Simply connect your iPhone to your computer with the USB connector, go to iTunes, click on “Devices”, then click on the “Apps” tab, select one of the security system monitoring apps, and upload it to your phone. You’ll then have the ability to monitor and control your home or commercial security system at the touch of a fingertip.

These apps let you use your iPhone to arm and disarm your security system, watch security camera video, see when windows and doors were opened and closed, and view a log of all events that were reported by the security system. Some apps even send e-mail or text message alerts to your iPhone if a garage door was left open, or a locked supply room was entered after business hours.

Beyond-the-Studs will work with you to select a home or commercial security system that meets your individual needs and budget. We can also provide advice on selecting the most feature-rich home monitoring application for your smartphone.

If your home is not protected by a security system, a wireless outdoor motion sensor is a good alternative. If you do have a security system, outdoor motion sensors are an excellent addition for areas of your home that are not covered by the security system.

A motion sensor detects movement within its field of view through technologies including photo sensors and infrared sensors. Photo sensors can be used to activate a security camera or an automatic door. Infrared sensors detect motion through changes in the temperatures of people and animals entering the detector’s field of view; they are not triggered by things such as moving cars or tree branches. When the motion sensor detects movement, it sends a signal to sound an alarm, turn on a light, or activate a camera.

Determining the placement of the motion sensor is important. Wireless motion sensors are battery-operated, which offers greater placement flexibility over hard-wired versions. In addition, the device’s field of view can be adjusted to tailor it to cover any size area.

Wireless outdoor motion sensors are an effective, flexible, convenient deterrent, making them a great addition to your home-security arsenal.

Beyond-the-Studs will work with you to select a wireless outdoor motion sensor that meets your individual needs and budget.

 The top-of-the-line system is the internet protocol- (IP) based system. These systems use a digital video surveillance camera and can broadcast images live over a local area network (LAN). Because the camera records the images digitally, these systems provide a clearer picture and advanced functionality, such as data encryption, the ability to enhance and zoom in on specific images, and the ability to save images to a computer or server. At this price point, some manufacturers also offer built-in web servers in their digital video surveillance systems, thereby eliminating the need for an external computer to operate the camera.

 An effective but less-costly option is a hybrid system combining closed-circuit television (CCTV) technology using an analog camera with a digital video recorder (DVR) for storing images. It is important to note that these systems use analog—not digital—cameras, therefore the quality of the image is not as crisp as with an IP-based system. These systems do, however, offer the ability to convert the analog images to digital format and store them to the DVR. Shopping for these systems can be a bit confusing to consumers, because some manufacturers call their systems “digital” simply because they store images to a DVR—not because the systems include a camera that captures images in digital format. These hybrid systems prolong the life of the soon-to-be outmoded CCTV technology, but they offer none of the advanced features and flexibility of a true digital system.

 Beyond-the-Studs will work with you to tailor a video surveillance system that meets your individual needs and budget.

 Analog and hybrid systems:

• Analog and hybrid systems both use closed circuit television (CCTV) as their base.
• Both systems use analog cameras, which produce low-quality images and don’t offer the ability to search or track images.
• Hybrid systems add a digital video recorder (DVR) to a CCTV system. The analog images are saved to the DVR.
• Hybrid systems are typically used by people who want to extend the life of their analog CCTV systems.

 IP-based, or digital, systems:

• Internet protocol- (IP) based systems use digital cameras and are the most up-to-date surveillance systems.
• These systems enable you to broadcast images live via the internet and store them to a hard drive.
• Images can be encrypted for security and viewed remotely over the internet.
• The picture quality of digital cameras is superior to analog cameras.
• IP-based systems may be more expensive up front, but they offer the best flexibility and overall quality for the money.

Beyond-the-Studs will work with you to tailor a video surveillance system that meets your individual needs and budget.

No matter how carefully you screen a caregiver, it’s never possible to be completely certain that the individual you have hired will provide a safe, nurturing environment for your child. Installing one or more nanny cams throughout your home can help eliminate the worry that parents feel when they entrust the care and safety of their children to others. 

Most systems today are wireless and can be easily hidden in a variety of inconspicuous areas in your home, such as plants or next to items on a high shelf. Prices vary according to the simplicity or complexity of the system you choose. All systems offer remote internet access via computer and even a smart phone, giving you the ability to check in on your children at any time.  

Nanny cams also give you the ability to monitor other individuals who have access to your home, such as house cleaners, service people or house sitters, or just for general home security purposes.  Most important of all, a nanny cam can provide the confidence and peace of mind that your children are being cared for properly when you are not at home.  Beyond-the-Studs will work with you to tailor a nanny cam system that meets your individual needs and budget.

