By Jody Robinson
There’s something about life in South Orange County that naturally unfolds outdoors. Maybe it’s the golden light that lingers a little longer.
Maybe it’s the way dinner drifts from the kitchen to the patio without a second thought. Here, the backyard isn’t an accessory — it’s an extension of home.
But transforming that space into something seamless, polished, and truly effortless? That’s where details multiply quickly.
You start with a television by the pool. Then you learn outdoor TVs must withstand heat, glare, coastal air, and moisture. You add speakers — but they need to blend into landscaping. Then lighting. Patio heaters. Strong Wi-Fi. Suddenly, what felt simple becomes layered with wiring questions, compatibility issues, and too many remotes.
That’s where Reel Time Sight and Sound comes in – quietly replacing complexity with clarity.
“We design outdoor spaces that feel effortless,” says Owner Jon Colburn. “Technology should enhance how you live. It shouldn’t complicate it.”
The Art of Outdoor Living
Outdoor living has evolved far beyond a grill and patio set. Today’s homeowners envision full environments — outdoor kitchens, covered lounges, poolside entertainment zones, and integrated audio and video systems that rival anything indoors.
Reel Time specializes in designing these spaces from the ground up.
Their weather-rated outdoor televisions are engineered for full sun, partial sun, or shaded installations — built specifically to resist extreme temperatures and glare while delivering crystal-clear images in bright daylight.
Audio is approached just as thoughtfully. Rather than mounting bulky speakers on exterior walls, Reel Time installs discreet landscape systems. Satellite speakers blend into plantings, and in-ground subwoofers provide rich bass without visual clutter.
“The sound should feel natural,” Jon explains. “It shouldn’t feel like it’s coming from a box on the wall. It should feel like it’s part of the space.”
From lively pool gatherings to quiet evenings with soft music under the stars, the system adapts with a simple tap.
Seamless Control, Inside and Out
One of Reel Time’s greatest strengths is integration. As a certified dealer of Control4, the company designs automation systems that unify indoor and outdoor living.
Lighting, music, televisions, motorized patio shades, heaters, security cameras, pool equipment, and gate access can all be managed through one elegant interface.
“You shouldn’t need five remotes and six apps,” Jon says. “We simplify everything so you can enjoy it.”
Outdoor Wi-Fi networks are another foundational piece. Reel Time engineers robust networking systems that eliminate dead zones, ensuring strong connectivity from the front driveway to the farthest edge of the backyard. In today’s world, seamless connectivity isn’t a luxury — it’s essential.
Beyond Entertainment: Complete Outdoor Environments
Outdoor living is about more than screens and speakers. Reel Time collaborates closely with homeowners, designers, and contractors to integrate technology into every layer of the environment, including:
- Smart landscape and architectural lighting
- Motorized patio shades and retractable screens
- Outdoor-rated security and surveillance systems
- Integrated pool and spa controls
- Fire feature and heater automation
- Whole-home audio that extends outdoors
Every component is selected with durability in mind. Coastal air and sun exposure demand professional-grade equipment and careful installation.
“We plan for longevity,” Jon says. “It’s not just about what looks beautiful on day one. It’s about what still works beautifully years from now.”
Bringing the Same Precision Indoors
While outdoor living is a signature focus, Reel Time provides comprehensive solutions for the entire home.
Custom home theaters and media rooms remain a cornerstone of their work, with acoustically engineered speaker placement, clean wiring, and custom cabinetry designed for both performance and aesthetics. Whole-home audio, smart lighting control, structured wiring, networking infrastructure, security systems, Frame TV installations, custom mounting solutions, and commercial audio/video systems for local businesses round out their offerings.
All designers and technicians are in-house — licensed professionals who handle installation, programming, and final calibration with precision.
“You can buy great equipment anywhere,” Jon explains. “But if you can’t operate it easily, what’s the point?”
Home automation doesn’t have to happen all at once. Reel Time takes a thoughtful, phased approach, designing systems that grow alongside homeowners’ needs. Proper infrastructure can be installed during construction or remodeling, preventing costly retrofits later
Service That Stays
In an era of online ordering and outsourced installations, Reel Time’s relationship-driven approach stands apart. From initial design to long-term support, their team remains accessible. Systems are documented. Clients are trained thoroughly. Adjustments and upgrades are handled by professionals who know the project intimately.
The result isn’t simply technology.
It’s ease. It’s atmosphere. It’s stepping into your backyard and feeling like everything just works — beautifully, intuitively, and exactly as it should.
