Have you heard? New York City has become the first major city to open a center to protect against cybersecurity threats. The center is set in lower Manhattan with nearly 282 partners. As New York is the hub for American business and finances, it’s a particularly high-risk city for cyberattacks. 

But cyber threats aren’t only an issue for large businesses. It’s a common misconception that small home networks aren’t vulnerable to cyberattacks. The reality is if your home’s devices are connected to the internet, you’re at risk. 

But ‘at risk’ doesn’t mean all hope is lost! In this article, we’ll share all you need to know about home networking security and how you can keep your Manhattan, NY home safe. 

When you research “how to build a smart home” online, you’ll find many articles advertising gadgets like smart bulbs and video doorbells. These devices may be “smart,” but they rely on their own smartphone app for control. Is it really luxury living if you need to pull up a different app every time you want to dim the lights or lower the thermostat? 

In addition, there are DIY smart home hubs that promise to consolidate all your tech under one system. But these hubs often aren’t compatible with all your devices, only those designed to work with them.

There must be an easier, better way—and there is! A smart home provider like Control4 integrates with thousands of third-party devices, controlling them from a single system. Control4 seamlessly automates your home in a way that DIY solutions simply can’t. 

But Control4 can’t be ordered online, taken out of a box, and set up in a few hours. Its intelligent system requires sophisticated programming and installation. For the ultimate smart home experience, you’ll need to work with a certified Control4 dealer. 

What does a Control4 dealer do, and why are they necessary? As a C4 dealer based in Essex County, NJ, we’ll share what you can expect from a professional Control4 installation below. 

Time is our most valuable asset, and if you’re trying to find more time in your life, you’re not alone. In a survey by Pew Research, 52 percent of Americans say they often do two or more things at once, and 60 percent of U.S. adults sometimes feel too busy to enjoy life. 

Smart home technology promises to make our lives easier, but DIY gadgets and apps often create more confusion and issues than they solve. In actuality, the best way approach to home automation is through a sophisticated, high-end system like Control4. 

Control4 is a smart home control system that unifies all your home’s technologies into one interface. Read on to see how C4 can streamline your daily routine at home in Bergen County, NJ. 

If you’re building a new home or undergoing a renovation, this is the perfect opportunity to undergo a lighting design. With professionally designed lighting, you’ll create an incredible atmosphere that illuminates your house like never before.

But what does a lighting design do?

Many of our clients are unsure what a lighting design is when we first meet them and aren’t aware of the impact it can make. In this blog, we’ll explain what a lighting design entails and how greatly it will help your Red Banks, NJ home.

“Mesh” has become a trendy, marketable word in the world of Wi-Fi. You’ve probably seen commercials or ads promoting “mesh networks” that keep your whole home connected over speedy internet. But we’re going to let you in on a little secret: mesh Wi-Fi is not the best way to eliminate dead zones. In fact, it could make your home Wi-Fi perform even worse.

If you’re looking for a way to spread strong internet signals across your Manhattan, NY home, mesh is not the solution. Below, we’ll share what mesh really means, its downfalls, and an alternative fix that will provide far better coverage.  

Do you ever pass by a restaurant, glance inside the windows, and think, “Oh, I want to go there?” You haven’t even checked the menu yet, but the lighting and atmosphere look so enticing, you’re ready to make a reservation. 

What creates an inviting ambiance like that? Ultimately, it’s the lighting design! Restaurants and stores across Manhattan hire professional lighting designers to cultivate a particular mood in their space. And the same can be done in your New York home! 

More New Yorkers than ever are partnering with lighting designers to enhance their home interiors. If you’re undergoing a renovation or are moving into a new home, learn how a lighting design will boost your mood and uplift your interior.

We could all use more hours in the day. To see friends, pursue hobbies, or read that book we’ve been meaning to get around to—and the list goes on. 

When we consistently feel like our days are packed and busy, stress inevitably builds up. Managing a home, especially a large one, requires a lot of work. What if your house could proactively help you save time and manage itself? 

A Control4 smart home system is the tech-savvy solution many busy homeowners have been looking for. It can’t answer emails for you, but it can minimize small tasks throughout your day. And small tasks can certainly add up!

Control4 can’t be found at any-old store or ordered online; you need to work with a certified Control4 dealer to enjoy the benefits. By partnering with a professional like Total Home Technologies, we’ll design and install a smart home that’s customized to your needs. 

In this blog, we’ll share how C4 can alleviate stress and bring daily convenience to your Red Bank, NJ home. 

Are you ready to give your home entertainment a boost this year, just in time for Christmas, Hannukah, or New Year’s? You can bring the family together with cozy nights in the home theater as you watch holiday movies, new Oscar-worthy releases, or listen to festive tunes over surround sound. 

But rather than attempt the home theater installation alone, why not get a little help from your local AV integrator? We install home theaters, multi-room audio, and media rooms in the Red Bank, NJ area, and have all the quality equipment and solutions to create exceptional experiences. 

As we head into darker, shorter days here in New York, NY, many people are seeking more ways to bring light into their homes. Smart lighting control lets users customize the color temperature and brightness of their lighting fixtures, automating bulbs to mimic the sunrise and sunset, and even control when lights are on to save energy. 

There are countless benefits to smart lighting, but there’s one question that remains unclear for many homeowners: should I install this myself or hire a professional? 

Online and in stores, you’ll find DIY off-the-shelf smart bulbs that connect to your phone over Wi-Fi. In some cases, that’s a fine option. But if you want a fully integrated home with more customization and automation options, a professional smart lighting installation is your best bet. 

If you’re unsure what you really need for your New York home, we share below what your expectations can be for both a DIY and professional lighting system. 

Whether you’re a Giants or Jets fan, Yankees or Mets, there’s one thing we can all agree on: when it’s game day, you’re clearing all other plans. Of course, it’s great to be there in the stands, but if you’re staying home, you can still create an experience that rivals a ticket to the game. 

How? With the best audio, visuals, and whole-home automation, you can make the entire house (and backyard) game-day ready. Don’t be surprised when your Red Bank, NJ home becomes everyone’s favorite spot for sports!

Get inspired by our AV solutions below if you're ready to upgrade your home entertainment.