Bright Idea: Add An AV Integrator To Lighting Projects 

As lighting becomes more sophisticated, AV integrators can offer a wealth of lighting control and shading knowledge that can take designs from inspiration to reality 

By Richard Laliberty 

Lighting significantly enhances the visual appeal and beauty of a space. But as the idiom goes, beauty is more than skin deep — at least when lighting control is incorporated into the project. Lighting that is integrated with a lighting control system offers convenience, improved wellbeing and productivity, security, energy efficiency, and can be the crowning touch for a beautiful design.  

More than merely being able to turn the lights on and off, dim them, or close the shades from the phone, lighting control today is incredibly sophisticated. It introduces technology that incorporates shading control to reap the benefits of natural lighting where its available and tunes artificial lighting in intensity and color to mimic natural lighting variations based on the time of day, occupancy, or the task. Also called human-centric lighting, this approach may be something clients are looking for in their homes. If so, a home technology professional will be invaluable member of the team.  

On projects where the client is seeking intelligent control of their lighting, there are four major reasons to bring a home technology professional in: 

Residential AV integrators are technology experts.
They seamlessly and elegantly integrate lighting control, audio, video, and home automation systems to function together cohesively. Technology can be incredibly complex, which is why integrators are invested in continuous education and training to stay up to date on the latest trends and advances. With their education and experience, they can make even the most complicated equipment incredibly simple to use.  

One of the most showstopping examples of an integrator’s know-how is often found in home theaters. These spaces bring together audio and video with lighting and control. Integrators make it possible for the home theater to carry out various sequences of events, called scenes, at a tap of button on a remote, wall controller, or device app. For example, a control system can turn on the display and speakers, close the shades, turn down the lights, and play whatever video source the users wishes. In the hands of an AV integrator, the various AV components sing in perfect harmony, much in the same way that a designer layers in colors, materials, furnishings, and accessories to artfully create a functional and aesthetically pleasing space.  

AV integrators are experts in creating amazing experiences.
At the core of designing and installing audio, video, and automation solutions in a home, an installer’s quest is to identify and create the experience the homeowners desire. They may want a lighting system that supports a more natural circadian rhythm. This is achieved with a lighting control system, such as Vantage’s LHUMAN human-centric lighting control solution. LHUMAN integrates precise lighting control with motorized window shading and lighting fixtures. It can be programmed to mimic the natural progression of light throughout the day with cooler, bluer light in the morning and warmer, yellow light in the evening. By understanding this progression of lighting throughout the day and partnering with the architect, lighting designer, and interior designer with a vision informed by the homeowner, the integrator can deliver a lighting experience that works with their lifestyle and provides the best lighting experience any time of day.  

Integrators know control.
Controlling TV channels or volume with a remote is one thing, but home and lighting control is sophisticated technology that needs to be customized. For this reason, it becomes complicated quick. Integrators are well-versed in how to install and program a system to meet customer needs using compatible lighting fixtures, motorized shades, and a lighting controller built to manage all of the aspects of lighting that make a difference. For example, they can create a scene where the shades open as the sun comes up so those in home can benefit from natural lighting or create an evening scene that closes the shades upon sunset while simultaneously turning on the lighting system to warm, welcoming color that’s perfect for entertaining or relaxing.  

As lighting control transitions to digital systems rather than the traditional phase cut dimmer, AV integrators will become especially vital for executing these projects given their background in control and low-voltage systems. In fact, the residential AV industry, in conjunction with HTSA and lighting manufacturers, now holds an annual three-day educational event, Lightapalooza, to explore and connect over the fast-growing lighting segment.   

Integrators extensive support help strengthen relationships.
Finally, the design community can rest assured that integrators are invested in strong client relationships. Unlike other trades, installers often continue to have a relationship with the client long after the project is finished. They frequently are called back to the home for maintenance, updates, troubleshooting, as well as new AV projects or upgrades in the home. One increasing trend is the demand for total smart homes that feature intelligent and scalable systems capable of supporting evolving needs and changes in the home.    Given that their work depends on creating an experience, they get to know a lot about the homeowners, how they live, and how they want their systems to work. For this reason, they can help strengthen the design team, bringing to the table their professionalism and the need for the project to be well-executed. 

Residential installers may be a vital part of the team. Not only are they experts in technology, which includes lighting control, they’re also experts in creating experiences that meet and exceed clients’ expectations. Where a client is wanting to raise the bar in terms of how they experience and control the lighting in and around their home, their background could be illuminating.