Frequently Asked Questions
Company FAQ
We are Santa Barbara’s premier technology design firm. Mission Audio Video combines over three decades of experience with a passion for delivering premium home technology solutions. We specialize in custom audio/video, home automation, lighting, shades, dedicated home theaters, and networking systems designed around your lifestyle.
A technology design firm takes a holistic, engineered approach to your project, designing every system with performance, aesthetics, and long-term reliability in mind. At Mission Audio Video, our in-house CEDIA Certified Designers create comprehensive plans that integrate audio/video, lighting, networking, automation, and control into one seamless experience. Most AV companies simply install equipment. We engineer complete solutions, coordinating with architects, builders, and designers to ensure your technology fits perfectly within your home or project. The result is a system that looks better, works smarter, and is tailored specifically to your lifestyle.
What sets us apart is our commitment to personalized service, meticulous attention to detail, and a local team that handles everything from design and installation to long-term support. With us, you're not just getting a system, you’re getting a trusted partner who stands behind the work. We combine design sensibility, technical precision, and white-glove service. From initial concept to ongoing support, we prioritize discretion, reliability, and your long‑term satisfaction.
Yes! Our showroom is located right here in Santa Barbara, where you can see, hear, and experience everything Mission Audio Video has to offer. We invite clients, builders, architects, and designers to schedule a personalized tour or demo with one of our specialists. It’s the best way to experience what’s possible before bringing it to your home.
The sooner, the better. Ideally, we recommend contacting us at the start of your project’s planning phase, especially if you're building or remodeling. Early involvement allows us to coordinate with your architect, builder, and interior designer to ensure proper infrastructure, wiring, and system integration are in place — saving you time, money, and potential rework in the future. That said, we’re happy to jump in at any stage and will always do our best to accommodate your timeline.
Absolutely. At Mission Audio Video, we design and install systems of all sizes — from single-room solutions to full-home integrations. Whether you’re looking for a simple TV and soundbar setup, a home network upgrade, or a streamlined automation system, our team applies the same level of care, expertise, and attention to detail as we do on our largest projects. No project is too small when it comes to quality, performance, and client experience.
Getting started is easy! Simply reach out to us by phone, email, or through our website contact form to schedule an initial consultation. We’ll discuss your goals, walk through your space in person, and begin crafting a custom solution tailored to your needs. From there, we’ll provide a detailed proposal and timeline, so you know exactly what to expect.
Design FAQ
Your system is designed in-house by our two CEDIA Certified Designers — a distinction no other company in our market holds. While many integrators outsource their design work, our certified engineers collaborate directly with you, your builder, and design team to create the perfect system — whether it’s audio/video, home automation, lighting control, or a custom theater. The result is a system designed with precision, passion, and craftsmanship — tailored to your lifestyle and built to perform beautifully.
A Custom Design Agreement is a formal planning phase we offer for larger or more complex projects. It ensures that every detail of your system is thoughtfully designed before installation begins. This includes creating detailed system layouts, product specifications, wiring diagrams, and integration notes tailored to your space and needs.
The agreement helps prevent surprises, improves accuracy in pricing and execution, and allows us to collaborate with your architect, builder, or interior designer if needed. It’s an important step to ensure your project is delivered smoothly, on time, and on budget.
We specialize in invisible and discreet installations—from in-wall speakers and hidden TVs to motorized lifts and flush-mounted controls. Our design-first approach ensures the technology enhances, rather than detracts from, your space.
Completely. We design your system around your routines and preferences. Whether it’s one-touch lighting scenes, curated music zones, or automated climate schedules.
Yes. We can consolidate control into a single, intuitive interface — so you don’t have to juggle between apps or remotes.
The total cost depends on the scope and complexity of your project. After an initial consultation, we provide a detailed estimate that includes all expected labor, materials, and system components. For more involved projects, we may also engage in a Custom Design Agreement, which allows us to thoughtfully plan and engineer your system before installation begins. We offer both fixed-price and time-and-materials (T&M) options depending on the scope and nature of the work. Our goal is full transparency. We’ll walk you through the estimate, so you understand exactly what you're paying for before any work begins.
Service FAQ
Once your system is installed, our commitment to you continues. We have a dedicated in-house Service Team ready to support you with any updates, troubleshooting, or adjustments you may need. We also offer custom-tailored service plans designed to fit the specific needs of your system — whether it's proactive maintenance, remote monitoring, or priority support. Our goal is to ensure your technology continues to perform reliably long after installation.
Yes. Our Extended Service Plans provide proactive maintenance, priority scheduling, and remote support, helping prevent issues before they happen. It’s the best way to protect your investment and ensure long-term reliability of your system.
Our goal is to respond to all service requests within one business day. Many issues can be resolved remotely; for on-site visits, our team will schedule the earliest available time that fits your needs and service plan, between one to 10 business days.
You can request service by calling our office, dedicated service line, or submitting a request through our online service form. Our Client Services Team will confirm all details with you and schedule a convenient time. Emergency support is also available for urgent issues.
Yes. Many of our systems are configured for secure remote access, allowing our technicians to diagnose and resolve issues quickly without a site visit — saving you time and cost.
We often upgrade systems installed by others. Our technicians can evaluate your existing system, identify issues, and recommend improvements — whether it’s optimizing performance, upgrading outdated components, or integrating new features.
