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MC3

3-Series Control System®

The debut control system from Crestron featuring the Core 3 OS™ engine, the MC3 delivers an entirely new level of power and performance with a unique set of features.

The Crestron® MC3 presents a giant leap forward in control system design. Featuring the Core 3 OS™ control engine, the MC3 forms the core of the modern networked home, unleashing more power than ever for integrating home entertainment, AV distribution, security and environmental systems. And, with built-in infiNET EX® wireless technology, on-screen display, native mobile and Web-based control, and onboard media rendering, the MC3 affords vast new, more affordable ways to control everything in the home through a streamlined hardware approach.

Core 3 OS™
Today's commercial buildings and custom homes comprise more technology than ever before, and all these systems need to be networked, managed, and controlled in fundamentally new ways. The IP based Core 3® platform is engineered from the ground up to deliver a network-grade server appliance capable of faithfully handling everything from boardroom AV and custom home theater to total building management.

3 Series LogoMore than a mere AV controller, the MC3 embodies a distinctively robust, dynamic, and secure platform to elevate your system designs to higher levels of performance and reliability. Compared to other control systems, the MC3 provides a pronounced increase in processing power and speed with more memory, rock solid networking and IP control, and a unique modular programming architecture.

Modular Programming Architecture
Designed for enhanced scalability, the MC3 affords high-speed, real-time multi-tasking to seamlessly run multiple programs simultaneously. This exclusive programming architecture lets programmers independently develop and run device-specific programs for AV, lighting, HVAC, security, etc., allowing for the optimization of each program, and allowing changes to be made to one program without affecting the whole. Even as your system grows, processing resources can easily be shifted from one 3-Series™ processor to another without rewriting any code. The end benefit is dramatically simplified upgradability with minimal downtime, whether implementing changes on site or remotely via the network.

Robust Ethernet & IP Control
IP technology is the heart of Core 3, so it should be no surprise that its networking abilities are second to none. High-speed Ethernet connectivity enables integration with IP-controllable devices and allows the MC3 to be part of a larger managed control network. Whether residing on a sensitive corporate LAN, a home network, or accessing the Internet through a cable modem, the MC3 provides secure, reliable interconnectivity with IP-enabled touch screens, computers, mobile devices, video displays, Blu-ray Disc® players, media servers, security systems, lighting, HVAC, and other equipment — whether on premises or across the globe.

e-Control® Remote Access
Years ago, Crestron pioneered the world's first IP-based control system unleashing vast new possibilities for controlling, monitoring, and managing integrated systems over a LAN, WAN, and the Internet. Today, our many e-Control solutions offer more ways than ever to control your world the way you want.

With e-Control, you can control anything in your home or workplace from anywhere in the world using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Built-in Core 3 UI™ XPanel technology affords virtual touch screen control through any popular Web browser running on a laptop or desktop computer. Our Crestron Mobile Pro® app delivers the Crestron touch screen experience to your iPhone®, iPad®, or Android™ device letting you safely monitor and control your entire facility using the one device that goes with you everywhere.

Remote access is simplified using the myCrestron Dynamic DNS service to establish a friendly URL for your home system. And should you ever need technical support, your Crestron system installer can even perform diagnostics and implement updates to the system remotely without coming on site.

Fusion RV® and SNMP
As part of a complete managed network in a corporate enterprise, college campus, convention center or any other facility, the MC3 works integrally with Crestron Fusion RV Remote Asset Management Software to enable remote scheduling, monitoring, and control of rooms and technology from a central help desk. Built-in SNMP support enables integration with third-party network management software, allowing control and monitoring in a format that's familiar to IT personnel.

infiNET EX® Wireless Control
Integrated infiNET EX technology provides an extremely easy and cost-effective way to add control of lighting, temperature, and other functions using Cameo® Wireless Dimmers and Keypads[1], and infiNET EX Thermostats[1]. Adding an infiNET EX remote like the MTX-3 Handheld Wireless Touch Screen[1] or MLX-3 LCD Handheld Wireless Remote[1] enables sophisticated portable control over everything, whether simply watching TV or adjusting whole-house audio distribution, lighting, and climate control in every room. Perfect for existing structures and rentals, infiNET EX affords ultra-reliable 2-way wireless communications throughout the home without the need for physical control wiring.

Cresnet®
Cresnet provides a dependable network wiring solution for Crestron keypads, lighting controls, thermostats, and other devices that don't require the higher speed of Ethernet. The Cresnet bus offers easy wiring and configuration, carrying bidirectional communication and 24VDC power to each device over a simple 4-conductor cable.

