Entries by Brendon Reid

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Clever Work-From-Home Office Spaces

A slick WFH space requires robust and reliable technology to provide flexibility, deliver reduced complexity and organisational functionality making all the difference to your productivity. Here are a few ideas to get you started on creating the perfect work-from-home office space… Seamless videoconferencing forms the backbone of your WFH office and crisp, high-quality audio and […]

Conserve Energy When the Office is Empty

Automation Associates has developed a lockdown-proof thermostat for Commercial spaces. Traditional HVAC systems rely on 7-day timeclocks or programmable thermostats, however during holidays or Lockdowns (when your staff are sent home for a month) HVAC systems continue to run, wasting an enormous amount of energy. Our Energy Conservation System is based on information from occupancy […]

Get the Best from Zoom – Webinar

How to get the best use from Zoom in the hybrid workplace during and after COVID-19 lockdown. Click play to view the webinar with Jaron Burbidge from Zoom.  He shares his experience and know-how to give you inspiration and ideas on how to improve your hybrid workplace communications.  Find out tips and tricks, how-to and […]

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Home Automation Webinar. Expert advice

Click play to view the webinar where our friendly experts share their experience and know-how to give you inspiration and ideas to guide your smart home decisions.   Call 09 377 3778 or email advice@aa.net.nz to get in touch with one of team.  

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Smart Home Issues

Kiwis have a real “can do” attitude and our number 8 wire mentality has seen a lot of creativity spawn new products in the NZ Home Automation industry. Clever Kiwi inventors have created products such as Smart Wires, (also known as Eboss) Kristal based in Auckland and recently Ata Touch from Hamilton –  even Cbus […]

Media Room vs Home Theatre

A Home Theatre is a dedicated space where you go to watch TV, Movies or for Gaming, a Media Room is a general purpose social space that has an entertainment system within it. So, how do you decide which one is right for you…. The primary design driver behind a Home Theatre (also known as […]

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The Evolution of Voice Control

The once gimmicky voice control is making technological leaps and bounds and global purchases of voice control devices grew by close to 30% in 2019 due partly in response to COVID-19 as a way to avoid contact with high-touch surfaces such as smartphones, TV remotes, light switches and thermostats.  Lower touch of keypads through voice […]

Where is the Whiteboard in Teams?

Looking for the Whiteboard in Microsoft Teams?  It is the unmissable bright blue icon on the right of the SHARE page. Click the grey TEAMS bar at the bottom of the page when in a meeting, click the Share Button (box with the up arrow in it) and look over to the right.     […]

Wi-Fi 6 – Faster Wi-Fi is Here!

Faster Wi-Fi is here and its name is Wi-Fi 6. For those of us who have been using Wi-Fi technology since ’98 you may be familiar with 802.11b,a,g,n & ac with speeds up to 3.5gbps.  The new Wi-Fi 6 standard brings us 9.6gbps but that’s not all, Wi-Fi 6 also promises better connectivity, more simultaneous […]

Faulty C-BUS System?

I talk to a lot of people who have been struggling with an ailing C-BUS system.  Common issues are lights not working, touchscreens that have died or erratic operation.  If you are suffering with a faulty system we can help! Clipsal C-BUS or C-BUS2 systems can be directly replaced with the Vantage Equinox System which […]

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Virtual Classroom

When distance learning was first introduced it was forward thinking in a paper-based environment but the most important parts of education and learning were lost; The formation of relationships Collaboration between educators and students Collaboration between students Engagement, person to person In today’s digital age, technology is a tool which can dramatically improve the distance […]

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Internet of Things Fatigue

“Hello there, is this Gordon’s Pizza?” “No sir, it’s Google’s Pizza.” “I must have dialed a wrong number, sorry.” “No sir, this is the correct number, Google bought Gordon’s Pizza last month.” “Oh!  Okay then, I’d like to order a pizza.” “Do you want your usual, sir?” “My usual? You know me?” “According to your […]

Circadian Lighting

The concept of circadian lighting follows that of the human circadian rhythm, a 24-hour internal clock. The area of the brain called the hypothalamus controls each person’s circadian rhythm by receiving signals from the eyes that report when it’s daytime and night time. The hypothalamus, in turn, controls the amount of melatonin released to correlate […]

Internet of Things (IoT) Explained

What is IoT? Until about 8 years ago, the only things that had Ethernet jacks or Wi-Fi in them were computers, so in those days it was an “Internet of Computers”.  I like to call this IoC. Now, just about every other electronic “thing” can be connected to the internet via Ethernet or Wi-Fi hence the […]

Noticed your LED lights flickering intermittently?

