The key announcements among the wide range of new products that Crestron announced are as follows:
- Crestron AirBoard displays whiteboard content on any display, and saves and sends it to meeting participants. Airboard is designed to be the only enterprise-grade appliance that provides ideal viewing of whiteboard annotation from every seat in the room or for remote conferencing participants
- Crestron’s AirMedia 2.0 wireless presentation technology is now built into popular Crestron presentation solutions. The next generation of AirMedia delivers the fastest, easiest, most manageable and secure wireless presentations.
- Next-generation Crestron FlipTops are a sleek in-table connectivity solution that now feature dashboard forward design for easier access to cables and connectors, one-touch cable and compartment door retraction, and backlit international symbols on retractor cables and USBC/A rapid charging outlets.
- Crestron FreeForm, the latest addition to Crestron’s Enterprise Room Solutions product line, enables secure wired and wireless presentation in lobbies, lounges, and other public spaces and integrates with popular calendaring platforms. It turns open enterprise spaces into productive meeting places.
- Crestron advanced 3-Series wall mount media presentation controllers have a sleek modern design and are the first wall mount presentation controllers with integrated control system and capacitive touch.
- The Crestron XiO Cloud cloud-based deployment, management and provisioning platform is built for the enterprise. Streamlined and powerful, it provides a simple, efficient, browser-based AV management solution with no programming required.
- The Crestron DM XiO Director network appliance simplifies deployment of DM NVX network AV systems. The enterprise-grade appliance is described as the new AV matrix for the IT age; three models available, based on the number of required endpoints.
In addition to showcasing new launches and updates to existing products, Crestron was also showcasing Crestron Mercury. Described as the industry’s only open UC solution, the best-selling all-in-one tabletop UC and AV solution supports all videoconferencing solutions, is easy to provision and manage from the cloud, and supports standard network security policies.
Details of the product announcements are as follows:
AirBoard
The Crestron AirBoard enables viewing of electronic whiteboard content on any display device. It solves the problem of meeting participants – and remote participants in particular – not being able to see the whiteboard unless they’re seated with a direct line of sight.
“The whiteboard is the last analogy device in the room, and with so much competition for ‘front of the room’ space, they are typically installed on the extreme sides of meeting rooms, where visibility is limited,” said Dan Jackson, director of enterprise technology at Crestron. “Now, with Crestron AirBoard, the center room display or projector screen can show the whiteboard so everyone can easily see it. Plus remote participants can actually see when someone writes on the whiteboard without holding up a phone or laptop camera.”
Crestron AirBoard is essentially a camera on an arm that attaches to any electronic whiteboard via the included mounting kit. With PoE, only a single Ethernet cable to the LAN is required for video, communication, and power. With Crestron AirBoard, annotations can be saved and then posted, emailed, or texted to either a central web page (education applications) or to invited participants (corporate applications). Meeting participants simply choose “whiteboard” as a source on the in-room Crestron TSW or Crestron Mercury touch screen to start the session. When “end meeting” is selected, the user is prompted to save and send the file. Remote conferencing participants can access the whiteboard session much like they would connect to Crestron AirMedia, by entering the URL (or friendly name) shown on the room display in their web browser. Once on the web page, the user simply enters the dynamic PIN or access code, which is also shown on the room display.
AirMedia 2.0
The Crestron AirMedia 2.0 wireless presentation technology frees people to sit or stand anywhere in the room or space and easily connect their smart devices and laptops to the room display, regardless of operating system. No more will wires or dongles clutter the table. Users don’t even need a table.
“AirMedia 2.0 is the only enterprise-grade wireless presentation solution out there. It supports standard network security protocols and has the lowest latency and bandwidth,” said Fred Bargetzi, Crestron CTO. “It supports Windows, Mac OS, iOS, and Android mirroring without Bonjour, and it can be deployed and managed from the cloud with Crestron XiO Cloud.”
AirMedia 2.0 has all the advantages of a network-based appliance. While other products provide just a wireless access point, exposing confidential content to potential security breaches, AirMedia 2.0 is a network-based wireless presentation technology that leverages the latest security protocols: 802.1x network access control; Active Directory user authentication; AES-128 content encryption; and SSH, SSL, TLS, and HTTPS. Additionally, most people leave meetings without disconnecting their device from the wireless gateway. As a result, private or sensitive information is still visible on the display when the next group of people enters the room. AirMedia automatically disconnects devices from the wireless gateway to safeguard sensitive content.
