set the temperature from a smartphone or tablet application.

Lighting Control System

With smart lighting control, you don’t have to worry about leaving lights on and spending unnecessary energy.

From the convenience of your handheld device or an in-wall keypad within your home, you can turn off every light with the press of a button.

When you’re home, you can adjust the amount of light each room receives through dimming options, and you also can create lighting “scenes” that illuminate specific areas – like a walkway to the kitchen when you wake up in the morning.

We also recommend you use LED bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs, so you save on energy consumption even while you have the lights on.

Motorized Shades

End the hassle of raising and lowering each blind in your home and instead have them motorized.

You can save time and energy with a motorized shading system, in which you can raise or lower your blinds with the single press of a button. Or, you can have them entirely automated.

At sunrise, your blinds automatically can lower so that light enters the room and heat stays out. Your shades will allow your home to stay cool so that you can simultaneously stay comfortable and conserve energy.

If any of these technologies sound appealing to you, we are experts at installing them to perfectly fit your Oahu, HI home’s energy management system needs. To find out more, all you need to do is click on the chat button on the bottom right of your screen or call (808) 386-5963. We look forward to hearing from you!

How Home Networking Impacts System Performance
Picture this: you’ve just gotten home from a long day at the office. You pull up to your driveway in Oahu, HI, walk into your house and sit down in a comfortable media room ready to watch a little Thursday Night Football. But when you try to turn on your AV system, you notice it takes a little while longer than normal. And the signal – normally crisp, beautiful high-definition, is lagging and pixelated. Eventually, you don’t get a signal at all. Why is this happening? The answer may be out of date home networking. If you want to avoid this type of situation, keep reading.



See Also: How to Keep Your Smart Home Running Smoothly
What Is the Home Network?
Let’s start by answering a simple question: what do we mean by network? It’s essentially the backbone of your smart automation system.

It’s the internet signal that connects every device in your home. It facilitates communication between your smart lights and shades, each component of your AV system and any smart security and surveillance gear integrated in your smart system.

The primary concern of home networking – at least from a user’s perspective – is bandwidth. If you think of it like a highway, bandwidth is like the lanes on the highway.

The more devices in your system you have, the more information you need to move through your network. That means you’ll need higher bandwidth, or more lanes on the highway.

If you don’t have enough lanes, you could suffer a traffic jam.

And, of course, if you get a traffic jam you could suffer signal lag or blackouts. That could mean anything from an unresponsive lighting system to missing the second half of the Thursday Night Football game.

What to Do About a Slow Network 
Before we get to what you should do, here’s what you shouldn’t do. Don’t trust your ISP for network advice, and don’t assume raising your broadband plan will solve the problem.

Many homeowners will run a speed test through their ISP. Unfortunately, that only tells you how fast the signal is on their end. It won’t tell you much about what’s going on in your home.

Of course, there are times when all you need to do is increase your service plan. But if your network stops working after a long period of perfect signal, that’s probably not the problem.

Instead, it’s time to focus on what’s going on inside your home. A common problem can stem from out-of-date cabling throughout your spaces.

As we move closer to a total 4K Ultra HD takeover, more information is being passed between devices than ever before. That means it may be time to upgrade to fiber-optic, HDBaseT and HDMI 2.0 cabling for your AV gear.

Other common problems include changes in device configuration and easy-to-make user errors.

So what’s the easiest thing to do about network downtime? Consult a professional of course!

At Pacific Audio and Communications, we make your smart home run better. Contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation about your home networking performance.

You’re just one click away.

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Improve Operations With Smart Solutions for Your Oahu, HI Business

The way your business looks and feels is essential to closing the types of deals that will make you successful. If you’re running a slip-shod operation out of an old building, that’s the impression you present to your clients. But if you’ve invested in modern conference room automation solutions, you can impress every potential client who walks through the door. More than that, you can enhance the efficiency of your meetings with easy-to-use solutions. Want to learn more? Keep reading!

See Also: For Commercial Builders, Automation is the Key to Success
Impress With Automated AV
There’s nothing worse than trying to start a presentation and failing to get your AV gear in order. Whether you’re using a screen and projector or 4K digital monitor, speaking to a large room via an integrated sound system or simply trying to control different slides, you need to make sure all of these devices work quickly and efficiently. That’s why you should invest in an automation system.

