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Tech Roundup: AV Control Systems 2023

The most critical place in any AV system is the point where the operator and the machinery meet, and for system designers it is also a gateway through which they can launch their technical creativity. Each component has its own built-in set of features but the collective control system can be tailored to uniquely suit the user based on his or her feedback to the designer. AV control system manufacturers have sought a balance that maximizes user options while maintaining ease of operation. Rather than appearing bewildered, a presenter’s mastery of the control system instills confidence and allows concentration on content. The AV control systems featured here use differing approaches to reach those same goals.

Show controllers are amazing devices and the Alcorn McBride VCore system packs a lot of tricks in a very small bag. Capable of controlling up to ten devices, VCore has an Ethernet interface, a real-time clock scheduler, incoming message processing, an online programming interface, and touch panel integration. The Timeline software blends flexibility with ease of programming. It can run time-based and event-based sequences along with hundreds of timelines. Customized user interfaces can be created using the Touch software. The front panel includes an array of system condition LED indicators.

The A-Neuvideo ANI-8WP wall-plate control system can mount like a single gang wall switch and offers eight buttons, an Ethernet connection, and includes a relay output for additional device control. Along with the eight macro buttons there are eight extra macro programmable commands via WebGUI for up to 128 commands. Specific date and time events can also be scheduled. Aiding installation is the ability to run on PoE or a separate power supply.

The ATEN VK2100A 2nd-generation control box uses its quad-core CPU, Gbps LAN connectivity, and 1GB memory to provide real-time response and status updates, multi-user access, and can process complex, high-loading events with customized GUI designs. The controller operates with a wide array of hardware types in boardrooms and lecture halls through user-defined GUIs from any mobile device, ATEN Keypad, or Touch Panel. Project uploads are done on the USB port and there is an IR learning function for adding IR device drivers.

Impressive looking with integrated bezel lighting and ready to bring AV devices alive, the Atlona AT-VSP-800 8in. room scheduling and AV control touch panel has 1280×800 native resolution and a capacitive glass surface. The screen allows a visual representation of room status and it mounts in single gang US, UK, or EU openings with two-gang required for landscape orientation in the US. The panel installs simply with PoE. Room scheduling and AV control GUIs are automatically uploaded from the Velocity hardware or software server gateway during system configuration.

Another very attractive control solution is the Aurora RXT-10D ReAX JavaScript-based Touch Panel/Control System. This device is a 1280×800 capacitive touch screen with 170-degree viewing and room status lighting. There are also two 1W speakers, digital microphone, and a 2MP front camera for conferencing. The appearance can be customized through the Core Studio tool. The system includes an SD Card Slot for cards up to 32GB, HDMI output, 2GB RAM, 16GB flash memory, and a Six Core processor.

Aveo Systems’ Mira Connect 10 is a 10in. diagonal touch screen with a black ABS plastic finish and zero-bezel design. Its two attached LED light bars provide a clear visual indicator that the system is muted or in a call. Both a control system and user interface, the Mira Connect 10 can operate sound control, displays, cameras, make conference calls, and share content. The device is configured in the Mira Portal cloud-based management platform and it can be wall or desk mounted on an articulating stand. Power can be provided by a separate supply or through PoE.

Designed to operate with Biamp touch panels, the Biamp Systems Impera Alfa II handles room control through three bi-directional RS-232 ports and two unidirectional RS-232 interfaces for sending commands to AV devices using serial or infrared communication. To this, it adds 24 GPIO interfaces for device control of relays, switches and sensors. The unit also features four built-in assignable relays. Once the Impera controller is installed it is configured with Project Designer software. The controller supports time functions, sends email notifications, and it has a built-in web server.

Featuring a selection of configurations to suit the room and controlled devices, the Black Box ControlBridge Desktop Touch Panel can be set up for direct control of Ethernet-enabled devices in a room or paired with the ControlBridge Processor to control other I/O devices. In addition to AV devices, the unit can operate lighting, window shades and systems in other rooms. There is bidirectional control of any IP-enabled device through the touch panel’s 1280×800 resolution display. The screen can also show full-motion streaming video preview. Included are a built-in microphone, speakers, and light and motion sensors.

The Blaze Audio Wall-S1 is a single gang wall unit that allows the user to select a source among Blaze Audio amplifiers and selectively control the volume level for a specific zone. The unit has a screen menu that shows the source being controlled and the knob is just below it. There is also a programmable PIN code that permits user access. This system is perfect for restaurants and sports bars where bar and restaurant areas require different background music levels. PoE makes installation very easy.

