Crestron releases its new Core 3 OS controllers.
Crestron has just released its new Core 3 OS controllers. These new controllers come in three variations, the MC3, PMC3, and the PMC3XP. The MC3 is Crestron’s new entry level controller. It is powered by a new IT based generation of processor architecture and operating system called Core 3 OS. Crestron describes Core OS 3 as: “real-time, preemptive multi-threaded/multitasking kernel; Transaction-Safe Extended FAT file system, which supports up to 10 simultaneously running programs”. This enables the new 3 series controllers to, among other things, process more information at a faster rate than the previous generation controllers. While 2 series controllers required an external gateway to communicate with infiNET EX wireless devices, the MC3 now has an integrated infiNET EX wireless gateway. This new controller is also fully compatible with Crestron’s extensive line of touch panels and handheld remotes. However, Crestron also offers a host of alternate ways to control the MC3. iPhones and iPads can be used as touch panels using the Crestron Mobile Pro control app (available from the iTunes store). Apple computers can control the MC3 using Crestron’s Xpanel. Web browsers can also be used to control the MC3 through the use of Crestron’s e-Control 2. The MC3 can even be accessed outside of its home network by using the myCrestron Dynamic DNS service. The MC3 has a 128KB L2 cache, 256MB RAM, and 2GB Flash memory storage (expandable up to 1TB). Its connections include: one 10/100 Ethernet port, one Cresnet port, three USB 2.0 ports, two RS-232 ports, five infrared/serial output ports, one infrared/serial input port, one audio in port, one audio out port, one video out port (composite and component), two relay ports, and two contact/logic input sensing ports. It also has a built in IIS v.6.0 Web Server and is IPv6 ready. Best of all, despite all of the power of the MC3, it only consumes a very green 24 Volts of DC power.The PMC3 is a version of the MC3 that interfaces with all remotes, touch panels, dimmers, switches, and devices from the Prodigy line. The PMC3 improves on the previous PMC2 model with its new Core 3 OS, a built in infiNET EX gateway, an extra USB 2.0 port and a set of audio and video ports. The RS232 connections have also been improved, the PMC3 now uses standard DB-9 connectors instead of terminal block style connectors. While the PMC2 was limited to one controller per system, the PMC3 now has support for multiple controllers in a single system. Each PMC3 can handle a maximum of 18 user interfaces, 24 lighting zones, and 100 wireless devices. However, should a system ever become large enough to present a challenge to a single PMC3, additional controllers may be added to distribute the load. The PMC3 is available alone or as part of a PAK, which are kits that include a PMC3, a Prodigy handheld remote or touch panel, STIRP IR emitters, a USB cable, and a power supply.
The PMC3-XP is essentially the same controller as the PMC3, with however one major difference. While the PMC3 can only interface with Prodigy devices, the PMC3-XP provides a “seemless bridge” between Prodigy and the rest of Crestron’s line of products. This controller would be ideal for a someone who would like to start with a Prodigy system today, but would like to have the option to expand the system to include Crestron devices in the future. It is also an excellent solution for someone who owns an existing Prodigy system and would like to integrate Crestron devices into the system. It would only require upgrading from the existing Prodigy controller to a PMC3-XP.
Look for a review of these processors as soon as one becomes available.
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If you are interested in purchasing Crestron products:
www.crestron.com/salesreps or 1-800-237-2041
Keith Pereira
