Local business helps area homes become ‘smart’
Published 10:23 am Monday, February 17, 2014
Fifty years ago it would have sounded far-fetched to speak of using a small hand-held device to control lighting, heating and electronic devices in the home…a mere fantasy to wish for a large-screen TV that could disappear with the press of a button.
But according to Jacquee Beam, That’s Entertainment 2, homes are getting smarter — or at the very least, “smart homes” are becoming more popular in Lake Charles. That’s why That’s Entertainment 2 started their new business here. “Entertainment 1 is in Lafayette and we began getting so many calls to do work in the Lake Area that we opened an office here on Easy Street off Nelson,” said Beam, a Lake Charles native.
She said That’s Entertainment 2 specializes in home automation, home theater, and outdoor electronic entertainment products and services.
An automated home allows you to turn lights up and down or off and on. You can set your thermostat to a different temperature or turn music on, all from your cell phone, computer or iPad, according to Beam.
For home entertainment, Beam mentioned the effectiveness of the new sound bars that plug into TVs and help project a broader range of sound, especially with an additional sub speaker plugged in. “Our Lutron LED lighting is popular now and That’s Entertainment 2 is the only Paradigm speaker distributor in the area,” Beam said.
She said that viewing screens, which retract when not in use, are popular for some of the newer media and family rooms. “More people are staying home and they’re adding home theatres and outdoor monitors and speakers to help keep their kids entertained at home.”
Beam told about somewhat futuristic and definitely stylish TV monitors that disguise themselves as framed artwork or a mirror when the unit isn’t in use.
Beam said that while it’s possible to make your home smarter, regardless of its age, that people designing new homes can benefit from consulting with That’s Entertainment 2 while still in the early stages of planning to get the full benefit of all the latest, easy-to-use home automation, home theater, and outdoor entertainment products and services.