FAQ’s
When it comes to home technology installs and home automation systems, questions are normal. Explore our FAQ page and let us know what you want to know.
How Much Should I expect to spend on my upcoming Technology project?
When embarking on a new home build or remodel project, the fuzziest budget item for most homeowners is typically the technology budget. Your builder, architect, and interior designer can quickly ballpark what a pool, a kitchen, or an electrical contract will cost. When it comes to technology, though, they often shrug their shoulders since there are so many variables. Some clients want very basic systems, and others want audiophile music systems and George Jetson-levels of Home Automation. More often, homeowners do not really know what they want or need.
This tool will help you understand what you should expect to spend on a new home technology project.
In less than 20 questions you will receive a realistic budget range for various technology options in your home. This often takes 5 minutes or less. The calculated price includes labor, accessories, and design & engineering. Tax not included.
How can I tell who offers Internet, TV and Phone services in my area?
Easy, Do some homework by entering the address of your home into these sites:
https://www.att.com/shop/unified/availability.html
https://www.spectrum.com/services/texas
https://mygrande.com/serviceavailability
https://fiber.google.com/other/
Whats the difference between AT&T, Spectrum, Grande and Google fiber?
AT&T has great landline phones, Whole home DVR and Non fiber homes have slower network speeds
Spectrum has basic IP phones, NO Whole home DVR, Live TV app for Roku and FAST network speeds
Grande Has basic IP phones but no long distance built in, TIVO Whole Home DVR and FAST network speeds
Google Fiber has basic IP phones, Just OK TV and DVR and FAST network speeds
DirecTV has no stand alone phone service at all, Highest 4K HD picture quality, Whole Home DVR and they do not offer network services directly (Now owned by AT&T so they can fill in the gaps) *Downside- DirecTV over satellite has issues during heavy rain storms.
What does it mean when an “for sale” home description says “Wired”?
What is it wired for and what can it do?
This is when you should call a Low Voltage Integrator who offers a free in home “room by room” audit of what the home has been wire for. Call (512) 775-6101 -(Choose Option 1)
Can a home technology wiring audit help me?
YES! Technology Details are important and Austin is a "Tech Town".
This has become more important in the past years because many families living here do work from their home or need to see what the home is doing while they are away or out of town.
What are the benefits of a home that is wired for technology?
Future Proofing
Keyless Entry and monitoring of kids access to home after school lets out
Monitoring and Management of content and websites children visit
Peace of mind from having a home secured with a hardline security system and monitoring
Garage door status feedback (did we leave the garage door open?)
Pool, Rain collection, water usage and Solar Data feedback when your not home
Lighting Status Feedback and Control (did we leave the lights on?)
Wi-Fi systems that NEVER need to be rebooted
Managed Hardwired devices that fail less and last longer
If everything is wired you can turn off wifi at night while you sleep and lower effects of EMF
If a home is not wired…
You are forced to go with less stable wireless solutions. Every device on wifi slows down other devices on wifi. Also keep in mind that standard routers provided by the service companies only allow a home to host 30 wifi devices at a time (on average) and these products can be very easily hacked through WPS.
Isn’t everything wireless now?
No. Wireless systems using mesh technology often FAIL and need to be rebooted often to resolve “handshake issues”.
More wireless means more EMF in your home and around your families. Smart Homes done right will have lower levels of EMF in the home. (I could talk for days about EMF so call Pete directly if this is a concern)
How far can WiFi reach?
Wirelessly repeated Mesh Wifi - Not Far (Max 1000 stable square feet with limited number of connected devices)
Hard Wired Extended Wi-Fi can cover Austins largest homes and even reach across miles on a ranch property using fiber technology.
How can I “Cut the Cord” and save on TV services?
Over the air HD Antennas are affordable
and get FREE live TV for Fox, NBC, CBS, PBS1, PBS2, PBS3, GRIT & ION.Add a ROKU streaming player and get access to Netflix, HULU, XUMO, Amazon and many other great Apps