Built on a record of reliability, the V16 Procontroller from Alcorn-McBridecan control RS232/422 and Ethernet devices in reaction to specific triggers or on a timeline by an internal, battery-backed clock. The unit features dual Ethernet ports, realtime clock scheduler, SMPTE timecode, incoming message processing, and a graphical user interface. Users can add markers, drag-and-drop events, add triggers, and group related events. The user interface is an 8×40 VFD Display and there are 16 bi-color (TX/RX) Serial Activity LEDs, 16 input status LEDs, 16 output status LEDs, and 16 programmable pushbuttons. The rear panel provides serial and USB programming ports, 16 serial ports on DB-9M connectors, MIDI in/out, video sync input on BNC, timecode in/out on XLRs, and dual 10/100 Base-T Ether- net on RJ-45s.
The Altinex CP500-110 Neutron Controlleris an Ethernet-based central control unit that enables multi-point device control on up to two RS-232 devices, two IR (infrared) devices, two relay-based devices, and two sensor inputs. It works with Altinex MultiTouch touchpanels and it is compatible with most touchpanel makes and models through its Ethernet port. Its ports fit captive screw connectors. The two sensor inputs accept sensor output voltages up to 24VDC, and each sensor input has an independent trigger level setting that can be used to determine if a sensor has been activated. Among other modes of control, the unit can be operated with an IR remote through an external IR receiver.
AMX has designed the NX-4200/NetLinx NX Integrated Controlleras a scalable platform for the future by combining high performance, backward compatibility, and extensive network security features. It has a built-in Ethernet switch and its front panel includes an LCD display to view status information, network settings, IP addresses, and ICSLan Port status, among other parameters. For additional reliability, it has two discrete network interfaces, and the NX-4200 can be powered on AC as well as a 12VDC power supply, and it will automatically switch o the 12VDC power if AC fails. It also features 1GB onboard RAM, 1MB non-volatile RAM and 8GB SDHC FLASH memory in a 1RU chassis.
Armed with the Quad Core Processor, the QXC-44from Aurora Multimediacan control room audio and play mp3 files for a variety of applications. Its internal Web server and WACI event controller enable the processor to control and monitor peripherals through four bidirectional RS232 ports, four IR/serial ports (TX only RS-232), four I/O with A/D, and four relay ports. Free software includes YIPI, used to create any user interface desired, and WOWE, which is a drag-and-drop code creator to take control of a wide range of devices. For larger installations, the TRACS Global Asset Management software is available. It can control, report, schedule, and alert one or more facilities using a Web-based topology.
The Crestron CP3is an enterprise- class control system using the 3-Series control engine with high-speed real- time multitasking. In addition to SNMP remote management support, it includes one RS-232/422/485 COM port with hardware and software handshaking, two RS-232 COM ports with software handshaking only, eight IR/serial, eight relay, and eight Versiport I/O ports. Its astronomical time clock supports programmable event scheduling and the unit also supports Crestron Fusion Enterprise Management Software and the onboard memory is expandable through a rear-panel memory card slot. There is iPhone, iPad, and Android control app sup- port. The CP3 is IPv6 ready and there is a front panel USB computer console port, all in a single rack space enclosure.
The ELAN gSC10system controller from Core Brands boasts hardware architecture driven by the super-efficient Freescale IMX Processor. The ELAN gSC10 controller can be powered over Ethernet, drawing less than 4W. This controller includes the intuitive ELAN configurator, which makes it easier for the installer, by personalizing the system whereas other control platforms require programming. The gSC10 is designed to integrate medium to extra-large projects with its RS232 and RS485 ports, ELAN Sense product compatibility, relays, IR outputs, USB and Ethernet connections. Onboard Wi-Fi connects with a detachable external antenna.
eBUS is Extron’s integration-friendly communications technology that uses a unique digital bus architecture for more efficient AV system designs, expansion, and upgrades. eBUS devices include button panels and powered and unpowered distribution hubs. They can be arranged in a variety of configurations, using a single
cable for power and communication. eBUS button panels can be used as stand-alone interfaces in smaller systems or combined with TouchLink Pro touch panels for more sophisticated presentation environments. eBUS button panels come in a variety of form factors and offer familiar pushbutton control of common AV functions. eBUS accessories provide additional power and distribution hubs for creative button panel placement or when adding button panels for a more elaborate control system design.
