Single App Control by Josh and Control4

September 29, 2023

Each year, more automated home solutions are released to the consumer market that promise to streamline your lifestyle. Many homeowners find themselves overwhelmed by the subtle differences in the number of options available. Josh and Control4 home automation simplifies the process by centralizing all your lighting, shades, AV, networking, and security into one user-friendly interface. Whether you opt for an in-wall control panel or a wireless device, Josh and Control4 products promise flexibility that fits each homeowner’s unique needs. At Rivas TechGroup, we partner with home automation brands like Josh and Control4 to bring streamlined convenience to your home.


Unified Management

Josh and Control4’s home automation products are highly cost-effective solutions that unify your whole-home audio, security systems, and lighting solutions under one umbrella. With a Josh or Control4 system, you can experience control options unique to a type of room, like energy efficiency in the kitchen or surround sound in your home theater. It’s possible to control nearly any part of your home, so you can turn off the lights, close the blinds, and set up your security system from the comfort of your bed.


There are a plethora of control options for your home. You can better understand the individual rooms of your home through a sleek data collection interface, including light scene settings or alarm status. On-screen video integration allows you to monitor the activity on your CCTV cameras directly from your touch screen or paired app. No matter how many compatible brands you have, we can centralize them under one system.

Lighting Control

It’s easier than ever to control a lighting system. You won’t wonder which switch controls the overhead kitchen lighting or the pantry lights. Our lighting control systems are easily operated through a smart device, such as a wall panel, tablet, or smartphone, leaving you in charge of your home from the other side of your house or even the other side of the world. It’s easy to visualize your lighting control on a screen, and if you can’t remember if you turned off the kitchen lights, quickly check your phone and flip the switch. Your mobile device will enable you to adjust the settings to alter your lights’ intensity and color throughout your home.


Motorized Shades

Whether immersed in a good movie or book, adjusting the blinds is the last thing on your mind until the glare makes it unbearable. With motorized shades, you can preset your blinds to close during the hours of the day when the sun shines directly in your home. Grab your phone to make the quick adjustment from the Control4 or Josh app. You can even integrate your lighting control system with Amazon Alexa or Google Home to make a simple voice command. While adjusting the shades used to be a pesky task, mobile control has decreased the time to seconds.

Multi-Room AV

Luckily, whole-house audio systems don’t require a separate remote for each room. We strive to install systems that are easy to manage by all family members, even those technology-challenged members. Controlling speakers is easy when using an app on your mobile devices, such as smartphones, smartwatches, or tablets, or through a wall-mounted control panel or voice command assistant. Mobile control allows anyone to add their favorite song to the queue. At the end of the night, when the party is over, fade the music with a button.

Networking

Mesh networking systems are inherently intelligent, automatically choosing the ideal Wi-Fi channel and radio band for the best wireless connection. If you need admin access, there’s no confusing website you have to log in to; instead, a paired app on your mobile device acts as the control center to manage individual devices and security settings. Mesh networks ensure more stable security support than traditional routers, including an advanced feature that blocks malicious websites. These smart devices automatically install system updates, meaning you probably won’t feel like you have to check in on your system too often.


Security

CCTV systems are usually the first way people take their home security into their own hands. Security camera systems allow you to monitor and record activity on your property 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from your phone or tablet. The technology behind these systems has improved by leaps and bounds over the past few years, and more varieties mean that you can choose a perfect arrangement for your needs.


At Rivas TechGroup, our primary focus is to save you time, energy, and money. With a home automation system controlled by a single app, you invest in your home and combine functionality with elegance. Contact us today to bring the power of Josh or Control4 to your home!

May 15, 2025
For many homeowners in Kent, WA, home security still relies on outdated alarm systems that haven’t evolved with today’s security demands. These legacy systems are often unreliable, prone to false alarms, lack remote access or mobile integration, and leave residents feeling more anxious than secure. Traditional alarms tend to be passive and reactive, they may sound a loud siren, but provide no context, photo confirmation, or real-time insight into what’s happening. Homeowners with pets, children, or frequent guests know this pain all too well: a dog walks down the hallway, a child opens a window, or a motion sensor is triggered by something harmless, and suddenly the house is filled with the blare of a siren. Meanwhile, you’re left questioning if it’s a genuine emergency or another false alert. But the real danger begins when you start ignoring the alarms altogether. And when a real break-in does occur, the system’s credibility is already gone. The result? Confusion, panic, and too often, inaction. To make matters worse, police response is no longer guaranteed, especially if your system can’t verify an actual intrusion. In Kent, the Police Department has implemented a “verified response” policy, particularly for commercial properties. Since 2017, officers have only been dispatched to commercial alarms with credible evidence of a break-in, such as video footage, a triggered glass-break sensor, live audio, or confirmation from a monitoring service or eyewitness. While residential alarms still receive a response, Kent PD warns that repeated false alarms may lead to lower prioritization by dispatchers. In contrast, verified alarms, those with photo or audio confirmation, are treated as emergencies, whether the property is residential or commercial. That means if your system includes visual verification, like Ajax’s MotionCam, you’re far more likely to receive a swift, prioritized police response. In today’s security landscape, verification isn’t optional; it’s essential. And unfortunately, most traditional alarm systems simply can’t provide it. If your system can’t confirm a break-in, it may fail you when you need it most. 
April 15, 2025
Wired vs Wireless Security Systems are at the forefront of modern home and business protection. When every second counts and convenience is king, securing your home or business demands more than a traditional approach. The choice isn’t just about having a security system; it’s about choosing the right system for your lifestyle, property, and peace of mind. The world of home and commercial security has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Gone are the days when bulky cameras and tangled wires were the only options. Today’s security systems are smarter, more intuitive, and designed to seamlessly integrate into modern living spaces. This evolution has presented homeowners and business owners alike with a vital question: should you go with a wired or wireless security system? Each system has its strengths and weaknesses, and understanding them is essential to making an informed decision. Wired systems have long been the traditional standard, offering rock-solid connections and dependable performance. However, wireless systems—particularly those from innovators like Ajax Systems—have surged in popularity due to their ease of use, sleek designs, and advanced technological features. At Rivas TechGroup, we’re committed to helping our clients navigate this critical choice. With years of industry expertise and a deep understanding of modern security needs, we’re here to demystify the debate between wired and wireless security. We’ll explore the pros and cons of each system, highlight how Ajax is setting new standards in wireless protection, and help you determine the best solution for your unique property needs. 
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March 10, 2025
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Tired of outdated security systems that feel like they’re stuck in the past? It’s 2025, and your home security should be as smart as your phone. Enter Ajax Next-Gen Security System – a cutting-edge solution that redefines home protection.
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Tired of the same old entertainment setup? This January, step into the future of home cinema with Laser TV. You might be wondering, “What is Laser TV?” “Is it better than a traditional projector or a regular TV?” Great questions! Let’s break it down and explore why Laser TV is taking the world by storm.
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Rivas Technology Group is excited to announce the latest advancement in home and business security: Ajax Systems has integrated video surveillance into their already powerful security suite!  This means you can now enjoy the convenience of managing your entire security system—from intrusion detection to video monitoring—all within a single, user-friendly app.
September 30, 2024
CEDIA Expo is the premier event for the residential technology industry, and as a custom integrator committed to excellence, Rivas Technology Group was thrilled to be part of this year’s showcase in Denver, CO. The expo is not just an industry gathering; it’s a platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and discovering the future of home automation. For our clients, our participation translates into an elevated smart home experience, fueled by the latest technologies and trends.
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