When it comes to outdoor entertainment, using home automation devices to control lighting and music distribution is a great way to easily set the perfect ambiance when entertaining guests in your outdoor living spaces.

Usually, when one thinks of having a smart home, the front yard and backyard are areas typically relegated for outdoor security (lighting and surveillance) – which don’t get me wrong, is very important to have for home security and something you should definitely consider adding. But home automation can allow you to do a lot more in these areas. Just like you’re able to enjoy music, control lighting, or create scenes for the interior of your house, you can easily do the same for the exterior.

Below, we provided some options that could really improve your outdoor entertainment experience using various smart devices such as music distribution systems and lighting control devices.

VSSL Native Audio Streaming Systems

VSSL Native Audio Streaming Systems connect to in-wall and/or in-ceiling wired and wireless speakers to play audio sources in any zone you choose, indoors or outdoors. The VSSL is controlled from your smart device and is capable of playing audio from any streaming service or connected local audio source. VSSL’s Native Streaming™ technology simplifies audio streaming by controlling zones and volume control through your preferred music or audio playing app without fumbling between your phone’s settings and multiple apps. Built-in compatibility with every major audio casting technology and voice assistant makes the VSSL one of the most versatile audio distribution matrices available.

The VSSL Native Audio Streaming System comes in three versions:

• VSSL A.1X Native Audio Streaming System, 1 Zone, 2 Channel (2nd Gen)
• VSSL A.3X Native Audio Streaming System, 3 Zone, 6 Channel (2nd Gen)
• VSSL A.6X Native Audio Streaming System, 6 Zone, 12 Channel (2nd Gen)

OnQ/Legrand Digital Audio Distribution

The OnQ/Legrand Digital Audio Distribution system provides the capability to deliver audio from local and streaming sources, making it an attractive choice for retrofit or new installation audio systems. In addition to delivering audio from local or wireless sources, you can control the OnQ/Legrand audio system from your smart device or with in-wall volume controls. The system can expand to play up to 16 audio sources simultaneously to 16 zones, indoor or outdoor, enabling you and your guest to play what you want, wherever you want.

Outdoor Rock Speakers

You don’t have to hang outdoor speakers on the side of your house anymore because there’s a way you can integrate them into your landscape design without them being noticed. Rock speakers can easily blend into any outdoor setting, allowing you to place them near patios, pools, and within gardens so that you can listen to music just about anywhere in your outdoor living space. They provide the same features and sound quality as other outdoor speakers, supporting left or right audio channels and multi-speaker installations without the need for complex wiring layouts. And unlike traditional-looking speakers, they won’t diminish the look of your yard.

Outdoor Lighting to Set the Mood

Just like you would control lighting for the interior of your smart home you can easily do the same for the exterior. There are numerous types of switches and modules you can use to control landscape lighting, lights for your pool and spa, and lights in your water fountains. You can also set up scenes for various occasions. For example, say you want to host an evening meal outdoors. You can set up a scene that turns on your patio lights at predetermined levels, as well as lights along your walkway and within your garden. Popular switches and plug-in modules to consider:

• GE Outdoor Plug-In 24-Hour Mechanical Timer
• Enbrighten Z-Wave Plus Direct-Wire Outdoor/Indoor Smart Switch, Gen5, 40A, Gray
• Enbrighten Z-Wave Plus Plug-In Outdoor Smart Switch, Gen5

Fun Outdoor Lighting

If you really want to entertain your friends and family at night, you can also incorporate color-changing LED bulbs to your outdoor lights. You can literally create just about any color or hue you want with these bulbs by adjusting five color channels using a compatible home controller or remotely using your smartphone (mobile app not available for all LED bulbs). These LED bulbs are perfect for holidays and birthday celebrations where you can pretty much create any color scheme you want for your outdoor lighting.

Popular color-changing LED bulbs to consider:

• SATCO Starfish 24' RGBW White 10-Light Indoor-Outdoor String Lights
• SATCO Starfish Wi-Fi 16' Outdoor LED RGB & TW Tunable White Tape Light
• Enbrighten Seasons Mini Color Changing LED Landscape Lights

If you’re interested in adding lighting control and a music distribution system to your outdoor living space, Home Controls can help. Just call our toll free number at 858-693-8887 (7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific, Monday – Friday). We’ll be more than happy to offer you free support and product advice.