Have you noticed your LED lights flickering intermittently around the same time of day?  You may be being affected by ripple control. Ripple control is when your power company is managing the electrical load on the network.  Control signals are sent from the power company which switch off devices, such as hot water cylinders and […]

Why use an AV Installer?

Find out why you might consider using a specialist AV Installer over an Electrician. Over the years, members of my sales team have come to me and said things like “I just lost this job to a sparkie who quoted it for 3/4 of our price”.  I give them a cuddle, tell them its OK and […]

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Voice Control. When will it not be crap?

Voice control has been around for 20 years, but it’s always been frustrating to use.  I wish it would hurry up and work because there’s some stuff I need it to do. Back in the days when your car ignition key actually went into your ignition at least you always knew where your remote control […]

Sound Bars – how wrong I was.

Now and again I get to have a root around in the R&D labs of obscure Chinese factories. The sales manager is holding out a piece of kit “we are developing this for the (insert continent here) market, what do you think?” Most of the gear I see is a rework on an existing concept […]

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Use the right tool for the job

We love sparkies, we do.  They are great for power points and light switches and meter boards and finding why the breaker to the fridge trips from time to time but there are some things that you are better off getting an AV professional to do. The picture above is a classic example from a large […]

Rogue tradies: Building products probed

Dodgy imported products are being found on building sites across Auckland, including electrical wiring, toughened safety glass shower doors and roofing tiles. In the most recent cases, three homes had to be rewired and another eight were retiled after building inspectors uncovered materials that were not up to code. The problems come as a severe […]

Retro-fitting smart technology

Ray White talks to Automation Associates about seamlessly retrofitting the latest smart technology into older-style homes.   RW: What’s happening in the land of technology for people renovating their bungalow or villa? AA:  A lot is going on at the moment, we are asked to price an automation or AV system about once a week by […]

Do you need your Kristil system fixed?

Kristil is no longer manufactured and parts for Kristil systems are nearly impossible to come by but we can help! We have replaced many Kristil systems with the Vantage Equinox System http://www.vantagecontrols.com/learn/product-overview.aspx which runs over the existing Kristil wiring. The keypads will get a stylish update and you will be able to control your system from […]

Virtual Reality and Automation

Virtual reality is rapidly entering the marketplace, with technological improvements over the past few years increasing quality while driving down costs. For as little as $15, someone can enjoy VR using their smartphone with the Google Cardboard. Like automated systems, virtual reality is enabling business around the world to transform their practices. The two technologies […]

How to Be Commercially Savvy with Automation

Smart, well-designed workplaces create a more dynamic and appealing environment for staff, partners and clients. Automation systems can make your company more commercially savvy by making use of the latest technologies boost productivity and impress anyone your company deals with. With so many technological advancements at our fingertips, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t make […]

Secure your building site from theft

On the 7th of March 2017 www.stuff.co.nz reporter Denise Piper penned the following article Everything but kitchen sink stolen from building sites on Auckland’s North Shore telling of  tools, building materials – even furniture – having been stolen from building sites and show homes on Auckland’s North Shore. Brendon Reid, Managing Director at Automation Associates says “With thefts […]

Automation Technology and Business Growth

Savvy business owners are constantly thinking about new ways technology can foster growth. Automated systems help businesses reduce costs and transform operational practices, offering opportunities for future development. The extent to which you can benefit from automation depends on how robust an implemented system is. But how specifically can automated systems drive business growth? Rather […]

Renovating? Now’s the Time to Consider Home Automation

Home automation systems integrate smart appliances and other electrical systems in your home. You can control the operation of these appliances, home alarms, blinds, and lights with the touch of a button. Although you can install home automation systems at any time, the best time is when your home is under renovation. Installation of a Home […]

