Each of your outdoor spaces deserves as much TLC as your indoor ones. You’ll want to manage your decor with the right landscaping and furniture, but comfort and fun are just as important. Outdoor audio is a great tool for making your pool, patio, and backyard more fun for family and friends. Unfortunately, wind, traffic, and the sounds of daily life sometimes get in the way. 

Thankfully, outdoor audio tech has come a long way, allowing folks to fill their spaces with rich sound, no matter what’s happening around them. This post dives into how to create that magical audio experience in your yard, featuring insights and ideas from the team at Eighteen Group.

Upgrading your home with integrated technology can unlock comfort, control, and energy savings. But not every smart home integrator delivers the same value—or the same results. A well-planned system depends on more than the latest gadgets. It requires deep expertise, attention to detail, and the foresight to match your lifestyle with the right design.

Before you sign a contract or commit to a quote, ask the questions that reveal the provider’s true capability. Below is a checklist to help you avoid missteps and uncover the best fit for your Portland, OR, home.

Even though they may not sound like the flashiest product for your home, automated lighting solutions are one of the top upgrades we recommend. They make everyday life a little easier, more energy-efficient, and—let’s face it—a lot more stylish. Remember the days of fumbling for light switches or juggling dimmers? Those are behind us. Today’s luxury home automation puts everything right at your fingertips for a smooth shift in lighting to match any moment or mood. Get lighting solutions tailored to your Portland, OR, home.

When most people think of powered window shades, they picture the classic roller shade smoothly gliding up and down at the touch of a button. And while roller shades are fantastic (and the most popular option), they're just the beginning of what's possible with today's motorized window treatments. From elegant Roman shades to innovative drapery systems, the world of motorized window solutions has expanded dramatically. As Portland homeowners increasingly embrace smart home technology, we're seeing growing interest in these lesser-known but equally impressive options. Let's explore five sophisticated alternatives that might be perfect for your Oregon home.

Wouldn’t it be fun and convenient if your music followed you through every room of the house? You press “Play” and tunes play in sync across a network of speakers, from the kitchen to the bedroom. 

The problem, of course, is the audio-video equipment. Who wants bulky boxes or tower loudspeakers blemishing a home’s design? How can you bring crystal-clear detailed music and stunning lifelike images into every room while maintaining the aesthetics? 

That’s where hidden technology and today’s architectural speakers come in. Here’s how to hide speakers in your living room in Portland, OR. 

Automated lighting is causing a shift in how we illuminate our homes. The days of just flipping a switch are gone. In its place is a solution that is more convenient and energy-efficient. With it, you can enjoy a smarter environment that amplifies your daily living. If you’re looking for a home upgrade, continue reading to learn about the key benefits of an automated lighting installation in your Portland, OR, home.

Nothing is more important than feeling safe in your own home. That’s why many of our clients in Portland, OR, and the surrounding area seek us out for our advanced security solutions. Our smart home security systems go beyond a traditional lock and alarm. They bring convenience, control, and an elevated sense of safety. Let’s explore how integrating smart home security into your residence can redefine your living experience and give you greater peace of mind. 

Creating a home theater is a dream for many Portland, OR, homeowners, offering an immersive entertainment experience right in the comfort of your own home. While the idea of a DIY setup may be tempting, partnering with a professional home theater company like Eighteen Group ensures you achieve the highest quality results tailored to your needs.

Here are the key benefits of working with a dedicated home theater company—keep reading below for more!

Smart homes are incredible ecosystems that function as a unit and communicate with various intelligent features and devices. This latest technology is much more than pushing a button to get your motorized shades to rise in the living room or turning off the lights downstairs after you’ve retired.

Today, your shades talk to your lighting and climate control, ensuring they’re all on the same page. Your home knows when you leave and when you arrive, setting off a chain reaction. You wake to a home set to the perfect temperature with lights that resemble the rising sun. When you head for bed, you say, ‘Good Night,’ and your smart home sleeps with you, turning off the lights, lowering the shades, locking the doors, and arming the alarm. 

And that’s where smart home security comes in. It’s as much a part of your automated home as the lighting, climate, shades, and entertainment. The only difference is that it’s responsible for the most important job: protecting those you love. 

Here, we’ll explore the advancements in today’s security and how this system integrates with your other smart home systems in Portland, OR.

In Portland, homeowners are turning to motorized shades and blinds for aesthetics, functionality, and a life of true luxury. Fortunately, the current trends in shading control offer exactly that—comfort, convenience, and energy efficiency. Let’s explore further how motorized shades are transforming homes in Oregon.

As smart home technology becomes more popular, homeowners are realizing just how amazing a connected lifestyle can be. You’ll enjoy smart lighting that automatically adjusts to your daily routine or a voice-activated thermostat that keeps your home at the perfect temperature. 

These innovations make life so much easier and more comfortable. But, as convenient as smart devices are, managing them all can quickly become overwhelming. That’s where a home integrator comes in. Keep reading to learn why hiring a professional home integrator is crucial to making sure your smart home runs smoothly. 

While it’s convenient to press an icon on an app to switch on a light or lower the shades, it’s a far cry from an automated home. As a Control4 dealer with years of experience serving Portland, OR, we’ve watched the transition unfold from smart devices to smart homes. Today, one tap of a button sets in motion a chain of events that creates the ideal environment. 

With one touch or voice command, you can transform your lighting, shades, climate, entertainment, and security in a manner suited for any occasion. Are you ready to explore the miraculous world of smart home living? 

Here, we’ll explore the difference a professional integrator makes and what living in a fully automated home means.

If you're a big gamer, you understand the importance of having a fast and reliable internet connection. It can completely make or break your gaming experience. A professional home network setup in Portland, OR, can level up your gaming sessions. You can say goodbye to lag, slow downloads, and shaky connections. Keep reading to find out how you can set up a home network that's tailor-made for gaming.

Smart home technology has revolutionized our lives, and audio-visual integration is one of its most exciting areas. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just someone looking to enhance your home entertainment experience, there are plenty of fascinating aspects to discover about smart home audio-visual systems. Here are four things you probably didn’t know about this cutting-edge technology. 

Whether you're a movie buff, a sports fan, or someone who loves hosting gatherings, a great entertainment system can transform our lifestyle! A proper AV setup is crucial in creating this ideal entertainment experience.

In this blog, we’ll explore why investing in a professional AV installation can significantly enhance your Portland, OR home’s entertainment potential - and how it benefits you, your family, and your friends all year round! Keep reading below for more.