Customize Your Smart Home & Entertainment Experience with the Halo Remote 

Do we really need a remote for the Blu-ray player, another for the smart lights, and one for one for…something you can’t recall? There has to be a better way. 

And there is! Instead, you can consolidate your home technology with an all-in-one smart home remote. The Halo remote by Control4 controls everything from the lights to the AC to Netflix, simplifying how you approach every system in your home. 

Whether you’re new to Control4 or already use it in your Fort Lauderdale home, here’s how to work the Halo Control4 remote and navigate the interface. 

Take a Look Inside Our Recent Work on a Florida Yacht Including a Yacht Stereo System, Lighting Control, and More

Control4 automation is usually associated with home control—but who says the home has to be on land? 

Our home automation company, First Priority Audio, recently installed smart marine lighting, audio, and centralized control features on a luxury yacht. With a new yacht stereo system and lighting scene control, the owners of this magnificent boat will be able to transform the mood and entertain guests while out at sea. 

Curious to see what’s possible with automation aboard a luxury yacht? Get inspired by our case study in the Fort Lauderdale, FL, area. 

Automate & Control Lighting Across Every Acre

How do you control and automate lighting across several acres of land and multiple buildings? Anyone who manages an equestrian facility knows how dark the property becomes after dusk. This can be dangerous for anyone riding in low-light conditions and may also hinder the performance of security cameras. After all, infrared can only see in black and white, and you could be missing crucial blind spots.

Equestrian properties pose unique challenges that other homes and businesses may not experience. That’s why many horse owners install custom smart lighting systems that automate lights according to their needs.

Our team at First Priority Audio has installed smart equestrian lighting, networking, and automation in horse-riding facilities across the Ocala, FL, area. Read on to see how we’ve helped equestrians add safety and convenience to their properties.

Make the Most of Your Control4 Home with These Automation Ideas 

When it comes to home automation, Control4 is a jack of all trades and a master of all. With a robust operating system and network foundation, Control4 can connect to all areas of your home, unleashing infinite possibilities. 

From lighting to TVs, security cameras to ceiling fans, you can control all your technologies with a C4 system. And when all your systems are synced to the same interface, you can group them together to automate incredible things.  

We could list home automation ideas all day long, but here are many to try in your Palm Beach, FL home. 

Upgrade Your Smart Home for a Fresh, New Start 

Home improvement is a popular new year’s resolution. Is it on your list? While some people want to repaint their bedrooms, and others want to install a pool, you could use this chance to improve your home’s technologies.  

If you have a Control4 smart home, and your devices and systems are years outdated, why not treat yourself to home automation updates this new year? 

Whether you’re still running on the old operating system or your smart lighting could use an extra spark, get inspired by our home automation ideas below. In 2023, you’ll live more simply and beautifully, creating your own luxury oasis in Fort Lauderdale, FL. 

Strong Connections Enhance Experience and Safety At Florida Equestrian Estates

Like many modern businesses, equestrian centers also require increased technology presence for more efficient operations management. In addition, technology can enhance the rider experience and protect the safety of visitors and animals. 

The First Priority Audio team was excited to lead the retrofitting of a residence and equestrian facility near Southwest Ranches, FL, to add helpful technology features such as surveillance cameras, outdoor TVs, internet connections, and access controls to the property. Our expertise in network cabling services was essential for the project's success. 

Continue reading to learn more about this unique project and how we could help modernize your home and business networks.

Get Creative with Control4’s New Smart Lighting Features  

Control4 is already at the top of its game in home automation. But still, the smart home brand is consistently evolving and improving its technology. And just in time for the new year, Control4 systems has announced exciting new smart lighting features that will transform the ways we illuminate our homes. 

If you already have a Control4 system at your home in Parkland or South Florida, or if you’re considering becoming a Control4 household, discover all that’s new with C4 lighting below. 

Better Lighting Control, Stronger Wi-Fi Connections, & More Upgrades  

While the Control4 app is ultra-intelligent and voice control is handy, sometimes the most intuitive way to control your home technologies is through a remote—especially in the living room or home theater.  

We’ve historically been huge fans of Control4’s Neeo remote, which innovatively combined hard buttons with a touch screen. But the smart home brand is ever-evolving, and Control4 has just released a new line of Halo remotes. 

What does Halo do differently? Below, we share all its new features that we’re most excited about. And to see Halo remotes in action, visit First Priority Audio’s showroom in the Lighthouse Point, FL area. 