On-Screen Display
MC3 OSD Sample ScreenshotsThe MC3 includes the ability to control your home using just your television screen and a handheld remote[1]. Featuring customizable scrolling menus and full-color icons, the MC3 OSD makes it easy to select any room in the house, pick a music or video source, choose a radio station, TV channel, or media title, and even access lighting, climate, and security system controls. The MC3 OSD provides true-feedback so you always know the status of the item you're controlling. Audio adjustments and lighting levels are clearly indicated using bar graphs. Room temperature and security system status can be viewed and controlled without leaving your favorite seat. Even metadata from your iPod, ADMS, or Internet radio tuner can be displayed to show the current playing song, movie, TV program, or radio station.

Audio File Playback
Built-in audio signal rendering lets you add audio feedback to the OSD, or generate door chimes, phone ringers, and other signals that can be played through the home theater or whole-house audio system. Load your own custom audio files to sound alarms, provide confirmation when you execute a command, deliver helpful voice prompts, or just play welcome music as the home theater system turns on.

Onboard Control Ports
In addition to Ethernet, the MC3 includes two bidirectional RS-232 COM ports and five IR ports to interface directly with all of your centralized AV sources, video displays, and other devices. Two programmable relay ports are included for controlling window shades, a projection screen or lift, or other contact-closure controlled equipment. Two digital inputs are also provided for use with Crestron occupancy sensors, power sensors, door switches, or anything that provides a dry contact closure or low-voltage logic signal.

IR Wireless Option
When equipped with the optional CNXRMIRD IR Receiver[1], the MC3 affords a low-cost IR wireless control solution using any Crestron IR wireless remote or touch screen, or a third-party universal IR remote.

BACnet BACnet®/IP
Native support for the BACnet/IP communication protocol provides a direct interface to third-party building management systems over Ethernet, simplifying integration with HVAC, security, fire & life safety, voice & data, lighting, shades, and other systems. Using BACnet/IP, each system runs independently with the ability to communicate together on one platform for a truly smart building.[2]

EMerge Alliance Registered EMerge Alliance® Registered
The MC3 is EMerge Alliance registered and designed to work within a 24 VDC room-level power distribution system. The EMerge Alliance is a not-for-profit open industry association leading the rapid adoption of safe DC power distribution in commercial buildings through the development of EMerge Alliance standards[3]. Crestron is a proud member and supporter of the Alliance. For more information about Crestron Solutions for EMerge Alliance Applications visit: www.crestron.com/emerge.

Key Features

  • Next generation control system for multimedia and whole-house control
  • Core 3 OS™ — Substantially faster and more powerful than other control systems
  • Exclusive modular programming architecture
  • Vector floating point coprocessor
  • Onboard 256MB RAM & 2GB Flash memory
  • Expandable storage up to 1TB
  • Integrated infiNET EX® wireless gateway
  • Industry-standard Ethernet and Cresnet® wired communications
  • Supports Crestron® touch screens and other devices
  • Available RF and IR control options
  • Customizable OSD user interface
  • Component and composite video outputs
  • Onboard e-Control® Web server
  • Supports Core 3 UI™ XPanel Web-based remote control
  • Supports Crestron Mobile® control apps for iPhone®, iPad® and Android™
  • Supports Fusion RV® and SNMP remote management
  • Simplified Web access via myCrestron Dynamic DNS service
  • WAV, MP3, and WMA audio file playback
  • Built-in IR, COM, relay, and digital input ports
  • High-speed USB 2.0 host ports
  • Installer setup via on-screen display, Crestron Toolbox™, or Internet Explorer®[4]
  • Backwards compatible to run existing SIMPL programs
  • Full Unicode (multi-language) support
  • Increased network throughput and security
  • Secure access through Active Directory integration or standalone account management
  • IIS v.6.0 Web Server
  • IPv6 ready
  • External power supply included
  • Native BACnet®/IP support[2]
  • EMerge Alliance® compatible

Notes:

  1. Item(s) sold separately.
  2. License required. The MC3 supports a maximum of 500 BACnet objects when dedicated for BACnet use only. Actual capabilities are contingent upon the overall program size and complexity.
  3. Information regarding the EMerge Alliance can be found at www.emergealliance.org.
  4. Web-based installer setup requires the Microsoft® Internet Explorer® Web browser running on a Windows® PC
  5. The effective range of the entire wireless network is extended based on the placement and capabilities of each network device. Consult the specifications for each wireless network device to verify wireless capabilities and limitations.

