Paul Watson looks at some of the fundamental similarities and differences between three of the leading manufacturers’ flagship controllers for integrated AV solutions…

Enova DVX 3150-HD



Product overview

AMX’s Enova DVX 3150-HD All-In-One Presentation Switcher combines all of the components needed to control/automate any environment into a simple, flexible, comprehensive solution including control, video switching, transcoding and scaling, and local and remote distribution – all in a single, compact enclosure. In addition to these capabilities, the DVX also offers room-level capabilities such as multi-format local inputs, audio mixing and amplification in the same enclosure.

Features:

InstaGate Pro Technology – Eliminates HDCP key constraints and HDCP switching delays

SmartScale Technology – Ensures best resolution on every display in mixed resolution applications

Multi-Format Inputs – Supports analogue and digital signals on a single connector
Audio Breakaway and Embedding – Allows audio and video signals from one source to be switched to different destinations

Twisted Pair Distribution – Send audio, video, bi-directional control and Ethernet up to 100m

Integrated Digital Signal Processor – Easily adjust audio to match the room’s unique acoustics

Microphone Processing – Eliminates amplification of unwanted noises ensuring crystal clear communication

Automatic Standby Mode – Power-down all audio and video circuitry when not in use
Web GUI for Audio and Video Configuration – Point and click GUI simplifies setup and installation

Additional features:

AMX’s SmartScale technology automatically delivers an optimally-scaled image to every display in the installation while eliminating incompatibilities between source devices and displays

AMX’s InstaGate Pro technology seamlessly integrates HDCP into system designs and provides hassle-free matrix switching to any HDCP compliant displays without constraints or delays

Kramer RC-63DL


Product overview

The RC-63DL is a six-button, wall mount controller designed for use in multimedia rooms. The buttons are designed in two groups: a group of two display buttons and another group of four source buttons, all of which are backlit and can be programmed according to the user’s requirements. The unit may function either as a standalone room controller, or as part of a K-NET control setup (K-NET is Kramer’s proprietary protocol for communication between its products).

When used as part of a K-NET control system with a dedicated master room controller, the RC-63DL is connected by a single K-NET cable and no configuration of the wall controller is required as it automatically reverts to slave mode under the master controller. Several user interfaces can be connected to the same master controller.

Features:

Although originally designed for use with Kramer’s SummitView – used to control audio and video components and other room facilities such as lights and screens – the RC-63DL is a far more advanced piece of kit, and integrates AV and room control into a centralised system via a plethora of control ports.

The bi-directional RS-232 port controls AV equipment such as projectors, LCD and PDP displays, power amplifiers, switchers and scalers; two relay contact closure ports simplify and centralise control of room functions including lighting, opening and closing of drapes and screen and projector settings; and the unit’s two K-NET connectors connect to other control panels or a central control processor.
The IR output is an additional control port for AV equipment and its IR learning function automatically learns commands sent from any IR remotes. In addition, a USB port is available for configuring the RC-63DL via a laptop or desktop computer.

Additional features:

Six programmable colour back-lit and label-capable buttons, for a user-friendly appearance

Programmable back-lit LCD group labels

Configurable digital volume control knob with five LEDs

Macro capability allows users to carry out multiple commands with a single press of a button

Command banks: each button offers multiple layers of functions for alternate behaviour

Internal clock: allows users to schedule recurring tasks and define the system shutdown timer

USB port: for more efficient programming


Crestron PRO3

Product overview

Crestron’s PRO3 rack-mount control processor presents a new benchmark in control system technology, the manufacturer claims. It includes Crestron’s proprietary Core 3 OS control engine, which is said to provide a pronounced increase in processing power and speed, as well as more memory.

Features:

Crestron says its IP based Core 3 platform has been engineered to deliver a network-grade server appliance capable of handling a very wide range of AV applications, from boardroom AV and home theatre to complete building management. The manufacturer claims that it provides rock-solid networking and IP control, as well as a unique modular programming architecture.

Core 3 also provides a far easier integration with all IP-controllable devices. As a result PRO3 can also be part of a larger managed control network.
Core 3 UI XPanel technology also provides e-Control remote access, allowing for virtual touch screen control through any web browser running on a laptop or desktop computer.

Another key element of PRO3 is its dedicated Control Subnet, which is a Gibabit Ethernet port dedicated to all Crestron devices. Via the PRO3’s Control Subnet, an installer can connect a single touch screen or wireless gateway, or add a Crestron PoE switch to handle multiple touch screens, gateways, AV components or other devices. Auto-configuration of the entire subnet is performed by the PRO3, discovering each device and assigning IP addresses without any extra effort from the installer.

A separate LAN port on the PRO3 provides a single-point connection to the primary LAN, requiring just one IP address for the complete control system. The LAN port allows full interconnectivity between devices on the local subnet with other devices, systems, servers and WAN/Internet connections outside the local subnet. For sensitive applications that require complete security, the entire control subnet can be totally hidden from the primary LAN using the isolation mode.

Additional features:

A modular programming architecture allows up to 10 simultaneous programs to run, which optimises the performance and allows changes to be made and device-specific programmes to be upgraded independently, with minimum downtime.
On-board 1GB RAM and 4GB Flash memory, with expandable storage of up to 1TB.
Multiple control ports: Gigabit Ethernet port for connection to primary LAN; Subnet port; two RS-232/422/485 COM ports with hardware and software handshaking; four RS-232 COM ports with software handshaking; eight IR/serial, eight relay, and eight Versiport I/O ports; and three built-in 3-Series control card expansion slots.
USB 2.0 host port.

Colour LCD front panel display.
Secure access through active directory integration or standalone account management.
Supports Core 3 UI XPanel web-based remote control.
Supports Crestron Mobile control apps for iPhone, iPad and Android.