Yes, an iPad can run your home. Its almost 10-inch screen makes it easy to control TV, music, lights, and more with less scrolling. Control companies like Crestron and Savant made iPad apps early on.
Just a couple of more weeks until the coveted Apple iPad will be in the hands of the tech-hungry. Right out of the box, there’s a lot you’ll be able to do with the device. So what about using it to control electronic devices in your home? You can already do this by downloading one of the scads of control applications available onto an iPhone or iPod touch and most should work for the iPad when it arrives (automation giant Crestron has already touted its iPad app version), so is there hope for a multifunctional, portable 9.7-inch screen as a home control device? Along with Crestron, we know Apple-based automation provider Savant thinks the answer is a big “yes.” We decided to ask a few seasoned custom electronics professionals (CE pros) for their take on the technology and how they think it’ll impact the way we manage our household electronics.The Good
Big Screen The almost 10-inch screen provides plenty of real estate for displaying information about and controls for electronic devices. “The more space you have on a screen, the less you’ll have to scroll or flip to get to what you want,” says Derek Cowburn of DistinctAV, McCordsville, Ind. “This will make it a great interface for managing large collections of media, and for browsing information. For example, with the iPad you’d be able to browse on-demand listings without having to turn on the TV.” Cost Priced starting at $499 for its April 3 intro, the iPad may be a little pricey, but it’s still less expensive than most home control touchpanels of similar size. “It’s poised to open up opportunities for people interested in home control but who can’t afford a large-size touchpanel from a home control manufacturer,” says Joe Calderaro of Audio Video Interiors, Medina, Ohio. Apple Backing Almost every manufacturer of home control system already offers an app for the iPhone and iPod touch. You can bet they’ll be doing the same (if they haven’t already) for the iPad. “Once the control manufacturers are on board, the iPad will be a real game changer,” says Ryan Herd of One Sound Choice, Pompton Plains, NJ. (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
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’d (tell others) that Ryan’s very professional and very easy to work with, in terms of budgeting and listening to what you want to have done. He never pushed us toward anything we couldn’t afford or didn’t want and he got the job done on time.
– Mr. & Mrs. DeSantis (1 Sound Choice client testimonials)
Had a Control 4 home automated system installed after we had a house fire. Every room in my house has been setup with phone/internet/cable. Created a central area that houses all my equipment. The only equipment in my home theatre and living rooms are the TV’s. This is great for little kids. No worries about them playing with your components. 1 Sound Choice installed all the equipment and provided me with a seamless entertainment experience. Very professional with a special attention to detail I have not seen in their industry. Customization is their specialty and they are willing to work with you to acheive your dreams. They have solutions for any budget or lifestyle. A true pleasure to work with. Have recommended their services to many and would look to them for any future upgrades or new installs should we decide to move.
– buoog14 (Houzz review)
iPad control questions
Can an iPad control my home?
Yes. With the right app, it can run TV, music, lights, and more.
Why is a big screen better for control?
You scroll less and see more, so it is easier to find what you want.
Did control companies make iPad apps?
Yes. Crestron and Savant had iPad apps early on.
How much did the first iPad cost?
It started at $499.
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.