AUDIO INNOVATIONS CUSTOM HM

We contracted with Audio Innovations upon our new home builders recommendation to install a complete home entertainment, home control and security system for about $35,000 in 2008. The installation work was shoddy. Outdoor speakers were installed with uninsulated wire connections, devices such as modems and routers were simpley hung from the nearest suspension with bundle ties, TV control boxes needed to be reattached so the would not be floppng around. The system has not met our expectations from the day it was installed. The fire places turn themselves off and on randomly without command, the security system seems to be a total failure, the doorbell has stopped working, the TV's quit working at random intervals, the main room TV channel can't be changed, volume adjusted or shut off. The office TV will not receive a signal, the master bedroom TV doesn't work. The only TV's we can watch are the ones independent of the system. This is after a $135 service call 2 days ago. If we have had one service call, we have probably had at least 20 service calls since installing this system. It was a complete waste of money.

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We initially were looking for motorized shades for windows that were not able to be accessed except by ladder. We were put in contact with One Stop Decorating. The owner-operaed business does a significant amount of business with Audio Innovations. We were introduced to Control4 home automation system to allow us to control the shades (in addition to practically everything else in the house). Francisco is the owner/operator and he as well as his crew were very professional and personable. We never felt pressured to buy more equipment that we could afford or needed. Francisco has a passion for electronics and sells VERY HIGH END equipment. It is the equipment that is the bulk of the cost, which we were fine with as we get the continued benefit of its use. The only reason I did not give all A's was the cost was high, but home automation through ANY company is not cheap. We had 9 windows wired for automation of motorized shades (obtained through One Stop Decorating), all exterior lights and lights of most shared interior areas as well as our bedroom and gas fireplaces. A bonus of the Control4 system is that each device serial number is tied to our account. In the event that it is stolen, Control4 would not issue a license to allow the devices to communicate with each other making them paperweights. The quality of work that has been performed is very high, which I appreciate as I am very particular regarding contractors that I hire. Francisco and his crew are just as concerned about quality of installation as they are about the quality of the products that they sell. The system is not cheap by any standards, though if you are able to afford it...it is WORTH IT and is modular so you can add additional equipment, switches, or controls in the future as the need and finances allow. For home automation needs, I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND this company!