Do individuals such as babysitters, house cleaners and dog walkers have access to your home when you’re not there? Surveillance cameras enable you to keep an eye on them by remotely viewing any room in your home via a computer with internet access. If children or elderly family members are often home alone, surveillance cameras can give them the safety and peace of mind of knowing who is at the front door before they open it. Do you have a vacation home? A surveillance system lets you regularly check in on that home by computer.

A video surveillance system is relatively easy to install and highly customizable and expandable. As your needs change, most systems are easy to reconfigure, because there is no complex wiring involved.  One of the best features of a video surveillance system is deterrence—just the mere presence of a visible camera on the outside of your home can make potential thieves think twice about breaking in.  Consult a video surveillance professional, who can work with you to tailor a system that meets your individual needs and budget.

For some, it’s the excitement of cinema quality movies to enjoy at home with family and friends, or the relaxation of their favorite music played throughout the home and garden that attracts them. Others are drawn to the cost savings of automated heat-ing, cooling, and lighting systems and the peace of mind afforded by a reliable security system. Still others yearn for fast reliable telephone and internet access to increase productivity during time spent in their home office. Despite the diversity of these commonly installed home systems, there are many similarities in the planning and installation of these systems and tips to get the best systems at the best price. Planning well in advance and performing each task carefully and in the proper order will ensure a home that is “future proof’ and systems that you can enjoy today and for years to come.

Phase Description

• Rough In Cabling:

Sometimes called pre-wire. Wall boxes for Home Theatre Connections, keypads, and voice/data outlets are put into place. Hidden cable is placed inside wall and secured to prevent damage during the drywall process.

• Trim Out

Electrical and Low Voltage contractors terminate cable and put wall plates and keypads in place. Equipment Racks, TV and Speaker mounts are put into place this phase cannot begin before painting and dust generating activity,

• Component Installation

Power conditioning equipment racks. Cables are labeled and installed. touchscreens are mounted in walls. TVs are installed on mounts.

• Programming and Testing

Remote controls are programmed. HVAC, lighting, security, and such are integrated into whole home controllers. Completed systems are tested.

• Client Instruction

Client walk through is conducted. Client is instructed on the function of user interfaces. The warranty period now begins.

• Follow-up

During the next two weeks, the client uses the systems noting any desired modifications to programming. Technician conducts follow up address any pending issues. Delivery is now complete.

Stereotypically, the gadget-gendered male wanted all things “techy” while the style-centered female wanted practicality coupled with taste.  Now, through the latest design capabilities, expertly performed by Beyond-The-Studs, those two concepts have met on shared ground. No longer does the large TV and components need to be a wired mess. No longer does controlling your entire home’s electronics from away from home require a BS in Science. Your home can now be fully automated, but best of all, you will understand how to do it and will quickly learn all the advantages of doing so. Your entertainment, comfort, security, and communication can be handled with a simple push of a button, optimizing the performance of each of those aspects.

Beyond-The-Studs can design an automation system for your entire home, one that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle, taste, style, and budget.  You can call (302) 428-6080 to visit their state-of-the-art showroom at 2702 Lancaster Ave.,  Wilmington, DE or online at www.beyond-the-studs.com

Features and Benefits

Convenience: Control all of your pool systems from one place, with a simple and easy-to-use interface.

Flexible Scheduling:

Setup the schedules for your filter pump, cleaner, and all of your water features. Use solar heating during the day if it’s available, and then automatically switch to the electric heater for a specific amount of time during the evening.

Lighting: Manage standard, color and fiber optic lighting in the pool or around your backyard. Set the color of any light, change dim levels, or start sophisticated color changing scenes.

Energy Savings: Use the history view to quickly see how much time the pump is running, or the lights and heater are on, and adjust accordingly.

Comfort: Connect to your system before you leave work, and arrive home for a relaxing dip in your ready-to-use spa.

Locally, Beyond-the-Studs provides custom electronic systems, such as the OneHome System, to enhance your life. To find out more about this and other home solutions, contact Greta at 302-428.6080.

Beyond the Studs is committed to preserving (or even enhancing) the beauty and architectural elements of the rooms in which we work. Whether we are designing an elegant boardroom or retrofitting an historical home, we take the necessary steps to ensure that the electronic elements will be masterfully hidden or blended into the room. We strive to achieve harmony between the electronic systems we design and the architecture of the homes and offices in which they operate. We fill your space with hidden treasures of technology. When not in use, our systems are subtle and understated; but turn one on and they are anything but! Beyond the Studs is not a traditional electronics retailer nor do we simply “install” retail products. Rather, we are a solution driven business dedicated to providing value added design, implementation, integration, and maintenance services that ensure that your technology purchases work for you and not the other way around.

