AVA "Boom for the Buck" Top 5

1. Prodigy by Crestron If you want home automation but are on a tight budget, look no further. The base package with processor, 2-way remote, and all the trimmings is $700! Prodigy makes a great home theater control that can easily expand to include thermostats, lights, multiroom musicand more. Budget automation is real popular right now but this is the only one made by a 40+ year old company recognized worldwide as the leader in automation. This is the "little brother" to the same stuff used at the White House, NASA, The Pentagon, and Microsoft headquarters.

2. AVA $5000 Theater Package We set out to package a system that conformed to the same standards as our world-class systems. It had to be easy for everyone in the family to use. It had to have killer picture quality. Can't skimp on the bass and the speakers should be heard and not seen with breadth and air to the sound. The receiver needed to a serious piece of gear- in other words- a real theater system that anybody could afford to own. Our package has an Integra reciever with Sonance in-ceiling speakers and a great 12" subwoofer. The 50" 1080p Samsung plasma is a real gem with 600Hz technology and a 3,000,000:1 contrast ratio. It will look awesome with the included blu-ray. The Crestron Prodigy system is included in the package along with all the cables. Enjoy!

3. Lutron AuroRa When people hear about lighting control they want it. It just makes sense. Especially the safety and security part. The roadblock often comes with the pricetag. Enter the AuroRa by the worldwide leader in lighting control, Lutron. It's a limited system- you won't do a 6000 square foot house with it. But if you want control for a smaller home, entertaining spaces, or an array of lights for security- this is the system for you. And it's 800 bucks. If you have the budget, by all means look at our other more full-featured systems. For modest budgets, this is a must see.

4. Channel Plus RF Distribution System These things have been around forever but they get forgotten with all the high-def video distribution systems out there. If you love the convenience of video distribution, but just can't see spending that kind of money- don't forget about this option. In the HD world, RF gets a bad rap. If done right, it is very cool and anybody can afford it. View your blu-ray or cable DVR on any TV in the house by just tuning to a dedicated channel. Cut down on the number of rented cable and satellite boxes needed and save money.

5. Crestron iPhone/ iPod app How about Bang for NO Bucks. We are running our studio with a couple of iPod touches running the freeware application from Crestron and available through the iTunes store. I was skeptical at first, but once I saw it and used it I am a huge fan. Client feedback has been great too. Crestron Mobile is real easy to use- just like a standard Crestron touchpanel- and you can actually get your fingers on it easily without hitting 5 other buttons in the process.

For large systems, the Crestron MobilePro app is available for only $99 turning any iPod/iPhone into a wi-fi touchpanel that can control your home from anywhere in the world.