How To Attain a Germ-Free Smarthome in the Post COVID-19 World
Smarthomes Can Be Touch-Free Homes
Kids touch everything.
It’s just how they are.
They touch their face, their mouth, their eyes, pets, food, and any surface they come in contact with at home, at school and on-the-go!
In the age of COVID-19 and the coronavirus pandemic, touching means possibly coming in contact with COVID-19 germs. While social distancing measures certainly have helped the spread of this virus, it’s hard to know exactly when and where you are most exposed to germs.
There is one place you are safe. Once you’ve quarantined your family for at least two weeks, you can be assured the coronavirus is not in your home.
As the country is looking for ways to reopen and restart our economy, we are all looking for ways to touch less surfaces and stay germ-free as much as possible
Voice Activation Means Germ-Free Automation!
Smarthomes with voice activation is your solution to keeping you and your loved ones safe.
Not having to touch multiple surfaces will eliminate close contact with those who might visit your home as the country is opening back up again.
Whether you install voice-activation at home or in your business, it is the best tool in your arsenal against spreading germs.
URC Smarthome Technology: Touch-Free and Germ-Free Technology
At Strand Security, we trust URC to do the job for us. URC is fully-integrated and gives your whole house automation and control!
URC can
- alarm your home
- monitor your cameras
- light your rooms
- stream shows and films
- draw your shades
- pump music through your home
- lock your doors
and so much more.
Smarthome Technology Experts in Myrtle Beach
Who should you call when you need a smarthome with voice activation in the Myrtle Beach area? Whether you live in Horry County or Georgetown County, Strand Security can help you with URC installation and integration! Complete set up of the system including teaching you how to use the controls and all features.
Trust the smarthome experts who’ve been installing smarthome technology for years! Add to that the fact we don’t just work here, but we also live right here on the Grand Strand. Strand Security is a locally owned and locally operated small business to help you protect those you love and to secure that what you worked so hard for!
Doing Our Part to Stop The Spread of Germs on the Grand Strand
We are a proud partner with WBTW News 13 in their 13Cares Program as a response to the coronavirus outbreak on the Grand Strand.
We are doing our part to stop the spread of germs and to keep everyone safe!
Let us know how we can help you!
10 Reasons to Love a Home Theater
Home is Where We Are Quarantined!
As we write and publish this, South Carolina’s Governor McMaster has extended a state of emergency declaration and lockdown order until April 27, 2020.
South Carolinians are expected to stay home, quarantined, and only leave their homes to go out for essential services.
While this order is in effect in South Carolina, 97% of the USA in under the same or similar order, essentially keeping 80+ million kids at home instead of in school.
Home is where we are quarantined. How are you staying entertained?
Home Entertainment Is How We Stay Sane in Times of Uncertainty
We just saw a scary meme on Facebook!
While this is sort of funny, aren’t you at least glad it 2020 and we have home computers, smartphones, unlimited data plans, the internet and streaming services, right?!
While this article is the 4th in a series of 12 articles*, this title struck a cord this month, as we are reliant on home entertainment as we are ‘stuck’ at home.
Don’t you wish you had a home theater already?
Here are…
10 Reasons To Love Your Own Home Theater Now More Than Ever!
1) Old Home Movies
Old home movies will provide hours of entertainment. Why watch them on a small tv, or worse, on your hand-held devices? Instead, watch them on the big screen, with your family! Project them, use a smartTV or HTMI cable to watch your old movies in your own home theater!
2) Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime or Disney on the Big Screen
Sights and sounds; we Americans like everything big! Movie theaters are well-loved in this country and those who can, love to watch streaming services on the big screen as well. A home theater allows you to do just that; it’s an excellent way to show tv shows and movies on the big screen, with surround sound!
3) YouTube Streamed to your TV!
Did you know that YouTube is the second largest search engine? YouTube videos are watched my millions of people per hour; watching YouTube videos on a big screen is an amazing experience. What is your favorite channel?
4) Family Movies
Classic movies like Mary Poppins, the Lion King or The Princes Bride; they are bigger, better and offer more family fun when watched in a home theater! Invite the cousins (after the lockdown is over, of course), friends or host a sleepover birthday party in your own home theater.
