Get instant alerts when packages arrive through your video doorbell
Create temporary access codes for delivery drivers
Monitor your entryway in real-time through your smartphone
Supercharge Your Holiday Kitchen
Let smart devices help with holiday meal prep:
Set multiple voice-activated timers for different dishes
Schedule your coffee maker to start brewing before guests arrive
Monitor your holiday roast remotely using WiFi-enabled appliances
Display multiple recipes at once on smart screens
Save Energy While Staying Cozy
Manage your home’s temperature intelligently during holiday gatherings:
Program your thermostat to warm up before guests arrive
Automatically cool down when cooking starts and crowds gather
Set different temperatures for occupied and empty rooms
Save money by automating temperature adjustments throughout the day
Add Voice-Controlled Magic
Create fun holiday routines with voice commands:
Set up a “Movie Time” command that dims lights and turns on the tree
Play holiday sound effects during story time
Start holiday trivia games for kids
Control all your decorations with simple voice instructions
Schedule Your Holiday Magic
Let automation handle the timing of your holiday features:
Schedule outdoor lights to match sunset and sunrise
Program the Christmas tree to light up before early morning present opening
Create different lighting scenes for various holiday activities
Set up countdowns to special holiday events
Pro Tips for Success
Start small with these helpful guidelines:
Begin with one or two automation features that excite you most
Test your automation routines before holiday gatherings
Keep your automation simple enough for all family members to use
Remember: The best holiday automations are the ones that reduce your stress while maximizing the magic. Each bullet point above represents a chance to make your holidays more enjoyable and memorable. Start with what works for your family and build from there!
Remember when smart homes were just about lights turning on with a timer? Those days are gone. Today, artificial intelligence (AI) is changing our homes in ways that make life easier, safer, and more comfortable. At OneTouch House, we’re seeing how AI is making homes work better for the people who live in them.
Our goal is to create truly intelligent homes that simplify your daily life, remove the complicated and frustrating aspects of technology from your home, and create a luxurious and enjoyable environment for your and your famiy.
Smart Homes: Then and Now
In the past, smart homes were pretty basic. You could set your thermostat to change at certain times or have your lights turn on at sunset. These features were helpful, but they couldn’t adjust to your changing needs.
Now, with AI, your home can actually learn from you. Instead of just following set rules, it figures out what you like and adapts to your lifestyle. This is the difference between pre-programming a set of instructions and having your adapt intelligently to how you live.
Virtual Assistants vs. Actual AI
We saw the introduction of virtual assistants (Alexa, Google Assistant) a number of years ago. While not perfect, there were some genuinely helpful use cases such as hands-free commands to various devices around your home.
This is not what we’re referring to. We’re referring to AI systems that can operate semi-autonomously. They can learn from your instruction and then begin to integrate themselves seamlessly into your environment.
These systems use various technologies such as:
Cameras (computer vision)
Motion sensors
Natural language processing (large language models)
Door and window sensors
Cybersecurity systems to detect unusual activity on a network
Thermostat and hygrometers to measure unusual temperature and humidity levels to detect water leaks and/or open doors/windows.
What AI Can Do for Your Home
Makes Your Home More Comfortable
Your AI-powered home pays attention to how you live. It learns that you might like your bedroom cool at night or that you usually get home from work at 6 PM and want the house warm in winter. After a while, it starts making these changes on its own – no programming needed.
Saves Money on Energy Bills
AI is smart about saving energy. It can:
Turn off lights in empty rooms
Adjust heating and cooling based on the weather forecast
Run your dishwasher and other appliances when electricity rates are lowest
Keeps Your Home Safer
Today’s AI security systems are much smarter than old-school alarms. They can:
Tell the difference between family members and strangers
Spot unusual activity around your house
Notice when something doesn’t look right and alert you right away
Catches Problems Early
One of the best things about AI is how it can spot problems before they become serious. It might notice that your furnace isn’t working as well as it should or that your water heater needs a check-up or may be leaking. This helps you fix small issues before they turn into big, expensive problems.