This product may be purchased from an authorized Crestron dealer. To find a dealer, please contact the Crestron sales representative for your area. A list of sales representatives is available online at www.crestron.com/salesreps or by calling 800-237-2041.

The specific patents that cover Crestron products are listed online at: patents.crestron.com.

Crestron, the Crestron logo, 3-Series, 3-Series Control System, Cameo, Core 3, Core 3 OS, Core 3 UI, Cresnet, Crestron Fusion, Crestron Mobile, Crestron Mobile Pro, Crestron Toolbox, e-Control, Fusion RV, infiNET EX, and RoomView are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Crestron Electronics, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. BACnet and the BACnet logo are either trademarks or registered trademarks of American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. iPad and iPhone are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Blu-ray Disc is either a trademark or registered trademark of the Blu-ray Disc Association in the United States and/or other countries. EMerge Alliance and the EMerge Alliance logo are either trademarks or registered trademarks of EMerge Alliance Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Android is either a trademark or registered trademark of Google, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Microsoft, Internet Explorer, and Windows are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Other trademarks, registered trademarks, and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Crestron disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others. Crestron is not responsible for errors in typography or photography. Specifications are subject to change without notice. ©2013 Crestron Electronics, Inc.

Awards

Commercial Integrator BEST Awards

The Commercial Integrator BEST Awards recognize superior products and services that help Commercial Integrator readers run their businesses better and be more profitable. A panel of commercial industry members, including editors of Commercial Integrator magazine and leading integrators, selected the winners in each category.

Crestron proudly accepted six 1st place awards:

Matrix Switchers:
DM-MD6X6 DigitalMedia Distribution Center

Large-Scale Control Systems:
MC3 3-Series Control System

Video Conferencing/Telepresence Systems:
CaptureLiveHD

Universal Remote Controls:
UFO Waterproof Remote

Video Distribution Systems:
DigitalMedia Presentation System 300 (DMPS-300-C)

Wireless Microphones:
FreeSpeech Dual-Channel Wireless Mic System

 
2012 InAVation Awards

The 2012 InAVation Awards, voted by industry experts, recognize outstanding AV technology, products and projects within the industry.

Winners were selected by inAVate, the leading online resource for Pro AV technology & integration, and announced at ISE 2012 in Amsterdam.

Crestron proudly accepted the following first place honor:

Most InAVative Commercial Control Solution:

MC3 3-Series Control System™

 
2011 SCN Installation Product Awards

New Crestron Innovations Win Two SCN Installation Product Awards at InfoComm 2011

Two new Crestron products were awarded SCN Installation Product Awards at InfoComm 2011 in Orlando, FL. SCN Awards recognize excellence and innovation in the integration of audio, video, control and networking products in the commercial installation market. The Crestron winners were:

Most Innovative Control Product for Commercial Installation
MC3 3-Series Control System™

Most Innovative Video Processing Product
DM-RMC-200-C DigitalMedia 8G+™ Receiver & Room Controller

MC3 is the first in a full line of 3-Series control systems powered by Core 3 OS. Developed and engineered like an IT platform, rather than an AV system, the 3-Series platform is designed for powerful integrated building technology and advanced building management.

DM-RMC-200-C scales any video signal to match the native resolution of any display, and enables high end sound quality in any room on a high output Crestron DigitalMedia AV network.

 
2010 CE Pro BEST Awards

CE Pro Magazine's BEST Awards (Best Electronic Systems Technologies) recognize the industry's most noteworthy new products and technologies. Winners were selected based on criteria including creativity, innovation, incorporated equipment, obstacles overcome, aesthetics, and lifestyle benefits.

Five new Crestron products were named CE Pro Best 1st Place winners during CEDIA EXPO 2010:

BEST Whole House Control System:
MC3 3-Series™ Control System

BEST Multi-Zone Amplifier-Receiver:
Sonnex™ Digital 24X8 Multi-Room Audio System

BEST AV Preamp-Processors-Switcher-Receiver:
PROCISE™ High Definition 7.3 Professional Surround Sound Processor

BEST Commercial Networking Product:
32x32 DigitalMedia™ Switcher

BEST Monitoring Device:
Fusion EM™ Energy Management Software

 

Last Updated: Mar 28, 2013

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All brand names, product names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Certain trademarks, registered trademarks, and trade names may be used to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Crestron disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others. Crestron is not responsible for errors in typography or photography. Specifications are subject to change without notice.

©Crestron Electronics, Inc.