[gregmo]

I really like the Creston/AMX type touch screen remotes. I know Creston isn't for me because you need to be a Creston programmer to make it work. What about AMX remotes? Same thing or can I buy one and program it myself?

 

[BlueDo]

Greg,


Sorry for the long delay, I was doing some research on this for you and wanted a firm answer before I posted.


Bottom line - AMX remotes need the same type of programmer that a Crestron remote would need.


Sorry!

 

[QQQ]

Let's add a qualification here. Programming AMX or Crestron is not for the faint of heart and for 99% of people I would recommend a professional Crestron programmer but if you are technically inclined and willing to invest some time in it there are people that learn to do it themselves and the software for Crestron can be readily downloaded (for free) by anyone on their web site. There is also a Yahoo newsgroup devoted to Crestron.

 

[gregmo]

thanks for the help. I'll have to skip the Crestron and AMX remotes then. I don't have the skills to program them. I'll look for a similiar touch-type screen and go that route.

 

[BlueDo]

I'd recommend a high-end touchscreen remote like the Philips TSi6400 or the upcoming Home Theater Master MX-3000. Both are programmable by the end user, and still very powerful with lots of high-end features.

 

[SvxDriver]

I'm pretty sure there is AMX software that allows you to do the programming using drag and drop. I haven't had a chance to use it yet but that is what I was told. I'll look into that a little more and get back.

 

[silverbug_TX]

Technically, there is a 'drag & drop' software for AMX programming, but it's not very practical. It sets things up the way it thinks the equipment will be hooked up (as far as macro commands, etc.) but is not very flexible to change after that. You have to use more code-based software to do the fancier stuff that makes a system work really smooth and intuitively.

BTW, I do AMX and Crestron programming for a living, so I'm pretty familiar with this stuff...

 

[SvxDriver]

Quote:

Originally posted by silverbug_TX Technically, there is a 'drag & drop' software for AMX programming, but it's not very practical. It sets things up the way it thinks the equipment will be hooked up (as far as macro commands, etc.) but is not very flexible to change after that. You have to use more code-based software to do the fancier stuff that makes a system work really smooth and intuitively. BTW, I do AMX and Crestron programming for a living, so I'm pretty familiar with this stuff...

I guess that would be the case with many a template type setup. I would very much like to go to an AMX class. How difficult is the programming for someone who has a programming background (other languages)?

 

[silverbug_TX]

Sorry, just now noticed someone had responded.

It's not very difficult in and of itself, but can be pretty complex depending on the logic involved...

The language itself is a lot like C++ but different syntax.

 

[jbraglia]

I have long been intriged by the MYSTERY of Crestron and AMX equipment. Actually anyone that has tinkered with Pronto remotes could program at least AMX. I have been studying both of these systems after getting frustrated with my Prontos small screen. I also did not want to spend $1000 on a color pronto. So I picked up a used color VPT AMX touchscreen with an Axcent3 controller and AXB-rf receiver for under $600 and guess what, It did'nt take long to get the system up and running. AMX has a program called Viewpont express which is easier to use then Pronto edit. You can also use the VPT touchscreen alone if you want to use IR only. I am also controlling my projector and receiver with rs-232 commands. I love it.


I don't want to belittle any AMX or Crestron programmers out there. These units are capable of many elaborate and powerful functions and I can see the time it would take to program them. But for what I needed I was very capable of programming with NO formal programming experience.

 

[silverbug_TX]

Quote:

Originally posted by jbraglia I don't want to belittle any AMX or Crestron programmers out there. These units are capable of many elaborate and powerful functions and I can see the time it would take to program them. But for what I needed I was very capable of programming with NO formal programming experience.

Cool! Yes, for basic stuff the Viewpoint Xpress software is fine. It just gets complicated if you want to do multiple things at once. For example, dim your lights when a video source is selected, but not when a PC source is selected. Or, send your audio to mutiple outputs under certain circumstances, etc.

Also, Viewpoint is geared toward consumer level hardware. More complex matrix switchers can get tricky with that software, but it all depends on how 'fancy' you want to get.

Glad it worked out well for you!