WiFi For Your Winter Wonderland
Many people have an under performing ISP provided wireless gateway modem/router combo sitting in their basement or office. Family members who are far away from it are always complaining how the internet is too slow or down.
Even when you move to the other side of the house the signal speed isn’t really that great. Many of these basic devices provided by your internet provider offer economic, easy solutions but not the best performance quality. Installing your own router can help but still may struggle through floors and walls. WIFI signal functions like sound waves. You wouldn’t want to listen to your sound system through three walls, right? Therefore, adding additional wireless access points in the house can tremendously improve your wireless experience. A robust dual band AC gigabit router with a built-in wireless controller can even hand off your devices from point to point as you move around your house. Your devices won’t remain connected to a faraway access point resulting in seamless roaming through-out your home. The wireless specification means that the network equipment has support for the latest 802.11 ac networking standard, which offers faster WIFI network connections on the 5GHz frequency. The dual band feature maintains support for legacy 2.4Ghz devices. Also, if you have a guest house, garage, or boat dock you can even network wirelessly across the distance with a wireless bridge. Huston Tech uses quality residential system brands such as Pakedge, Araknis, Ubiquiti, and Luxul to provide you with a high performance and reliable home network. For Christmas this year, consider giving you and your family a reliable and robust wireless experience.
Indiana’s First Design Thinking Lab
HustonTech had the honor, and privilege to partner with John Wechsler the CEO of Indiana IOT lab, and Launch fishers, to create Indiana’s first Design thinking Lab inside the IOT lab in Fishers, Indiana.
Fishers has quickly become a nationally recognized technology hub, and the focus on IOT (Internet of things) Is a hot topic on many tech companies, and entrepreneurs minds.
HustonTech installed multiple interactive displays and IOT devices to help companies design their future tech ideas from start to finish by using SMART Interactive displays for digitally inking, saving their plans digitally, digital collaboration, 3D modeling, and various other features they will now have at their fingertips in the lab.
Huston also installed the latest ambient light rejecting projector screens for Screen Innovations, and Epson 4K projectors to have a top of the line presentation space which has already been used to host tech events, city announcements, and live television specials.
HustonTech is proud to be a partner with the IOT lab, Launch fishers, Launch Indy, Union525, and various other tech companies and startups, to provide cutting edge technologies for their current and future businesses.
Huston Technologies provides and installs SMART Interactive displays, Home, business, and classroom automation, SMART podiums, Classroom audio, Projectors, and commercial or residential audio video solutions. We also have the best pricing available in Indiana for Epson projectors. Huston has physical locations in Kokomo, Lafayette and Indianapolis, Indiana. Huston Inc. was founded in 1939 and has divisions specializing in electrical contracting and service, home and business automation, telecommunications, visual communications and signage, generators and compressors. To learn more about Huston Technologies, please visit us www.hustonelectric.com and www.hustonsmartboards.com.
Immaculate Heart of Mary helps refresh of their current technology.
Huston Electric was contacted by Immaculate Heart of Mary to discuss a possible refresh of their current technology. Huston visited the school to provide an assessment of their classrooms, and asked the administrators and teachers what they wanted to be able to accomplish with their new technology. They informed us that the previous installer was very impersonal, they did a poor job on the installs, and they were very hard to get a hold of after the installation.
At Huston, we take great pride in being there for our customers before, during, and after the installation. For Immaculate Heart of Mary, we ended up removing and disposing of all their existing whiteboards, and replacing them with SMARTs new 65” SMART KappIQ Interactive flat panel displays. We also installed SMART Speakers for enhanced sound in the classrooms.
The installation of all 24 rooms was accomplished in the time frame they needed, we connected each one to the teacher’s computer workstations, hiding the wires so they are free from view. Along the way we answered questions and worked with the staff to ensure they had each board where they needed them, and that they knew to operate them by the time the school year started.
Immaculate Heart of Mary was so impressed with the installation and the care given to them, that they agreed to do a short documentary video about the project. We are very pleased with the outcome of this project, and would love the opportunity to work with you on any future technology upgrades you may be considering at your location.