Maximum functionality in the minimum space is the ace card behind the Crestron RMC4 4-Series Control System featuring the Crestron IFE micro form factor. PoE makes it easy and clutter-free to install on a flat surface or DIN rail. The Ethernet port affords networking and IP control and it works with Crestron touch screens, wireless remotes, and mobile device apps. Remote management is possible with Crestron Fusion software and the XiO Cloud service. This unit can operate Crestron lighting dimmers, motorized shades, sensors, thermostats, keypads, and other devices.

For remote control and daily operation management of d&b systems, the d&b audiotechnik R90 for running general functions of a d&b system. The 7in. screen allows non-techies to operate any d&b system with up to 15 amplifiers with ease. Smartphones or tablets connected to the same network can also be used. The device provides graphical configuration through the R1 Remote control software that runs on Microsoft Windows and macOS operating systems and there is password protection. R1 reads a file created by the d&b ArrayCalc simulation software to generate a project specific user interface.

The Elan EL-SC-100-ZW system controller can get a small startup into the big leagues of AV control without breaking the bank, and when paired with the EL-IO-200, its capabilities are extended even more. The unit includes integrated Z-Wave for control and automation of compatible Z-Wave devices. PoE enables easier installation, and the compact size allows installation in cabinets, structured wiring enclosures or behind a display. The device can be operated through touch panels or mobile and desktop apps with its integrated IP, serial, and infrared control.

For sophisticated control in a wide range of connection methods, the Extron IPCP Pro 555Q xi is a solid dual Ethernet connected system with a Quad Core processor. User interfaces include multiple TouchLink Pro touchpanels, network button panels, and IPL EXP expansion interfaces. Its AV LAN can safeguard local AV devices from outside intrusion or interference while a DHCP server for the AV LAN streamlines system setup and management. The IPCP Pro 555Q xi can be configured using Global Configurator Plus or Global Configurator Professional software or programmed using Extron Global Scripter.

Capable of being mounted in a rack or on a desktop box, the FSR Flex-LT300 can be operated through the FLEXLT200 or LT150 3.5in. color touch panels or the Flex Remote Windows application. There is a built-in scheduler for timed events and the Flex-Able configuration utility lets contractors use drag and drop programming to configure the system. If an IR driver is not in the driver library, the Flex-IR learner can be used to set up IR control. Clocks, timers, and bar graphs can be displayed as part of a completely customizable user interface.

Capable of controlling a whole room in a single gang wall design, the Hall Technologies UI-IP8-DP programmable 8-button IP keypad can be powered on IEEE802.3af PoE or a separate power supply and it has an internal webpage GUI. This unit sends TCP/Telnet commands and controls a relay contact. Customization is complete with the ability to set LED brightness and color on each button. Day and time schedules can also be configured using its integrated battery-backed clock/calendar.

The new HARMAN AMX Varia family of touchpanels are available in four screen sizes, from a 5.5-inch to a vast 15.6-inch, Varia panels streamline meeting spaces, boardrooms, classrooms, auditoriums and more. The included Persona Apps allow for custom apps for wayfinding, hoteling, or custom control app; a dedicated Zoom Rooms Controller; an AMX Book Room Scheduling Panel; or an AMX G5 Control Panel. Panels include versatile mounting options, 16 million programmable colors, and integrated speakers, microphones, and a front-facing HD camera enable telephony and videoconferencing apps. Built-in NFC, proximity sensing, and ambient light sensing are also included.

The High Resolution Systems (HRS) Enterprise Mini is a versatile system with a tiny footprint. Once the controller is set up using the System Designer web app, it can use its 1.5GHz Intel i5 processor, 8GB memory, 64GB SSD storage, twin USB ports, and Ethernet connection to operate a wide range of AV devices. Through direct commands and automated macros the Enterprise Mini works via IR, RS232, and contact closures. Its drag-and-drop scheduling makes timed events very easy to create. The intuitive System Designer app enables any user to perform complex scheduling and control functions.

One of the most versatile control systems is the IDK America SWC-2000 programmable button controller. Its 16 numbered front panel buttons can each be configured via web browser to send up to ten commands and the unit can be mounted on a desk or in a rack. A total of 32 commands can be registered to control devices through RS-232 or LAN connections. The serial connection is made on a DB-9 male terminal on the side face. The SWC-2000 runs on a separate 5VDC 0.6A power supply.

