CEDIA 2014

At Crestron’s CEDIA press conference, the company spent time explaining how Crestron Pyng is going to save time for integrators when programming Crestron both small and large home automation systems. According to Crestron, home automation apps have traditionally been “add-ons to control systems that are programmed using computers.” With Crestron Pyng, on the other hand, “you are not adding an app to your automation system. The app is your automation system.” Pyng uses a compact hub to connect accessories - such as Crestron’s wireless lighting controls, various window treatments, thermostats, Yale wireless door locks, and security systems - and runs scenes and events with or without the presence of a smart device. It also continuously backs up all the home settings to a cloud server, which provides a way to restore the system to a previous configuration if the homeowner makes changes to the system that need to be reversed.

Crestron also introduced the company’s PinPoint proximity detection beacon that plugs into a standard AC outlet and can communicate via Bluetooth with nearby mobile devices. When used as part of a Crestron home automation system, the Crestron App is able to detect what room the homeowner (or the person holding the smart device or tablet running the Crestron App) is in and automatically display the controls for that particular area. One potential use of PinPoint beacons installed throughout the house is to create a “follow me” mode in which the music playing can automatically turn on in each area as the person walks from room to room.

Crestron’s new C2N-AMP-6X100 is a six-zone amplifier (100 watts x 2 per zone) with 12 inputs and is designed for mid-size multiroom audio systems. The amp also includes two independent stereo line-level outputs, which makes the amp capable of controlling up to eight rooms total. The Crestron CEN-NSP-1 is a network streaming player with AirPlay and native SiriusXM.

Crestron announced a new window shade motor - the Digital QMT 3 Series - which, in addition to incorporating brushless motors with solid-state controls, now features a smaller diameter than previous motors. Crestron also announced the availability of over 100 new “fashion-forward fabrics” plus the opportunity for customers to order from a new collection of custom textiles from Hartmann & Forbes. “A favorite with interior designers, Hartmann & Forbes is a leader in hand-woven natural window coverings. Shade panels are meticulously created by artisans on wooden looms individually for each project, and shipped with the specified Crestron shade motor and hardware.” Because each shade is hand-woven specifically to the size ordered, no two shades will look exactly alike. Hand-woven drapes are also available, and the typical lead time for shades or drapes is 10-12 weeks.