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Discover the Benefits of Clara Shades: Smart Window Treatments for the Modern Home.
July 8,2025
When it comes to combining style, energy efficiency, and smart technology, Clara Shades stand out as one of the best automated window treatment options on the market. Whether you're a homeowner upgrading your living space or a builder looking to integrate smart home features, Clara Shades offer a seamless solution that brings beauty and intelligence to every window.
What Are Clara Shades?
Clara Shades are automated window coverings designed to blend effortlessly with modern interiors while providing powerful smart functionality. Available in motorized or hardwired versions, these shades can be customized to fit your exact window dimensions, light needs, and interior style.
Key features include:
Whisper-quiet motorized operation
Custom fabric and color options
Compatible with smart home systems like Control4
Hardwired or battery-powered installation
Available in light-filtering or blackout options
Why Choose Automated Window Shades?
Upgrading to automated window shades like Clara means you’ll enjoy effortless light control, better privacy, and improved energy efficiency. With just a tap on your smartphone or a simple voice command, you can open, close, or schedule your shades to align with your lifestyle.
Benefits of Clara Shades:
Improved energy savings by reducing solar heat gain
UV protection for furniture and flooring
Customizable schedules for privacy and comfort
Smart home integration with lighting and climate systems
Hands-free operation for convenience and accessibility
Ideal for New Construction and Smart Home Upgrades!
For builders, designers, and architects, Clara Shades are an ideal choice for projects that require clean lines, hidden hardware, and fully integrated smart features. Pre-wiring during construction allows for flawless installation, giving homeowners a premium finish with no visible cords or motors.
Designed to Match Any Space.
With hundreds of designer fabrics, colors, and textures, Clara Shades can be tailored to fit any interior design — from cozy cottages to sleek, modern homes. Choose from light-filtering or blackout fabrics, roller shades, dual shades, and more to control both light and mood.
At TechSouth Modern Connections, we specialize in helping homeowners, builders, and designers bring smart technology to life — from pre-wiring to full system setup. We don’t just install Clara Shades — we integrate them into a home’s larger automation system for maximum ease and performance.
Whether you're planning a new build or retrofitting an existing space, our team ensures your shades perform as beautifully as they look.
Experience the difference Clara makes.
Contact TechSouth Modern Connections today for a consultation and discover how smart window treatments can elevate your home.
Understanding Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6, and Wi-Fi 7: What’s the Difference?
June 27, 2025
In today’s connected world, Wi-Fi is as essential as electricity. But not all Wi-Fi is created equal. If you’re shopping for a new router or device, you might see terms like Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6, and even Wi-Fi 7. What do these mean? How do they differ? And why should you care? Let’s break down these wireless standards and help you understand which one is right for you.
What is Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is the technology that lets devices communicate wirelessly with your router and the internet. The Wi-Fi Alliance, the organization that certifies Wi-Fi products, names each generation to reflect advancements in speed, capacity, and efficiency.
Wi-Fi 5
Released in 2014, Wi-Fi 5 brought a major leap from previous standards, focusing on faster speeds on the 5 GHz band and better handling of multiple devices. It introduced technologies like MU-MIMO (multi-user, multiple input, multiple output), allowing routers to talk to multiple devices simultaneously.Who is it for?
Wi-Fi 5 is still very common and great for general home use, streaming HD video, gaming, and basic smart home setups.
Wi-Fi 6
Released in 2019, Wi-Fi 6 is designed for the modern connected home and office, where multiple devices compete for bandwidth. It introduced OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) and improved MU-MIMO to serve many devices more efficiently at once.Why it matters: If you have lots of smart devices, stream 4K or 8K content, or do intense online gaming, Wi-Fi 6 improves speed and reduces lag. It’s also better for dense environments like apartments or offices.
