A well-designed and expertly programmed Control System is at the heart of any AV Controlwise project. We do not search out projects that only involve audiovisual or environmental systems; we only work on systems that are incorporated into a control system. Once the other subsystems have been selected, we thoroughly research the best approach and best control system for the project. It is then designed and programmed so that the majority of the equipment is inconspicuous. That is not only our expertise, but also our passion.
A brief discussion of the various types of control systems is appropriate, especially for those that may be new to this technology. There are a wide range of control systems available on the market today; anything from a robust, completely customized system to the simple DIY universal remote. For the sake of simplicity, we will use three categories for the different systems: Advanced, Intermediate and Introductory.
Advanced control systems are typically characterized by full customization. In the simplest of definitions, this means that there are very few limits, to none at all, on what the system can accomplish with the correct design and programming. Basically, if a device has an electrical plug, it may be controlled in one way or another. Advanced systems also normally have interfaces that allow customized graphics…meaning that the actual screen of the touch panel (or PC/cellular interface) can be anything desired, whether designed in the manufacturer’s software program or professionally created in Photoshop. These systems also rely heavily on RS232 communication, which is two-way communication between the master controller and the device being controlled. Two-way communication allows the programmer to base actions upon a device’s actual status, which the device reports back to the controller. Lastly, advanced control systems will typically employ automation built into the programmed code, meaning that the press of one button can make as many actions take place as desired or appropriate.
Advanced control systems are AV Controlwise’s systems of choice and expertise. However, they are not always appropriate in every situation. The biggest restraint might be price…these systems always require custom programming by someone with many years of experience, and therefore may be outside of a particular budget. Also, sometimes they can simply be overkill. For example, there’s little reason to install one of these systems to only control an IR (infrared red) television and a cable TV set-top box in a guest room…unless the owner also wants that room’s interface to control the HVAC, lighting, or whole home audio distribution system in the room.
Intermediate control systems are what we believe to be a nice blend of advanced and introductory control systems. They will control devices via two-way communication, but the manufacturer may have set limits on exactly which brand and model of equipment/devices may be controlled. Also, while the touch panel interface layout may be customized to meet the needs of a particular project, usually the background and button graphics are set in stone. Automation (or macro-driven buttons) may still be accomplished, but perhaps not to the extent of an advanced control system. Finally, these systems do not require the same amount of training and experience to be set up. An integrator can become very familiar with the software in a matter of a few months, rather than a few years.
Intermediate control systems are a great compromise for end users that want most of the functionality of an advanced control system, but are within a tighter budget. The equipment usually costs less and they require less labor to set up. Just keep in mind that they do have certain limitations. An example situation would be that if a client had one of these systems installed, and then years later decided to add control of their pool/spa into the control system. The pool/spa controller might have to be a specific brand and model in order to communicate with the control system, which could be a very expensive undertaking if the pool/spa system is already in place.
Introductory control systems are typically defined as universal remote controls. They may be the simple ones that most people are familiar with…you just enter in device codes to control your audio-visual equipment. Or they may be slightly more sophisticated in that the remote includes easy to use software to set up the remote. In either case, they are designed so most users can set them up themselves. A special note on these remotes: they are not intended to control RS232 devices and they should generally be avoided for attempting to control environmental sub-systems. However, they do have a place in our world. AV Controlwise will regularly suggest these type of remotes to clients who are installing an advanced control system, but need something simple to control a very small audio-visual system…as mentioned above for a guest room.
We hope this sheds some light on the different types of control systems. If you are not sure what type of system you would like to consider or the costs associated with it, then please contact us. We are more than happy to discuss your options.