For this month's Vendor Spotlight, we're diving into home automation and electronics with Gibson Sound & Vision, another dependable company and partner of Slotegraaf Construction. With the growing need for a home that's functional in more ways than just in its design layout and furnishings, home automation and the right audio and video electronics have become an integral part of home building and customization. Check out our conversation with Gibson's Custom Department Manager, Dave Dryland, below and learn how Gibson can enhance your home.

About Gibson Sound & Vision

Gibson Sound & Vision has been providing the Kitchener-Waterloo and surrounding area with the industry’s best electronics backed by the area’s best service since 1955.

Treating You Like Family

Founders and couple, Ed and Betty Anne Gibson, began a tv repair business out of their basement, offering advice to those who came to them. Their knowledge of the industry and insight began to grow around the community. Later on, their three sons were eventually brought into the company and it flourished into a well-respected and family-oriented unit, now including third-generation family members. They uphold a philosophy of integrity, fair prices, and outstanding service, while also providing qualified and experienced sales consultants to help with any size project.

Dave also commented on the company's family values and atmosphere in how it's influenced him to stay with the company for over 15 years. "Not only are customers treated like family, but so are the employees. With so many employees with years of experience at the company, it allows us to offer knowledgable recommendations and expertise to our customers."

Build Your Home into The Ultimate Place to Live

Gibson carries an array of popular brands, and offers a large variety of services and products:

• TVs

• Receivers

• Speakers

• Security Cameras

• Racks

• Remotes

• Lighting

• Projectors

• Blu-ray Players

• Customization Consultations

• Installation, Repair & Maintenance

Along with home automation options that encompass:

• Lighting

• Home Theatre

• Security

• Video Cameras

• Blinds

• Distributed Audio

• Gates & Doors

• Motion Sensors

• Video Cameras

• Remote Control

• Timers & Scheduling

• Networking

• Temperature

Control4 Automation

Home automation in general has been growing in popularity and becoming part of the norm.

A system that can be designed and installed by Gibson, Dave explains how Control4 Automation "brings all those smart devices under one umbrella; it's almost like a swiss army knife of apps." From your lighting to your outdoor security cameras, it allows you to have access to all devices in one app.

Dave added another benefit to Control4, "It's a relationship you grow with. You don't have to have a smart home all at once, you can add other smart devices at other times." This may come as a sigh of relief to those factoring in their budgets.

Dave pointed out the system's consistency: Homeowners can apply the same automation to their other residences. For example, the family cottage or vacation home. There's no learning curve involved when you can go from one residence to the other with the same system.

What's Trending:

Networking & Wifi

"Your smart home is only as smart as your internet," explained Dave. With a combination of parents working from home and kids learning at home, a network that is secure is paramount, and ensuring families have a fast connection is imperative during the pandemic era. He continued, "But it's not just needed for the working and learning from home, but to keep people entertained; to keep ourselves busy." Now each family member wants to be connected—from Netflix to music streaming. Gibson is able to meet those multiple connection demands by providing equipment that can handle them.

Outdoor

With limited travel opportunities over the past year, more homeowners are working on creating an ideal backyard and renovating their outdoor spaces. When it comes to a strong network, Dave explained how some families may also bring their online meetings or even movie nights out to the patio. Speaker systems that distribute sound through the yard properly are also a focus, as to not bother any surrounding neighbours.

And of course, to ante up the entertainment, many are interested in TV installations in the backyard. Gibson provides weatherproof TVs that can endure bright sunlight, avoid reflections, and don't need to be brought back and forth from outside to inside. There's no need for the homeowner to worry about protecting the equipment.

Cameras & Security

With more Zoom meetings at home, comes the need for more video conferencing cameras. A good mic is also a must-have.

Not only that but "Doorbell cameras continue to be popular, especially while the homeowner is on a conferencing call. They are able to access, display, or talk to whoever may appear at their door," according to Dave. This is another way Control4 comes into play; while away you'll be able to feel reassured your home is secure and it allows you to check on things with help of camera installations.

Showroom Experience

Those interested in creating a smarter home or browsing on-trend electronics have the opportunity to visit and see Gibson Sound & Vision's products and extensive showroom display, including their Control4 Experience Center. While there, Gibson's consultants will be able to present and demonstrate the product. With a combination of foyer, kitchen, bedroom and patio vignettes, visitors can see home automation in different environments and spaces.

"We have the latest, top-level products you can’t see anywhere else," Dave concluded.

Check out our helpful guide to learn about the design and consultation process, and what to expect when moving ahead with Slotegraaf and Gibson for your custom home or renovation project: