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 As a StreamNet partner, Control Concepts developed control modules that add value to the StreamNet product lines, making StreamNet products easy to integrate and program with control systems.  Developed for AMX and Crestron systems, the Control Concepts modules for SteamNet support systems up to 128 zones and 128 sources.  The new modules allow integrators to be more efficient and effective when programming their projects.

 “Development partners like Control Concepts are a great addition to the StreamNet Ready program,” said Chris Wildfoerster, Vice President of Business Development for ClearOne, a founding member of the StreamNet Technology Association. “The control modules and documentation that Control Concepts developed are regularly used by integrators, and their inclusion in our database will make it easier and more profitable for StreamNet partners to integrate StreamNet with commonly used audiovisual control systems.”

Read more at StreamNet…

Up through the early 1990s, systems were very basic.  Touchpanels were used only in the most complicated systems.  Video conferencing was nowhere near main stream, and systems were limited to the devices within a room.

At that time, systems were much simpler to design and program.  The challenge was obtaining the proper information to interface with and control the equipment, making the majority of system components more difficult to integrate and control.  In the early 90s, control systems were just starting to be used in significant numbers and integration was truly an art form.

Though systems were much simpler and easier to program at this time, they were not designed with control in mind.  Obtaining control protocol was more of a challenge and required accessing proprietary information.  Information became coveted and it seemed pretty daunting to install and integrate a video conference system and setup a video projector.

Progressing through the 90s, integration became more main stream and projects grew from single isolated systems to larger multi-room systems that share devices, functionality, combine, and can be controlled individually or centrally.  Inter-room communication through RS-232 or RS-422 point-to-point connections were, at that time, the most advanced methods of sharing information or providing control between systems at that time.

The ability to put control systems on an Ethernet network in the late 90s and early 2000s brought tremendous advancement to our industry.  As much of an advancement as we now know it to be, at the time, many were intimidated by the new technology and what it could mean for the future of the industry.

It took a different mindset, different knowledge and skills, and the ability to interface with different equipment and players to capitalize on this technology.  This marked the beginning of AV and IT coming together.

Ethernet control allowed systems to be inter-connected easily and to provide remote access from anywhere in the world.  What would happen if we hadn’t embraced the challenge of Ethernet control?

As we have learned to leverage Ethernet control and to put systems on networks, opportunities have continued to grow.  Web control and remote access evolved into resource management, centralized support, and remote monitoring.

Resource management systems such as the Crestron RoomView and AMX RMS allow system data to be collected and reported, making it possible to schedule system and trigger system events globally, settings from a centralized system and send fault and threshold notifications.

So if we take a step back, twenty years or so, we have moved from single room presentation systems where it was a challenge to interface with individual equipment ,to network based systems that can be managed remotely and controlled from anywhere in the world.

We know that we need to progress in order to be sustainable and valuable, so what is the next for the AV industry…

AV/IT convergence is now.  Control Concepts is a member of BICSI and AITP and sees a future where all control systems programmers maximize the use of information technology for AV projects.

I predict that every AV device will have an Ethernet port or wireless connection in the near future.  Devices that don’t communicate over the network will be left behind.  As a result, the AV industry needs to understand the requirements and responsibilities of being IT savvy and how to adhere to their standards and best practices.

Building control is a new frontier of opportunity for the AV industry.  The same way that control systems programming looked at the AV/IT convergence that the Ethernet capabilities created for system and multi-room control, we now see the opportunity for whole building control using the tools that we have been perfecting over the last twenty years.  Control systems programming for whole building control creates efficient, sustainable systems that are flexible, easy to fix and maximize the capability to embrace new technology for greater savings and functionality.  And with that, greater opportunities for AV.

Greenblatt, who blogs about innovations and opportunities in control systems programming for Control Concepts in A Sense of Control, welcomed the chance to share his perspective- and his AV predictions- with Crestron.

Read the full post on the Creston Blog.

Control Concepts, Inc. (CCI) is a leading independent provider of audiovisual control system solutions.  Its team of experienced professionals creates high quality, intuitive control programming designs for complex AV systems.  Control Concepts combines its thorough, proven design and development process with audiovisual science to make AV systems easy to use in boardrooms, classrooms, and entertainment venues.  CCI’s solutions help consultants, integrators, manufacturers and end user technology managers reduce the business risks associated with complex projects.  The company’s services include control system programming, touchpanel design, consulting and needs analysis, documentation, system staging, testing and commissioning, and technical support.  CCI helps clients to create advanced AV systems that offer the benefits of Green AV and energy-saving practices, remote room management, building automation, HD signal distribution, lighting control and more.  Control Concepts works with several vertical markets, including higher education, financial services, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, entertainment, legal and government.  Founded in 1997 and based in Fair Lawn, NJ, CCI is dedicated to serving clients throughout North America.  For more information, visit the CCI web site at http://www.controlconcepts.net/about-control-concepts/.

Middle Atlantic Teams With Control Concepts for Communication Flexibility in RackLink™

Fairfield, NJ –– When Middle Atlantic Products set out to develop its new RackLink™ Suite of Power Management products, a crucial goal was to ensure its communication flexibility across multiple platforms including the web, mobile devices and control systems. To develop that critical open-architecture communication with control systems, the company partnered with fellow market leader Control Concepts, Inc.

Working in close collaboration with Middle Atlantic, audiovisual control system solutions company Control Concepts created communication drivers for both Crestron and AMX that work with the new protocol. The protocol also provides matrix readings from the systems for energy management, imports RackLink data into a database that compares usage and points out cost saving opportunities and allows control systems to register for unsolicited information. These features provide AV professionals with the data they need to make real-time changes to the control system that save energy and cost, and improve functionality.

Recently introduced and already enjoying acceptance among AV professionals, RackLink products provide installers with flexible, intelligent power monitoring and management for AV systems, along with preemptive support functions. They are the first of their kind capable of maintaining AV system reliability using automatic actions that include automatic reboot, turning on emergency fans and shutting down equipment for safety in overload or over-temperature conditions.

Asked about the collaboration between the companies, Jeff Mackie, Director of Product Development at Control Concepts, said that when working with Middle Atlantic on RackLink, he “really felt like part of the team.”

“The expertise that Control Concepts brought to the development of RackLink’s control system communication protocol was invaluable,” said Middle Atlantic Electrical/Electronic Product Manager Murray Williams. “Their knowledge of these environments helped optimize its functionality for how integrators utilize it in the field.”

For technical specifications and in-depth information about Middle Atlantic Products, please click to www.middleatlantic.com or call 1.800.266.7225

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The capabilities and applications for AV control systems have grown exponentially since their introduction to the Ethernet network over a decade ago. Ethernet connectivity first produced the ability to connect systems across a computer network, provide webpage control, and support control of AV devices via an Ethernet port, which was ground breaking at the time.

As IT acceptance has progressed, control systems have moved from isolated or localized Ethernet networks to corporate, educational, or institutional networks supporting the ability to provide remote access and monitoring of systems. Read more at Project Green AV…

Control Concept is committed to delivering stable mobile applications that are not subject to issues that can arise with new operating systems.  All Control Concepts mobile apps work on the new Apple iOS5 and iPhone4S with no adjustments required.  For additional information about Control Concepts mobile applications, click here.

Control Concepts is embracing the idea that the control system programming element of a project can be streamlined and made more cost effective for the client.  Rather than programming complex one-off systems that are costly to design, program, implement and maintain for each system with a project, CCI developed an innovative solution in which a single complex model is developed to minimize implementation, upgrade and maintenance costs.

Control Concepts developed the AV Configurable Solution as a means of maximizing current technology and responding to increased demands to provide programming more quickly, easily and inexpensively.

Costs are incurred in a system when programmers are required to reinvent the wheel each time similar systems are implemented.  Additional costs sprout up to maintain and upgrade systems that have already been deployed.

A configurable system requires an upfront investment to create a standard design for all related systems maintaining consistency and leaving place holders for upgrade paths and future equipment.  The initial investment in a configurable system is recouped because each time a new system is implemented, it only costs a nominal license fee and minimal implementation and upgrade charges.