Installation FAQ
It’s very important. Collaborating with your builder, architect, and interior designer at the project’s inception and during construction ensures that your technology integrates seamlessly into your home — both functionally and aesthetically. Early coordination helps us plan for things like conduit paths, equipment locations, lighting control, and speaker placements without disrupting your overall design vision. Our goal is to enhance the experience without compromising style or structure.
As much or as little as you like. We handle the heavy lifting, working closely with your builder, architect, and designer to keep the project aligned with your vision. You’ll always be informed but never overwhelmed.
Absolutely. While prewiring during construction gives us the most flexibility, we specialize in retrofit solutions and have many ways to install technology cleanly and discreetly in finished spaces. We’ll assess your current setup and explore options that fit your needs with minimal disruption.
We understand that plans can change. If you're unable to complete your project for any reason, we’ll work with you to pause, reschedule, or scale the scope as needed. Any unused deposits for unpurchased materials or unbilled labor will be credited accordingly. Our goal is to be flexible and fair — your investment and satisfaction are important to us, and we’re here to support you every step of the way, even if the timeline shifts.
Absolutely. At Mission Audio Video, we design and install systems of all sizes — from single-room solutions to full-home integrations. Whether you’re looking for a simple TV and soundbar setup, a home network upgrade, or a streamlined automation system, our team applies the same level of care, expertise, and attention to detail as we do on our largest projects. No project is too small when it comes to quality, performance, and client experience.
Home Automation FAQ
Home automation lets you control your home’s lighting, shades, climate, music, video, and security from one simple interface — your phone, touch panel, or voice command. It brings comfort, convenience, and efficiency together in one connected system.
Yes. We specialize in designing systems where everything works seamlessly — from lighting and motorized shades to distributed audio/video, climate control, and security. One tap or voice command can set the perfect scene throughout your home.
We work with the industry’s most trusted automation platforms, including Crestron, Lutron, and Savant. Every system is custom designed to fit your lifestyle, architecture, and budget.
Not at all! Our goal is simplicity. We design every interface to be intuitive and easy to use — one button for “Movie Night,” “Entertain,” or “Goodnight.” Plus, our team provides personalized training and ongoing support.
Yes. You can monitor and control your entire home from anywhere in the world using your smartphone or tablet, whether you’re on vacation or just out for dinner.
Custom Home Theater FAQ
A custom home theater is designed specifically for your space, lifestyle, and performance goals. Every element, from the room layout and acoustics, to the projector, speakers, lighting, and seating is engineered and tuned to deliver a true cinematic experience in your home.
Yes, and most clients do. Your theater can be fully integrated with your home automation system, giving you one-touch control for lights, shades, audio, video, and climate, all from a single remote or touchscreen.
Yes. Our in-house design team works together with your architect, builder, or interior designer to integrate lighting, acoustics, finishes, and seating. We handle both the technical and aesthetic details to ensure your theater looks as incredible as it sounds.
Not at all. We design theaters for rooms of all sizes, from cozy media rooms to full dedicated theaters. With the right layout, acoustics, and equipment, any space can become a cinematic escape.
We work with the industry’s leading performance brands for projection, speakers, acoustic treatments, and control systems. Every component is selected based on performance, reliability, and compatibility with your overall design and budget.
Lighting FAQ
Lighting completely transforms how a space feels and functions. The right lighting design enhances architecture, highlights finishes and sets the mood, from bright and functional during the day to warm and inviting in the evening. Great lighting doesn’t just illuminate a space, it brings it to life.
A professionally designed system balances function, aesthetics, and control. It improves comfort, showcases design details, and increases energy efficiency. With proper zoning, dimming, and fixture selection, you can create scenes that adapt to your lifestyle — entertaining, relaxing, or working — all with a single touch.
We design and install smart lighting control systems that integrate seamlessly with your home automation platform. Whether you’re building new or upgrading an existing space, we work with leading brands like Lutron, DMF, and Crestron to provide intuitive, reliable lighting solutions tailored to your home.
Yes. Our lighting systems allow you to control lights from a wall keypad, touchscreen, smartphone, or voice command. You can adjust brightness, color temperature, or activate preset scenes from anywhere in the world.
Absolutely. Our design team works with homeowners, builders, and interior designers to specify the right fixtures for every space, from recessed and accent lighting to decorative and landscape fixtures. Every detail is coordinated for balance, performance, and beauty.
Shading FAQ
Automated shades bring both comfort and control to your home. With one touch or automatic programming, they manage natural light, privacy, and temperature throughout the day. The result is effortless living that looks beautiful and feels better.
Smart shading enhances energy efficiency, comfort, and design. Shades can lower during the hottest part of the day to reduce cooling costs, open at sunrise to let in natural light, or close at night for privacy. They protect furnishings from UV damage, improve insulation, and create the perfect ambiance in every room.
We provide a full range of roller and specialty shades in hundreds of fabrics and finishes. Working with trusted brands such as Lutron and Crestron, we tailor each system to your home’s architecture and design aesthetic. Options include wired or wireless, manual or fully automated.
You can control your shades from a wall keypad, handheld remote, touchscreen, smartphone app, or by voice. They can also adjust automatically based on time of day, sunlight, or temperature, ensuring your home always feels comfortable without you lifting a finger.
Absolutely. Our design team guides you through fabric choices, opacities, and styles to achieve the perfect balance of performance and aesthetics. We coordinate directly with your interior designer or architect to ensure your shades complement your home’s décor.
Plan Your Next Project
Send us your details, and one of our friendly and knowledgeable professionals will reach out.