Have you ever wondered if it would be easier to get rid of all those remote controls that are on the coffee table? I know with me, half the time I cannot figure out which remote goes to what device or if one remote is controlling everything. It is such a cluster sometimes just to turn on the t.v. WITH the sound. Well one dealer, Leon Shaw, sees for himself if he could eliminate all remotes and use only the apps that go with his entertainment system.

 The Secured Home, The Green Home, and The Connected Home are three packages we are introducing to homeowners as well as builders. Each option is designed to each client’s specific needs and budgets.

Summer is finally here and at iSS we would like to take a moment to give you a few ideas for some good summer fun activities.

A few fun activities around here in East Tennessee would be:

Have you ever thought that your own kitchen could alert you if the refrigerator door was left open? Or have your motorized shades or blinds be automated with the seasons? Have movie ambience with one push of a button? There are so many possibilities that home automation systems can do for you, which have not been fully recognized until now!

We have all heard the term DIY. Many DIY projects can be fun, creative, and a good way to show off a new hobby. Then you have those other DIY projects that are major fails! Trust me, I have had those a time or two. One DIY project that I have never understood why anyone would attempt to do is Home Security.

VOLS first game of the season is just a few days away, and I am sure quite a few of y’all are already getting everything ready to throw a great tailgating party. So we want to help you in making the first kick-off of this season one to remember, and we have an awesome list of techy gadgets to make that happen.

The game is definitely number one when it comes to tailgating. The Hitch-N-View and the TailGater go hand in hand to create a great tailgating atmosphere. The Hitch-N-View is a TV stand that mounts onto your trailer hitch; and the TailGater is a portable antenna and receiver from DISH Network that can go anywhere. Not only watch one game, but catch up on all the games going on that day! Don’t be surprised if your tailgating set-up becomes the most popular one.

A lot of businesses these days are beginning to discover the many uses of digital display technology. A video wall is a great way to get a particular message across - whether for advertising, selling or information display – chances are you want a solution that does a lot of the foot work for you. These high impact displays can certainly pack a visual punch, but equally, they serve as an effective business tool, and can strengthen a range of operations within your business.

Home automation can take movie watching to an entirely different level by integrating your home automation system and a/v system to create a seamless home theater experience. Whether you have a specific room for the home movie theater or just a great living room with cozy couches, we can bring the grand cinema experience to you!

In our previous blog, we discussed how a home theater is a great addition to any home and can bring the family together. There are so many possibilities you could do with a home theater. So this week we want to discuss some great screens and projectors that can complement different areas within the home and provide amazing home entertainment.

Last week we blogged about what screen and projectors would look best in certain home entertainment areas. This week we would like to take a look at what audio systems would be best in those home entertainment areas, too.

When it comes to protecting our families, we all want to have our bases covered. Knowing how to react ahead of time to any situation is the best way to remain safe. With home security and automation, you can truly protect your family from any situation that may arise.

It is that time of the year again. Thanksgiving is just around the corner and Christmas straight ahead. This Thanksgiving you may have your family and friends over for dinner or you might be joining someone else at their table. No matter what your Thanksgiving Day plans are, it is nice to have an extra helping hand around the house on such a chaotic day. A home automation system can make it easy to take care of your home while you are focused on good times, good food, and being thankful for what you have.

 The Christmas Season is in full swing, and I am sure many of you have already gotten out all of your Christmas decorations and lights.

If you are going to spend the time putting up outdoor lights during this holiday season, you hope others will be able to see and enjoy them. There is nothing more frustrating than investing the time and energy to put up holiday lights and then forgetting to turn them on after it gets dark. Home automation light sensors and timers ensure your hard work will not go unnoticed.

Spending time with family and loved ones is what Christmas is all about. You may have to travel this holiday season and leave the comfort and security of your own home, but with a whole home automation system you do not have to worry about a thing.

In our previous blog we provided some 'winter tips' to prevent frozen pipes. If you haven't read it, please do....it is suppose to be a chilly Valentine's weekend and next week! Now, these tips may not be 'winter tip' related, but they are some GREAT tips to help prevent thefts and break-ins to your home.

Now, if you have not read Part 1, we urge you to do so....These are some awesome tips to help prevent thefts and break-ins, and we want to make sure you have them all!

Tip 6: Stay Vigilant

While it may seem like a symptom of paranoia, keep your identity and any travel plans on the down low. For instance, only put your street address on your mailbox. Give away your last name, and someone could find your phone number, work place and other stats with a few mouse clicks. Before you jet off to a nice vacation, try not to openly talk about it in public because a sinister stranger could be taking note.

Automating your home's lights has been one of the biggest home technology trends in recent years. There are always new launches for individual products or whole house lighting systems designed to make it easier to operate and customize your home lighting. From automated window treatments to dimmers, learn what technology you need to light your home for safety, convenience and energy efficiency.

 The desire to have home automation is often a complex decision for any homeowner. Some may want their home to showcase exceptional technology or to entertain guests. While others may want a powerful experience that helps to ease the actions of their everyday lives. However, most commonly, users of home automation systems want one thing: to feel safe and secure in their homes.

Spring has sprung and we could not be more excited for warmer temperatures and longer days. For many homeowners, the changing season means spring cleaning time. Just like your kitchen and closet could use a good scrub down, your security system could use some attention as well. Here are some tips to keep your system functioning at its best:

Media rooms and home theaters are an increasingly popular feature within a home. Two major benefits are that they boost a home's entertainment value as well as its potential resale value. A media room is designed to be a multifunctional space, and most media rooms are an upstairs family room or the basement man cave. What is great about a media room is that it is a wonderful way to spend time with your friends and family and yet showcase what your home can do. Between audio, video, and possibly having some home automation in the mix can create a fantastic entertainment area.