We undertook a major renovation of our apartment 18 months ago and Advanced Lifestyle Solutions were engaged to implement the design and installation of Media Equipment. I had seen Sonos installed in other peoples homes and after talking with Michael and Sally decided to have it installed into or home.
I am a music lover, never a quiet moment at home, so the ability to be able to select and play music in any room of the apartment, which is quite large, was a fabulous option. Radio streaming also allows us to play not only local but also our favourite international radio stations at any time of the day. If you choose to install Sonos make sure you add to your ‘Radio Favourites’ - Quatre Vingt Neuf point Neuf (89.9) Paris, France, surely the greatest jazz music station available !
The after sales service from Advanced Lifestyle Solutions has been exceptional and I have been so impressed with the system and the service that when we developed our new venue for MoVida, MoVida Aqui, I asked Michael and Sally to install the system there so if you happen to be dining there you can hear it in action.
How I love my Sonos, let me count the ways days..........
My S5 and ZoneBridge finally arrived a couple of weeks ago from Advanced Lifestyle Solutions. Still can’t believe I just purchased a wireless music system for under $800, (something I long thought was totally unachievable). What I love most about Sonos is its simplicity- yes I’m technologically challenged and affordability. It’s like an iPod for your home. After a short lesson from the guys at Advanced Lifestyle Solutions I was set.
I can search by artist, album, genre, imported playlist or track. I can even search local and global radio stations. Gone are the days of rummaging for CD’s and changing them every 80 mins, I’m very spoilt now. Don’t get me wrong I still buy CD’s, but now it’s for expanding my digital music library. Sonos can grab music from iTunes, iPod or computer. Using Sonos is so easy it’s not worth wasting words on, (hardest part was getting it out of the box).
Let me give you a snapshot of what I’ve been up to with my new toy:
*Thursday: Delicately unpack Sonos S5 and get started. I don’t have a controller yet, I’ve installed the app on my PC. Or I could use an iPhone or iTouch as a remote for time being. All I have to do is pick a song and click play.
*Friday: Move the S5 to the kitchen and check out radio stations. Let’s see, we have NYC Radio 91.5, Heart London 106.2, Panjab Radio India, La Bomba FM Madrid or how about the Reno Police Department! I’ll stick with Hamish & Andy. Enjoying the digital age.
*Saturday: Time to have a play and create my own random playlist - apparently I can queue up to 50,000 songs. Let’s see, we have The Beach Boys Christmas album- don’t think so. I’ll go Top 100 1999- that was a good year; Scar Tissue by the Chilli Peppers plays, (ok now I feel old). Makes the housework bearable.
*Sunday: Take the Sonos S5 outside whilst gardening and plug into the garage. Loving being able to create my own playlist-Baby Got Back, some Wham followed by Khe Sanh. Is it wrong to have a sudden craving for MMMBop?
*Monday: Add Lady Gaga’s Remix album. Listening to Black Eyed Peas “Rock that Body”-note to self, find out what dance move the cabbage patch is. (Seriously, it’s in the lyrics).
All I need to decide now is whether to get those shoes I’ve had my eye on or buy the touchscreen remote. Stay tuned..... (Yes, I know it’s cheesy but appropriate) A BIG thanks to the team at Advanced Lifestyle Solutions...
We at Advanced Lifestyle Solutions are big believers in the earlier you plan the better the end result for all parties concerned. To show you just how important it is, we thought we would follow one of our projects from start to finish and give you updates on how the project is going. Should you want more information on the project please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Estimated value of the total building project: +$4m
Estimated value of integration project: +$350k
Stage of project: Pre wire stage (February 2010)
Timeline so far:
We actually began tendering for this project over 18 months ago. The architect wanted to make sure they engaged an appropriate building company prior to signing up any other
trades people. Once the builder won the contract and we won the contract with the builder, we worked closely with the architect to design the audio visual, security and data for the
project. The project is due for completion at the end of December 2010.
Advanced Lifestyle Solutions’ role thus far:
To this point we have worked extensively on the designs for the integration system. This project has been through a number of variations already so we have spent a long time re-quoting the system.
The cabling required for automation
is very detailed.
The guys have run all electrical and C-Bus cabling as well as all underground mains and phone lines. In this time there have been numerous site meetings with the site foreman and our project manager. On top of this there have been a number of changes to the original design after discussions with our design team which has meant further variations to our original proposal.
Problems encountered
As there have been so many variations on the project already, we have to make sure that we have the latest plans and drawings for the project. Recently there has been an upgrade to the air conditioning units, which has reduced the space we have to run cables. This home is being fitted out with a lot of technology that results in a lot of cables. We have had to use cable trays to save space and keep the installation neat and tidy.
Positive outcomes from the project
This site has a fantastic foreman who keeps us up to date regularly on where the project is up to and what is happening in the near future. This allows all trades to manage their time much better and prevents any problems. He makes sure that all trades work effectively together which creates a real team environment.
