Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you ever wanted to know about smart home automations, home cinema design, intelligent lighting control, and more, as explained by Pro Install AV’s award-winning experts.
You’ve been through our website and you’re feeling fully inspired, ready to transform your tired, old space into a state-of-the-art home cinema, or to add an extra touch of luxury to a new development with a fully integrated automation system. Yet before you do, there’s a few things you’re still unsure about.
That’s where we’re here. Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive here at Pro Install AV, offering everything you could possibly need to know to make an informed decision about your investment in home technology.
If you don’t find your question answered below, or simply prefer to speak to us in person, our home automation specialists are only a phone call away. Speak to us today on +44(0)20 7096 0078 or get in touch online to arrange a free consultation.
What exactly is Home Automation?
Just as the name implies, home automation technology enables property owners to automatically control features and appliances. This is most commonly achieved via wirelessly connected hardware and software which work together to enhance the lives of users.
Is using a home automation system complicated?
Not at all. Your system can easily be controlled using your choice of remote control, in-wall control panel, or a dedicated, highly intuitive app, available via desktop computers or any Android, Windows, or Apple iOS device.
What can I do with Home Automation?
Clichéd though it may sound at first, with a bespoke home automation installation, the only real limits are your own imagination.
Pro Install AV customers frequently use their home automation technology in conjunction with a multi-room audio visual system or home cinema installation to enjoy their favourite media in stunning HD quality, or with intelligent lighting control to set the perfect scene for any environment.
All three can work together to provide fully flexible control over every component of your environment. When you talk to us as part of your initial consultation, our experts will spend as much time as you need exploring all the various options and designing a unique system tailored to complement your lifestyle, or -for trade professionals- the lifestyles of your end clients.
Most of our customers choose to pre-program events or lighting scenes into their system, which can be powered up at the single click of a button, or triggered to load automatically at a certain time of day.
For example, you may choose to have a sensor which detects when your car is approaching home and turns the lights on to guide you up the driveway on a dark night, all before loading your favourite piece of music on your multi-room AV system as you enter the property. Or you may choose to have the curtains automatically draw and the interior lights gradually lowered as night falls. The choice really is up to you.
What if I already have home technology equipment? Will it be compatible with a new automation system?
Though it largely depends on both the manufacturer and how old the technology is, in the majority of cases, our experts will always strive to design a solution which is fully compatible with any existing home automation or AV tools you already own.
Where this isn’t possible, our experts will be glad to advise on upgrading any outdated hardware or software components. To help us to help you, it is always a good idea to let us know about any existing technology you have as part of your initial consultation with us.
This helps us to look into any potential compatibility issues and advise you on a solution right from the very start.
Can you upgrade my existing system?
Certainly. We boast an extensive portfolio of successful home automation, lighting, and cinema upgrades, using only the most cutting edge, forwards-compatible products on the market.
How much will all this cost?
Because every project we work on is completely tailored to the individual needs of our clients and their properties, costs do vary from project to project.
To ensure you have everything you need to make a fully informed decision about your investment in smart home technology, we offer a free consultation and the chance to visit our dedicated smart home show room in London. Here, you’ll see the latest innovative solutions up close and personal, and get the opportunity to really go into detail with our experts about your needs and expectations. From there, your home automation consultant will draw up a detailed quote, with no hidden charges guaranteed.
How long will the installation take?
Not as long as you might think. Once you’re completely satisfied with our proposal and have signed to agree that you’re happy for us to begin, we do just that; dedicating our time and resources to building a home automation, lighting control, or home cinema installation to your exact specifications.
That said, given the bespoke nature of our work, we can only provide you with a project timeline once we know exactly what your installation entails. Most projects take between a month and several months, whilst major, large-scale installations can take over a year to complete.
How much disruption to my home life will my installation cause?
Very little. At Pro Install AV, we carry out the majority of the building, programming, and testing of your hardware and software offsite at our London headquarters.
Once everything’s ready to go, highly qualified home automation installers will work quickly and efficiently to integrate your system into your property in the minimal amount of time. We do this all without compromising the exceptional attention to detail and quality workmanship that is the hallmark of our success.
What brands do you use?
Unlike other home automation and audio visual installers, Pro Install AV aren’t tied into any one particular brand, meaning you enjoy greater freedom and flexibility to choose individual components based only on their price-performance ratio.
We’re proud to be recognised as the leading authorised dealer of Crestron, Lutron, and Control4 products in London, whilst also specialising in a wealth of world class brands, from Artcoustic custom speakers to the latest JVC 4K projectors.
To learn more about the products we work with, see our Brands page , or request your free brochure online today.
Will I need any specific cables in my property?
More than likely, yes. Most projects we work on frequently use Cat6, coaxial, and speaker cables, along with any additional cables unique to the individual products or user requirements.
Pro Install AV are proud members of the home technology industry’s leading trade association, CEDIA, and follow their strict quality control standards as to the type of cables we use in every project. When we work with you, we’ll explain exactly what we’re using, and why, so that you can enjoy the peace of mind in knowing your home technology is powered by only best in class cabling.
I'm an architect or other property trade professional, can I access your services?
Absolutely. For the past ten years, we’ve developed our reputation for excellence by working with architects, interior designers, building and electrical contractors, and property developers.
Trade professionals can work with us to access a number of services, including home automation consultancy, home cinema design, installation, and ongoing support.
What if I'm a private homeowner?
That’s fine too. You don’t have to work in the property trade to take advantage of our award-winning expertise and dedicated customer service.
Whether you’re upgrading an old system or integrating a brand new solution into your property, you’ll have access to the same outstanding service enjoyed by our professional customers.
Will my system be obsolete once new technology hits the market?
No. At Pro Install AV, we take pride in developing forwards-compatible solutions which can be integrated with newly emerging hardware and software.
The home technology industry is involving at an ever increasing rate, so we believe it’s vital to future-proof every project to guarantee the best possible value for our clients.
I hired another home automation installation company but things aren't working out, can you help?
Yes. Our system rescue service is available to take over any ongoing project, solve problems, and ensure you get the maximum enjoyment out of your home automation system.
Will my installation increase the value of my property?
Undoubtedly yes. In fact, one of the main reasons our services are so popular with property developers, is that they know a Pro Install AV installation will create the kind of compelling USP guaranteed to attract buyers and generate significantly higher sales from their developments.
I own a commercial / retail property, can Pro Install AV help?
Absolutely. All of our lighting control, multi-room audio visual solutions and security installations can be fully adapted to suit any commercial premises. Meanwhile, a number of our services, As a top Barco dealer in London, we also specialise on integrating world class digital display solutions in a number of corporate environments, from the boardroom right up to a large-scale outdoor festival.
What happens if there’s a problem post-installation?
Though every installation we work is built to perform at its optimum best for years to come, on those rare occasions when you need help with your system, Pro Install AV are only a phone call away.
Every new installation comes with a free six month after-sales care package and three year extended warranty. Following this initial period, further support service packages can be fully tailored to your ongoing requirements.