Shelly Jenkins, (Technology Director Immaculate heart of Mary) provided the following testimonial:
“ We could not be more pleased in our choice of Huston Electric for our Smartboard upgrade project in 2017! Your efficient work, and helpful guidance enabled us to complete our entire school installation project in the time we had estimated. Your installation technician, Brandon Bowyer, made sure each classroom was prepped correctly, even answering teachers questions along the way. Every cable is securely mounted, and practically invisible – Such a great job! The SMARTBoard interactive panels and speakers systems are perfectly installed, look fantastic, and work great! Thank you for your training on how to use them easily, and tips about common functions. Our teachers started off the school year with excellent new equipment, and we highly recommend Huston Electric as the best SMARTBoard installation company in Indiana”.
Huston Technologies provides and installs SMART Interactive displays, Home, business, and classroom automation, SMART podiums, Classroom audio, Projectors, and commercial or residential audio video solutions. We also have the best pricing available in Indiana for Epson projectors. Huston has physical locations in Kokomo, Lafayette and Indianapolis, Indiana. Huston Inc. was founded in 1939 and has divisions specializing in electrical contracting and service, home and business automation, telecommunications, visual communications and signage, generators and compressors. To learn more about Huston Technologies, please visit us www.hustonelectric.com and www.hustonsmartboards.com.
Huston’s John Armstrong becomes Axis Certified Professional!
Who is AXIS Communications?
AXIS is the market leader in the network video industry and specializes both in analog and digital video surveillance systems. AXIS has tens of thousands of partners in 179 countries and distributors in 70 countries worldwide. The mission of the company is to make the world a safer and more secure place. Axis specializes in the production of network video solutions that rely on revolutionary, open technical platforms. AXIS was the first company to launch a network camera in 1996, shifting from analog to digital and developing the video surveillance systems as we know them today. AXIS now produces applications, video encoders, network cameras and a variety of accessories for video surveillance systems.
Axis Certification Program
Axis Certification Program ensures students have expert-level knowledge of Axis products. It gives them in-depth knowledge of network video topics that turn Axis Certified Professionals (and the businesses they work for) into sought after experts. The scope of Axis Certification Program goes far beyond just Axis products and certifies comprehensive knowledge of network video, networking, system design, and installation.
Benefits of the certification include:
The Axis Certified Professional serves as a comprehensive knowledge indicator of the latest network video technologies, solutions, and best-practice design & implementation techniques.
Axis Certified Professionals are highly regarded by their peers and colleagues for their competence. They are recognized by system architects and consultants who require Axis Certified Professionals in large projects.
Axis certification is a unique differentiator for end-users when selecting their video surveillance provider.
How does this benefit Huston?
Completing my ACP Certification from AXIS gives me the product and design knowledge to install advanced IP surveillance solutions. Axis Certification Program also gives us concrete proof that we have the knowledge and skills needed to bid on bigger and more complex projects – and to do a better job on the ones we land. Customers can be assured that they are in good hands when working with Huston on their security needs. Huston will now be listed on www.axis.com and will be promoted on their social media platforms and we will qualify for “silver” purchasing levels which will reduce our purchasing costs and increase our profitability.
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A Residential Control Project Like No Other
In my 10 years of audio video work and programming Control4 systems I have had the opportunity to do some incredible, very fun, interesting, projects. I’ve designed and installed systems for residences, restaurants, offices, and conference rooms. Each one had their own unique objective with different aspects of AV and automation control. As comprehensive and technologically advanced as many of them have been, none of them quite had it all. It just hadn’t happened… until now.