What’s Coming Next
AI keeps getting better, and so do smart homes. Soon, you’ll be able to talk to your house as naturally as you talk to a person. Your home will understand your habits even better and make smarter decisions to help you.
Why Choose a Smart Home?
When you’re thinking about making your home smarter, it’s important to work with people who know what they’re doing. At OneTouch House, we know how to blend the latest AI technology with systems that are easy to use. We make sure your smart home works for you and your family.
Smart homes aren’t just about having cool gadgets anymore. With AI, your home becomes an intelligent helper that knows what you need and makes your life easier every day.
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Want to see learn more about AI and home automation technology? Get in touch with OneTouch House today. We’ll show you how we can make your home smarter, more efficient, and perfectly matched to how you live.
Revolutionizing Employee Wellness with a Cinema-Grade Theatre Powered by StormAudio
At OneTouch House, we believe in crafting extraordinary experiences that go beyond expectations, and our latest corporate cinema project is a testament to that commitment. Partnering with Plexxis Software, we transformed their newly reconstructed headquarters into a space that redefines employee wellness—a stunning 19,000-square-foot, 47-seat theatre designed to rival the best commercial cinemas.
Plexxis Software envisioned more than just a workplace; they sought to create a hub where productivity meets relaxation and entertainment. “They wanted their employees to feel the same thrill and immersion as they would at a top-tier movie theatre, but with the added convenience of enjoying it right at work,” said our team at OneTouch House. With events and movie nights regularly scheduled, Plexxis has turned their office into a true destination for innovation, collaboration, and employee satisfaction.
Our approach to this project was nothing short of ambitious. To meet the high-performance standards necessary for such a unique cinema, we pushed beyond the limits of traditional AV systems and delved into gear that would deliver both superior sound and visuals. The cornerstone of this setup? The StormAudio ISP Elite MK3 processor, a powerhouse designed for audiophile-grade performance and the complex soundscapes required by the theatre’s advanced 7.6.4 Dolby Atmos surround-sound configuration.
The StormAudio processor’s support for Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI) was a game-changer. Not only did it seamlessly integrate with the Barco projector for stunning visuals, but it also unlocked exclusive access to first-run movies through the Bel Air Circuit movie service, allowing Plexxis employees to enjoy premieres on the same day as their commercial release.
This achievement wasn’t without challenges. Finding a solution to process audio from the projector’s DCI-enabled engine required extensive research. StormAudio emerged as the perfect fit. “We were pulling our hair out trying to find a solution,” remarked our team. “StormAudio came through with a processor that exceeded expectations and met every performance requirement. It was the ultimate solution to a very technical problem.”
The success of this project was amplified by the outstanding support from StormAudio’s team, who remotely calibrated the system and streamlined the integration process. Their expertise allowed us to focus on delivering a theatre experience that perfectly aligns with Plexxis Software’s commitment to employee well-being.
The completed system is a marvel of innovation and craftsmanship, featuring:
A 26-foot-wide projection screen
PerListen Audio THX-certified speakers recessed for a seamless aesthetic
A Kaleidescape media server for unparalleled content quality
ATI amplifiers and a madVR video processor for premium performance
Customizable DMX LED lighting to set the perfect mood
This state-of-the-art theatre is more than just a workplace amenity—it’s a reflection of Plexxis Software’s dedication to creating an environment where employees feel valued and inspired. Alongside other amenities such as a gym, nap rooms, and gaming spaces, the theatre stands as the crown jewel, elevating employee wellness to new heights.
At OneTouch House, we pride ourselves on turning visions into reality. This project exemplifies our expertise in delivering world-class AV solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Together with Plexxis Software and StormAudio, we’ve set a new standard for what’s possible in workplace innovation.
At OneTouch House, we value the opportunity to give back to our community. This year, we are asking our clients, of which we are incredibly grateful, to help us deliver a little extra Christmas Cheer to families in need throughout our city.
