Most Frequently Asked Questions
Inter-Vac Systems FAQ's
How do I receive service?
Call Inter-Vac Systems at 615-244-9777.
Are we hiring?
We would be happy for anyone to submit an application.
Will my security system work correctly, if I use a VOIP phone service (DSL,
Vonage, etc) as my telephone service?
You will need to have a special filter installed into your security system. Please call 615-244-9777 for service.
How can I receive an Inter-Vac Systems' replacement sign or window decals?
Contact us and we will be happy to help.
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Home Audio & Video FAQ's
What are the differences between typical stereo speakers and home theater speakers?
Speakers perform best when the listener's head is directly in front of the speaker and at the same height as the drivers. The sound response where the driver is pointing directly at the listener is called the on-axis response. When you move off-axis (to either side or a different height), the speaker will not sound as loud. Normally, stereo speakers have a better off-axis response than home theater speakers. The sound that the listener hears is a mixture of the left and right channels, combined with the reflections of the both channels off the walls, floor, and ceiling. Stereo speakers sound best when the listening area is centered and in front of the two speakers, but they also sound good from either side of the room.
For a well recorded soundtrack, both the left and right signals might contain the same music, but they will not be at the same volume levels. Different instruments will be at different levels in the different speakers. If you are directly in front of one of the speakers, you should still be able to hear some parts of the music coming from the other speaker. The front speakers in a home theater system are designed to have just the opposite effect. They have a very short vertical off-axis response that limits the dispersion of the sound in the room. This is done to prevent the reflection of the sound off the floor and the ceiling. The reason for this is simple. In a home theater system, there are 2 rear speakers to provide the sound from the back. The reflection from the front speakers will only interfere with the job of rear speakers. When mixing the sound for a movie, the editors want you to feel like you are in the movie. If the actors are in a large room, then the echoes should appear to be deeper and take longer to arrive back at the listener. This is impossible if you can hear the reflection of your front speakers off the back wall of your living room. Ideally, the only reflection you should hear is the false reflection provided by your rear speakers.
What about the rear speakers?
The rear speakers in a home theater system have a greater diffusion than you would get with stereo speakers. Sometimes, rear speakers have drivers firing in multiple directions. This causes a lot of reflection against the walls and makes the rear echoes sound like they are coming from a wide area.
What about the center channel?
The center channel is the most important speaker in a home theater system. It produces all of the voices that come from actors on the screen. Without a center channel, the voices would be coming from the corners of your room. Many home theater speaker systems use two center channels instead of one. It is debatable on whether more than one center channel is necessary. It probably depends most on the size of your television.
What about the subwoofer?
Years ago, the word subwoofer meant a speaker that produced sounds deeper than a regular woofer. A subwoofer driver would have to be at least 12" wide to produce these frequencies. Now, the term has come to mean the largest driver in a system, regardless of whether the system has a woofer or not. In some small speaker systems, especially computer multimedia systems, a subwoofer can be 6" or smaller. A subwoofer of this type is completely useless in a good home theater system. You can get extra bass from a subwoofer through good box design. On average, a ported subwoofer box can achieve an extra 3db, and a bandpass box can produce an extra 5db or more. Many people like this extra bass but there are disadvantages. Ported boxes will usually be slightly larger that a sealed box using the same driver, and a bandpass box can be twice as large. Also, it is difficult to determine when a bandpass sub is being pushed too hard. These subs can self-destruct before any distortion is audible. Finally, ported and bandpass boxes are only louder at certain frequencies. A sealed box may not be as loud but it will have a flatter response curve and a smoother rolloff on the bass end. Usually, people place the subwoofer in the corner of their room. The placement of a sub isn't critical because the bass is so deep that the listener shouldn't be able to determine what direction it is coming from. This is why it is necessary to get a good deep bass subwoofer. Although the corner of the room works fine in most cases, a sub can be placed anywhere in the room. Let your ears be the judge.
Is a subwoofer really necessary?
Depending on how you look at it, subwoofers can radically increase or decrease the cost of a home theater system. A 5 channel system without a subwoofer can produce the same, or more, bass than a system with a subwoofer. Having 4 speakers each with a 15" woofer will produce a lot more bass than a single subwoofer. The problem is that these speakers would be very expensive and a very large multi-channel amplifier would be necessary to drive them. Having 4 smaller speakers with a smaller amp, and a powered sub would be a cheaper option. Of course, using 4 smaller speakers and no subwoofer is the cheapest option, but this system would not provide a lot of bass.
What are the differences between Dolby Surround, Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Digital, and DTS?
Dolby Surround and Pro Logic use 4 and 5 speakers respectively. Surround Sound adds rear speakers to the main front pair, and Pro Logic adds an additional center channel. Although these systems use 4 or 5 speakers, the original input signal is still 2 channels: left and right. The 5 channels of sound are encoded into these 2 channels, stored on disc or tape, and then decoded by the home users Dolby decoder. This encoding is done to maintain backward compatibility with older 2 channel systems. A Dolby encoded source will still play correctly when using only 2 speakers without a decoder. The rear and center channels in a surround or pro logic system are not full range.
