Gecko Media Systems (GMS) is
complete home integrations
company. What this means is unlike most other Audio/Video Companies, GMS
addresses the entire home like a single unit instead of room
by room. We work with architects, builders, general
contractors and homeowners to develop a plan based on how
they intend to utilize their home. With this information,
GMS produces a detailed set of prints, specifying the full
scope to insure the integrity of the final product. GMS has
been designing high-end systems for over six years and
divides the labor to execute the project into phases that
are each addressed by technicians trained specifically in
the associated areas.
Because of the large
business and building infrastructures background of GMS, our
home approach is modeled on the distributed, structured
cabling theories. Which means, for example, when integrating
a home, GMS will identify a location central to the home and
distribute all audio/video cabling from that location.
Service provider connections such as cable, satellite and
phone are typically managed in the same space but
 separate
from audio/video. Where GMS differs from other integration
companies is we understand audio/video matrix devices,
structured cabling environments, computers and servers, and
the ability to share resources and properly interconnect
various technologies to maximize their potential. Extensive
analysis from an experienced integrator is required to
properly design a whole home system. It is not about just
specifying hardware; one has to consider all the various
aspects of the project.
Before a budget is even
considered, a good understanding of how the client intends
to use the home is the foundation of our decision making
process. In other words, walking the entire home with a
qualified technician who is trained to both listen and
prompt based on the client’s questions and their own
knowledge and experience. The next factor to consider would
be the level of understanding the client has of the various
types of technologies and their expectations regarding the
final product. We recognize that the reason this is so
important is because the objective is to meet the client’s
expectations and hopefully exceed them; one cannot do this
unless they understand what they are. Of course every
system we deliver will be easy to drive! There should never
be a learning curve involved regardless of the size and
complexity of the system. If it’s not easy to drive, it is
not a well-designed system! All of these factors are
ultimately controlled by a budget. This is why an integrator
should not lock in to specific manufacturers, but understand
the abilities and costs of many of them. This is the most
important component to obtaining the expected end result and
yet still be able to build the system within a given budget.
Technologies addressed in
all systems are as follows:
1.
Lighting controls:
Security lighting, automated lighting, lighting scenes, time
activated lighting, and lighting controls.
2.
Distributed Audio:
there are basically two types of audio zoning, the
traditional way of approaching zoning is to share a single source with a
speaker selector and volume control knob. Although using
this type of distributed audio provides much less control,
it is sometimes dictated by mere budget. However, with the
use of microprocessors combined with audio amplifiers,
certain companies have developed systems that give every
zone independent source and volume control.
3.
Surround sound and Media
Rooms: although these areas
are independently driven it is important when selecting
equipment to consider both the hole home audio and video
requirements to allow for proper integration.
4.
Video:
With today’s technology there is no reason why high def
video cannot be used from any monitor in the home. However,
selecting the right projector or flat panel is based on a
very large criterion. Placement, source selection, and
lighting are a few of these factors.
5.
Control systems:
These are the most important part of any system by far. A
good technician will be able to select and program controls
that make the entire system seamless in its utilization. Any
control or remote should be intuitive enough for anyone to
pickup and use without any training. I cannot stress how
important this aspect of the system is; without it,
everything else is simply useless.
6.
Internet, Network, Wifi,
Phones and streaming media:
Today’s AV equipment is utilizing these kinds of
technologies more and more. Understanding how all these
various kinds of technology types blend determines how fluid
the system will be when it is complete.
7.
Computer systems:
A complete home integration should always include wire and
wireless computer systems, DVR, mp3 players and media
servers. Being able to understand and properly integrate
such system provides the control today’s users require.
8.
Security, surveillance,
doorbell and intercom systems:
a structured cabled home will have all these items punched
down and labeled in the communications area along with
audio, video, phone and data. By designing the system this
way, we provide the client with the ability to merge these
kinds of technologies. Examples of such can be, from any
given room in the home the user can press a single button
from a remote control and monitor the property, playback
recorded video, communicate with someone at the front door
while viewing them, being notified of a guest from the
doorbell chime dispersion through the audio system, having
certain lights be activated by the motion of someone on the
premises, receiving a warning message that someone is in
your property, the ability to unlock unlatch, open or close
a door or a gate remotely, etc…
GMS is not a hardware resale
store. We are a technologies integration company. Yes, we
sell equipment to our clients but, more importantly, we help
them choose what’s best for their needs. In other words,
volume electronic stores provide too many options without
any direction. To re-emphasize, understanding the client’s
environment and all the other various factors we touched on
should determine any equipment purchase. An electronic
store should not provide so many options but focus more on
application and utilization.ologies. This will provide the perfect example of how home systems
can be optimized to enhance one’s level of living. |