OneTouch House is participating in our second annual Toy Drive for The Zone as part of the Christmas Giving Network.
Last year was an incredible success and it’s because of our generous community that we were able to deliver a little extra Christmas Cheer to families in need throughout our city.
OneTouch House is participating in our SECOND annual Toy Drive for CFAX Santa’s Anonymous.
We hope to continue the momentum, therefore, we are asking for donations of new, unwrapped and unused toys for children between the ages of 6-15.
Some examples may include:
Barbie dolls
Nerf toys
Transformers
Star Wars
LEGO
Duplo
Action figures
Hatchables
Board Games
Gift cards or movie vouchers are also welcome
Please no stuffed animals (due to COVID)
Please drop off items at our OneTouch House showroom at 3360 Tennyson Ave, Victoria
We can also pickup! Please contact us if you’d like to arrange a pickup of your donations.
We are accepting donations from November 14 to December 18, 2022.
Please visit our website at onetouchhouse.com or call us at 250-592-8125 to contact us if you have any questions.
At OneTouch House, we value the opportunity to give back to our community. This year, we are asking our clients and visitors to our site, of which we are incredibly grateful, to help us deliver a little extra Christmas Cheer to families in need throughout our city.
OneTouch House is participating in our first annual Toy Drive for CFAX Santa’s Anonymous.
We hope to make the toy drive a successful (and annual) event. Therefore, we are asking for donations of new, unwrapped and unused toys for children between the ages of 6-15.
Some examples may include:
Barbie dolls
Nerf toys
Transformers
Star Wars
LEGO
Duplo
Action figures
Hatchables
Board Games
Gift cards or movie vouchers are also welcome
Please no stuffed animals (due to COVID)
Please drop off items at our OneTouch House showroom at 3360 Tennyson Ave, Victoria
We can also pickup! Please contact us if you’d like to arrange a pickup of your donations.
We are accepting donations from November 15 to December 10, 2021.
Please visit our website at onetouchhouse.com or call us at 250-592-8125 to contact us if you have any questions.
Home automation has become incredibly popular in the past decade. The market is estimated to grow by 13% year over year until 2025, with total market revenue of $46.80 billion USB in 2017. By using a combination of networking hardware, software, and electronic devices, home automation, or “the smart home”, is designed to make your life simpler and more convenient.
Home Automation in Practice
It’s the morning and your alarm goes off to indicate it’s time to wake up. At that exact moment:
Your shades in your bedroom rise to let the sunlight stream into the room
Your morning playlist starts, in sync, on various speakers throughout the house
Your coffee starts brewing
The news starts playing on your TV in the kitchen
All of this happens before you even get out of bed. That’s life with home automation.
Why Savant?
Home automation isn’t about linking a bunch of gadgets to do complicated and random tasks – true home automation is about creating a seamless living experience to simplify your life. The devices are not pieced together haphazardly. They are integrated intelligently into your home and talk to each other to make sure they are all on the same page.
They can be displayed proudly throughout your home, or discreetly hidden so nobody would ever know they were there working hard behind the scenes.
Savant offers a wide variety of home automation products, including devices from other manufacturers that are considered part of the Smart Series. These products integrate nicely with Savant and can be completely controlled from within Savant’s ecosystem.
While Savant is generally on the higher-end when compared to other smart-home products such as Nest, Savant provides a higher tier of integration for a more cohesive and intelligent experience.
From home security to comfort to entertainment, home automation is a revolutionary new way to improve quality of life. It’s a new way of living.
Here are some of the ways that you can control your home at the touch of a button.
Security
Another scenario: you’ve left the house on a road trip and an hour into the drive you can’t remember whether you left the garage door open or not.
Conventionally, you may have to turn back or phone a neighbour to check on it.
With home automation, you can check right from your mobile device and close it remotely. Or better yet, you can have your house alert you when you leave a certain radius and close the garage door for you. Simple. Convenient.