Wi-Fi 7
Released in 2024-2025, Wi-Fi 7 is poised to revolutionize wireless networking by offering blistering speeds—up to 4-6 times faster than Wi-Fi 6—and near real-time responsiveness. It supports multi-link operation (MLO), allowing devices to send and receive data simultaneously across multiple bands and channels, minimizing delays and interruptions. What does it mean for you? Wi-Fi 7 will be ideal for next-gen gaming, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and 8K video streaming. It will also enhance smart cities, industrial IoT, and other high-demand applications.
So Which One Should You Choose?
If you have an older router or device: Wi-Fi 5 is still good for everyday use.
If you want a future-proof setup: Wi-Fi 6 offers excellent performance for homes with many devices.
If you want cutting-edge speed and low latency: Keep an eye on Wi-Fi 7 as devices become available.
Wi-Fi technology keeps evolving to meet the demands of an increasingly connected world. Understanding the differences between Wi-Fi 5, 6, and 7 helps you choose the best network for your needs today—and prepares you for the super-fast wireless experiences of tomorrow.
If you need help deciding what is best for your needs, we’re here for you - Reach out today!
How to Choose the Right TV Size for Your Space
June 9,2025
Picking out a new TV isn’t just about screen size—it’s about choosing the right size for your space. Too small, and you’re squinting to see the score. Too big, and you’re craning your neck or losing half the picture from the side of the room. Whether you’re designing a home setup or kitting out a new business like a restaurant or office—here’s how to dial in that perfect screen size.
Measure Your Viewing Distance
Start with how far you’ll be sitting (or standing) from the screen. A good guideline is: Viewing distance (in inches) ÷ 2 = ideal TV size in inches. So if your seat is about 8 feet (96 inches) from the wall, you’re looking at a 48” TV minimum. Want a more immersive experience, especially for gaming or group viewing? Divide by 1.5 instead.
Quick reference: 6 feet away = 40”–48” screen, 8 feet away = 48”–65” screen, 10+ feet = 65” and up
Consider the Purpose of the Space
Not all screens serve the same purpose—and size recommendations shift based on use.
Living Rooms: Go bigger—55” to 75” for movie night or Sunday football.
Bedrooms: 32” to 55” depending on layout and comfort.
Gaming: 40” to 55” with high refresh rate and low input lag.
Restaurants and Bars: Think big and bold. One or more 75”+ TVs can be a game-changer (literally).
Conference Rooms: You want everyone in the room to clearly see presentations—use this guide: For a 10-foot viewing distance, a 70” screen is ideal.
Don’t Forget Resolution
Resolution plays a big part in choosing size:
1080p: Looks best on screens 40” and under, unless you’re sitting farther away.
4K Ultra HD: Sharp and detailed, even on large screens and up close. Great for both home theaters and business displays.
Mounting vs. Stand
Wall-mounting your TV lets you go bigger without overwhelming the space. It’s also a cleaner, safer look—especially in commercial settings where you want wires hidden and devices secure. Pro tip: Don’t forget to factor in glare from windows or overhead lights when choosing location and screen finish.
Get It Right the First Time
Choosing a TV is a mix of math, room layout, and how you plan to use it. If you’re outfitting a commercial space, we can help with the whole package—from measuring to installation!
Want a clean, connected, and impressive setup?
TechSouth Modern Connections designs and installs AV systems that just work—indoors, outdoors, and everywhere in between.
Why Sonos is Changing the Way We Experience Sound at Home
May 28,2025
In a world where smart homes are becoming the norm, Sonos stands out as a brand that not only keeps up with the trend — it leads it. From sleek soundbars to compact, room-filling speakers, Sonos has redefined what whole-home audio should sound (and feel) like.
What Is Sonos?
Sonos is a premium wireless sound system that lets you stream music, TV audio, podcasts, and more throughout your entire home — all controlled through one simple app. It’s known for combining exceptional audio quality with modern design and seamless smart home integration.