5) Date Night at Home
Not all parents with babies or small children want to hire babysitters for a date night. If you have your own home theater, you can stay in while going on a date, any time the mood strikes! BYOPopcorn and have that glass of wine or a beer; no need to drive home.
6) Family Gaming
Wii, PS4, Xbox – no matter your choice of gaming system, a home theater makes the gaming experience more real and life-like. A home theater also affords you more room to spread out and play – and offers a dedicated space for gaming where you could keep an eye on the kids!
7) Karaoke Parties
Challenge your kids to a Karaoke sing off! It’s a great way to expend some energy for the whole family and you’ll likely be surprised by the song choices your family member make. A home theater will make everyone sound better!
8) Live Sport Events
While there are no live sporting events to watch during this pandemic, rewatching some classic games, some of the best finals, races and events can be a fun way to spend an evening. Once sports are back... you’ll be glad for that home theater! Trust us when we ay that with the right speakers, it will sound like the sports commentator is sitting next to you!
9) Concerts at Home
If you love concerts; whether it is pop concerts, country music or The Boston Pops, concerts sound and look better with surround sound on a big screen. Bonus; you can belt out the songs as loud as you want, without bothering anyone.
10) Video Chats with Family
Seeing grandma or Uncle Harry on the big screen is the next best thing to hugging them in real life! Instead of facetiming on your small device, bring them into your home theater!
BONUS) Church Services
While this is a completely new phenomenon, we did want to mention it here as were are on a continued lockdown and stay home order! Almost all churches have gone virtual with their church services. Why not watch church in your home theater! What a beautiful experience that might turn out to be.
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Serious Side Note:
We are well aware that some people do have to work during this time! Strand Security is in fact, deemed an essential business, we are here, ready to serve our customers! We also want to thank medical staff, support staff and all other essential workers for their sacrifice to keeping our country running.
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* Other articles in this 12-Part Year-Long Anniversary series include
10 Reasons to Love the Grand Strand
10 Reasons to Love Smarthomes
10 Reasons to Love our Community
10 Reasons To Love Smarthomes
This post is the second in a year-long series of ’10 reasons to love…’ as Strand Security celebrates 10 years in business.
10 Reasons to Love the Grand Strand
What is a Smarthome?
A Smarthome is
a residence equipped with a number of devices that automate tasks normally handled by humans. Some are built into the structure itself and some added later, and homeowners operate them with voice commands or by artificial intelligence.
What Can a Smarthome Do?
A smarthome
uses internet-connected devices to enable the remote monitoring and management of appliances and systems, such as lighting and heating.
That is just the tip of the iceberg, though.
New uses, new brands, and more integrations are available every day!
Our homes are getting smarter.
10 Reasons To Love Smarthomes
While new Smarthomes are created every day, not everyone fully understands what a Smarthome can do and how it can affect daily life.
Therefore, we’ve come up with 10 reasons to love Smarthomes.
1) Smarthomes Are Brilliant
Of course, they are brilliant. Their name says it all.
This home can think and has a brain that functions to communicate with the homeowners. If that’s not brilliant, we don’t know what is!
2) Smarthomes Are Convenient
While we won’t go as far as calling people lazy, Smarthomes offer convenience to those who crave it. With just one button, one switch or one command, the homeowner can engage the home to auto-work for them.
3) We Love Smarthomes Due To Endless Integration Possibilities
Smarthome technology integrates with hundreds, if not thousands of brands. URC integrates with 100’s of brands, many brands that we offer and recommend to our customers here at Strand Security
4) We Love Smarthome Automation
Automation means that once you set something up once, that ‘action’ is remembered and can be triggered at any time by a commend. Automation means that when you get home, you can, for example, tell your home ‘I am home’ and that would trigger any automation you’ve programmed – drawing shades, changing the thermostat, locking the doors behind you etc.
5) Smarthomes Save Us Time
By virtue of automation and integration, we all save time; the Smarthome does the thinking as well as the execution.
6) Smarthomes Eliminate Redundancy
Never again draw the shades. Never again have to touch a light switch. Never again have to lock (or forget to lock) the door behind you. Set it up once and it’s done!
7) Smarthomes Help Those Who Are Less Able-bodied
If you or someone you love lives with a disability, or is elderly and not active, having a Smarthome can be a gamechanger to being independent! Especially if that person has limited physical ability.