Savant’s automation system integrates tightly with other elements of your home: your door locks, garage door, alarm system. All of these devices talk to each other and keep you informed of what’s going on at your home.
Some things you can do with a system like this:
Unlock your door from another city to let your family member in to check on your pets
Talk to a delivery driver and give them instructions on where to leave your package while you’re at work
Close your doors and window coverings, turn off your lights, and lock your doors with the push of one button
Use Savant’s lived-in setting to simulate someone living in your house while you’re away – turn on the lights and TV at random times
Comfort
Smart thermostats have been around for some time. They automatically adjust your room temperature to keep it consistent throughout the day.
But what if you wanted to take it a step further? What if you wanted your thermostat to adjust when you’re not home to conserve energy? Or you wanted your thermostat to control the temperature in a room only when it’s occupied?
With Savant, you can set up your home system to be tailored to your specific needs. It can also be controlled entirely from a mobile device, so you don’t even need to be home.
Improved bathroom technology also lets you control shower temperatures for different people in the household. The shower can be turned on remotely and the water set at the perfect temperature before you even get in.
Entertainment
Preset scenes are arguably one of the most used features of home automation. Connecting your TV with your light and sound system to create a simple, automated experience is one of the highlights of the smart home. This includes condensing 17 remotes into one, easy-to-use remote control by Savant.
The “Movie Night” scene can recline your seats, dim your lights, and play the movie – all with one button press (or even voice command).
Multi-room audio is also a widely used feature, with many customers requesting music be played throughout the home on various speakers (either in-wall or in-ceiling). The music can even emanate from outside with garden-installed speakers.
Energy Saving
Unused electronic devices or climate control systems that don’t adapt to the environment are some of the biggest energy wasters. Whether you are looking to reduce energy consumption, manage your water use, or keep the house cool in the most efficient way, home automation products, and their ever-improving efficiency solutions will provide an incredibly eco-friendly experience.
Some examples of this might include:
Your system knowing that rain is in the forecast so it will skip turning on the sprinklers while it’s raining, conserving water
Your shades can automatically close during the brightest and hottest parts of the day, helping keep your home cool without making your air conditioning system work overtime
Lights in the house turn off when noone is present, conserving energy (and the life of the light bulb)
Maintenance
Smart home technology is even built into modern appliances, such as washers, dryers, and ovens. These devices can alert you when they need some TLC or parts need servicing. This ensures you get the maximum life out of your expensive household items.
Insurance companies are also in favour of smart home technology, especially when you have leak and smoke detectors installed that proactively alert you of concerns within your home.
In Conclusion…
Smart home technology has improved dramatically over the past 10 years. With the emergence of new products, technology, and providers, the smart home will continue to revolutionize the way we view comfort and convenience in our day-to-day lives.
If you have any questions about how home automation can be included in your home, please contact us for more information!
The team at OneTouch House is proud to announce its newest partner, Dan Lockhart!
After joining the company in 2006 as a satellite installer, Dan has helped grow and shape the company through various roles and has become an integral part of the OneTouch House team.
About Dan
Originally from Nanaimo, BC, Dan moved to Victoria to follow his girlfriend (now wife) and originally planned to pursue his electrical engineering degree at the Camosun College bridge program to the University of Victoria bridge program.
After working a few different jobs, Dan found an ad for a satellite installer for a Victoria-based company. With an interest in computers and as a precursor to his electrical engineering education, he decided to apply with the original intention of returning to school in the fall.
“It was funny,” said Dan, “I worked as a pizza delivery driver and as a shoe salesman for the Bay, which were both jobs that Kevin (current co-owner of OneTouch House) did previously. Funny that I would end up here sharing a company with him.”
After spending the summer of 2006 with OneTouch House, Kevin Lintern and Martin Engelbrecht pulled Dan into their office and offered him a full-time position and convinced him to stay with the company.
