For the past 13 years, U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Chad Watson (Ret.) has proven the resiliency and toughness of U.S. service members by creating a new life for himself after he lost half of his right leg in a 2006 IED explosion in Iraq. In recognition of Watson’s sacrifice and determination throughout his difficult recovery, the Gary Sinise Foundation’s R.I.S.E. (Restoring Independence, Supporting Empowerment) program selected him to receive a brand new smart home in Illinois, complete with security, automation and entertainment technologies from Nortek Security & Control LLC.

James Galla, owner of local electronics integration firm EOC Audio, designed and installed the home’s digital infrastructure, providing Watson and his family with powerfully simple technologies that enhance comfort, security and control over house-wide systems.

“Any injury that limits mobility introduces obstacles to common household tasks such as shutting off lights at night or answering the door,” Galla said. “With 2GIG security integrated with the ELAN control system, the Watsons have peace of mind, plus comfort and convenience. It really is an intelligent home.” 

Watson can now more quickly and easily see live video of who is at the door, unlock the electronic door lock or turn off every light in the house at once. Nearly all of the home’s electronic subsystems are integrated into the simple-to-use interface, so adjusting the heat, closing the window shades or watching a movie can be as easy as a few taps in the app, or speaking a few phrases.

“Watson’s life changed forever on that November day in 2006,” Galla said. “This new home is changing his family’s life again, with the goal of providing independence and control over their environment. With lifestyle enhancements that include multi-room audio and video, motorized window shades and remote climate control for multiple zones, Watson can focus more energy on his family and less on repetitive tasks that normally require a lot of walking back and forth.”

Each of the home’s three TVs is equipped with an ELAN HR30 TV remote that functions just like a normal TV remote, but also has a 2.4” touchscreen offering control of every connected subsystem in the home. Property-wide Vantage lighting and motorized QMotion window shades are just a touch away, while six zones of audio offer music in multiple rooms, including the outdoor patio, through ceiling-mounted SpeakerCraft AIM Series 2 speakers. Even the home’s climate is mobile-controlled, with two ELAN thermostats covering distinct HVAC zones that can be adjusted or pre-programmed for daily schedules.

Audio and video distribution is managed through an ELAN Multi-Room A/V Controller, which delivers content to any TV or audio zone, three DirecTV boxes, an Apple TV and all of today’s most popular music streaming services.