Automation allows each device to work simultaneously with the touch of a button. When you’re ready to start the presentation, touch the button and watch as the screen lowers, the projector starts, your sound system turns on and your computer feeds the image of your Power Point directly to your video display. It’s simple, it’s efficient and it allows you to focus on the things that really matter.

Integrate Other Technologies for Greater Efficiency
Why stop at AV equipment? Automation can incorporate all of your different devices, including lights, shades and climate. You can create a system that will help you out even more by simplifying the process of setting up for your meetings, but also help you create a more focused space.

Lighting is key to your presentation space. Whether you want a spotlight to draw attention to the speaker, or you want to minimize the distractions of solar glare, you can control it all with the same touch panel device you use for your AV. Tap a button and your conference room becomes the perfect place to present.

Geo-Fencing for Commercial Spaces
Some business owners think geo-fencing is simply for security purposes. Once you cross a certain threshold, your security and surveillance system arms. However, you can also use it to keep your conference room activity confidential.

By installing geo-fencing technology in your conference room, you can share files and data with everyone inside. Once they step outside, those files are automatically removed from their computers or mobile devices. It’s the perfect addition to your conference room automation system.

Are you ready to enjoy better quality meetings, and impress your clients while you’re doing it? Contact Pacific Audio and Communications today for more information!

Stay Safer the Smarter Way


Whether you’re headed out on vacation or you’re just around the corner getting some chores done, you never want to leave your home unprotected. That’s why many Honolulu, HI homeowners consider investing in a smart home security system. But for some, the time and expense of installation seems like too much to be worthwhile. On the contrary! Smart security is an investment that keeps on giving. In this blog, we’ll show you why installing integrated security features is one of the best choices you can make for your property. Read on for more.

See Also: 3 Things to Look for in a Smart Home Company
Smarter Family Protection
If there’s one obvious reason to invest in smart security features, it’s that you can protect your family and property with ease. Whether you want to keep an eye on things or know who is coming and going from your home at all times, you can do it simply, quickly and without hassle. Here are a few of the most common security upgrades:

• Surveillance Cameras: Unlike the big, clunky gray boxes you see at the bank, modern surveillance cameras can look discreet so they don’t ruin your home’s aesthetic. Offering 4K resolution, 360-degree viewing angles and modern software like facial recognition, keeping an eye on your property has never been easier.
• Alarm Systems: If someone tries to break in, there are few better deterrents than an alarm system. Not only will it blast a loud sound, alerting the whole neighborhood, but it can also automatically contact the appropriate authorities.
• Smart Locks: Ensure each door is locked with the touch of a button. Smart locks offer unique authorized-access capabilities so you’ll know who is entering or leaving your home at any time.

Environmental Protection
If you think home security is all about keeping bad guys out, you could be sorely mistaken. Most property damage is caused by environmental factors, like weather, water pipe leakage or fire. Here’s a few smart solutions:

• Smoke and Carbon Detectors: One of the most common issues homeowners face is the potential for fire. Smoke detectors can alert you before anything serious happens so you can get to a safe place, and they can also notify the fire department if necessary. Carbon is potentially even more dangerous, because you won’t know when it’s around. A carbon detector can alert you and activate an integrated HVAC system to flush out harmful gasses.
• Flood and Leak Detectors: A leaking pipe is no laughing matter. It can lead to serious repair costs. Stay in-the-know with real time alerts that monitor the moisture in a given space, so you can head off any potential damage.

Lower Insurance Costs
If you’re of the mind that the installation of these devices could end up costing you more than they’re worth, you may want to consider that smart security can help lower insurance costs as well. By ensuring the safety of your property, you can get more back in the long run.

 
Are you ready to enjoy a smarter, safer property with a smart home security system? Contact Pacific Audio and Communications today!

Ensure the Projects You Build Will Stand the Test of Time
More and more frequently, builders and other tradesmen are collaborating with custom electronics professionals to help make their projects smart home ready. As the market for integrated technology continues to grow, smart home prewiring is becoming essential in areas like Oahu, HI and beyond. But now that the analog sunset has happened, there are some big changes happening. In this blog, we’ll explain why builders should be concerned with smart digital prewiring solutions. Read on below.



See Also: Is Your Audio Video System Prepared for the Analog Sunset?
The Importance of Prewiring
Prewiring is the act of laying the network foundation for future electronic devices as the property is being built. The benefits of this are obvious: if the wires are installed before the walls are fully built, it’s easier to avoid costly rework time down the line. By collaborating with an established professional custom electronics installer from the beginning, you can make sure the end user gets exactly what they want the first time around.

