frequently asked questions
Q: A big telecommunications provider is now offering fiber optic internet service in our area. Should I switch my internet service from the cable company to this telecommunications company?
A: NO. There are several reasons NOT to switch, and we would be happy to discuss these with you over the phone. Here are just a few...
A: NO. There are several reasons NOT to switch, and we would be happy to discuss these with you over the phone. Here are just a few...
- This provider advertises that their speed is faster than the local cable company, but in reality it is not. The difference is negligible at best.
- This provider's on-site service is slow in our area. In many instances, when fiber optic cabling is laid to your home, the cabling is damaged when a third party comes to bury it in your yard a week or so later. The damage results in instant loss of service. The technicians to correct this issue are all located hours away, meaning you will have to wait days or weeks to have your internet restored.
- Local cable on-site service is much better. They have technicians locally and are very responsive to outages and other issues, often getting those resolved the same day.
Q: Why should I choose home security with RF Designs over a less-expensive Do-It-Yourself company?
A: Aside from the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your house is being monitored 24/7 by local professionals, there are a number of factors that separate us from the DIY companies.
A: Aside from the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your house is being monitored 24/7 by local professionals, there are a number of factors that separate us from the DIY companies.
- These companies advertise that the communication to their central station is instant compared to traditional systems – this is misleading. Any system that uses a cellular communicator has an instant connection to the central station. A cellular communicator comes standard with an RF Designs system, unless YOU choose to have your home security system run through your landline.
- DIY systems are not capable of integration with other Home Automation technology – that means you cannot use the same app to control your cameras, door locks, thermostat, lighting, etc. RF Designs provides expandable systems that can control additional areas of your home from the same easy-to-use app.
- What do you do when you have a problem? These companies have no one to help you or service your system. RF Designs has a 24 hour technician on call to help with any issues you have with your system.
- There are nuances to how an alarm system is installed that these companies do not help you with. False alarms are common when door contacts and motion sensors are not properly installed, which is a common complaint about DIY systems. Our qualified technicians are trained to accurately install home security systems and are well-versed in the nuances of that DIY companies cannot fully communicate to consumers.
- You get what you pay for.
Q: What Size TV Should I Buy?
A: There are lots of things to consider when purchasing a new TV. Three of the most important considerations are Size, Viewing Distance, and Screen Size vs. Picture Quality.
A: There are lots of things to consider when purchasing a new TV. Three of the most important considerations are Size, Viewing Distance, and Screen Size vs. Picture Quality.
- Size - Bigger is not always better. First things first, you will need a TV that will fit in the area you have chosen for its location. Decide where you want it, then measure the height, width, and depth of that spot, taking into account any limitations due to the size of an entertainment center or space on a wall. When you are shopping for your TV, compare those measurements with the actual dimensions of the TV - NOT the screen size. If you are using the TV stand that comes with the TV instead of the wall mount, make sure you take that into consideration when measuring.
- Viewing Distance - A reliable way to determine viewing distance is how far the TV is from the spot in the room where you normally watch TV. An easy-to-use formula for this is Viewing distance (in inches) divided by 3 = recommended TV size. So, if you're usually 10 feet from the screen, that's 120 inches. Divide 120 inches by 3 and the recommended screen size is 40 inches.
- Picture Quality vs. TV Size - While your first inclination may be to buy the biggest TV you can afford, you may be sacrificing picture quality as a result. A balance of screen size and picture quality tends to get you the best picture for your buck and makes for long-term satisfaction with your TV purchase.
Q: What is Home Automation and how is it beneficial?
A: Home Automation utilizes technology to control home functions and features automatically from a simple interface that can be accessed in your home or on your smart phone. Home Automation can control many home functions or just a few based on your personal preferences. Some of the functions that home automation can control include:
A: Home Automation utilizes technology to control home functions and features automatically from a simple interface that can be accessed in your home or on your smart phone. Home Automation can control many home functions or just a few based on your personal preferences. Some of the functions that home automation can control include:
- Door Locks
- Thermostat/ Home Comfort System
- Shades and Drapes
- Electronics, including TVs, sound systems, kitchen appliances, bathroom appliances, etc.
- Interior and exterior lighting
- Home Security System
- And more!
Q: What is the difference between a Home Theater and a Media Room
A: A Home Theater is more a like a movie theater experience - darkened room, a movie or tv projected onto a big screen, surround sound, and you can even get comfortable movie theater chairs! A Media Room is more of a multipurpose space outfitted with a large TV or screen and projector system, sound system, games, couches, etc. This type of room is ideal for families who want a room to relax in, watch the game, have a pool table or other gaming table, and utilize for a variety of reasons. A Media Room set up often is ideal for a Man Cave.
A: A Home Theater is more a like a movie theater experience - darkened room, a movie or tv projected onto a big screen, surround sound, and you can even get comfortable movie theater chairs! A Media Room is more of a multipurpose space outfitted with a large TV or screen and projector system, sound system, games, couches, etc. This type of room is ideal for families who want a room to relax in, watch the game, have a pool table or other gaming table, and utilize for a variety of reasons. A Media Room set up often is ideal for a Man Cave.
Q: Do Fake Security Cameras really protect my home from burglaries?
A: Maybe, but much of that depends on the burglar. A novice may be easily spooked by the $20 camera shell on your front porch, but experienced criminals can spot a fake from a mile away. While this cheap fix might work in certain instances, there are several things that real surveillance cameras can do that make them worth the price of admission, like:
A: Maybe, but much of that depends on the burglar. A novice may be easily spooked by the $20 camera shell on your front porch, but experienced criminals can spot a fake from a mile away. While this cheap fix might work in certain instances, there are several things that real surveillance cameras can do that make them worth the price of admission, like:
- Real Cameras can show you important activity at your home or business
- Real Cameras can actually help you catch a crook
- Real Cameras are connected to your Smart Home Security System, which is professionally monitored, 24/7, 365 days a year