AirMedia 2.0 offers a consistent user experience in every room and space. There’s no more wasting valuable time figuring out how to get the technology in the room, or space, to work. With a consistent, simple, and intuitive user experience from the network-deployed app, guest app, or native device app, all users have to do is show up and start presenting. AirMedia 2.0 is a network-based appliance that can be deployed, configured, and managed from the cloud. Using Crestron XiO Cloud or the built-in web tool, the mobile app can be silently deployed to laptops and smart devices across the enterprise, and user access rights and firmware updates can be remotely managed. AirMedia 2.0 technology is built into: DMPS3-4K-350-C, ideal for multi-source presentation and video conferencing rooms with dual displays; DMPS3-4K-250-C, a perfect fit for multi-source rooms with just a single display; Crestron Mercury for single source, single display rooms; and Crestron FreeForm (CCS-F-2) for open spaces.
FlipTops
Easy to install into any meeting room table or lectern, new Crestron FlipTops conceal connections in new industrial designs, blending machined metal textures in both black and alloy finishes. When a meeting requires AV, touching a single button on the FlipTop activates the door, which opens and tucks away, revealing everything necessary to power, rapidly charge and connect devices such as a laptop or tablet, and start presenting. A line of accessories ranging from retractors to international power modules accompanies the new models.
Inside the FlipTops, the design differences between past cable management systems and the new are apparent thanks to their intuitive and sensible design. Instead of seeing screw heads and gaps in a deep, dark compartment, the FlipTops conveniently present everything you need level with the tabletop. The interior is finely fitted together to luxury automobile dashboard standards (i.e. there are no gaps between modules, no visible screw heads, bolts, or fasteners). Each retractor cable has a backlit label. All the cables stand at attention in orderly ranks. Presenters and attendees can quickly find what they need without contortions.
Five new patent-pending technologies combine to make installation quick and straightforward. The enclosure is quickly placed in the table using sophisticated clamping mechanisms the installer swivels into place from above the table. Modules drop down into any of 12 module spaces. Installers can quickly reconfigure modules from above the table. The bezel snaps into place and is attached via built-in magnets. Under the table, retractors and power supplies lock into key slots on the side of the enclosure. Cables are managed via a cable tie bar running the length of the FlipTops. Even AC power connections are installed faster, since a new FT2 Power Module includes two AC outlets below the table, as well as the user facing outlets on top.
FreeForm
FreeForm, an addition to Crestron’s line of Enterprise Room Solutions, enables secure wired and wireless presentation in lobbies, lounges, and other public spaces and integrates with popular calendaring platforms.
“The workplace has changed dramatically, with a dispersed workforce, open floor plans, AV on the network, and reliance on mobile devices to present,” said Joe Sarrasin, technology manager for unified communications at Crestron. “FreeForm gives organisations a secure, easy to deploy and manage solution that increases workflow and facilitates collaboration by turning open spaces into productive meeting spaces, while supporting the many different platforms and services employees and guests have on their personal devices.”
FreeForm mounts invisibly behind wall mount displays and enables wired or wireless presentation with auto-switching. No furniture, dongles, or new Wi-Fi networks are needed. FreeForm features: a built-in AirMedia 2.0 wireless presentation capability; DM and HDMI inputs; HDMI out to the display; keypad control from anywhere in the space; and auto-display on/off via CEC, serial, and IR. Its built-in graphics engine displays a custom branded welcome screen on the room display, and when connected to Microsoft Exchange, Office 365, or G Suite software, space availability and meeting details appear as well. Even open spaces are searchable and bookable.
FreeForm is an enterprise-grade solution that provides cloud-based management and deployment, and supports standard network security protocols, including 802.1X network access control, Active Directory authentication, and AES content encryption. With the addition of occupancy sensors and integration with Crestron Fusion software, FreeForm spaces and technology can be centrally monitored and managed. Spaces are automatically turned “on” and “off” and returned to inventory in the event of “no-shows,” thereby maximising availability. Occupancy and usage data is collected, which helps organisations optimise investments in space and technology. Instant alerts are sent to the help desk to rapidly resolve technical issues and maximise uptime and workflow.
Mercury
Crestron Mercury supports all video conferencing services including Microsoft Teams and Zoom Rooms. Users are not locked into a single platform. They can simply plug in their laptop and take advantage of all the benefits of their video conferencing service immediately. Crestron Mercury consoles are easy to provision and manage from the cloud, and leverage standard network security policies, making them the ideal UC and AV solution for every space across an enterprise of any size.
Crestron Mercury combines all the must-have calling, conferencing, collaboration, and presentation tools in one easy to use console. It enables users to present content wirelessly on the room display from a laptop, smartphone, or tablet instantly and securely using the built-in AirMedia wireless presentation gateway. Exceptional sounding phone calls from mobile devices or standard SIP phone systems are simple using the built-in, precision-engineered speaker and microphones. Knowledge workers can easily collaborate with colleagues via Crestron Mercury from a laptop or dedicated in-room PC using any soft phone, or web conferencing or UC application including Zoom Rooms, Microsoft Teams, Cisco Spark, Skype for Business, Cisco WebEx, GoToMeeting, BlueJeans, and Slack.