8) Smarthomes Make Our Homes More Energy Efficient
By automating lights, thermostats, and window shades, your home becomes energy efficient. You will save money on your electric bill just by being smart!
9) Smarthomes Give Our Home a Personality
Your home might be quirky, or stern, or persistent. If you set your automation right, your home will have a personality!
10) Smarthomes Allow Us To Control Our Home With Just One Remote
The best part of having a Smarthome besides ‘peace of mind’ is the ability to control your home from one remote! No more TV controls, thermostats controls, light switches and keys… One remote can do EVERYTHING for you.
Creating a Smarthome With Your Holiday Tech Gadgets
Merry Christmas to You
We’ve got questions!
- How many tech gadgets do you expect to get for Christmas?
- Will Santa be good to you?
- Will you get exactly what you want?
This holiday season more than any before, tech gadgets are on top of the list for many!
Whether your desired gadgets are designed to make your life easier, your home smarter or your business run better, I bet you are going to love them.
If you are asking for or hoping you get even just one tech gadget for Christmas this year, you want to keep on reading.
Tech Gadgets Should Make Your Life Easier, Not Harder
While tech gadgets should take recurring tasks and take over for you, often tech gadgets create additional stress.
This is because the receiver of the gift might not understand how it works, or even how to set it up, or how to get the most out of it.
Unless they specifically ask for this specific gadget, well-meaning relatives often forget what happens after the gift is opened.
This hilarious SNL skit shows us just how confused some people might be when receiving tech gadgets as holiday gifts they don’t know how to use.
A Smarthome for Everyone!
If you’re hoping for a new speaker, new cameras, or any other tech gadget this holiday season that you want to use in your home or business, let’s talk URC.
No matter how old your home is, it can be turned into a smarthome.
No matter how tech-challenged you find yourself, your home can be turned into a smarthome.
No matter how many systems, devices and brands you have, your home can be turned into a smarthome.
All you need is URC.
What is URC?
URC stands for Universal Remote Control.
URC links all your systems together so that you can control all your gadgets, all your devices, all your systems with ONE central remote.
How easy is that?
The best part about URC and Strand Security; we help you by setting it up for you!
No more struggling to read instructions.
No more getting systems battling each other.
No more getting wires crossed.
The Strand Security crew is YOUR SMARTHOME crew! They have experience setting up URC and other smarthome systems.
What Can Your Smarthome Do For You?
We often get asked this question; what can my home do once it’s turned into a smarthome?
“Anything” and everything is the right answer!
Smarthomes can
- play music
- turn on the tv
- record your DVR
- lock your door
- survey the room
- draw the shades
- turn lights on and off
- adjust the thermostat
- order groceries
- and so, so so much more!
We hope you will enjoy the rest of your holiday season and remember to call us if you need help linking all your gadgets!
Remember; URC and Strand Security are like PB & J.
Professional URC Total Control (Smart Home) Installation!
What Is Currently Powering Your SmartHome?
Many of us love technology! Some of us hate it.
Those who love it get the latest and greatest gadgets when they are released and want an upgrade after upgrade after upgrade.
(if you are THAT iPhone user who gets the next phone the day it’s released, raise your virtual hand )
Each year millions, upon millions of electronics are sold.
You can buy a system to
- alarm your home
- monitor your cameras
- light your rooms
- stream shows and films
- draw your shades
- pump music through your home
- lock your doors
and so much more.
How Many Remotes Do You Own?
One way to find out how many systems you have is to count your remotes!
That is if you aren’t already using a universal remote.
So how many different systems do you own in your home, in your business?
Wouldn’t it be cool if they all could talk to each other?
Wouldn’t it be amazing if you only had one point of contact for all those systems?
Wouldn’t it save your time, hassle and headache if you could control your WHOLE HOME form one point of contact?
Look no more, the future is here!
URC Smarthome Premium Whole-House Automation and Control
What is URC? Not sure what URC can do for your home?
(Make sure to watch the videos in that article!)
The best part about URC – we believe – is total integration with 1000s of other brands!
- Do you already have a SONOS surround-sound system? Yes, URC works with SONOS.
