Home Automation & AV Vendor in Northern VA

[Ernest Dalby]

Hello BiggerPockets  Community,

I'm a contractor/consultant in Northern Virginia providing Home Automation (The Internet of Things - "Smart" devices), Security & AudioVideo design & installation services for both commercial and residential properties. I haven't invested in real estate yet ("pre-newbie" anyone?) and am interested in exploring working with investors to enhance new properties or renovations in exchange for knowledge and a cut after expenses. My ultimate goal is to purchase and develop land in the ever receding outer exurbs in my region.

Here is a little about my world of late: Home Automation and Security technology is developing at breakneck speeds these days and staying on the cutting edge is a full time job, especially when it comes to understanding the vulnerabilities associated with these new technologies (think "Hackers"...they really, really, really do wreak havoc..no joke). In any case, these new technologies are increasingly becoming expected by home buyers and businesses. Anticipating these needs, employing the technology (or making accommodations for it at a minimum) and building in safeguards is very important. It's all well and good and groovy to have a smart refrigerator or wireless security system...until those devices/systems offer up every little bit of personal & private information available on the IT systems they are connected to. 

Traditional AudioVideo (AV) is also a part of this connected world. The ability to steam content from smartphones and tablets directly to devices (Televisions, Audio Receivers, Whole House Audio Systems and (in conference/board rooms) Projectors is in like manner becoming more and more commonplace and expected by end-users. The ability to do this easily and securely is also important.

Finally, controlling all these two-way systems from anywhere in the world with internet access or a cell phone signal is a given, but control of all from ONE app has been the latest challenge. There are now a few ways to do this - some are out of the box, but they introduce many limitations. The rest are totally custom and control literally anything. Speaking of control, check out Amazon's "Echo" device (future pun unintended). 

Other than all that, everyone likes a killer home theater or a 3D video wall & ceiling in a night club (ever been to The Fremont Experience in Vegas?).

I'm looking forward to a great time here and meeting some of you all...

Sincerely,
Ernest F. Dalby