While his parents were on a week-long vacation, Ryan Herd and the 1 Sound Choice crew gave their home a full tech upgrade in 6 days. They added TVs, surround sound, smart lights, thermostats, and a smart lock, all run by Control4.
We’ve seen homes secretly redecorated on programs like HGTV’s While You Were Out, but this was the first time we’ve run across a covert electronics overhaul. Ryan Herd, owner of 1 Sound Choice, Pompton Plains, N.J., came up with the grand scheme a few months ago. “We had all the equipment ready to go; we were just waiting for the right time to strike.” That time came when Herd’s parents left for a week-long vacation. Unbeknownst to his parents, he completely tricked out their abode while they were away. In addition to a multiroom audio system “that was better than the one they used in their previous home,” more entertainment options, a remote controllable door lock, and automated lights and thermostats were a few of the electronic amenities Ryan figured would be a big benefit to his mom and dad. So after bringing the mail inside, as he had promised his parents he would do daily during their absence, Ryan switched into electronics installation mode. In a matter of six days he and his 1 Sound Choice crew hung three flat-panel TVs, set up a surround-sound system in the family room, mounted speakers throughout the house, and replaced the existing light switches and thermostats with models that could communicate with a Control4 automation system. The deadbolt on the door was also replaced with an electronically controlled unit from Kwikset and an equipment rack, fully stocked with A/V components, was placed in the basement. Familiar with his parents’ lifestyle, Herd programmed the system with scenes that would simplify their daily routines. Each button on the three-button switch by the front door was programmed to set up the electronics for a particular activity. Pressing HOME, for example, commands the Control4 system to turn on certain lights and set the thermostat to either 65 or 69, depending on the outside temperature and the time of year. PARTY brightens the lights by the bar to full intensity, while others stay at a softer 50 percent intensity level; tunes the cable box to a favorite music station and distributes the audio to speakers in the living room, and kitchen; and turns on the 50-inch TV in the family room. (Click Here to view the rest of this article on ElectronicHouse.com)Too many apps and remotes? See our too many remotes page.
What One Sound Choice clients say
I want to emphasize…(Ryan) recommended what I should do in the house (and had) suggestions that were (on target). For example, in my basement I have all of these components (and) can access any of (them) from my office. Ryan said, “You should also put a BluRay in your office.” I said, “What would I need that for?” He says, “I‘m telling you, put one in your office. You don’t wanna be going up and down the stairs.” He was ABSOLUTELY RIGHT. Now, it’s the one I use most of the time. I’d be lost without it!
– Mr. & Mrs. Anderson (1 Sound Choice client testimonials)
The 1 Sound Choice staff was very easy to work with. Ryan, you understood our wants right from the beginning. Simplicity of installation and operation were just some of the reasons we chose 1 Sound Choice. You exceeded my expectations!
– Mr. & Mrs. Matia (1 Sound Choice client testimonials)
I have hired 1 Sound Choice on several occasions over the past 10 years for several projects (from minor implementations to a whole house system). Ryan and the team at 1 Sound Choice are consummate professionals – extremely knowledgeable and up to date with technology, focused on delivering the best solution to fit your need, and highly customer service oriented. This combination plus the quality of finished product (every time) have made me a loyal customer… I highly recommend 1 Sound Choice.
– Terry Maytin (Houzz review)
Surprise install questions
What was the surprise?
Ryan Herd upgraded his parents’ home with new tech while they were on a week-long vacation.
How long did it take?
6 days.
What did the crew install?
3 flat TVs, surround sound, speakers around the house, smart lights and thermostats, and a smart door lock.
What system ran it all?
A Control4 automation system.
One Sound Choice, 8 Tilley Ave, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444. Call or text (973) 945-5275. We work in homes across Morris, Passaic, Bergen, Essex, Somerset, and Hunterdon counties. Written by Ryan Herd, founder of One Sound Choice.