- Have you recently had a Home Theater installed? URC can integrate with your current system.
- Are you hiring in-home help and want to add cameras to your alarm system to keep an eye on what’s going on at home? URC will integrate and you can watch the cameras on the same device.
In essence, just about any system on the planet will integrate with URC – and take a look at the premium control devices. Slick right?!
For a full list of integration partners, click here.
URC Installation; The Easiest Way to Gain a Smarthome!
URC installation is as easy as 1-2-3!
All you need to get this in your home…
1.
and this…
2.
is THIS; the Strand Security TEAM!
3.
What’s not to love about that!
Myrtle Beach’s Favorite Smarthome Installation Team!
Strand Security prides itself on staying ahead of the competition by offering its customers the latest and best technology for their home and business.
In this industry, things change often, fast and furious!
Brands change, technology changes, products are updated and new features are added. We proudly stand by every product we offer and every system we install.
Let our team help you enter the year 2020 with a Smarthome that will hard work for you every single day.
Three Tech Gadget Gift Ideas for Dad
The 2019 Holiday Season is Here!
Whether you are ready or not, the 2019 holiday season is here.
- Christmas music is playing.
- Holiday parties are happening.
- Black Friday deals are being offered.
and people are shopping!
Some of us prefer to shop in-person, others do all their holiday shopping online.
Some of us like to support local businesses, others buy from Amazon all day long.
Some of us shop early, others are last-minute shoppers who complete their last purchase on Christmas eve.
Some of us have a list, will check it twice and then are done. Others have it a lot harder.
Holiday Shopping for Those Hard to Buy For Relatives
No matter what type of shopper you are, most of us have a ‘problem shopper’ to buy for.
That one family member who either ‘has it all’ or ‘likes nothing we give’.
Male or female, old or young, there is always someone you dread buying for, right?!
We KNOW many of us turn to good-old Google to find gift ideas for those we don’t know what to buy for. We get it! We have done the same thing.
Today we’d like to share with you this cool Gift idea list for Dads!
Three Tech Gadget Holiday Gift Ideas for Dad
1. Universal Remote
What is a universal remote? Check this out!
Never look for another remote in your home again. Dad will love it. You will love it. The whole family will love it.
And if you purchase your Universal Remote from Strand Security, we will give you the best deal ever on programming your new remote!
2. SONOS Speakers
Does dad shush the rest of the family when the big game is on?
Do you love big parties?
Does dad love to watch sports so much he needs to watch it everywhere in the house?
SONOS speakers will bring the game to him no matter where he is, including outside, in the attic or in the home theater! SONES speakers will assure you and your guests will have music anywhere in your home.
3. URC Smarthome Technology
URC smarthome technology lets every single gadget currently in your home, along with any new gadget dad collects going forwards communicate and be controlled from ONE premium control device of your choice!
Say what?
Yes!
URC is PERFECT for the dad who has everything, loves gadgets and technology and wants the latest and greatest, the best of the best technology has to offer. Basically, if the dad in your life wants to brag to his buddies about all the gadgets he has and how they talk to each other, he needs URC.
URC is seriously mind-blowing, the latest in smarthome technology and the best on the market!
You Give The Gift, We Do The Install
The worst part of giving dad technology gifts is the time it takes him to set up the systems.
The best part of giving technology gifts purchased form Strand Security is that we take care of all that for you – and dad!
Stop by our office to demo our products, purchase speakers, a remote or learn more about URC! We are a locally owned and operated, small business; we are here to support our customers.
Want a Smart Home? Check Out URC for Integration Options!
A Smart Home To Take You Into 2020!
As 2020 draws near, we at Strand Security are excited to introduce you to the next generation of Smart Homes!
Before we do, let’s talk a bit more about Smart Homes and what they can do.
Any home can be a Smart Home, whether it’s a studio, a condo, a townhome, or a mansion. It’s the powerful connections that make it smart!
The powerful connections being internal connections within the home to automate daily tasks like
- locking and unlocking doors
- setting alarms
- turning music on and off
- turning lights on and off
- drawing shades
- setting the thermostat
- and so much more!
At Strand Security, we strive to always offer the latest technology, the most sought-after brands, and the best value! In our search for the best we can offer our customers, we landed on URC.