Give Yourself Peace of Mind from Anywhere in the World 

It’s understandable to worry about your house while you’re traveling. After all, if you aren’t there, you won’t know if anything goes wrong. What if the pet sitter accidentally leaves the door unlocked? What if a burglar comes at night? And will it look obvious that you’re gone if the house is dark and empty all week?

If you experience thoughts like these while you’re away from home, it’s time to put an end to it! Vacationing should be a time to unwind and explore without worries. Luckily, if you own a Control4 automation system, there’s no need to fret about your Hypoluxo, Florida home’s security. 

Here’s how a Control4 smart home system can give you peace of mind, no matter how far away you travel. 

Discover One of Control4’s Best Features: Intercom Anywhere

Home intercoms aren’t a new or revolutionary concept. In fact, the first residential intercoms were developed in the 1890s and became very popular during the 1960s and ‘70s. For decades, homeowners with large properties have used intercoms to communicate with visitors at the front entrance or with their family rooms away. 

Intercom systems are still as useful as ever, but Control4 smart systems are bringing the experience into the modern era. Now, your home intercom can be accessed even if you’re miles away, so you’re always in touch with those at home. And through the Control4 home system, you can use the intercom in tandem with other home devices.

Whether you’re new to Control4 or already own a C4 system, here’s how its “Intercom Anywhere” technology works and will benefit your Parkland, FL, home. 

Work with a Smart Home Installer to Create a More Convenient Lifestyle 

We all wish we had more time in the day. Americans have felt busy and rushed for years—even when research shows we have more free time than ever. 

How can this be? According to the BBC, “We feel a social pressure to ‘do it all’, at work and at home, but… it’s a mathematical impossibility.” In 2020, The Economist theorized that “multi-tasking is what makes us feel pressed for time” and blamed task-switching for the feeling that “the job never quite feels done.” 

If your days feel fragmented, take some of that time back! You can consolidate small to-dos around your house through the power of home automation. When you work with a smart home installer like our team at First Priority Audio, we design and install smart systems that simplify daily life.

Read on to learn more about Control4 home automation and how it can help you live your best life in Fort Lauderdale, FL. 

Consolidate and Live Simply with Smart Home Technology 

Remember the days before smartphones? If you were going on a trip, you’d pack a map to navigate, your MP3 player or iPod for music, a camera to capture memories, and your cell phone for emergency calls. Everything was separated. We didn’t know that someday it would be possible to do it all through a single device! 

Just like smartphones consolidated our tools into one gadget, smart home systems put all your home’s needs into a single easy-to-control platform. From the same app, remote, or even wall keypad, you can access and adjust lights, window shades, audio, video, security devices, and even control your home’s temperature. 

The possibilities are nearly endless when you invest in a smart home installation. Are you curious to see how it will influence and shape daily life at home? Read on to learn how a professionally installed smart home enhances your Lighthouse Point, FL, lifestyle. 

Set Sail with Smart Control of Your Boat 

A day at sea should be a luxurious escape. So if you’re on your yacht for hours, days, or even weeks, you need technology that’s easy to use and understand for everyone on board. You need a system that just works for everything from lighting to audio to security. 

Luckily, smart systems like Control4 aren’t limited to home control. We can integrate your boat’s technology into one intuitively-controlled marine automation system. And if you already own a Control4 smart home system, your boat can be accessed from the same app and interface!

Marine automation simplifies life on the water, making your boat much easier to manage. What does it do? Read on to see how smart technology can benefit your yacht, superyacht, or sports cruiser in Lighthouse Point, FL! 

Take Command of Lighting, AV, Thermostats & Much More with Josh

The Washington Post recently published an article titled, “Needy, Overconfident Voice Assistants Are Wearing on Their Owners’ Last Nerves.” It recounts how difficult and unhelpful voice assistants can be—almost like a toddler who’s trying—and failing—to help around the house. 

“Why does Google Assistant confidently say ‘sure!’ before delivering a baffling incorrect response to a request?” the article asked. “Why is Alexa always bragging about her capabilities?”

If you’re looking for a better approach to home voice control, we’re happy to report there’s another way. Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa aren’t your only options. Meet Josh.ai, the voice assistant built specifically for home control. Josh understands natural language better than any other AI device and can hear your commands from far across the room. Plus, Josh always protects your privacy.