For easy control in a very small and discrete package, FSR offers the T6 Flex control system with a 3.5in. color LCD touchscreen and the capability to operate all of the AV devices from a central location. It can interface to AV hard- ware through four serial ports, four GPIO ports, its Ethernet port (with PoE), and four IR ports, each of which can operate up to four IR devices. The inside of the pocket can be configured with any combination of AV and AC connector plates avail- able from FSR. The Flex can also be remotely controlled using FSR’s Flex remote control software. The internal clock/ calendar can be configured for scheduled events.
The UHBX-SW3from Hall Research combines a multi-connector wallplate, which functions as the sender and an HDBa- seT receiver on the display end. The wallplate will accept one VGA input with audio and two HDMI devices. The first HDMI input also supports MHL combined with a phone charging feature. The same Cat-6 cable that carries the video can also convey RS232 and IR control signals from the wallplate. The Cat-6 also provides power for the wallplate from the receiver. The wallplate’s VGA input is scaled to 1080p and the panel can independently passthrough 3.5mm audio input from an audio source.
HRS Control has a solution for large- scale commercial control projects in the Enterprise-100ss, which includes 100 independent control systems, each with built-in Web browser configuration. All of these are customized with the native Team Designer Web application to connect with a Web browser or the HRS native iOS and Windows applications. There are network interfaces for IR, RS232, and contact closures along with drag-and-drop calendar and scheduling. The hardware features an Intel XEON processor with 32GB memory, SSD Storage: 2x120GB RAID, an 8in. touchscreen display, two Ethernet ports, and two redundant hot swappable power supplies.
The Key Digital KD-MC1000master con- troller is designed for Compass Control, the first fully integrated major control system built from the ground up to use Apple’s iOS devices—iPad, iPad mini, iPhone, and iPod touch—as its backbone. The unit features six MCP35 Multi-Function I/O ports, one relay/ contact closure port, and one ZigBee wireless port. The multi-function ports can be configured as IR in any direction, bidirectional RS-232, voltage level output, voltage sensor input, PCM audio sensor input, or as a composite video sensor input. It also has an Ethernet port, built-in IR learning, and Compass Navigator, a PC editor for programming.
Kramer Electronics has introduced a new cloud-based platform called K-Touchfor designing advanced AV control systems from any iOS or Android touch device, making collaboration between integrators easy. It also allows remote support, updates, and maintenance to customers. There is drag-and-drop control program configuration, built-in support for leading room automation systems, and Ethernet-based control in a highly scalable framework. The development platform now includes support for multi-device feedback, global variables, and conditional phrases. Kramer also has initiated new online training for K-Touch in addition to a detailed online knowledge base that is updated as the system evolves.
Overture is an enterprise-wide AV control software solution from Medialonthat is designed to run in a fully redundant virtualized environment for high availability, fault tolerance, and negligible energy impact. It can read booking information from the Exchange server and tie into building management systems to turn on only the equipment that will be needed and turn it off when the room is unoccupied. Overture also can send out maintenance alerts and assemble information on equipment usage. Once the system is set up, any device with a Web browser can be used as a control interface and monitor realtime device status while granting users various levels of access.
The ProLink.zprocessor from Pro Control, when used with either the Pro24.z or the iPro.8 remotes, can control a wide range of AV devices through Ethernet and on its two voltage sensing inputs, six IR output ports with adjustable output levels, and two 2-way RS232 serial ports. The processor also uses its integrated 2.4GHz antenna for a bidirectional Zigbee link. Programming can be input through the USB port with system commands and macros internally stored. The face cover keeps all the controls hidden and flips up to reveal the connectors and adjustment controls.