The standard bandwidth for rear speakers is 70Hz to 8kHz, although some soundtracks will contain information as low as 50Hz. Dolby Digital 5.1, also know as AC-3 because it is Dolby's 3rd audio code, uses 5 separate channels for encoding the 5 speakers, plus 1 separate channel for a subwoofer.The 5.1 subwoofer channel is for LFE (Low-Frequency-Effects), and is basically a deep bass channel. The 5 main channels will all have a full range signal. Most Dolby Digital processors will have a function that allows the bass from the 5 main channels to be redirected to the subwoofer if desired. This allows for having bass in a system even when using small surround speakers.Dolby Digital 5.1 encoding is used primarily in DVDs.
There are other mediums that use a 2 channel Dolby Digital format, such as CDs, TV satellite, digital cable, video games, and older laser discs. Although it is Dolby Digital, it is not the 5.1 encoding. The 2 digital signals are decoded into a 4 channel surround sound signal. This is used by companies that use a digital signal to save bandwidth or increase quality, but have not yet upgraded to the full Dolby Digital 5.1 system. Dolby Digital does not necessarily mean 5.1 encoding. DTS (Digital Theatre Systems) is similar to Dolby Digital except that the signal quality is higher. To save space on a DVD, both Dolby Digital and DTS signals are compressed. The compression on Dolby Digital signals is higher than that of DTS, so a DTS signal retains more of the original signal and therefore is of higher quality. While Dolby Digital is standard on almost every DVD, many still do not use DTS. Both Dolby Digital and DTS continue to add channels to their format. You can now get 6.1 (adds a rear center), 7.1 (uses 2 side channels) and 8.1
How far away should the listening area be from the rear speakers?
Ideally, the listening area should be in the center of the room at equal distances from all speakers. If this is not possible, then there are ways to improve the situation. If the listening area is near the back wall, then put the surround speakers high on the side walls facing each other. If dipole speakers are used, then the can be mounted further forward in the listening area and lower on the wall, as long as the front of the speaker is aimed toward the listening area.
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Security System FAQ's
Should every door and window be protected?
Every accessible door and operable window should be protected. Additional protection with
some sort of glass break detector can also be added. Obviously in a three story residence, the
windows on the third floor cannot be opened by normal means. Rather than contacting these
third floor windows, the money could be spent on additional interior protection or other security
features like fire detection. However, if you would feel unsafe with these windows uncontacted,
contact them. It's your security and your peace of mind.
Should I get a wired system or a wireless system?
Many factors affect this choice. The major factor is the construction and decoration of the
premises. Can the location be wired and how much labor will be involved in wiring for the
alarm? Will wireless devices be able to communicate to the alarm panel? Plaster walls with
metal lathe in them can block the wireless signals. Large mirrors, foil wallpaper, metal lockers
and other radio systems nearby might prevent a wireless system from working properly.
Many new systems integrate wired devices with wireless devices. The main thing to consider is
whether the system meets your current needs and whether it can expand to meet your future
needs. In Tennessee, many construction layouts allow for wires to be ran nearly anywhere.
While wireless technology is improving, Wireless should only be used as a last resort.
I heard that 95 percent of all alarms that go off are false alarms. If this is true,
why should I even bother to have an alarm?
A recent study showed that on an average day in a city of nearly a half million people, about 50 to 75 alarms go off and all but about one or two of them are false alarms. Many law enforcement officers report that in their entire career, they have never personally responded to an alarm that turned out to be a real burglary. However, every day there are well over 100 real burglaries reported in that same city. That means burglars are not targeting locations that have an alarm. Therefore, having an alarm is obviously a great deterrent and virtually takes your property "off the market" of burglars. Since only about 20 percent of residences have alarms, burglars have plenty of other targets.
What about fire safety?
This is a security issue that is too often overlooked. Most homes have smoke detectors installed, but what happens if no one is home when they go off? More importantly, what if you don't wake up because carbon monoxide puts you into a deeper sleep? Smoke detectors are required in all new homes. However, 110-volt ionization detectors are usually used and may not operate in an electrical fire. They will not work if there is an electrical power outage. A simple but priceless solution is to have at least one monitored smoke/heat detector to supplement the others in the house. This way, the fire department will come whether you are able to call them or not. Property and life can be saved if the fire department is notified in time.
Why can't I rely on my neighbor?
Is he always home? If he is home with his doors and windows closed and his TV or stereo on, will he hear it? If he hears it, will he know for sure whose house is alarming? If the system suddenly stops sounding, will he automatically assume it is a false alarm? Will he go and investigate it by himself? Are you willing to put your neighbor in a potentially dangerous situation? Will he have a key to your home, and an access code to your alarm? The fact is that if a neighbor hears a siren, most will assume it is a false alarm and ignore it.
