Crestron Company Profile
What Does Crestron Do?
Crestron “build[s] the technology that integrates technology,” according to its corporate website.
Its automation and control solutions for homes and buildings “let people control entire environments with the push of a button, integrating systems such as AV, lighting, shading, security, BMS and HVAC to provide greater comfort, convenience and security.”
Crestron has more than 90 offices that provide around-the-clock sales, technical, and training support across the globe. In addition to its world headquarters in Rockleigh, N.J., Crestron has sales and support offices throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia, Latin America and Australia.
Crestron Solutions Categories
Sometimes referred to as an automation manufacturer, Crestron certainly is that but it’s offering now sprawl across just about every product category touching the AV integration industry.
Key Crestron Products for Commercial AV
Crestron Automation
Crestron is a leading provider of home-, building- and workplace automation solutions. Its control and automation solutions include control system hardware, touch panels, keypads, remote controls, building & enterprise management hardware, control systems, control modules and more.
Crestron AirMedia
As workplaces has evolved so too have the multimedia needs of meeting spaces. It’s increasingly important for employees to be able to quickly assemble and share or present content from their devices, e.g. laptops, tablets, phones, etc.
Crestron AirMedia is a wireless presentation solution that debuted in 2014. The manufacturer unveiled the next generation Crestron AirMedia 2.0 wireless presentation solution at Integrated Systems Europe 2018.
Crestron Fusion
Crestron “integrates systems and technologies that typically operate in silos, so they work together as a single system,” according to its website.
Crestron Fusion monitoring and scheduling software “adds a layer of intelligence to turn an organization into a high-performance enterprise.”
It includes network room scheduling, remote help desk, global device monitoring and data collection and reporting.
How to Become a Crestron Programmer
Crestron is renowned in the AV integration industry for its training and certification programs.
Only trained and certified professionals are green-lit to work professionally work with Crestron products. Only Crestron Certified Programmers can program Crestron automation systems.
There are several layers of Crestron training and certification:
Technician
According to Crestron’s website, this track is designed for technical installers and integrators who work with Crestron systems.
Trainees learn basics such as:
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- Integration of Crestron products and technologies using Cresnet, infiNET EX ®, ethernet, and Crestron Toolbox
- Fundamental Crestron systems maintenance
- Structured cabling basics
- Cable termination
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Engineer
This track is designed for AV Professionals who configure and maintain Crestron systems and technicians interested in making the transition to engineer.
Trainees gain:
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- Proficiency in Crestron Studio®, the Crestron application for fully customizable programming, GUI design, engraving, and device setup and configuration
- Mastery of Avia™ DSP, the audio web-based configuration software
- Thorough understanding of video distribution using DigitalMedia™ driven technologies with NVX
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Programmer
This track is for AV industry programmers who seek to earn the respected title of Crestron Certified Programmer.
Trainees learn:
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- Competency in symbol logic coding
- Use Smart Graphics to produce truly interactive and personal interfaces
- Ability to configure and commission a Crestron Fusion deployment
- Proficiency in Crestron’s Simpl+ programming language
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On its website, Crestron notes that successful completion of this track leads to Crestron Certified Programmer accreditation.
Crestron Certified Masters Programmers
According to Crestron’s website:
A Crestron Certified Programmer holds the highest respect in the industry due to the rigorous training, extensive experience, and stringent testing throughout the certification process. Certified Programmers earn an exclusive invite to our yearly Masters Classes.
Masters Classes are an invaluable opportunity for programmers to obtain specialized, hands-on training for the latest Crestron software and hardware while networking and sharing knowledge with other members of the Crestron Certified Programmers Community.
Crestron launched what became the Certified Masters program as a continuing education program for its certified technicians in 2001 and invited the 30 or so people to a training event.
That has grown leaps and bounds turning Crestron Masters into an industry standard event, most recently with 900 attendees.
Many integrators in the AV industry wonder why more manufacturers haven’t matched Crestron’s level of commitment to training and certification.
Learn more about Crestron training and certification opportunities here.
Crestron Meeting Room Solutions
Multiple Crestron meeting & room scheduling products have won awards from CI. The Mercury Tabletop Conference System & touch screens each made the list of Most Innovative Meeting Spaces Products.
Crestron Mercury uses existing network infrastructure to call, present, and video conference all from this one tabletop console. Crestron Mercury is a full open SIP conference phone and features a high-performance built-in speaker and four microphones; supports all web collaboration services, and connectivity for wired and wireless presentations. Cloud provisioning makes large-scale deployment and management easy.
Crestron Room Scheduling adds a level of productivity for organizations with multiple conference rooms and meeting spaces. Crestron Scheduling Touch Screens connect directly to Microsoft Ex- change or other popular calendaring programs, such as Google Calendar or IBM Notes, to book impromptu meetings on panels outside of rooms or search for and book spaces based on location, number of attendees, and type of meeting.
In The News
One Firefly, Crestron Launch Marketing Initiative for CSPs
Crestron and One Firefly will collaborate to foster growth among CSPs through effective marketing strategies.
Crestron Adds Updates for Crestron Control App for Zoom Rooms & More
Th new Crestron Control for Zoom Rooms, Crestron VC-4 Virtual Control Server & Crestron Construct updates address the demand for flexible, scalable control solutions.
InfoComm 2024 to Host Evening Event at the Sphere in Las Vegas
InfoComm 2024 attendees are invited to a one-of-a-kind immersive technology experience at the Sphere on June 11.
Crestron Technical Institute Adds Intelligent Video Engineer Certification Path
After successful completion of the Crestron Intelligent Video Engineer Certification path, students receive 13.5 renewal units of AVIXA credits.
#AVLivingLegends: Commercial Integrator’s Full List
Check out the whole AV Living Legends series that celebrates the contributions of those who have worked in AV circles for decades.
ISE 2024: 5 Network-Centric Booths That We Checked Out
At ISE 2024, among the hottest topics was the transmission of AV signals over IP-based network infrastructures. Here are some of the biggest attention getters.
Building the Ladders of AV Success
Industry stalwarts from Pace University and Crestron explain how AV-focused education programs can inspire and prepare the next generation of AV Pros.
ViewSonic and Crestron Join Forces for Enhanced AV Device Management
ViewSonic and Crestron have partnered to offer enhanced device management and remote control of displays to meet modern work needs.
2024 Top New Technology (TNT) Awards Announced at ISE
CI celebrates top-notch products and services from across the commercial AV industry with the prestigious TNT awards, unveiled at ISE 2024.
Crestron Celebrates 1M DM NVX AVoIP Platform Units Sold
As Crestron gears up to ship its one-millionth device in 2024, the company will honor the projects & people who championed the DM NVX technology.