“I saw it as a great opportunity to learn about technology. Being computer literate from a young age, I find tech and programming fascinating – it’s both challenging and rewarding and every day is different. So I decided to stay and see where the opportunity would take me,” said Dan.
14 years later, Dan has become the newest owner/partner of OneTouch House.
“Dan has been an integral part of the company’s evolution,” said Kevin. “Everything that we do now and the way we run our business, Dan played a large part in. Our clients love him. The team respects his knowledge. Home automation is not just something you can learn at school but Dan has excelled at it over the years.”
Dan’s Career at OneTouch House
After accepting the full-time position at OneTouch House, Dan quickly began gaining experience in all areas of the company. Spending a lot of his early years with Martin out in the field, Dan began to demonstrate his ability to handle programming and home automation installations effectively.
“It was just the three of us for almost eight years,” said Dan. “I basically had to do a little bit of everything.”
After gaining experience installing, wiring, programming, and managing the company’s projects, Dan was promoted to Senior Project Manager and became responsible for the company’s larger projects.
During this time, Dan was responsible for managing project requirements, ensuring deadlines and budgets were met, installers had what they needed to do their job effectively, and also maintained relationships with clients.
As Dan’s time with OneTouch House progressed, he continued to develop his skills and expand his training with various products that began to emerge on the market. In 2007-2008, Dan went to Control4 training to learn about the newest entrance into the automation industry.
Dan doing a pre-wire at a house in Bear Mountain
“We were one of the first companies that starting using Control4 when they first came on the market. Nobody else was doing it, at least in our region, so we were more or less the pioneers of that level of automation at the time,” said Dan.
Since then, the company has continued to evolve and grow. The home automation, or more commonly known “smart home”, industry has experienced rapid growth in the past several years. New products and solutions are being released regularly and OneTouch House has continued to remain innovative in their product and solution offerings to their clients.
The Next Chapter
With added motivation and vested interest in the company’s future, Dan plans to continue to help grow the company and offer the top-level customer service that has earned OneTouch House its reputation in the past 20 years.
“One thing that has always served us well is our commitment to our customers, ” said Dan. “We always make it a point to respond quickly, hear their concerns, and solve their problems the best way we can. Our client base continues to grow and it’s important we don’t ignore the older clients that have supported us up to this point.”
Moving forward, Dan would like to see the company grow geographically and begin to service other areas.
“I’m incredibly excited for the next chapter. The team at OneTouch House is like family. They’re great to work with, they take care of each other and our clients, and I’m thrilled to have been given this opportunity.”
For home automation news, tips, and updates, be sure to subscribe to our mailing list!
Inspired and crafted by experts in Swiss design, Neeo meets the demand for beautiful products to complement the homes they live in. Neeo is a sleek, refined remote with a modern design and a mix of both tactile buttons and a high-resolution, graphical glass touchscreen interface. Neeo’s weight, balance, and texture were all meticulously considered to feel comfortable in the hand.
Intelligent Way to Watch
Neeo is dedicated to providing a more enjoyable watching experience. Switch between video sources, such as the Roku, AppleTV, Blu-ray, satellite, or even gaming consoles—effortlessly.
Favorites are front and center with familiar graphical navigation using one-touch icons for ESPN, Netflix, CNN, FOX, HBO, or any of the family’s favorite programs.
The graphical interface provides easy scrolling and a simple tap to select. Sculpted, tactile buttons provide the most-commonly used controls like volume and mute, while the OK button doubles as a play/pause.
Durable and Built for Use by the Whole Family
Built with families in mind, Neeo can withstand heavy usage and accidental drops. The machined aluminum body is rigid to minimize flex and the screen can survive falls of several feet.
Neeo’s software and hardware has been optimized for responsiveness and battery life. It will go to sleep when not in use and instantly wake when needed. The rechargeable battery works for up to five days without charging.
The elegant, dual-purpose charging and docking station gives the remote a home when not in use. It is perfectly weighted so the remote just snaps into place.
