Bluffton, South Carolina-based Advanced Integration Controls (AIC), a longtime ELAN
dealer, has won two CTA TecHome Mark of Excellence Awards at CES 2018 for a single
project that used ELAN, Sunfire, Niles and Panamax solutions to bring a home back to
life after existing equipment was destroyed in Hurricane Matthew. According to AIC
Owner Curtis Hubner, winning awards for “Custom Home of the Year $50,000 –
$150,000′ and “Retrofit of the Year’ highlights the major technology upgrades and
hard work offered by his team and Nortek Security and Control’s latest products.

“We are thrilled to win these Mark of Excellence awards and be recognised among the
nation’s best integrators,’ Hubner said. “This project was complicated, and the results
went beyond our client’s expectations. This highlights how the right technologies can
improve home life, even among those who already have older home automation
systems. We are committed to bringing the world’s best home control systems to
customers throughout our region.’

The project arose after much of the owner’s existing technology was destroyed in
Hurricane Matthew,
including a Colorado vNet control system and most major distribution components.
This meant the entire system required an evaluation and most of it needed to be
replaced. ELAN’s capabilities and ease of use go far beyond what the owners were
accustomed to, bringing a new level of control and comfort to the home.

In total, the new ELAN system covers the entire 8,600 square foot home with
distributed audio and video, climate controls, security, 108 lighting zones,
surveillance, and pool and spa controls. Sensors send alerts for any issues related to
fire or water, and the Panamax M4315-Pro with BlueBOLT remote functionality
protects equipment from power surges. With ELAN, the owners now have 100 percent
access to every connected system from anywhere in the world, including six Luma
surveillance camera feeds and recordings, a Lutron HomeWorks QS system for lighting
and HVAC control, 32-zone security system, and distributed audio and video.

“ELAN is a massive upgrade from their previous system,’ Hubner added. “While the
owners were relatively satisfied with their old technology, they knew a new system
would offer vast improvements in reliability, speed, accessibility and functionality.
That’s exactly what this ELAN system does, and it’s also why we chose to upgrade
nearly everything in the home, including the home theatre projector. By using several
Nortek Security & Control brands, we ensured equipment would all work seamlessly
and provide the best user experience for years to come. Now they have added peace
of mind with better security and alerts, worldwide access to their system, and the
ultimate power protection from Panamax.’

Some of the most noticeable upgrades came in the ELAN user interface itself, which is
identical on every device from the four in-wall ELAN TP7 touchscreens to the owner’s
mobile devices and computers. Two ELAN HR200 wand-style remotes afford instant
access to TV and music with a familiar feel and responsiveness, while the
touchscreens and mobile devices offer total control over nearly every part of the
home. The client can even use Amazon Alexa to control the ELAN system by voice
command.

While the client’s beloved home theatre wasn’t damaged in the storm, it too saw an
upgrade with the addition of a new Sony True 4K projector and a Sunfire HRS
subwoofer. Niles CM7HD and CM7SI speakers bring audio to multiple rooms, while two
ELAN S1616A Multi-Zone Amplifier/Controllers deliver crystal clear sound throughout
the home. ELAN integrates every aspect of the home – a ring at the door mutes all
music within the home and prompts the owner to speak to the visitor through the
ELAN intercom system, which can be accessed from any ELAN interface.

An ELAN gSC10 Controller drives the majority of the home control and automation
experience, while an additional ELAN gSC2 Controller controls the family room and
rear porch. An advanced WiFi network using Netgear Nighthawk routers ensures
consistent WiFi coverage across all 8,600 square feet of the home. Special
programming was added to comply with local sea turtle regulations, which state that
beachfront properties cannot light the beach after dark. AIC added schedules to
ensure this home complies with the regulations and protects the fragile sea turtle
nesting habitat.

The TechHome Mark of Excellence Awards, presented by the Consumer Technology
Association (CTA), recognise the best in custom integration and installed technology.
Each year manufacturers, distributors and systems integrators compete in more than
30 award categories for this coveted honour.