FAQ

Many aspects of the various home automation sub-systems can lead to better wellness.

For example, lighting systems that incorporate your circadian rhythm and adjust color temperature and dimming levels throughout the day. Brighter, blue light in the morning to help you wake leading towards warmer, softer light in the evening to help you prepare for sleep. 

Press a single “Goodnight” button when you go to sleep and rest easy knowing your lights have turned off, all audio/video is off, shades are down, security system is armed, doors locked and gates secure. Peace of mind!

Long term, professional support is a critical aspect of what we offer when you invest in a system from Cooper Audio Designs. We are here to support you long after the initial build of your home. 

In fact, some consider the aftercare support more important than any other factor. Your electronics have a finite life span, and different technologies come and go. Over time you will need software updates, failed equipment replaced, and eventually entire systems replaced. We are here to help you for the long term, whatever that may look like for you in your home.

When a system is properly designed, installed, setup and calibrated, you will experience very few issues. In fact, with cloud monitoring features in place, we will usually know about issues and fix them before you are even aware of the matter. We often implement system updates remotely with no need for a tech to come to site.

Like most technologies,you can expect a finite lifespan. Nothing lasts forever. That said, most equipment that we utilize in your home automation system is professional level equipment. It is designed and built to last much longer than consumer level products. As well, these products are designed to be upgraded over time. A simple software update can add up-to-the-minute features, security updates, and will extend the useful lifespan of the system.

There is no need for concern when our enterprise level networks are installed in your home as they incorporate very high-level internet security features. Our routers incorporate VPN configurations for remote access. This means the internet firewall remains secure. Beyond that, we offer extra security features that can filter traffic and block anything that may compromise you and your security. As well, all individual devices are updated and secured using appropriate settings and login credentials to ensure things are safe at every level.

In a modern home, wireless technologies do have their place but it must be kept to a minimum.

There are many inherent downfalls to using wireless systems. Due to factors like RF interference (radio frequency interference), distance limitations, and competition between devices for the airwaves – the negative aspects far outweigh the positive ones. 

Wired systems offer the performance, reliability, bandwidth and security needed for today’s modern home.

Your home network is the backbone for your entire home automation system. All devices connect to each other and the internet throughout the network. These modern devices require a lot of bandwidth and place a large demand on your router, WiFi access points, and switches. 

Unfortunately, the all-in-one units provided by your internet service provider simply cannot handle the workload. Imagine a smart car trying to pull a horse trailer!

Access points are simply devices that provide a WiFi signal for your mobile devices to connect to your home network. 

Think of WiFi like a bubble of energy with the access point at the middle of that bubble. In the past, WiFi relied heavily on the 2.4GHz frequency. This frequency band covers a larger physical area (big bubble) as it can more easily penetrate walls and other materials.

Today’s WiFi relies heavily on the 5GHz frequency. This frequency band allows for much faster speeds as there is more bandwidth available. The downside to 5GHz is distance limitations. This higher frequency has a smaller bubble. To cover your home with a fast, reliable WiFi connection you will need more of these smaller bubbles = more access points.

Yes! 

Custom integration companies who install home automation systems are specialists. 

Our trade association, CEDIA, certifies designers and technicians to ensure they have the tools, training and experience to bring your home to life in an effective, rewarding manner. The results create an elevated lifestyle for you in your home. The majority of electrical contractors wouldn’t know where to start. 

Just like you wouldn’t hire an appliance repair man to tweak the engine in your Mercedes, residential electricians can’t be expected to design, install and create custom home automation solutions. There are definitely overlapping skill sets, but the work is unique to our own trade.

Installing “smart” devices in your home does not make for a smart home. It is only when your audio, video, network, lighting, and surveillance systems are brought together into one, easy to use system can we consider it a “smart home.” There is a big difference between installing and setting up your new big screen, and designing an integrated system that will allow that screen to monitor, stream and organize your home. If you want professional, custom results – you need to hire a professional.

they are shipped out the door at, essentially, their brightest settings to attract your attention in the store. The goal of video calibration is to have an accurate image, an image that is natural and that adheres to certain standards. All video elements are considered and adjusted including black levels, white levels, color accuracy, etc. If you want to watch your favorite film as the director intended, then you want to watch it on a calibrated display. 

For audio, especially surround sound, a lot of time is required to set things up the way they should be. Again, if you want the most from your equipment then it needs to be set up and calibrated properly. This could change your “OK” sounding home theater into something jaw dropping.

Simply stated: a true home automation system brings everything together and gives you one, easy to use interface. This single system brings together all aspects of your home’s technology systems. Behind the scenes, the automation equipment controls and monitors your sub-systems. 

Think of it like the conductor of the orchestra bringing all the musicians together in harmony. Without the conductor, the musicians have no one leading them and chaos ensues. With a single button press, you can set your mood lighting, start your favorite music playlist, turn on the fireplace, and close the shades. No need to open four separate apps, your conductor has everything under control!

The goal of any system is to make it as user friendly and reliable as possible. To accomplish this, your system has been designed in a fashion to meet your needs, in your home. Trust in the fact that each device has its part to play in the larger system and that every consideration has been taken to ensure that it is required and appropriate. Enjoy the system the way it was intended and leave the nuts and bolts to us.

Technology in the home is not going away anytime soon. 

With the rate of change we are seeing, the future only brings a larger demand on your home’s wiring infrastructure. The more we can prepare your home during construction, the better the chances are we can implement new systems down the road. Please do not rely on wireless technologies to fix your future problems.

As soon as possible. We work with your design/build team to create the right plan for you and your home. The more time we have to go through the discovery process, work out details with you and your designers, the better.