MPC3
Crestron’s wall mount media presentation controllers are designed to fit in a standard EU gangbox, and with a modern and sleek design, the MPC3-201, MPC3-301, and MPC3-302 are the first wall mount media presentation controllers with capacitive buttons and an integrated control system. They suit classrooms, meeting rooms, lecture halls, and training facilities.
MPC3 models integrate a powerful enterprise-grade Crestron 3-Series Control System that supports standard network security protocols, including 802.1x network access control, SSH, TLS, and HTTPS. The MPC3-201 features six customisable buttons with feedback, three fixed buttons (Power, Mute, Volume), a proximity sensor so it automatically wakes up when someone approaches, and PoE for easy installation in a standard EU gangbox.
The MPC3-301 and MPC3-302 are for those who are more comfortable with physical buttons and a volume knob. They fit in a US three-gang back box and include 10 customisable buttons with feedback lights; three fixed buttons (Power, Mute and Volume), PoE, Cresnet, and IR control. The MPC3-302 is the same as the MPC3-301 and adds RS-232, 2 relays, and 2 Versiports. The MPC3-301 and MPC3-302 also provide an easy upgrade path for currently installed MPC-10 and above models, using the same back box.
More models are coming soon in the form of the MPC3-101, which is the same as the MPC3-201 but is designed for US gangboxes and adds Cresnet and IR control ports. The MPC3-102 is the same as the MPC3-101 and adds RS-232, two relays, and two Versiports.
XiO Cloud
XiO Cloud enables centralised enterprise-wide configuration, monitoring, management, and control of Crestron products including Crestron Mercury, 3-Series Control Systems, DigitalMedia products (including DMPSs) and TSW touch screens.
“With XiO Cloud, you simply connect a device to the network and it’s automatically recognized,” said Brian Donlan, Crestron technology manager for enterprise software. “There’s no time-consuming programming, and any device in the world can be managed remotely. The device doesn’t even need to be online when it’s configured. It’s simple, worldwide, browser-based management with the network security IT professionals demand.”
XiO Cloud provides IT managers with a powerful centralised tool that enables them to deploy and manage thousands of devices in the same amount of time as it would take to manage just one. Using simple drag and drop functionality, devices can be named, configured, and organised by groups and subgroups. Settings and firmware updates can be silently pushed to one or all devices. Device licenses can be quickly activated, transferred or removed. The dashboard provides interactive charts, a fully searchable activity log of all actions within the portal, and a group status page. And with live status and full monitoring of every connected device, the help desk can quickly address technical issues to maximise uptime.
DM XiO Director
DM XiO Director centrally configures, manages, and controls DM NVX network AV systems. The software tool enables device discovery, domain configuration, endpoint mapping, multicasting management, and status monitoring. DM NVX Series is the industry’s only secure solution that delivers 4K60, 4:4:4, and HDR video over standard 1Gb Ethernet.
“Once your DM NVX network is installed, you need to route the video and manage the system. The DM XiO Director makes it easy to set up large networks of endpoints, name rooms, monitor signal paths, and manage video data over a standard IP network,” said Rob Carter, technology manager for DigitalMedia.
The DM XiO Director virtually emulates the functionality of a traditional hardware-based DigitalMedia matrix switcher, routing 4K60 streaming AV signals throughout a room, building, or campus. The three models offered support 80, 160, or up to 1,000 endpoint devices. DM XiO Director can handle even the largest corporate enterprise, university, governmental, military, medical, transportation, sports, entertainment, hospitality, gaming or retail applications.
The DM XiO Director automatically discovers each DM NVX endpoint on the network and allows each one to be assigned to a “domain” using a simple UI. A domain is simply a logical grouping of endpoints that operate together as a single switching entity, allowing individual rooms and other subsystems to be arranged and controlled independently. The DM XiO Director effectively eliminates the need for physical switchers in every room, replacing them with the virtual equivalent running on the AV network.
The DM XiO Director provides an intuitive web-based user interface to facilitate system configuration, signal routing, and comprehensive diagnostics of the complete AV network. Each domain and endpoint can be designated with a user-friendly name. Navigating the entire system is easy using the search box to quickly find domains, endpoints, inputs and outputs by name or address. A system overview screen is also provided, showing the video and audio signal status for every input and output in a graphical layout that’s easy to view and navigate.