All the heavy equipment lives in a main level closet in a rack that’s easily serviceable, yet out of view. Russell and the ListenUp team recommended Pakedge routers with “Bakpak” to monitor the network, with offline alerts and access to manage the homeowners’ Access Networks Ruckus wireless access points. This configuration allows ListenUp to remotely fix most network issues without an in-home service call.

Control Options

A 10-inch touchscreen in the kitchen displays icons for audio/video, lighting, HVAC, Hunter Douglas shades and security. There’s also Alexa voice control. Everyday control is done by thinking of an action, like “Watch TV,” or “Listen to Pandora” — again, either using the physical Control4 remote, touchscreens or voice. This same user-friendly control is consistent in all rooms of the home. “The team at ListenUp are experts in the technology and what’s going on,” says the homeowner, “and they come with technical solutions I never would have thought of. For example, we only have two Apple TVs, but they’re now serving all five different TVs with the video network…. [ListenUp’s] Justyn [Born] and Matt [Andreasen] have become like part of the family. I have Justyn’s cell number, and I’ll text him on a Saturday, thinking I’ll get a response on Monday, but he gets back to me the same day. At one point, one of the tablet controllers failed, and I called to ask if it was still under warranty. He said ‘Yes,’ came by and picked up the old unit, took it down to the store, and brought the new unit back. ListenUp knows how to treat repeat customers.”

Control4 Wireless Thermostat