From time to time in everyone’s career there comes a project or assignment that stands out. A dream job. A unicorn. My dream job came about in the form of a 14,000 square foot mansion on the outskirts of Lafayette. When I first saw the prints and sheer scope of the job I was in awe and must admit a bit intimidated. While I had done work in large, elegant homes before, nothing had really measured up to the scale of this home. However large it seemed, I wasn’t going to let the opportunity pass me by and was up for the challenge. After many hours of design work and meetings with Control4 and the client, they ultimately accepted our proposals over our competitors’. The work was completed over two years and was a success. I’ve been very pleased with how the system has turned out and more importantly the client has been as well. Here are some of the features this full blown Control4 smart home has to offer. Whole House LightingThe home has Control4’s wired lighting system. I programmed 26 modules with 8 circuits each. There are over 60 wired low voltage keypads with over 200 buttons that had to be programmed individually. Each button has its own custom label.Whole House AudioSixteen independent audio zones can be controlled together or separately through Control4 a matrix switch and amplifiers. This includes outdoor and landscape audio. The system can stream applications such as Spotify and Pandora and they even have built in Airplay to stream from an iPhone or Apple device. Whole House VideoThe home has a Control4 HDMI 4K matrix switch that distributes up to 10 different sources to one of seven Sony XBR televisions in the home. Universal remote controls give easy access to source selection. All sources such as cable boxes and Apple TVs are hidden away in the server cabinet and need never be visible to the user. Two televisions are also installed with an automated TV lift that hides the TV in a cabinet when it is turned off.Dedicated Home TheaterA high-end Sony home theater receiver distributes quality audio to Paradigm Millenia pro audio speakers and subwoofer. Video is displayed on a 75” Sony XBR.Home NetworkA robust Luxul business class router communicates with all the Control4 devices. Seven indoor Wi-Fi access points and one outdoor Wi-Fi access point give excellent wireless coverage throughout the home. A wireless controller has also been installed for seamless handoff of devices for AP to AP. A powerful, robust, and reliable network is crucial for a successful Control4 installation.Touch ScreensSix wired touch screens and three wireless touch screens are distributed in key locations for entire system control. The touch screens also act as a whole-home intercom system also.Door StationsDoorbell intercoms are installed at the front gate and two door entrances. They are also integrated with intercom system and touch screens. Gate ControlThe front security gate can be opened through the Control4 system.HVAC IntegrationNest thermostats and smoke alarms are connected to Control4.Security System IntegrationAn Interlogix security system is integrated for alarm system control from any touch screen.SurveillanceNine security cameras were installed and can be viewed remotely or through the Control4 touch screens.Fireplace ControlTwo gas fireplaces can be turned on and off through the Control4 system.Garage Door ControlThe garage doors are integrated with the system.Pool ControlPool temperature and filtration control are integrated. Remote AccessThe entire system can be remotely controlled from Mumbai.
So yeah… I’ve been busy. It was an amazing endeavor and it was so fun! The builder and the client were fantastic to work with which made it all the better. The experience was invaluable and raised me to an entirely new level in the field of home control and automation. I’m happy to take the knowledge forward in to new projects of any size.Blog by Nate Cushman Custom Electronics Integrator & Master Installer.
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Lafayette electrical union, IBEW 668, goes high tech!
Our local electrical union has recently updated its conference room to a Control4 audio visual and HVAC control system. The new system seamlessly integrates multiple video sources to be selected and distributed to a new Vivetek ceiling mounted projector and 120” drop down projection screen.
The video sources include Apple TV, Microsoft wireless display adapter (WiDi), Sony Blu ray player, and a local in wall connection for devices such as laptops. The system also features a 4-zone 70v audio amplifier to distribute audio to four separate areas independently or together. A microphone is also mixed in for use when public address is needed. Music from Pandora is programmed to come on each morning throughout the building. Two wireless Control4 thermostats with occupancy sensors will seasonally lower/raise the temperature when the union hall is vacated. These new modifications have created an ease of use and savings of energy for union members and individuals renting out the hall. Control4 is an excellent solution for new or retrofit conference room installations.
Huston AVTech is a full service audio visual division of Huston Electric serving central Indiana. We specialize in home and business automation through design, integration, installation and control.Huston Avtech is a Control4 GOLD level dealer and authorized resell.
Huston Inc. was founded in 1939 and has divisions specializing in electrical contracting and service, home and business automation, telecommunications, visual communications and signage, generators and compressors.
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Huston Goes Gold!
After six years of steady growth, Huston AVTech has achieved Gold Dealership status with Control4. Control4 is the industry standard for Home Control and Small Business Automation systems. Control4 dealers can raise their status level by achieving purchasing goals for the year. The benefit of achieving these levels raises dealer visibility on the Control4 website and is a stamp of professionalism and competence for Huston AVTech.
A special thank you to all of our clients for trusting Huston to install these amazing Home Control and Business Automation systems. We look forward to new partnerships and growth in the future.
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New High Resolution Audio Brings Powerful High Quality Sound Back To Music!
Do you remember carrying around that 8-pound binder you had filled with all of those shiny little round things called CDs? The audio quality was fantastic on all the new music and even Steve Miller Band’s greatest hits sounded amazing remastered. And then came along this little device called the Ipod. And we said, “You mean I can take all my Weezer, Nirvana, and Pink Floyd CDs and put them in my hip pocket? Count me in.
