WHAT IS CRESTRON?
Home automation is a relatively new term in the industry. In the recent past, controlling a screen, lights, and environment moods was enabled by custom circuits. Much like the green boards in a common calculator, these boards were custom created and programmed by an experienced electrical engineer. With the advent of Crestron, this work is performed within a black box and programmed with propriety software. Because of their foundation in electronic engineering, Crestron's installations perform as expected. Unlike a common PC computer, the installer and programmer have total control in their environment.

Initially Crestron used RS-232 or RS-485 communication protocol. This serial communication was slow yet reliable. Years ago they enabled their systems to communicate over common Cat-5 network wire. As computer networking has become more reliable and wiring standards established, Crestron has met industry standards every step of the way. What does this mean to you today? Hardware is wired with common cat-5 wire used in telephone systems or wireless networks you may be currently using in your home or office.

TOUCHPANEL INERFACES
Flat screen and LCD technology is an incredible leap in display technology. They have their roots in 'liquid crystal' displays found in calculators of the past. Similar to a flat panel monitor for a computer, touch panel interfaces incorporate an additional membrane covering the surface of the screen. This enables a user of the system to touch and engage buttons displayed on-screen. The true innovation comes with the various sizes of displays from 4 inches up to 17 inches. These can be mounted within a wall or rest on a table. New to Crestron's line is the TPMC-10 which is a 10 inch wireless tablet that is thin and easily carried around a home. Long battery-life and wireless technology enable home automation to be more usable than ever.

CRESTRON HARDWARE
Unlike other automation hardware, Crestron has a wide range of products extending past touch panel interfaces. Their line of hardware ranges from high voltage lighting controls, video and audio switchers, audio processors, or anything else needed in the home automation industry. No other manufacturer provides such a range of reliable hardware all supported under the Crestron brand.

IS CRESTRON RELIABLE?
Similar to any installation, the experience and reputation of the hardware is key. Crestron takes great pride in their technology and helps dealers to ensure their products work as expected. Training and certification is a crucial part of the Crestron experience. When the lights or HVAC are interfaced with third-party hardware, you want to make sure these critical fixtures work. Back-up processors and contingencies are always a part of our installations. When an emergency arises you want to make sure you investment does not fail at any time. You also want to make sure the re-sale of any installation can be passed onto the next owner with pride and reliability.

UPGRADING CRESTRON
If you are familiar with technology, upgrading or adding functionality to a system can cause big headaches. The beauty of Crestron is their support. They constantly deploy firmware upgrades to legacy products and utilize a technology that enables reliable communication. With the advent of TCPIP, commonly used in every networked computer, Crestron has a foundation in reliability.

ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES
Push-button functionality sounds too good to be true. In fact you can set the mood in your whole-house with a single touch of a button. Many corporations use Crestron to enable effortless videoconferencing or let a speaker at a podium control the whole auditorium. Keep in mind your desires and Advanced Home Theater can install a system that meets your expectations today and tomorrow.

Be prepared to be impressed. There is nothing like pressing a button and controlling the real-world environment of sound, lights and motion.