AV Control | News

AMX Launches Remote AV Management Suite

• By Leila Meyer
• 06/17/11

The AMX Resource Management Suite lets IT administrators control AV and HVAC systems from a central dashboard.

At InfoComm in Orlando, FL, AMX debuted a new software tool that allows IT administrators to remotely manage and monitor audiovisual equipment and building systems, such as lights and HVAC, from a centralized dashboard.

The system, Resource Management Suite (RMS), is designed to create interoperability between independent AV equipment and building systems. Using the widget-based graphical dashboard, administrators can control HVAC set points, monitor room temperature, adjust HVAC settings, turn room lighting on or off, and schedule lighting for individual rooms. RMS can also integrate with the building’s access control security system, power management, and fire safety system. In the case of a fire, RMS puts all systems into emergency mode. If the building is equipped with CCTV cameras, those cameras automatically focus on the area where the event occurred. RMS can also monitor and manage AV equipment and automate equipment setup based on a user ID.

RMS is available in three editions: Web, standard, and enterprise. Supported operating systems include Windows 2003 Server and Windows 2008 Server.

RMS Enterprise licenses will be free for educational institutions that qualify, purchase the AMX Software Maintenance Agreement, and maintain membership in the AMX Education Alliance Program.

In related news, AMX announced several other new products at InfoComm:

• ISCLan Device Control Boxes;
• Enova DVX-3150HD all-in-one presentation switcher; and
• Enova DGX 16 and Enova DGX 32 Digital Generation Matrix Switchers.

The ICSLan Device Control Boxes enable IT administrators to manage devices remotely over an Ethernet network using NetLinx Control Protocol over Ethernet. The boxes also feature power over Ethernet (PoE) and are available in five flavors, one for each type of device interface:

• Infrared/serial interface (IR/S);
• Serial interface;
• Relay interface;
• Input/output interface; and
• Multiport interface.

Administrators select the ICSLan Device Control Box they need based on the interface of the device they want to control, such as audiovisual equipment, HVAC systems, lighting, and other devices. The device connects to the ICSLan Device Control Box, and the box connects to the Ethernet network, making the device accessible over the network.

The Enova DVX-3150HD is an all-in-one controller, scaler, and audiovisual presentation switcher. It supports a mix of analog and digital input sources and can output to multiple displays. It features professional-grade audio processing as well as SmartScale technology that automatically scales the video output for the dimensions of the connected display unit. It also uses InstaGate Pro technology, which enables IT administrators to integrate high-bandwidth digital content protection (HDCP).

The Enova DGX 16 and Enova DGX 32 Digital Generation Matrix Switchers manage and distribute analog and digital audio and video, including HDMI/HDCP, control, and Ethernet throughout a facility, enabling organizations to share high-quality video between rooms and buildings. These products also feature SmartScale and InstaGate Pro technologies.

AMX also announced an expansion of the HydraPort Connection Port series to include flush-mountable six-, nine-, and 12-module units.

More information about these products is available on the AMX site.