Who or What Is URC?
URC stands for Universal remote Control.
URC is the ultimate smart automation & control system for you to experience premium control & automation for your home or business
URC Total Control 2.0 smart automation & control system features unprecedented ease of use with high-quality control devices, amazing custom GUIs, powerful system processors, and rock-solid performance.
URC comes with premium control devices, making integration easy, even those who are technology challenged.
How Smart Can Your Home Get?
It’s amazing how smart your home can get with URC.
We have been amazed by the integration possibilities!
Take a look at this list of partners!
Do you already own products by
- SONOS
- Vizio
- Amazon Alexa
- Google Home
- ONKYO
- Honeywell
- BOSE
- Dish
- Panasonic
- Sharp
- Zwave
just to name SOME of the integration possibilities!
Imagine it…
URC in action! Smart Home Demo Videos
Peace of mind for parents!
For those who like to be in control of everything!
For those with nosy neighbors!
For those who own a business!
Making Your Home a Smart Home With Strand Security and URC
If you are as excited about the possibilities as we are, give us a call!
We’d love to hear
- what brands you love
- products you currently have in your home or business
- what you want to automate
and together with URC technology, we will make a plan of action to take you into 2020!
Why Zwave is the Best Home Automation your Money Can Buy
What Exactly is Zwave Home Automation?
Zwave home automation is a way to transform any home into a smarthome!
You can use Zwave for your home, but don’t forget, Zwave can also work for your business!
Zwave can take over reoccurring daily tasks like
- turning lights on and off
- locking and unlocking doors
- drawing window shades
- adjusting thermostats
Zwave is world-standard wireless technology that lets all your electronics devices talk to each other and to you via remote control!
How Smart Can Your Home Get with Zwave Home Automation?
How smart is Zwave?
Pretty darn smart, even if we say so ourselves!
Zwave control can be added to just about anything electronic in your home, even devices that you would not think of as intelligent.
By utilizing Zwave, you unify all your home electronics into an integrated wireless network without any complicated programming and no new cables. Any Zwave enabled device can be added to your existing network and many non-Zwave devices can be made compatible simply by plugging it into a Zwave accessory module.
Zwave Home Automation is Easy To Set Up!
Zwave control is easily added to almost any device.
As stated before, simply plug your device of choice into a Zwave module and ‘join’ it to your Zwave network.
You can add as many devices as you need.
Zwave can be added to one device, a whole room, a floor or an entire home!
Zwave Home Automation is Easy To Use!
Unlike whole-home control systems, no special wiring is needed to utilize Zwave. If you are handy and have tackled DIY projects before, installing Zwave should be an easy task. Of course, we at Strand Security understand that even if you can do it, sometimes you don’t have the time to do it.
No worries.
Our crew can set up your Zwave systems for you, saving you time and possibly a bit of frustration and some stress.
Zwave does ‘the thinking’ for you!
It understands the present status of any enabled device and gives you confirmation that your devices have received the automatic or manual commands you want!
Zwave Home Automation is Affordable
Because there is no special wiring needed and Zwave can be installed by a do-it-yourselfer, Zwave remains affordable.
Last but not least, Zwave is brand-agnostic.
What that means is that you, the consumer, are not stuck having to buy from just one manufacturer or supplier.
Ready to Move Forward with Zwave? Request a Demo!
We have Zwave in our showroom, feel free to stop by to see us in Murrells Inlet anytime you are in the area.
While you are visiting, ask about other demos including
✔️ Sonos
✔️ Honeywell
and more!
We are located at 11810 Frontage Rd. Unit 10 in Murrells Inlet!
Introducing the Honeywell Smart Home Security System!
Amazon Alexa™ and Honeywell Have Teamed Up!
This could very well be one of the most in-demand holiday gifts for 2018! You heard it here, alright? 😉
Honeywell and Amazon Alexa™ have teamed up to give you the best of home security and technology; introducing one smart system called the Honeywell Smart Home Security System!
This is great for any homeowner, on the Grand Strand, or elsewhere!
Is The Honeywell Smart Home Security System Right For You?
To find out if the Honeywell Smart Home (Security) System is right for you, watch this video.