New to Josh.ai? Learn how Josh home automation can work with your Control4 or Lutron system at home in Fort Lauderdale, FL. You’ll leverage your smart home experience with a voice assistant that actually understands what you have to say. 

Smart Technology to Help Horses & Riders Thrive 

How do you bring internet connection, surveillance cameras, outdoor TVs, and access control to a 16-acre equestrian property? With lots of learning and careful planning! 

First Priority Audio  is proud to have recently  retrofitted a residence and equestrian facility in Wellington, FL. We were tasked with adding technology to every corner of the fields, 20-stall stable, arena, viewing lounge, and home without disrupting the riders’ and horses’ activities. Our team spent two weeks on the project in Florida’s horse country, and we are thrilled with the results. 

Luxury home networks and smart security are our specialties, but an equestrian property was new to us. Here’s how we did it.   

After Two Decades in Business, This Called for a Celebration!

It’s the big 2-0: First Priority Audio just celebrated its 20^th anniversary! Twenty years is an incredible feat in any industry, and we couldn’t be prouder of our technicians, programmers, project coordinators, consultants, and the entire company. Whether we’re installing a Control4 smart home or a new home theater, the First Priority team always takes it to the highest level for our Pompano Beach, FL clients. 

Since 20 is such a special number, we decided to celebrate to the fullest this year. Here’s how First Priority Audio does an anniversary! 

Bring Your Smart Home Dreams to Life with a Professional Control4 Installation

Many people hear the term ‘smart home’ and think of brands like Google or Amazon.   We hate to burst their bubble, but owning a voice-activated speaker is not the same as living in a smart home. For that, you need a sophisticated control system that connects to entertainment, security devices, lighting, shading, and more—a system like Control4.

Control4 is one of the leading luxury smart home systems worldwide. It may not have the same widespread name recognition, but that’s because you’ll only find Control4 in truly spectacular homes and businesses that have embraced automation.   

Control4 seamlessly blends into interiors, controlled by minimalistic keypads, touch screens, or the Control4 app. Then, like magic, your home’s systems will activate and adjust throughout the day according to your routine. But unlike DIY smart devices, you can’t install Control4 on your own. Instead, you’ll need to partner with a Control4 dealer who will install for you.

You may be wondering, what does a Control4 dealer do that I can’t do on my own? Why can’t I hire any AV company to set this up for me? We share what makes a Control4 dealer special and the difference it will make in your Fort Lauderdale, FL home.

Take a Look at Our Lighting Design & Smart Technology Installation

Want to discover all that’s possible in an automated home? Have a look inside Marlin Manor, the luxury smart home installation we recently completed here in South Florida. The homeowners of Marlin Manor, as we call it, had a specific vision for their home’s integrated technology. They were looking for a minimalistic aesthetic, and so much of our equipment and installation choices were guided by a minimal approach.

And the results? You’ll find a home automation system that controls every room from a single keypad, dramatically reducing wall clutter across the house. Using a Control4 home automation system, we were able to magically bring this house to life, letting the homeowner intuitively control everything from lighting to security devices—and even motorized clothing hangers!

We were so pleased with the outcome of this project that we submitted it to the 2021 CEDIA awards. Read on to discover all we included in this Lighthouse Point, FL-area home—and how the awards went!

See How First Priority Audio Helped This Homeowner Bring Stunning AV to the Theater and Living Room

It’s projects like these that make us think, ‘Wow, we have the coolest job.’

The First Priority Audio team recently had the pleasure of working on a new home build in the Lighthouse Point, FL-area. We partnered with the custom home builder to design and install unique AV solutions across a new home theater, living room, and even pool house entertainment system.

Whether you’re interested in a home theater installation for your own home or are simply curious, take a peek inside our project below. We share all the equipment brands used and our methods of creating a seamless, eye-catching media experience.

Join Our Josh.ai Happy Hour to See Smart Home Voice Control in Action

Have you met Josh? Josh.ai is a relative newcomer in the voice control world, but it’s been making quite a name for itself. Josh.ai is the first voice assistant built specifically for smart home control, understanding complex commands, and natural speech patterns. Josh.ai can control your lighting, shading, audio, TVs, smart locks, and more—while protecting your privacy.

Naturally, Josh.ai makes an excellent partner in a Control4 smart home. If you’re interested in using voice control in your Parkland, FL home, you can learn more about partnering Josh.ai with Control4 below. Then join us on September 23rd for a Facebook Live happy hour where we’ll demonstrate the features of a Josh.ai-controlled home.