Designing the Configurable System

To create a configurable AV system, Control Concepts develops a comprehensive master program working with the most robust and highly flexible version of the system to define an operation standard that is maintained throughout all the configurable combinations.

The operation and design standard is typically created on a per client basis.  It also can be created on a per designer basis.

The system has a technical user interface that allows an installer to configure the system by selecting from functionality and components present in the specific installation space.

For example, a master system may have two displays, video conferencing, audio conferencing, shade control, lighting control, three computer inputs, two cameras, etc.  The ability to pick and choose which of these options is available in a particular space allows for something in the range of 2x2x2x2x2x2x2 = 128 combinations of systems that can be deployed easily using a configurable system.

Flexibility Promotes Long-Term Savings

The beauty of this model is that once the system is fully tested, it can be configured and deployed without programming support, reducing cost and complexity.  Additionally, if features are added, when the software is reloaded, those features become available automatically in all rooms.  If a new feature, like adding video conferencing and cameras to a non-video conferencing room, is introduced to a room down the road, programming is already built-in.

The system can be configured to the point that various makes and models of components can be supported, further lowering the cost of upgrades and maintenance.

Where Do We Go from Here?

With the network-ability, web interfaces, and recent dynamic architecture advancements made by control system manufacturers like AMX and Crestron, Control Concepts has leveraged new technology to provide solutions beyond what have been commonly been able to offer in the past.

We are excited about taking our programming capabilities to a new level and providing solutions that meet the demands and needs of our current and future customers.

Elizabeth Eames
Contemporary Communications Consulting for Control Concepts
elizabeth.eames@contemporarycommunicationsconsulting.com
917-620-1525

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Control Concepts Enhances Customer Service with New Team Member Jeanette Alfaro

Technical Administrator Jeanette Alfaro Joins CCI Staff

Fair Lawn, NJ—November 4, 2011

Control Concepts, Inc. (CCI), a leading independent provider of audiovisual control system solutions, announces the hiring of Technical Administrator, Jeanette Alfaro.  Jeanette joins the CCI team to provide an added resource for personalized customer service and sales support to Control Concepts customers.

Ms. Alfaro brings experience in sales and customer service in the electronics industry and a passion for working on the “front lines to help create the relationships that make customers want to come back.”  Her addition to the Control Concepts team helps the company advance its customer service to meet the increasing demands of the AV industry and continue to expand offerings to manufacturer and end user customers.

“We are excited to welcome Jeanette to our team,” says President of Control Concepts, Steve Greenblatt, CTS.  “She is a great addition and will be a valuable resource for our customers as we continue to build a solid foundation and embark on new initiatives at CCI.”

New initiatives include custom software solutions; applications development for mobile devices; programming Adobe Flash widgets; and multi-platform control module creation for manufacturers.

With Jeanette and the rest of the CCI team, the company “aims to best serve existing customers by enhancing capabilities and ensuring their projects are completed in a profitable and timely manner.”

Control Concepts, Inc. (CCI) is a leading independent provider of audiovisual control system solutions.  Its team of experienced professionals creates high quality, intuitive control programming designs for complex AV systems.  Control Concepts combines its thorough, proven design and development process with audiovisual science to make AV systems easy to use in boardrooms, classrooms, and entertainment venues.  CCI’s solutions help consultants, integrators, manufacturers and end user technology managers reduce the business risks associated with complex projects.  The company’s services include control system programming, touchpanel design, custom software solutions, mobile applications, consulting and needs analysis, documentation, system staging, testing and commissioning, and technical support.  CCI helps clients to create advanced AV systems that offer the benefits of Green AV and energy-saving practices, remote room management, building automation, HD signal distribution, lighting control and more.  Control Concepts works with several vertical markets, including higher education, financial services, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, entertainment, legal and government.  Founded in 1997 and based in Fair Lawn, NJ, CCI is dedicated to serving clients throughout North America.  For more information, visit the CCI web site at http://www.controlconcepts.net/about-control-concepts/.

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