The new future, on display inside Beyond the Studs, is a home automation system so discreet, it’s almost invisible, a system that uses off-the-shelf technology and intuitive, Web-based design to let anyone who can use a computer or high-end mobile phone become a true master of his domain.

From a single monitor or remote control such as a laptop computer, a homeowner can adjust a whole-house audio and video system, heating and air condi­tioning, security cameras and biometric fingerprint scanners, lighting—even individual electrical outlets.

That means you can spy on the babysitter and her boyfriend while you’re at the gala, crank the heat when your return flight lands, or start that cas­serole in the microwave before you leave the office.

Gone are the racks of black-faced components with digital displays and bouncing equalizer bars. Hardware that was once exposed is carefully hid­den in dedicated spaces that are easily accessed, but removed from view. Remote controls are re­duced from dozens to a single master.

“That’s a big thing that I pride myself on. I can do this in historic homes, I have done this sort of work in historic buildings, so I can make it as evident or not evident as anybody wants,” says owner and head engineer Greta Colgan. “I build in this stuff in ways that you don’t even have to know it’s there.”

Colgan taps a touch screen in the living room. Within seconds, a video begins to play on a flat-screen TV above a custom fireplace, audio starts to hum from surround-sound speakers overhead, the lights dim, and a dormant Zen table fountain bur­bles to life. A few taps later, the lights have changed again, the video has dimmed and music, stored on an iPod in the rear entry, fills the house.

Yet each room still maintains its own lighting and audio control, as well as the ability to choose audio and video from dedicated servers and household computers. That means Dad can listen to the Eagles in the den while Chip is jamming The Killers in his room.

In the bedroom, what appears to be a ceiling beam hides a drop-down flat screen TV that can be rotated by remote control to face either the bed or the large soaking tub. In the basement there’s more: a home the­ater that incorporates top-of-the-line video projection technology and surround-sound. “The goal of good home theater is to repro­duce the experience the way the original film producer intended it to be—the picture, the color, the aspect ratio the way it was origi­nally shot—and to reproduce the sound that you would get in the theater,” she says.

Reclining seats give comfort, and a ra­diant floor heating system staves off chill. It’s remotely controllable, of course.

For most homeowners, the technology behind Colgan’s walls might seem out of reach. But she emphasizes that what once seemed attainable by only the rich is more affordable for everyone.

It was her interest in proving that point that led her into the home networking and automation business. Before she started Beyond the Studs, Colgan had accumu­lated 20 years of automation and control experience working for clients such as the U.S. Navy and Fortune 500 companies, in­stalling similar systems for meeting rooms, laboratory facilities and other places.

“As prices of technology started to drop, it got to the point where you could conceivably network in your house,” she says. “I first got the idea to start doing this when I was remodeling my kitchen, and I got the thought, ‘I’m going to pull some cable,’ because we had the walls down. The guys who were working on my kitchen said, ‘That stuff doesn’t work,’ and I said, ‘Of course it does. Give me that.’

“What I ended up doing was altering in­dustrial stuff to automate my own house, and it caught attention. It became obvious to me: Just like 20 years with computers, it was just an evolution that it was going from the workplace to the home network.”

She emphasizes network, stressing that to build a system that is truly efficient, easy to use and affordable, the designer must be able to assemble disparate bits of tech­nology into a streamlined whole. Buying individual components and trying to pull them all together himself is akin to a car shopper buying separate systems from dif­ferent manufacturers, then trying to make them all work together in a single vehicle.

A holistic network designed by a pro ensures that all components will work together and that a homeowner will be prepared for advances in technology, es­pecially the movement toward delivery of nearly all media via computer download.

“You can’t really achieve that smoothly or easily without designing for it,” Colgan says. “It opens up possibilities that were never there before. I think now of all of the technology I put into a house as a system, more like when you put your heating and air conditioning in. It’s best to get in when a home is being designed and built. The next best is when someone is doing a significant remodeling project.”

Along with technical expertise, Colgan brings an aesthetic sense that helps hom­eowners make systems as beautiful as they are functional. She straddles a line between the mostly male world of gadgetry and the mostly female desire for a nice home.

“Typically, when we’re working with the millwork people, we’re building cabinets that fit the rooms and that fit the TVs,” she says. “We’re going to put it in so the whole thing comes together to be really beautiful.”

Flat-panel TVs help that simply because of their versatility, she says. “There are so many places these TVs can be hidden now as opposed to having that stupid TV sitting on your breakfast table or on the counter.”

It’s a lot to take in, but Colgan insists that what might now seem like the home of the future will soon be the status quo. In that not-too-distant future, being without basic automation and networking will “be like you don’t have electrical outlets in your house.”