Masters Training and New Innovation

The following blog post is part of our guest blogger series.

Powerful New Technology Brings the Future of Control System Programming to the Present
By Steve Greenblatt, CTS; President, Control Concepts, Inc.

My recent experience at Crestron Master’s training left me with an “ah hah” moment that innovations in Crestron technology will cause a shift in the fundamental approach to programming in a positive way. 

No longer will there be a one-to-one ratio between processors and systems or control ports and programs.  Nor will we be limited to a simple, straightforward approach when designing a program for a system.  Leveraging the power of the new 3 Series processors will prompt programmers to plan how to design and develop code to manage resources and control devices in a system to maximize efficiency, operability, and maintenance.  With the new processors, the emphasis for future projects becomes architecting a program and crafting control systems that take advantage of the power of the technology.

Simply put, the ability to store multiple programs in a single processor (10 are currently supported), will allow one processor to run multiple systems.  The technological power comes in when the processor is used to run multiple programs that become sub-systems of a project.  Each sub-system can be a complete program that runs different applications in a room, in cases like support for room combining scenarios or for multi-purpose room applications.  Sub-systems also can be centered on functionality and mode of operation such as presentation, video conference, audio conference, or remote management. 

Breaking a system into components makes it easier to upgrade, add and modify sections without interrupting other areas of operation.  Technological power and efficiency come into play when changes are made such as life cycle replacements, added features or device changes.  New 3 Series technology allows optimized code writing, providing easier implementation, debugging, and maintenance.

The Core 3 UI marks another advancement.  Now that we live in the touchscreen age, in which everyone is “pinching,” “dragging,” and “swiping” on devices that they carry with them every day, our industry is challenged to provide a user interface that is just as technologically savvy and easy to use.  Crestron has equipped us to do so with the Core 3 technology supported in their new touchpanels. 

These tools allow the AV industry to be accepted as serious technology leaders.  The key here is that Core 3 supports Flash widgets to allow a more interactive user experience and the touchpanel “wow” factor, satisfying the techy user looking for a dynamic interface and the non-technical user who is looking for an easy-to- use experience.  The new Crestron Core 3 UI provides added tools that make programming more efficient and less time consuming, a win-win for programmers and their clients!

Master’s training left me with a head full of knowledge and ideas and a thirst for how we can put powerful new technology to good use. 

Opportunities abound.  What opportunities do you see?

Steve Greenblatt, CTS is President of Control Concepts, Inc. (CCI) is a leading independent provider of audiovisual control system solutions.  The CCI team of experienced professionals creates high quality, intuitive control programming designs for complex AV systems.  CCI combines thorough, proven design and development process with audiovisual science to make AV systems easy to use in boardrooms, classrooms, and entertainment venues.  CCI’s solutions help consultants, integrators, manufacturers and end user technology managers reduce the business risks associated with complex projects through services that include control system programming, touchpanel design, custom software solutions, mobile applications, consulting and needs analysis, documentation, system staging, testing and commissioning, and technical support.