Another first-class entry in the single gang wall mount realm is the Key Digital KD-WP8-2 8-button control keypad. Configured via web GUI, this PoE-powered device can send commands on LAN, RS-232 and IR. Each button’s events may be configured on the press, release, toggle, or press and hold action and the buttons can be backlit in blue or red. For device labeling, transparent icon sheets can be inserted into the button face. Users have key combo lock/ unlock and virtual keypad via password-protected web UI, Key Digital Management PC Software, and the KD-App.

For more sophisticated AV control scenarios, the Kramer SL-280 32-port master room controller connects via LAN and controls devices through eight bidirectional RS-232 ports, eight IR, eight GPI/O, and eight relays. This versatile array of interfaces allows operation of a wide assortment of devices including window shades, projection screens, and door locks. Front panel LEDs on the single rack space unit show I/O port state and system status. This extensive functionality is provided by a 1GHz processor, 512MB RAM, and 4GB flash memory.

The PRO Control ProLink.z processor works with the Pro24.z or iPro.8 remotes to allow users to configure and operate AV equipment, and that capability expands to Z-wave devices when attached to a Pro.zwi Z-Wave gateway. Also compatible with the ProPanel App on iOS devices, the ProLink.z has twin integrated RS-232 ports, Ethernet control, adjustable IR output strength, two voltage sensing inputs, an integrated antenna, USB programming, and bidirectional Zigbee for integrated RF control. There are LED indicators and a convenient flip-up panel to expose the port connections.

For the ultimate in unified audio, video, and control operation the QSC Q-SYS Core 5200 Enterprise Processor teams the processing capabilities of the Q-SYS real time operating system with the standard Dell R740 server. This lets the user take advantage of standard corporate IT infrastructure to merge with conferencing systems, presentation infrastructure, and lobby displays. Reliability in mission critical environments is sustained through its capability to operate with dual redundant networking and power supplies. The Core 5200 Enterprise Processor brings to bear the full power of the Q-SYS network system.

For those users who love to exercise the ultimate in customization and adaptability, the Radio Design Labs (RDL) RU2-CS1 RS-232 serial controlled interface can operate RDL modules, OEM products, and eight VCA modules. At the same time, it provides status lights from up to eight sources. Whether free standing or mounted in a rack, the controller provides external equipment with 0 to 10 VDC control inputs. A single command can activate or deactivate all inputs and error codes may be enabled to assist in development of controlling software. On the front panel, LEDs show any active outputs, active status inputs, transmit and receive data, errors and power.

At the simpler end of possible room control scenarios, the RTI KX4 4in. wall-mounted touch panel, keypad, and control processor has five configurable hard-buttons that can be custom labeled using RTI’s Laser Shark engraving and configured to operate lights, music, audio/ video source selection. The unit supports twoway drivers, the RTiPanel App and expansion configurations. Controlled devices connect on the rear panel through IR, IP, two RS-232 ports, six voltage sense ports with sense-event capabilities, and four relays for control via contact closure. The RTI KX4 is powered through a PoE network switch or PoE injector

The SP Controls SP-TP7 7in. touch panel provides a bright capacitive color display that is very responsive. Using the configurable built-in GUI, an operator can control an array of devices through the SP Controls NRC (Networked Room Controller). Controlled devices connect directly with existing or new SP Controls NRC units over standard category cabling or over the LAN. The appearance can be customized with SmartBox+ replacement faceplates to match any room décor. Configuration is easy with the SP Controls extensive driver library. Power is provided via PoE using a single network cable and there is audible feedback from button presses.

Another contender in the single gang wall-mounted system arena, the Tekvox TekTouchPad presents a very colorful interface to control RS-232 compatible devices. Four pages of eight buttons each can be labeled through software and easily changed when room devices are upgraded. Its 1.5in. x 2.5in. viewing area shows a 16-bit color display with 240×400 resolution. The initial logo page can display a campus or company name and logo. This device can be mounted on a wall or on a desk using the 78035 wedge.

Recently unveiled as a new addition to the company’s Total Control System, the Universal Remote Control TDC-9100 10in. tabletop touch screen controller features an integrated camera and microphone for room-to-room intercom and a built-in charging base. This also enables live video display. The unit connects by LAN cable or WiFi with one of URC’s central processors to operate lighting, motorized shading systems, heating and cooling systems, Home Connect-enabled appliances and online video conferencing systems. It can be powered on a battery or through PoE and the integrated proximity sensor automatically lights up the display when needed.

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