Stay Connected
New technology has often made it easier to connect to the people who are important to us in our personal and professional lives. From the first long-distance telephone calls to the advent of mobile devices and smart technology for homes and businesses, technology continues to open up new avenues for enhanced interactions and increased productivity. And in light of the challenges of recent months, the importance of staying connected has never been more evident.
Meeting the ever-changing technology needs of his clients is nothing new for Sun Valley native Jess Goitiandia, owner of Audio Innovations in Hailey. Jess and his team have been serving the local community by providing quality, whole-home audio and visual products since 1992. “Over the years, we have made it a priority to stay in touch with new ways to help our clients achieve their goals and overcome obstacles through innovative technology,” says Jess. “As a business owner, I am dedicated to supporting my clients in any environment.”
The recent COVID-19 pandemic undoubtedly brought with it an unprecedented set of new challenges. In response, Audio Innovations is once again providing a state-of-the-art solution to address these new and difficult circumstances. “COVID-19 has certainly changed the way the world operates and made technology in the home even more important for people’s lives and livelihoods,” says Jess. “The ability to work from home and stay in touch with family and friends is essential to overall well-being right now. And we are committed to finding our clients the latest products that will help them do just that and hopefully ease some of the stress of this difficult time.”
Zoom on Your Living Room TV: Crestron HomeTime
Audio Innovations has been a long-time provider of Crestron, a leader in smart home automation products, and Jess is happy to be able to now offer his clients Crestron HomeTime®, which is a game-changer in this time of social distancing. While video conferencing has been an essential part of workplace technology for some time now, the trademarked HomeTime takes those professional capabilities out of the conference room and into the living room.
Just released in June, Crestron HomeTime is an at-home HD video and audio conferencing system created in collaboration with Zoom and Logitech. It automatically integrates with Zoom Rooms® software—meaning individuals can host or participate in Zoom meetings without a laptop. Now users can have a meeting on their living room television, which makes clearly seeing all of the participants much easier than looking into a small mobile device or computer screen. It provides high-quality audio as well—no more struggling to hear or be heard in a large group. And joining meetings is stress-free since HomeTime can be controlled with the same Crestron remote that operates all of a home’s automated electronics.
“HomeTime is unique because it’s the first fully integrated conferencing solution designed for the smart home,” says Jess. “You can use it in any room, the communication is clear, and operating it is simple. The system allows people to remain in the protection of their homes while still being in touch with work and the rest of the world, which is critical right now.”
“Over the years, we have made it a priority to stay in touch with new ways to help our clients achieve their goals and overcome obstacles through innovative technology. As a business owner, I am dedicated to supporting my clients in any environment.”
–Jess Goitiandia, Owner, Audio Innovations
Installing Crestron HomeTime is a custom job for every home, and the team at Audio Innovations expertly integrates the system for optimal results based on each client’s needs. Users don’t have to worry about connecting cords or confusing settings—just keep the Crestron remote handy and meetings are one click away.
As more and more people are relying on online meetings during this time of social distancing, HomeTime doesn’t just play a key role in business, it can also add a new dimension to remote learning and even socializing. “The Crestron HomeTime product is such an easy way for people to stay connected to teachers, classmates, and the people they love from the safety of their homes,” says Jess. “We have been working with Crestron for over 15 years and this is an exceptional product that couldn’t have come at a more poignant time.”
Advanced Videoconferencing: Crestron Flex Series
Crestron also offers additional, business-focused solutions for staying connected virtually. Their Flex Series is a suite of products that offers advanced videoconferencing solutions for businesses. From tabletop devices for small meetings to equipment for large auditorium gatherings, the series allows for collaborating and sharing information between any size group.
“The Crestron HomeTime product is such an easy way for people to stay connected to teachers, classmates, and the people they love from the safety of their homes,”
–Jess Goitiandia, Owner, Audio Innovations
As many companies continue to respond with products, it is clear that the restrictions in place due to COVID-19 have shaped customers’ needs tremendously over the last few months. Locally, the county-wide, stay-at-home mandate created a unique environment in which almost all of Jess’s clients had the same need—a reliable way to stay connected at home. Jess says that his number-one request during this time has been for better home networks. When most of life is taking place inside the home, knowing you can count on your home technology becomes vital. And having a local resource like Audio Innovations can bring great peace of mind.
Audio Innovations has the expertise and products needed for all your home audio and automation needs—from personal electronics to full home system integrations.
For more information about Crestron products or how Audio Innovations can help you stay connected, visit the retail showroom in Hailey or audioi.org.