How to Effectively Light Up your Home

Lights play an important role in the creation of ambient living spaces. With the wrong lighting in place, your home could either look dull and uninviting or extremely bright and disturbing. To get the right balance of colour, contrast, and brightness you need to keep a few things in mind. Tips for Lighting Up your […]

Secure Your Home with Home Automation

Home automation is the term used to describe technology that integrates all devices and appliances on residential and commercial premises. Although home automation has been around for several decades, the newer systems come with advanced features that make life easy. You can use home automation to control cooking appliances or heating and cooling systems. You […]

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Your Home and Garden gets real with Automation Associates

NZYH&G: So, what is a Smart Home? AA: Home automation, integrated building technology or smart homes are umbrella terms for residential or commercial premises that mean different things depending on your budget, but loosely describe a combination of multi-room audio and visual, lighting control via a touch screen (or mobile device), structured cabling for phone […]

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Cool Home Theatre Ideas

Love watching movies? Most of us do. Imagine coming back home to your own luxury home theatre room with sophisticated design and high-end technology. A room with automated lights, blinds, temperature control settings and great sound. If you fancy your very own plush home theatre retreat, take a look at our ideas that are sure […]

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Check your contractors creds

Today the Herald has reported 2 cases of men carrying out electrical work that they were unauthorised to do.  This serves as a timely reminder to always check the credential of your contractors.  In this case the resulting work was deficient, potentially dangerous, non-compliant and safety issues were found. “For safety reasons, only licensed electrical […]

The benefits of home automation

We live in a fast-paced world and it’s becoming increasingly challenging to remain in control of everything. Home automation systems give you the opportunity to stay in control. You can be in two places at the same time or even make coffee from your bed. Sounds strange? Let us explain. What is Home Automation? Home […]

The Latest in Automation

Home automation suppliers come out with new products that feature advanced technologies all the time. These products are simple to use, they’re convenient, and they increase the value of your property. Whether you want to wirelessly control appliances in your home or install a home security device, there are numerous systems to choose from. Let’s take […]

AA Commercial Testimonial

This AA Commercial Testimonial from one of our happy commercial clients… We engaged Automation Associates in May 2014 to help us with our audio visual needs for our new office in Christchurch. It was a collaborative process and we worked closely on the project with Dean Murrell of AA in Christchurch. We outlined: • what […]

What is Automation?

Home automation, integrated building technology and smart homes Home automation, integrated building technology or smart homes are umbrella terms for residential or commercial premises that mean different things depending on your budget, but loosely describe a combination of multi-room audio and visual, lighting control via a touch screen (or mobile device), structured cabling for phone […]

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Crestron Pyng

Crestron Pyng Crestron Pyng ™ now enables set up and control of whole home audio distribution systems and touch screen integration right from the iPad®. Plus, the app makes smart homes even smarter by learning how the home is actually used. The data is collected in the cloud and graphically displayed on the iPad app. […]

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Slow food – High tech entertaining

Entertaining accentuated with automation You’ve no doubt have heard of slow food, the concept of entertaining mates, spending the afternoon cooking together, the actual meal just a part of the fun of the whole process. We recently had a few friends around with their shiny new pasta machine, you know the ones, looking like a stainless […]

What is Home Automation?

What is Home Automation? Home automation is the residential extension of building automation. It is automation of the home, housework or household activity. Home automation may include centralized control of lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), appliances, security locks of gates and doors and other systems, to provide improved convenience, comfort, energy efficiency and […]

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4K TV – Don’t Do It (Right Now)!

To 4K TV or not to 4K TV? It’s a case of caveat emptor on 4K TV right now. NZ will see HDMI HDCP 2.2 later in the year but it is very important to note that very few manufacturers advertising 4K on their screens are actually HDCP2.2 compliant, and those that are often only activate […]

HDCP 2.2 issues with 4K/UHD content

Potential issues with HDMI and HDCP 2.2 connectivity with upcoming 4K/UHD content HDCP (high bandwidth digital content protection) is embedded into high definition content, created by content developers (e.g Hollywood) to help ensure content can only be sent and received by approved products from approved manufactures. This prevents an unapproved company producing a ‘e.g blu-ray […]