Advances in technology continue to improve how we live our lives. Many of these innovations are finding their way into our homes. This is especially true with the concept of a "Smart Home," which introduces automation for convenience and safety that enhances many daily functions. Two of these are motorized blinds/shades and lighting automation.

Motorized Blinds/Shades

Hanson Audio Video is an experienced retailer and custom installer of Motorized Blinds and Shades. Owner Troy Hanson explains that the company has installed motorized shades in home theaters and bedrooms where there are multiple windows and the shades are frequently raised or lowered at the same time. Automating this function with your phone, remote, wall switch, timer or sun sensor opens and closes the shades all at once. You can program the shades to close in conjunction with turning on a movie or with the darkness of night. 

The concept has spread to great rooms and foyers where there are windows or skylights that are hard to reach. These window treatments can be adjusted to open to whatever height is desired without the use of a tool or a ladder.  

There is also a safety function to motorized blinds, especially around children and pets who can get tangled in corded blinds. Motorized is much safer, providing peace of mind when kids or pets are playing in an unsupervised area.

There is an extensive array of options that includes everything from sheer to room darkening shadings along with various styles and colors. The shades can be powered by a hard-wired or battery source based on what works best in your environment.

Lighting Automation

Smart lighting is another capability implemented in many homes. It adds elegance, ambiance, convenience and energy efficiency. This function can also be controlled by your phone, wall panel, wall switches, timers, motion sensors and more. Customized capabilities allow you to control lights in multiple rooms or the entire house with a single press. Lights can turn off when no one is in the room. Your home can even alternate lights to appear occupied while you are away. 

An alarm system can also trigger lights to flash, bringing attention to unusual activity. Outdoor lights can turn on and off in unison with the sunrise and sunset. Since lighting control can be centralized, you can replace banks of light switches with keypads that can also control your music, security, climate, shades/blinds and entertainment systems. 

Hanson Audio Video is located at 3140 Far Hills Avenue, Dayton, OH 45429. You can reach them at 513.563.0444 or visit their website at www.hansonav.com.