Audio Visual Creations in Phuket, Thailand

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FAQ (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS)

Q: Why do I need a Vantage or Elan system?
A: Due to falling costs of electronics today, what was once prohibitively expensive is now affordable to people constructing their own houses. This increases the resale value of your house and eliminates many daily tasks leaving you more time to relax and enjoy your home. Even if you don’t exploit all of the options available to you now, with an integrated wiring diagram you can expand at any time in the future when time and budget allow.

Q: Can’t I just use a PC based control system or X-10? They seem cheaper.
A: PC’s, X-10 and do-it-yourself kits are unstable and cheaply manufactured. Microsoft Windows™ crashes when checking e-mail, would you trust it to run your entire house? In addition, electricity in Thailand has voltage on the Neutral wire; this confuses X-10 because it relies on signals sent over the alternating-current (AC) power lines.

Q: Can I use my own TV’s, Speakers, Computer, etc.?
A: Almost always, Yes. Our systems are compatible with nearly everything; it would be silly to buy a new TV or pair of speakers if you already have them.

Q: Can I import my own AV equipment?
A: We do not recommend importing equipment. It may seem cheaper at first, but import tax is very expensive and the warranty will not be covered in Thailand. We hear many stories of people smuggling the equipment in to avoid tax, it breaks and they smuggle it out, they pay a premium to fix it and then smuggle it in again!

Q: If I have my house wired for a basic system can I upgrade later?
A: Lighting will have to be decided upon during the construction of your house. All other systems will have wires provided for any future expansion that you decide upon during the design phase.

Q: Can’t I just add more wires in the future?
A: No. The majority of all construction in Thailand is concrete. In addition, many projects have several detached buildings comprising one house. If conduits and wires are not installed during construction, adding anything later on is either difficult and ugly, or just impossible. We always try to have as many future-use wires as possible because you can never go back! And… wire is the cheapest part of the whole process.

Q: Can’t I use a wireless system in my house?
A: No. We can guarantee that wires work. Concrete and rebar construction here greatly reduces signal strength, as do water features and pools. In addition, the Government owns all frequencies allowing only a few products to be used. We will provide wires to all appropriate locations which can then become a wireless area of the house. Wireless can only be guaranteed in Thailand when used in conjunction with a hard-wired system.

Q: What is the difference between a Smart lighting system and a conventional lighting system?
A: Conventional lighting is one switch for one light. A typical living room with 8 lighting circuits, an air-con and a ceiling fan will have 10 individual switches on the wall. Our system puts a CPU between the lights and the other systems; all you see is a single Keypad controller. This Keypad will control any combination of any lights inside the house (or outside), plus all other connected systems. We program each button on every keypad or touch-panel to best suit your needs.

Q: This all sounds very complicated. Will I be able to learn and use the system?
A: Our system is designed and programmed to be easy to use. It is in leading hotels and rental properties around the world for this very reason. Renters, kids and grandparents can all operate the system with ease. In addition, we provide training to the homeowner and supply laminated “quick-ref” cards for guests to review. If you can use an elevator then you can use our system.

Q: Can I have someone else wire my house?
A: Yes. While we are engineering the wiring diagram we will meet with your preferred Electrical Contractor and assist in all ways possible. That same Contractor who is already wiring your house will also put in your smart-home wires, under our strict supervision in order to comply with the manufactures warranty.

Q: This seems expensive. Is there a cheaper way to go?
A: Our systems are far from being the most expensive, but they have all of the quality and most of the functionality. We can tailor systems to any budget; however we do not compromise on quality to cut cost. If price is of major concern, we recommend starting small and expanding when budget allows. When it comes to quality, you do get what you pay for. Vantage and Elan are industry leaders when it comes to cost versus reliability.

Q: What if I want AV equipment other than what you deal?
A: We can research and provide any piece of equipment from anywhere in the world. Although we do have our preferred components (see products page), we have access to everything.

Q: Can I access my home from the internet? Or the internet from my home?
A: Yes. Not only can we provide you with Hi-speed internet access, we can also give your system it’s own IP address. This enables simple access and control of your house from anywhere in the world, or check e-mail from the sofa via any Laptop, Webtablet or PDA.

Q: What happens if something breaks? Will I be stuck with no lights?
A: No. Vantage has the best manual overrides in the industry. With the exception of a power outage, you will never be left in the dark. AVC also offers a quick response service to give you total peace of mind.

Q: If I buy a system from you, will you service and maintain it?
A: Yes. One of the prerequisites of becoming a Certified Dealer is that we have the resources and manpower to support and maintain the equipment that we supply. Our dealership covers Southern Thailand and we have service people throughout the region.

Q: Will the wires that you specify hold up to the harsh conditions of living by the Sea?
A: Yes. We strictly adhere to each Manufacturer’s specifications. We have also been specifying and wiring properties in Phuket for six years now with no problems. We consult with engineers and Thai manufacturers to use the appropriate wire and cable for each application.

Q: Can I buy a system from you and install it myself?
A: Only systems installed by an authorized dealer will carry the manufacturer’s warranty. AVC is Southern Thailand’s authorized dealer for Elan and Vantage. We can however supply any components such as speakers or amplifiers for you to install yourself.