I just got an iPad2 and was contemplating using it to control my home Crestron system. Went to download the app and noticed that there are two versions: the standard Mobile G and Mobile Pro G. Was hoping to get a taste of it by trying the free app but could not find a sample on Crestron web site that would work with.

Hate to spend $99 and wind up not using the thing.

Anyone use the Pro version? If so, what is the assessment? Thought I read about some limitations but don't recall what.

The Pro app for the iPhone allows for a much larger VT-Proe project than the free app does. I'm sure the same thing applies to the G iPad apps. You might need the Pro version if you have a large system to control.

Thanks. I realize that. My question wasn't whether I could eventually live with the free version. I will gladly pay $99 to get the pro.

My question is in advance of evaluating either version, how good are the capabilities are. Are there things you can't do with iPad that you could for example in standard Crestron touchscreens?

The current iPad app does not support controls such as sliders, gauges, clocks, and video display. A new version of the iPad that supports video and some of these other features is waiting on an approval from Apple for release according to TB.

You should probably wait for the release of this new version before buying and programming the existing one.

The iPad app only gives you the option to use you iPad to control your system. Someone still has to create the gui interface and the associated programming as you would with a Crestron supplied touch panel. As for things that don't work on the iPad are a clock, analog gauge, sliders, many fonts, etc. You cannot simply save a normal Crestron panel file as an iPad with good results. There are good templates out there that will help make a really slick looking iPad.

The app is a little sluggish right now with a slight delay whenever it turns on after sleeping or when jumping between pages.

amir, it is interesting that you have crestron in your home but chose amx to sell. any reason in particular? just being nosy!

I have the Mobile Pro app for my iPhone and use it to control my Crestron Prodigy system and it is very quick. I was demonstrating to my wife having Xpanel and a PTX3 all on my desk with the mobile Pro even piping in through my DDNS service and the response as nearly instant. Granted the systems were on the same network, but still.

I haven't played with the Ipad app (just need to get an iPad), but i'm anxious to do so. 

Good question actually :).

My use of Crestron predates creation of Madrona Digital. Indeed, it was that work that taught me something about this business and created the interest to start the company. We were building our vacation/retirement house 3 years ago and I decided to go that way.

That said, I also knew what I didn't know :). So instead of starting from scratch and making a bunch of mistakes starting this business, our company was started with a merger with another small company which had just formed. That group while also experienced with Crestron in the past, had standardized on HomeLogic/Elan and AMX as the mid and high-tier solutions. I looked at both, and saw the value in them and hence, didn't push my person solution over that.

A few months later, we were called in to expand a very large and poorly done Crestron installation. Having been very impressed with the vision of Crestron for series 3 software development, we decided to also sign up and do that job with Crestron rather than switching it out for AMX. We have received very good support from our local Crestron people so I am gradually getting the staff trained on Crestron.

Meanwhile, my own house has Crestron light and control, all of which I designed and programmed. We use iPads at work with HomeLogic which is dead easy and no brainer. But I don't have anyone to tun to on iPad for Crestron. And hence this thread.

If Crestron delivers on series 3 programming environment, we might push harder in that direction. Right now, it is on a per job basis.

thanks for response.

I am comfortable and have programmed Crestron touchpanels using VTPro-e. So I am not concerned about the complexity but rather pure capability.


Great. This is what I was looking for. I have the sample template and it is not too bad.

I think Crestron just wanted to be the first with the iPad app. Compared to TPControl for AMX it is way behind. Shame really as no one wants to pay 3000$ for a dumb touchscreen but at the moment Mobile Pro G falls short so the TPMC8 is probably the best choice at the moment.
Crestron have yet to prove they are serious about using the iPad as touch panel. A big problem is that the user can enter setup on startup and edit or delete the "system". Hopefully the "yet to be approved app " is a big improvement. Apple have there own Savant system out so don't hold you breath for them to approve a competing product. Fingers crossed though.

CommandFusion FTW

Version just submitted to AppStore does h264, mjpeg, mpeg, sliders, dials, gauges, gestures, full UI scripting via JavaScript, ect

apple is not behind savant.
savant is an independent company that uses apple product.

Go to settings on the iPad, then scrolll down to the Mobile Pro G app and set Auto-Reconnect to ON.

Then your customer wont get to the setup screen, it will instantly launch the app...