Q-SYS is a software-based DSP platform from QSCthat not only stands as the world’s most powerful audio DSP platform, but is also one of the most versatile control platforms on the planet. Thanks to its Intel-based processing and open-scripting capability, an installer can use Q-SYS’s limitless capability to control AV elements within an installation over Ethernet as well as onboard GPIO and RS232. The system is coupled to the TSC-7t Touchscreen Dialer and Controller. This elegant 7in. PoE controller can be used to control the entire system with customizable user control interfaces.
The FP-ECC1 Energy Conservation Controllerfrom Radio Design Labshas multiple sensing and control interfaces using standard formats to save energy by automating AV systems’ power-up and power-down. Loss of signal on the trigger and hold inputs start the power-down delay, which is switch-selectable for 15, 30, or 60 minutes. The FP-ECC1 can be triggered by any of the three audio trigger inputs or by pulling the external trigger terminal to ground. The unit is directly controllable by OEM Equipment or RDL remote control, which can be connected using twisted-pair cable. This wide range of sensors and controls makes it quite a versatile product.
RTI has a solution for control of A/V, lighting, security, and HVAC in residential and commercial environments in the XP-8s. This unit has a 532MHz i.MX CPU coupled with 128MB of non-volatile Flash memory. The processor can interface through eight programmable relays which can be contact closure or voltage triggers, eight two-way RS232 ports, eight sense inputs that can trigger events based on contact closure or voltage, and eight multipurpose I/O ports that are compatible with industry standard IR emitters. All of its output ports are protected against shorts and overload. The IR output levels are variable and the processor takes both Ethernet and USB programming.
The Networked Room Controller (NRC)from SP Controlsfunctions as an independent, browser-based controller for any display device. With an Ethernet interface, it makes configuring, controlling, and monitoring equipment on your network easy with no expensive programming required. The PixiePro customizable button panel serves as a front-end interface for seamless integration with the NRC. This system is ideal for any room configuration and any budget. It is also compatible with SmartView Web enterprise and device control, management, and monitoring software. Developed in HTML5, it allows instant access and control from any Web device within the network, consolidating all AV systems into a single, easy-to-access and use management platform.
Tekvox recently introduced the third-generation of its TekMonitor networked AV and room controller, the TEK 3with RS232, IR and IP interfaces. In addition to its control capability, the TEK 3 can connect to occupancy and motion sensors to allow automated energy management. TekMonitor products are configured in minutes utilizing TekWizard, a component of the bundled TekManager software suite, which offers an intuitive step-by-step set up process. Also new on the TEK 3 is the TekBus expansion interface. Configured as a third RS232 port, the TekBus can add low-power relays, logic IO, multiple IoT sensors, and external wired and wireless communication modules, including wireless beacons.
In 2015, Universal Remote Controladded a new controller to its best-selling home automation line, Total Control, with the introduction of the MRX-8. It is under 10in. wide by 4.7in. tall and just over an inch deep, and it weighs only 10.5oz. Unlike traditional large, heavy controllers that sit in a centralized rack, the MRX-8 can be installed almost anywhere. It delivers two-way control over entertainment, lights, HVAC, security, door locks, and more from a control device anywhere in or outside the home. The controller sends commands on IP, RS-232, relay closure, and IR. It can also be operated through the URC Mobile app for both iOS and Android devices. The unit can be programmed and monitored from anywhere via network.
The XLIP800 Web Intelligent Controllerfrom Xantech can function as a networked/ Web-based system through its two Ether- net ports (one is PoE) or as a standalone unit communicating to its AV components through its two IR ports, two serial ports (RS232/422/485), two contact closure ports, and two digital I/O ports. The XLIP800 is capable of managing timed events, calendar events, serial, telnet, IR, and numerous other events, including voltage Hi/Low actuation enabling the use of power, audio, video, LED, contact closure, magnetic/current, and LED sensor modules to trigger a given event and its related actions. It includes a full FTP, Web page, and email server.
