Soundworks: Inside-Out Technology for the home

Soundworks: Inside-Out Technology for the home: It used to be that getting ready for spring entertaining meant taking a steel brush to your Weber grill, dusting off the beverage bucket and propping your speakers up against your window screens. Now when we man the decks we want to take the whole family room with us. Fortunately there’s a whole range of technology available to help you bring the home entertainment experience into the backyard. But why stop there. With the click of your mouse or mobile device, you can control not only your media but any of the electronic systems in your home and yard. Investing in the perfect outdoor automation system means less time in the house, and more time outside with your friends and family. We asked Lou Gordon, of Soundworks, Inc., to give us some tips for the best in inside-out technology for spring and summer. Here’s what he told us:

Who hid the speakers?

Innovative outdoor speaker systems can fill any size yard or estate with high-quality, even sound coverage without visible speakers. There are many outdoor speaker options that can complement landscape designs, or blend in with your existing outdoor elements. A popular trend features custom installation of an array of rock speakers, planter speakers, box speakers, or in ground speakers and sub woofers.

Take me to the pilot for control

Planter speakers

Today’s intuitive remote controls make operating your outdoor music system a breeze. Whether you are looking to control everything from your smartphone, tablet, or even a weatherproof universal remote a vital component to any backyard getaway is to be sure you have a solid, stable outdoor Wi-Fi system. Technology driven entertainment options from companies like Sonos allow you to control multiple audio zones wirelessly and easily with the touch of a finger.

Savant Integration

Savant is an Apple based smart home technology that can provide complete home automation. Retrofitting your existing home with a Savant system is a non-invasive (minimal wiring needed) way to achieve a fully integrated control system for your home and yard. With a Savant system you can also automate your spa or pool, setting the perfect temperature and jet pressure in seconds.  Add in the perfect ambiance and integrate a lighting system from Lutron to set the right tone for an evening in the backyard or a night by the pool.

Storm TV

Outdoor weatherproof TVs are a great addition for anyone who entertains frequently in their backyard. A big screen, high definition television that can withstand high temperatures, low temperatures, wind, and rain and everything in between is perfect for Sunday grilling! Lou recommends Seura products like the new Storm TV that combine high tech, high quality viewing in modern, resilient casings. This means you will never have to miss a pitch from Citi Field or Yankee Stadium while you’re flipping a steak. Or you can kick back and catch up on season two of House of Cards al fresco.

(Soundworks, Inc., 1 Hunter Ave, Armonk, 914.765.0461; www.soundworksny.com)