Crestron Rolls Out Modular Room Controller

The Crestron MC3 room controller offers a wireless range of about 150 feet indoors.
The Crestron MC3 room controller offers a wireless range of about 150 feet indoors.

Crestron has released a new room controller that not only runs multiple programs for lighting, HVAC, security, and AV applications but also allows individual programs to be uploaded or updated without affecting other processes.

The new MC3 controller uses a modular architecture with multiple partitioned drives and Crestron's Core 3 operating system to execute a total of ten programs simultaneously. Additionally, the architecture and software enable device specific trouble shooting, maintenance, and debugging to be carried out while leaving other systems fully operational.

The room controller can manipulate devices through Ethernet, a two way RF transceiver with a default of 15 channels, bi-directional RS-232, or Infrared. A Web-based remote allows the entire setup to be influenced by a control panel or computer from any location with an Internet connection.

The MC3 offers a wireless range of about 150 feet indoors or 250 feet outdoors and comes equipped with 256 MB of SDRAM, 2 GB of flash memory, and a 10/100 Ethernet connection.

Other features include audio playback with support for custom files, multiple language support, backward compatibility with with SIMPLE programs, and compatibility with HTML 5, Flash, and H.264 video.

Ports include:

  • Audio RCA in;
  • Audio RCA out;
  • Y/Pb/Pr video out;
  • IR in;
  • Five IR out ports;
  • RJ-45;
  • Ground;
  • Two 3-pin 3.5mm inputs;
  • A 3.5mm 4-pin detachable terminal block;
  • Two USB 2.0 ports; and
  • Two bidirectional RS-232 ports.

The MC3 is currently available. Further information can be found here.

About the Author

Dan Thompson is a freelance writer based in Brea, CA. He can be reached here.

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