Home Theater
How large of a room is needed for a dedicated home theater?
This depends on what you will want to get out of your room. Each Home Theater is designed to fit the home owner and their individual needs and desires. Sure-Lock-Homes can help you design the home theater of your dreams.
Can I have a projector in a room that has windows?
Yes, any room can have a projection system as long as you have a way to control the ambient lighting; shades, draperies, and light dimmers all can accomplish this. We can also help improve conditions by using a special high grain screen and higher contrast and light output projectors.
Should I get a plasma or LCD TV?
This depends on the use of your TV, both types of displays offer advantages. For gaming, presentation or static images an LCD is better because the image will not burn into the screen. If an image was left on an LCD overnight no harm or damage would occur to the monitor. A plasma would have the image partially burned into the screen. For home theater and higher ambient light applications, a plasma is a better choice. Typically plasmas have better black resolution, higher color saturation and faster performance than most LCD monitors. Plasma TVs also are typically lower in price than an LCD for the same size set.
Will Sure-Lock-Homes design my home theater room?
Sure-Lock-Homes will be happy to design your multimedia system and consult your family on the overall design of your room. We will work with your vision of the room to offer the best home entertainment experience.
How much is a home theater going to cost?
The cost of a home theater can range from a basic system costing $2000 to a high-end system costing up to $20,000.
Can I put a home theater in my existing home?
Yes, a home theater can be retrofitted, though it will take a little longer to install and there will most likely be some drywall repair work.
If I have music on my computer can I play it in my home theater?
Yes, there are inexpensive, easy to use devices than can play music from your computer throughout your home.
Will my system be easy for my family to use?
Sure-Lock-Homes will train you on how to use your new home theater or surround sound system and we are available to answer your questions. After you use in a couple of times you'll be a pro!
Is it necessary to insulate the ceiling and walls?
While it is not necessary to insulate the ceiling and walls it keeps other areas of your home quiet and there is more sound deadening.
Theater Seating
How large of a room is needed for theater chairs?
This depends on how many chairs you want to include in your home theater. The first row for chairs should begin a minimum of half the diagonal distance of the room and each chair is approximately 3'x3' and require 30" walking path between rows. As a general rule a room should be at least 15'x15'.
Are there choices of colors for theater chairs?
Yes, there are many options available in regards to fabric, leather, color and style.
Can we get power or non-powered theater chairs?
Either option is available although if you elect to have powered chairs it is best to have electrical outlets in the floor of the home theater.
Home Automation / Integration
What is Home Automation?
Home Automation simply makes your home smarter. A common example of this is putting your Holiday lights on timers, a home automation system can also accomplish more complex tasks such as lighting scenes, putting a timer on your thermostat, or performing specific tasks when you enter a room.
Is Home Automation expensive to install?
Each Home Automation System is designed for your home and your specific wants and needs
Can I get a Home Automation System installed in my existing home?
Yes, there are wireless systems that can be installed in an existing home.
Why install a Home Automation System?
Home Automation adds convenience to your home such as having the lights come on when you walk in the door, or turn on or off when you are on vacation. In addition you can play music in certain rooms at specific times of the day.
What needs to be wired for Lutron Graphic Eyes and do I need an electrician?
Whenever your home's electrical system is going to be automated, your electrical contractor needs to be involved. Lutron offers automated light switches with infrared controls that can be programmed into you're audio/video system remote control.
Audio / Video Distribution
What is Audio/Video distribution?
Audio/video distribution is sharing a source such as a DVD player or radio throughout the home. For example, oyour radio can play in any room in the house or DVD player can be played throughout your entire home.
Why have audio/video distribution?
Sharing an A/V device adds convenience and reduces clutter. For example, putting DVDs into a mega-changer for the house rather than trying to figure out which room the movie is in.
Digital Satellite System
What are the benefits of a digitral satellite system?
An all digital signal ensures better picture quality.
Will weather affect my satellite?
Weather can affect your signal but it is usually during really bad storms.
Why wire a digital satellite system if I don't think I will use it now?
By wiring for a satellite leaves your options open. In addition, satellite offers generally has more channels than cable.
Security System
Who should I call if I have questions on operating my security system?
Some problems can be solved by simply referring to your manual or call the Sure-Lock-Homes office at 952-224-5450.
If the power to my home goes out will my security system continue to work?
Yes, there is a back up 12 volt battery in place to keep your system working for 12-72 hours.
What do I do in the event of a false alarm?
The 24-hour dispatch center will call the premise number they have on record to verify the alarm or you can call the dispatch center at 1-800-883-2368 to report the false alarm.
If my system isn't working properly who do I call?
Sure-Lock-Homes office number is 952-224-5450. One of our trained technicians will either troubleshoot the problem over the phone or set up a service call to address the problem.
How do I change the people on my emergency contact list?
Any changes must be submitted in writing to Sure-Lock-Homes by email at info@sure-lock-homes.com or by fax at 952-224-5451.
How much does a security system cost?
Each system is custom designed for your home and your security needs. We will discuss the goals you may have regarding your system based on your family's needs.
Will I get a discount from my insurance company after my alarm is installed?
