Re: Anyone using Crestron?

[Kevin Hawkins <yahoogroupskh@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Ben,

Yes - I'm using both Crestron and AMX.    A lot of my AV side is
implemented this way.  As ever I have 'will do more' aspirations.   One
of the key attractions is that there are great free modules out there,
covering most kit ,  and these can  can be customised for your own needs.

'Not current model' items tend to appear for good prices on eBay as
the integrators force feed upgrade kit to their obliging client base and
you can even occasionally get bargains on new kit - indeed just playing
with an AMX Mio R4 two way (Zigbee) colour remote.   You of course need
a processor as well as your screens and some of the older models offer
limited programming / features or don't work at all with current
software.   Their 'tiny' processors are still very capable from a
processing point of view and well priced,  even when new,  they're just
restricted on I/O ports.

The programming software, projects and modules are not downloadable
and only available to authorised dealers however .  Online updates are
applied though dealer passworded accounts and AMX key their software
(Visual Architect)  to dealers / individual machines.   Both companies
now implement this to protect the calibre of the programming as
previously some bad implementations had marred their reputations.   An
infamous TV scene from 'The Osbournes' with Ozzy hurling his uber
expensive remote across the room in frustration comes to mind....

One thing I have changed my approach on is wall mounted touch
screens .  They are useful in many situations but they don't address the
impulse/spontaneous
need.   A handheld remote is much preferred here.   Some older
Crestron/AMX remote screens are quite bulky and heavy and the two way
versions have limited battery life.  Indeed even newer ones - like the
R4 are surprisingly chunky.      The Logitech/Slim Duet two way RF
remote OTOH shows you can make fully featured remotes that have very
accepatble form factors.

K

Ben McCormack wrote:
> I am still looking for a decent front end touchpanel to control the
> house. I was wandering on ebay and see some of the Crestron stuff is a
> reasonable price.
>
> Anyone using it in anger?
>
> Ben
>
>
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