Understanding the Analog Sunset
At the start of the decade, the analog sunset began to take effect. Essentially, it meant that devices would no longer include analog inputs and outputs, like RCA connectors, and would solely include digital input and outputs, like HDMI. That has slowly taken effect over the past few years. Now that no new audio video components offer analog connections, properties throughout Hawaii have been rendered unprepared for easily installing many modern smart home features.

So that means today’s wiring is different from what it was 10 years ago. Whether you’re building a room to be a dedicated home theater, or simply a versatile living room, there are new requirements that you’ll need to meet if you want to avoid coming back to rework the same project.

How to Avoid Analog Sunset Rework
Here are some helpful tips any builder can take to make sure the project is completed to customers’ satisfaction the first time around:

• Ensure that digitally-capable cables are being used throughout the house. HDMI cables are perfect for a home theater system, but AV signals have to travel across great distances. Your partner integrator can define a wiring scheme with fiber optic and other appropriate cables to ensure the best signal over any distance.
• Find out if the homeowner is looking to automate any satellite houses or garage spaces. Often homeowners don’t realize that a hardwired connection is possible between the main house and the pool house. Integrators can lay down long range digital cables throughout the entire property before the build is complete.
• Don’t neglect rooms that aren’t typically AV ready. Modern technology means homeowners can enjoy streaming music in the kitchen and TV in the bathroom. Collaborate closely with your integration partner to find out exactly what they can do to make sure the property is ready.

Looking for an established AV partner in the Oahu, HI area? Contact Pacific Audio and Communications today!

Pacific Audio & Communications Creates Energy Efficient Systems in Maui, HI

Hawaii depends heavily on the use of petroleum for its energy needs, more than any other state in the country. While less than one percent of the United States’ electricity is generated using oil, by contrast, Hawaii relies on oil for 69.4 percent of its electricity production. Therefore, the state’s electricity prices are more than double the U.S. national average. What does this mean for luxury Maui, Hawaii hotels? Building automation systems allow hoteliers to effectively and efficiently manage energy consumption throughout their properties. Read on to learn about how to get started.



SEE ALSO: How to Distribute Quality Audio and Video in Your Business

Develop an Energy Management Plan

Knowing there is a better way to manage the use of energy within your hotel is a valuable realization but will do nothing to impact your bottom line unless there is an action that follows. The first step is to study how electricity is used throughout the property, where is energy being wasted or conserved. Such an evaluation will yield ways to save and therefore reduce consumption. Are spaces such as ballrooms and conference areas fully illuminated even when not in use? Can the temperature automatically be monitored and adjusted so that you need not rely on staff? The experts at Pacific Audio & Communications can make recommendations about a variety of building automation solutions that can further hotel management staff reaching their energy goals. Consider harvesting daylight by using motorized shades that respond intuitively based on the amount of available sunlight. Lights and shades can be paired to help keep large spaces from overheating resulting in an HVAC system that performs more efficiently.

Form a Team

As you develop an energy management program, you’ll want to be sure to include key employees as well as training focused on electricity-saving steps they can employ. The number of members and the team make-up will depend on the size of the organization and the amount of time and resources that can be committed to the project. Team members may also include local utility representatives or outside consultants familiar with the hotel industry.

Evaluate a Hotel’s Lighting System

A typical hotel is made up of many subsystems from water and ventilation to security and AC. A hotel’s lighting is often a good starting point since you’ll have data related to usage. Proper lighting within a hotel property requires some of the most sophisticated design. Each space within the hotel, think guest rooms, lobbies and restaurants, all need different types of lighting to create the right atmosphere. If the light is not used correctly, you’ll not only fail to set the mood, but you’ll also drive up costs related to electricity. At PAC, we partner with the best lighting designers to help you evaluate the way in which you currently use light throughout your property and the means by which you can control it. Light switches and dimming knobs are an antiquated way to adjust lighting levels. A commercial lighting control system allows you the flexibility to easily adjust lights using a keypad, hand-held remote or smart device. Hotel staff can easily recall specific lighting scenes to set the mood in various spaces throughout the property. Dimmers, sensors and timers all aid in the reduction of energy consumption.

PAC building automation systems have many additional capabilities to assist hoteliers with energy management. We’ve only just scratched the surfaces when it comes to upgrading the various systems in your hotel and would welcome the opportunity to talk to you in more detail about the possibilities.