” All of that convenience and portability was great but…there was a catch; the compression of bit rate and bit depth. Without getting into a lot of technical jargon, what that means is all of that uncompressed data on a CD had to be smashed to a smaller size for transportation and storage on an Ipod or MP3 player. And the result? Lower sound quality. Most of us now accept the quality of our stored music as “normal”. Most millennials don’t even have any idea what else they can compare it to. The CD format to them is like an 8 track to my generation. And this generation has moved into the world of music streaming. Music is now stored in a cloud server and played on demand through the network on your computer or mobile device through various streaming services. But yet again all of streamed data requires compression…until now. Our recent advancements in computer processing, networking bandwidths and speed have made lossless audio accessible outside the realm of the CD format. The music and audio industry have gotten behind a new standardization called High-res or high resolution audio. With High-res audio we will have the ability to steam or download music in as good or better than CD quality audio. New high-res audio players will be able to play and stream the new format. How can I access this new technology? Well, Control4, the nation’s leader in Home Control systems, has included high res audio access in each of their new line of EA controllers. Native apps like Tidal and Deezer are accessible to stream to your stereo or whole house audio system for the best audio format EVER HEARD. Per usual, Control4 has set the trend in the technology curve. And let’s not forget that each these controllers can add video control, lighting control, HVAC control and much more…. Check out these entertainment solutions for more information. Huston is a proud installer and supplier of all Control4 Home Control products. Paired with our line of Paradigm pro-audio speakers and amplifiers, you will not only hear the difference, you will feel it. Nate Cushman – Custom Electronics Integrator – Huston Technology
Huston Inc. was founded in 1939 and has divisions specializing in electrical contracting and service, home and business automation, smart boards, lighting retrofits, telecommunications, visual communications and signage, generators and compressors. Huston Electric has four locations including Lafayette, Kokomo and Westfield, IN. To learn more about Huston’s products and services, please visit www.hustonelectric.com
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Huston Continues Interactive Display Partnership With Chrysler LLC.
Huston continues their partnership with Chrysler LLC providing Interactive displays for the new Tipton Transmission plant.Hustons Technology division has been working closely with Chrysler on multiple Interactive displays at various Plant locations. Recently Huston’s SMART Interactive displays were purchased to do a “virtual walk through” of the transmission plant using 3D BIM Modeling. Technology like this can help companies review and make any needed changes on the spot during the construction phase, saving a lot of time and money.
SMART Technologies Does it again!
The most advanced member of the hugely successful SMART kapp product family, kapp iQ is a sleek, ultra-high-definition display that enables game-changing collaboration for meeting rooms, breakout spaces, offices and classrooms. SMART kapp iQ combines the simplicity of the “walk-up-and-use” practice of the original SMART kapp whiteboard with an incredible, multi-way, multi-device collaborative experience. Like the original SMART kapp, kapp iQ simply connects via any Android or iOS device. Users can then invite any Web-enabled device to join for unrivalled, real-time collaboration. Anything written on the display is shared in real-time with anyone, anywhere in the world. The magic with SMART kapp iQ is that participants can collaborate and contribute back in real time by making notes on their devices that immediately display in the collaboration session – making it the only multi-way, interactive display that combines the simplicity of a traditional whiteboard with the power of an ultra-high definition display. This magical experience is accomplished without the need for IT involvement or the need to connect to a corporate network, meaning SMART kapp iQ is less costly to maintain than most front of the room displays. And just like SMART kapp, kapp iQ uses the existing SMART kapp app, but with upcoming iQ premium features, such as digital inking over content. In addition, because SMART kapp iQ uses the same panel technology as the SMART Board 6000 series, many existing customers will be able to retrofit their boards to acquire the power of kapp iQ. “With kapp iQ, SMART is combining the simplicity of the whiteboard with the utility of a front of room display that often is left unused,” said Zeus Kerravala, principal, ZK Research. “It’s a unique solution that helps the agile worker collaborate easily whether it’s ad-hoc or a formal sit-down session.” “Our new SMART kapp iQ display brings incredibly simple, walk up and use whiteboarding, multi-way sharing, and collaboration,” says Neil Gaydon, president and CEO, SMART Technologies. “It embraces and connects the modern world, where multiple devices with different operating systems are in constant use. We are excited that it is going to revolutionize the regular meeting display and collaboration experience.” The SMART Kapp IQ is available in June. Contact Joel Fenske at Huston Electric to Pre order yours today.