Tech on Demand
Smart homes can still make some people feel dumb. Integrating technology from different providers on various platforms and enabling them to work with Bluetooth and voice control, setting them for automated routines, and personalizing user profiles for every individual in the home can be frustrating. Few people have the time or patience to integrate new technology properly, particularly with each addition of a new device.
Dish Network is familiar with this frustration. For the past decade, they’ve been providing custom installation and programming for all variety of smart home devices. However, it’s only this year that Dish opened the service to non-Dish customers. Their new OnTech program, now available in 31 major markets, provides installation, set up, and education for numerous smart home products.
After a decade of listening to reports from their installers, Dish realized there was a demand that extended beyond Dish users. Vice President and General Manager of OnTech Jeremy McCarty explains, “When you think about all of these devices, the possibilities are really endless. There also can be endless frustration with the customer trying to make it all work in their home at the same time. So, this is really aimed at customers who don’t have the time, the know-how, or even, quite frankly, the patience to pull all those pieces together.”
When McCarty described their ideal customer, I realized I was that customer. So, I scheduled an appointment with OnTech to check out their services myself. The word “invaluable” comes to mind.
I reached a point where half my smart plugs weren’t communicating with my app, which was affecting the lighting in my home. I wanted my new robotic vacuum to be voice activated. I wanted a soundbar and wireless subwoofer installed, and my Wi-Fi wouldn’t reach my outdoor patio table. I needed help and I didn’t have the time to watch YouTube instructional videos for each problem I was having.
OnTech showed up at exactly the pre-arranged time. The technician installed my new Klipsch RSB-14 sound bar and subwoofer, synchronized all my smart plugs to my app, programmed my voice assistant to “release the Kraken” when I wanted my robot vacuum to begin cleaning, and installed a new mesh Wi-Fi system so I could receive signal all the way to my back fence.
The technician spent a solid four hours in my home, patiently showing me how to operate the new technology and how to better utilize my existing smart-home accessories. It was a revelation. I was the technology master! Everything came to life with the sound of my voice and problems that had been plaguing me for months were resolved in an afternoon.
McCarty described the experience succinctly: “It’s not just about installing or setting up the product in the home, it’s also about educating the customer on how to use the equipment, and how to use their smart home, before the technician leaves.”
OnTech works with several of the top technology brands to offer their clients best-in-class systems that work in unison to create a whole-home ecosystem. A complete list of brand partners, as well as pricing for installation and setup, is available on their website at OnTechSmartServices.com