Many insurance companies offer significant discounts for having a security system within your home. Discounts vary depending on if the system is monitored or not. It is best to contact your insurance company prior to installation to find out any specific requirements they may have.
How do I get a certificate of monitoring to give to my insurance company?
After your security system is connected to the local monitoring station Sure-Lock-Homes will provide you with a certificate of monitoring for your insurance company. This may take 30-45 days after your appointment.
Will someone come out after installation and show my family how to use the alarm?
Sure-Lock-Homes offers training to acquaint you with your new system to ensure you and your family know how to operate the system.
The keypad says low battery, what should I do?
If your home has lost power within 48 hours the system has reverted to the back up battery which may take up to 12 hours to fully recharge. Your keypads will show a trouble light and will continue to beep once a minute until the battery is charged, replaced or the key pad is silenced using the # key. If the trouble light does not go off within 36 hours of a power loss you may need to replace the battery. Call our office at 952-224-5450 for service.
Will my pets set off my alarm?
There are ways to set your alarm so that your pets will not affect it. Let Sure-Lock-Homes know about you pets during the design of your system or if pets are added to your family after your system is installed.
Can my current smoke detectors be connected to my alarm system?
Due to regulations we cannot use your current smoke detectors, we can only connect smoke detectors provided by Sure-Lock-Homes into your alarm system.
What kind of sensors/detectors are there for my home?
Motion sensors, glass-breaking detectors, door and window contacts, carbon monoxide detectors, and smoke and heat detectors.
What do I do if I forget my alarm code or want to change my alarm code?
The steps for changing your code is listed in your user manual, if these directions are not clear you can call Sure-Lock-Homes and have a technician walk you through the programming steps.
Antenna System
Why should I install an antenna?
Two reasons: it allows high definition local channels to be received - currently not all local channels are available over satellite or cable, and its free - why not have it available.
Does this mean I need a big ugly antenna on my roof?
No, antennas can be hidden in your attic out of view.
Computer Networking
What are the benefits of having a computer network in my home?
A home network allows you to share files much faster and more conveniently simply by utilizing the available network connections between computers. Home networks also allow users to share printers and Internet connections. In addition, home networks create the possibility to use new applications like online games.
What does Sure-Lock-Homes install?
We install computer network jacks into your home, but do not install any software.
Will I need to purchase additional equipment to get my network working?
>Yes, you will need to purchase a network router that you install in your mechanical room.
Do I need to be a computer guru to make it work?
No, a computer with Windows XP will walk you through the installation of hooking your computer on to the network.
Why wire for this when there is wireless available?
A wired network is more reliable and much faster than a wireless network.
Do I need more that one network jack in a room with more than one computer?
No, but if they will be on separate walls you may want two jacks to avoid having to run cords across your room.
What are the benefits of having a computer network in my home?
A home network allows you to share files much faster and more conveniently by simply utilizing the available network connections between computers in your home. Home networks allow the sharing of other items too such as a printer and an internet connection.
Phone System
What brands of phone systems do you install?
Panosonic, V-Tech, Avaya, and Lucent.
Future Proofing / Structured Wiring
What is future proofing?
Future proofing basically means you are pre-wiring your home with extra wires so they are available for newer technology down the road. This gives you extra capabilities to do more in the future even if you don't want (or think you need) it now. Research has shown future proofing also increase the value of your home.
When is the best time to future proof my home?
During new construction or remodeling.
Can I upgrade to structured wiring later?
Yes, but it is much more expensive and will require drywall repair.
What are the different types of wire used for?
Category 5 wire has many uses; it can be used for phone, computer network, security, component video, composite video, CCTV, RS232, RS485, and numerous other automation uses 6 quad shield coax is typically used for antenna, cable and satellite distribution throughout a home. RG-59 coax is mostly used for component and composite video for limited lengths. It can also be used to transmit digital coax audio. It is sometimes used to distribute analog audio (subwoofer, audio sharing) through a home.
Central Vacuum
What are the advantages of a central vacuum system?
A central vacuum system offers many benefits not found in portable vacuums. A central vacuum system allows you to access a powerful vacuum just by hooking up the hose to a wall inlet in any room. The motor is located apart from the living area of your home so it is much quiter than a traditional vacuum. In addition, central vacuums are more effective in the battle against allergies - they draw out up to five times the amount of dirt as a conventional vacuum.
How many outlets should my system have?
This depends on the square footage of your home. Most central vacuum systems have a 30' hose kit so you can travel up to 30' in each direction of each outlet. You can estimate 1 outlet per 800 square feet.
What happens if my vacuum looses suction?
This usually happens when the pipe is clogged or the filter needs attention or replacement. If you have pets you must clean filter each time the canister is emptied to prevent clogging.
What is the convenience of a vacuum dustpan?
Vacuum dustpans are typically put in the mudroom, kitchen and some bathrooms throughout the house. They allow you to sweep up dirt and the dustpan will suck the refuse into the main vacuum unit.
Where can I buy replacement parts for my vacuum?
Sure-Lock-Homes sells replacement parts, or you can purchase them from the manufacturer.
Can a central vacuum be retrofitted?
Yes, but it is best to install your central vacuum system during new construction or remodeling.
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