Whole-Home Audio Without the Hassle
One of the biggest perks of Sonos is the modular setup. Start with a single speaker in your kitchen, then add one in the living room, bedroom, or even the backyard. Each device syncs effortlessly over Wi-Fi, not Bluetooth, so you can enjoy uninterrupted, high-fidelity audio from room to room — or different sounds in different spaces at the same time.
Easy Installation, Smart Integration
Sonos systems are designed for easy installation, whether you're retrofitting a single room or building a custom solution into a new home. Their compatibility with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple AirPlay 2 means you can control your sound system with your voice, your phone, or your smart home hub.
For new construction or remodels, hardwired solutions ensure reliable power and network connections, especially for high-traffic or entertainment areas. At Techsouth, we recommend planning your Sonos setup early — so everything from speaker placement to cable routing fits perfectly into your design.
Home Theater Elevated
Pair a Sonos Arc soundbar with a Sub and Era 100 or Era 300 surrounds, and suddenly your living room transforms into a Dolby Atmos theater. Whether you're watching an action movie or streaming a live concert, the immersive, spatial audio is something you have to hear to believe.
So - Why Sonos?
Rich, balanced sound
Expandable system — from single speakers to full home setups
Modern design that blends with any aesthetic
Reliable Wi-Fi streaming (no drops like Bluetooth)
App + voice control
Ongoing software updates that keep your system improving over time
At Techsouth, we specialize in planning and installing custom Sonos systems for both residential and commercial spaces. Whether you're building a home, remodeling a media room, or upgrading your business with background music, we’ll make sure your sound system is as polished as your space.
Let us design the perfect audio setup — wired, wireless, and worry-free.
What Is a Mesh Network — And Why Your Home Might Need One
May 5, 2025
Tired of Wi-Fi dead zones in your home? Constant buffering in that one corner office or basement game room? A mesh network might be the solution you've been looking for.
So, What Is a Mesh Network?
A mesh network is a system of multiple Wi-Fi nodes (or access points) that work together to provide seamless, full-home coverage. Instead of relying on a single router, mesh systems use several devices placed around your home to create one strong, unified signal.
Why It's Better Than a Traditional Router
Eliminates Dead Zones: Spread nodes throughout your home to cover every corner, upstairs and down.
Smooth Handoffs: Walk from room to room without losing connection — your device stays connected to the strongest nearby node.
Scalable: Add more nodes if your space expands or signal weakens in certain areas.
Great for Smart Homes: With more devices connected than ever, mesh networks ensure consistent performance across the board.
Perfect for modern living
If you’ve got a larger home, thick walls, or smart tech throughout the house — a mesh network offers the reliable, high-speed internet you need to keep everything running smoothly.
Bottom line: If your current Wi-Fi setup can’t keep up, upgrading to a mesh network might just be the smartest move for your connected home.
Why pre-wiring your new home is a smart investment!
April 30, 2025
When building a new home, it's easy to get caught up in finishes and fixtures — but don’t forget what’s behind the walls. Pre-wiring for audio, visual, and network data might not be flashy, but it’s one of the smartest decisions you can make for comfort, convenience, and long-term value.
It’s Cost-Effective
Adding wiring during construction is significantly cheaper than retrofitting after drywall is up. You’ll avoid cutting into walls, rewiring rooms, or relying solely on wireless workarounds.
Future-Proof Your Home
Smart homes are no longer a luxury — they’re becoming the standard. Pre-wiring now makes it easy to add features later, like: Built-in speakers and surround sound, high-speed internet in every room, home security systems and cameras, smart lighting, thermostats, and more!
Better Performance, Less Clutter
Hardwired systems are faster, more reliable, and reduce the risk of interference. Plus, you’ll keep cords hidden and your home looking clean and intentional.
Adds Resale Value
Today’s buyers love homes with smart features already in place. A professionally pre-wired home shows forethought, quality, and tech-readiness — all big selling points.
Bottom line: Pre-wiring is a small investment now that pays off in comfort, convenience, and future flexibility. If you're planning your dream home, don’t overlook what’s behind the walls — it might just be the smartest part of the build.