Contact: Joyce Essig | 800.237.2041, ext. 10439 | jessig@crestron.com

February 01, 2013

Crestron 3-Series Control Systems Leap Industry Years Ahead

Up to 10 times faster than 2-Series processors, PRO3, AV3, CP3N redefine control system architecture; deliver the technology that makes smart buildings possible

Crestron today announced the release of the newest additions to its line of 3-Series™ control systems, the foundation of a powerful control networking platform that makes smart buildings possible. Three new models, the PRO3, AV3 and CP3N, join the previously released CP3, MC3 and TPCS-4SM to complete the versatile 3-Series family. The new processors are the heart of the most robust control platform ever developed. 3-Series control processors enable the complete integration, control and management of AV, lighting control, HVAC, energy management, BMS and other connected systems in homes, commercial buildings, universities, hotels and command centers. Featuring faster processing speeds, more memory, multitasking capabilities, a Control Subnet port, external storage options, native BACnet® and SNMP support, and enhanced IP security, the new 3-Series processors deliver exponential increases in control system performance and are essential to any integrated building technology application.

"The 3-Series is much more than just another AV control system, it is the backbone of the most powerful control networking platform available today," said Fred Bargetzi, Crestron VP of Technology. "For the first time ever, you can integrate and control all building systems on a single high-speed platform, and manage it all very easily from a central dashboard. This is the future of integrated building and home automation, and you can deploy it across the enterprise today."

Modular programming, no downtime
At up to 10 times faster than 2-Series control systems, 3-Series systems are appliance grade .NET based processors engineered to provide the real-time multi-tasking foundation of a building or home. Designed to run 10 independent programs simultaneously, the modular programming architecture allows integrators to perform system maintenance and expansion in ways not previously possible. Upgrades can now be performed on any individual subsystem - such as AV, lighting control, HVAC, and security systems - without affecting the entire system. Since each control program is independent, a restart of one program has no effect on the others. Programming, uploading, and troubleshooting are now faster and easier than ever before. Disruptive downtime is virtually eliminated.

"You no longer have to bring down the whole system in order to upgrade one program," said Bargetzi. "In much the same way IT systems are upgraded, the control network can now be maintained with the same speed and efficiency. This was never possible until now."

With Control Subnet, IT welcomes you on the LAN
IT managers will now welcome you onto the corporate LAN. PRO3, AV3 and CP3N all feature a dedicated Control Subnet that allows the Crestron ecosystem to run parallel to the corporate IT network while requiring only one IP address. This enables better all-around performance while maintaining the integrity of the IT network.

Onboard BACnet/IP support enables seamless integration with existing building management systems and other BACnet devices. All systems can now run independently and communicate with each other on the same high-powered Crestron platform, creating a truly smart building. Fully integrated control of lighting, shades, HVAC, AV, BMS, security, IT, and other connected systems now becomes faster, simpler and significantly more efficient.

Built-in SNMP support enables integration with third-party network management software such as HP Network Management Center® and IBM Tivoli®, allowing end-to-end visibility and management of the entire control network in a format that's familiar to IT personnel.

"Before 3-Series, it was difficult or next to impossible for IT managers to see or manage the control network. Using 3-Series systems with SNMP support, now they can," said Bargetzi. "The 3-series platform makes all building systems work together in a transparent, manageable, incredibly effective way."

Hardware + Software = Smart Building, Smart Home
While 3-Series hardware acts as the heart, making all systems in all rooms work together in harmony, Crestron Fusion™ enterprise software serves as the brain. Specifically designed to work in unison, this collaboration of technology creates the true smart building. Together, Fusion software, and 3-Series processors deliver a complete managed platform ensuring that all systems, equipment, and rooms are optimally utilized.

Crestron Fusion software adds a layer of intelligence by collecting and analyzing a variety of data. Easy-to-review reports are then generated to help you manage the entire control network from an intuitive centralized dashboard. Track and manage room occupancy, thermostats, lighting and shading set points, and energy usage across the enterprise. Adjust system presets accordingly to conserve energy. Plus, schedule meetings in rooms, assign and prepare AV equipment, capture and distribute multimedia presentations, provide instant remote help desk assistance, track projector maintenance, schedule end-of-day shutdown, and much more - all from a simple web-based interface.

End users, support staff, and the organization as a whole will benefit from greater energy savings and lower utility costs, measurably increased productivity, faster support resolution, and virtually non-existent downtime.

To learn more about turning your facility into a smart building using Crestron's new generation control platform, visit 3-Series Control Systems.

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For 40 years Crestron has been the world's leading manufacturer of advanced control and automation systems, innovating technology to simplify and enhance modern lifestyles and businesses. Offering integrated solutions to control audio, video, computer, and environmental systems, Crestron streamlines technology, improving the quality of life in commercial buildings, universities, hotels, hospitals and homes.

In addition to its World Headquarters in Rockleigh, New Jersey, Crestron has sales and support offices throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, Middle East, Asia, Latin America and Australia.