We find it super exciting to see an amazing brand we love, use and recommend to our customers here at Strand Security aka Honeywell, move forward with a partnership of this magnitude, with Amazon Alexa™, and serve their customers even better!
The Honeywell Smart Home Security System is an all-in-one home security system that is expandable to fit your life and home, now and in the future. Easy to set up, use and featuring Amazon Alexa™ built in it sends smart alerts to your mobile device.
How is this different from Honeywell Total Connect?
“Security just got smarter”
The all-in-one system with facial recognition and Amazon Alexa™ built-in sends smart alerts to your mobile device. Easy to set up and use, it grows with your needs thanks to a range of sensors and services.
Making Your Home a Honeywell Smart Home!
Whether your home is large, medium or you live in an apartment; your home can be a Smart Home too!
The same protection and security features, now linked with Amazon Alexa™ to make your home smart and interactive!
Exciting Honeywell Smart Home Security Features!
The new Honeywell Smart Home Security System starts with the purchase and installation of a camera base station.
Additional accessories to enhance the system include
- indoor motion viewer
- outdoor motion viewer
- motion sensor
- access sensor
- key fob
The best part about this new system?
You can control it all with the Honeywell Home app!
Get it for your Apple Devices here.
Get is for your Android Devices here.
One place, one app.
Everyone in your family has access and full control over your safety and security, in real time.
Strand Security and Honeywell Smart Home Security
We understand that some of our customers will be able to set up and install the Honeywell Smart Home System on their own.
However, we wanted to make sure that you know that we offer installation of the Honeywell Smart Home System and help with integrating it with your current home alarm system.
Why struggle with the set up if we can do it effortlessly, right?
For those who choose to ask for help with set up and installation, we will make sure you receive a demo and understand how your Honeywell Smart Home works before we leave.
We want to make sure you understand your system and know how to operate it!
Give us a call to purchase a system, or to ask for installation and set up if you already have a system but need help.
Learn More About Wireless Security
What is Wireless Security?
Wireless security is exactly what it may sound like to you.
It’s a way to connect your security system in such a way that’s it is… wireless.
In a few simple words, a basic home wireless network means connecting an internet access point, such as a cable from your internet service provider, to a (wireless) router in order to allow multiple devices to connect to the network very quickly.
Now whether you live in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina or elsewhere, we are certain you have access to WiFi.
Using a wireless system, you can turn your home into a Smarthome!
Let’s explore why a wireless security system might be the best next step for your home or business.
Is Wireless Security Better Than Wired Security?
This is a loaded question, for sure!
Hardwired alarm systems may have an edge on reliability, while wireless systems provide a more streamlined installation and can be used in places where wired systems can’t.
“Wireless vs. wired security” refers to two different parts of the security system.
The network of sensors, plus the control panel, make up a self-contained system that may be wired or wireless. Then there’s also the way that this security system connects to the outside world; like sending alerts to a remote monitoring center or receiving commands from your cell phone.
If your home does not have a security system pre-installed, wireless systems can solve several problems. You won’t have to worry about drilling holes or other modifications, making wireless an more attractive option for renters, historic homes, or buildings with significant interior brick, stone or marble construction. Renters or homeowners who change residence will also be able to take advantage of the portability of most wireless systems-simply disconnect and reconnect at your new address.
Is A Wireless Security System Right for Me?
Let’s look at when a wireless security system might be what makes the most sense for you, making it the best choice for your home and business.
- Renters or homeowners who change residence will be able to take advantage of the portability of most wireless systems-simply disconnect and reconnect at your new address.
- Homes without a wired pre-installed security system; wireless systems can solve several problems including drilling holes and wiring issues.
- Older homes and those with significant interior brick, stone or marble construction.
When Does a Wired Security System Make More Sense?
There are several situations when it makes more sense to have a wired system.
- When absolute reliability is a must
- Purchasing a home which is pre-wired for a security system makes installing a wired system extremely easy and often more economical
Your Local Security Company Can Best Advice You!
May we suggest you talk to your local security company and ask them to come out to speak with you regarding your security system options. Whether you decide on a hardwired system, or you are set on a wireless system, know that Strand Security of Murrells Inlet will stand with your decision and offer the best installation pricing and the best customer service at all times.
When you are ready, give us a call!
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