What if my system isn't working right?
Inter-Vac Systems will be happy to investigate any problems you're having with your equipment. Just call 615-244-9777 for any service- related issues.
My alarm went off accidentally, but I quickly put in the code and shut it off. I expected a call from the monitoring center, but no one called. Why not?
The system allows a brief period for you to turn off your system before an alarm signal is sent to the Customer Monitoring Center. This gives you enough time to cancel the signal and prevent a false alarm.
If I lose electric power, will my alarm system still work?
Yes. In case of a power loss, the back-up battery will activate to maintain your alarm protection for several hours.
Who do I call to schedule service for my security system?
You can call Inter-Vac Systems at 615-244-9777.
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Central Vacuum FAQ's
How long is a vacuum hose?
The standard length for a central vacuum hose is 30 feet; however, even longer hoses are available and you can contact us at 615-244-9777 for details.
How does the central vacuum system Vac Pan work?
A central vacuum system Vac Pan is installed under kitchen or bathroom cabinets, workshops
and many other applications. They are turned on and off with your toe. Sweep dirt and debris
into the flow of the vacuum instead of using a dust pan. No more bending over, nor anymore
searching for the dust pan.
What is a one-step connection?
The end of the systems vacuum hose that plugs into the wall inlet has a built-in electric plug.
This is called the "one-step" or "direct connect" connector.
How much suction does the central vacuum system have?
The simple answer is 2-3 times the suction of the standard upright vacuum.
Can I install central vacuum systems in existing homes?
Yes, No and Possibly are all correct answers. Please contact us today for a free consultation.
My central vacuum has lost a lot of its suction. What is the most likely cause?
If you have not regularly cleaned your motor filter that may be the cause of poor system
performance. Other problems that cause poor system performance are, leaky wall valve inlets, blockages in the intake or exhaust piping, or a blockage in your system hose.
Call us at 615-244-9777 for assistance.
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Structured Wiring FAQ's
How does the service work?
By asking you the relevant questions about your new home and how you intend to use it, we will gather your requirements. We will go back to the drawing board and come up with a list of components and cables you need to build the best-suited solution(s). We will send you the components list and discuss the solution(s) we came up with on our next call or visit.
How will it benefit me, while building a new home?
Use our independent advice and structured wiring design to compare against all of the low-voltage wiring (phone/data/audio/video)that your builder is providing. We represent your interests and will help you build your networking infrastructure right the first time. Plus, the options are nearly endless with pre-construction planning.
During what phase in the construction of a new home should I get this service?
Ideally, just after the first meeting with your construction manager. To get the maximum benefit of our advise you should have our solution before any of the electrical work has begun. This is done prior to the drywall going up. If you are late into the construction cycle and are really serious about Structured Wiring, (and your builder didn't put one in) talk to your builder and see if they are willing to work with you. It is still not too late.
What is expected from me?
Your home plan, you need to be familiar with it and you need to send us a copy. You need to put some thought into the location of the entertainment and communication appliances in each room. A discussion with your spouse and kids usually helps.
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Access Control FAQ's
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Lighting Control FAQ's
Why the focus on lighting and lighting control?
In the United States it is estimated that approximately one-quarter of the electricity budget is spent on lighting, or more than $37 billion annually. On average, lighting can consume 30-50 percent of the total connected load.
How much money can I save with lighting control?
Typically, a schedule based lighting control system can reduce the electrical consumption in a facility by 15 percent where the lighting load exceeds 30 percent of the total connected electrical load. Payback periods often are less than two years.
How do I know if I am "typical'?
If your facility is unoccupied for several hours at a time then a lighting control system should be considered. Offices, laboratories, public buildings, distribution centers and training facilities are all excellent examples of where scheduled lighting control provides tangible economic benefits.
Are there any other financial savings?
By switching off lights during unoccupied periods, you are reducing the amount of time your lamps and ballast operate, which translates into longer equipment life while reducing your annual maintenance budget. Also, switching off lights in rooms or areas of a building that are unoccupied is an easy reduction in energy consumption.
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Camera System FAQ's
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P.O. Box 40443
Nashville, TN 37204
1-615-244-9777 (Office)
1-615-244-9776 (fax)
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WHAT OUR LAWYERS MAKE
US SAY:
Disclaimer; These pages are written as a community service for those interested in the subjects of security, crime prevention, loss prevention, risk analysis, and liability issues The reader understands that the author is not a lawyer, nor engaged in the practice of law, and is not rendering legal advice. Inter-Vac Systems, Inc. Inc. and its employees shall have no liability to any persons or entities with respect to any loss, liability or damage alleged to be caused by the application or reliance on information or opinions published on this website.
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