Hello I have an AES which is located in a media room whereby it controls an AAS, Pioneer AVR, Kuro, some sources, etc. using a TPS6, and then 5 additional distributed audio zones with which generally have apad's and are amplified by the AES.

I may build a new addition and install a dedicated home theater in the basement there. The theater would have an AVR, projector, associated inputs, perhaps some lighting control, etc. I had some questions about what my options would be for control going forward.

Would it make sense to try to also control the theater using the existing AES in the media room?

Or would it make sense to keep the AES based system separate and just use a URC remote or something to control the theater?

Was also thinking about a Grafix Eye for the theater light control. Could this also be controlled by the AES or would that not make any sense.

Also could I add light shade control (motorized blinds) in the media room to the AES?

Just trying to think about my options.

You could (and should) definitely add your new addition with lighting and shades to the existing AES.  How many iPad's and 2 way interfaces are and will be on the system?

I don't think the AES would be too taxed but I'm trying to figure out what its capabilities are and what makes the most sense.

There might be something like 4-5 apad's. The TPS6 in the media room. I'd like to have some type of 2 way control in the theater, perhaps an RF remote. Maybe an iPad as well. Of course the existing AVR plus a new one and the displays and source components for the two rooms. And possibly lighting control which might include a Grafix Eye if that makes sense.

So it sounds like you're saying the AES can handle this??

The AES can do whatever you would like it to do, with the only limitation being memory.  There is a document that gives a good idea of what the limitation of Adagio series processors are on Crestron's website.
Without seeing the complete spec and all things considered, you should be able to add the extension to the system.  First, if this system is currently running well check the memory being used on the processor before upgrading.
Was this programmed in Simpl or in SystemBuilder?

Where is the document for this?

I've got no idea about the programming. My original CI went out of business. I do have the code however. I may be able to ask the programmer.

How do I check memory usage?

You would need the software application to communicate with the Crestron devices, and programming software to go along with.  Your programmer should know exactly how to do this.
If you cannot obtain the services of your former programmer, I would recommend another dealer, listed on Crestron's website.

Dealer Locator:
[Link: crestron.com]

Adagio Processor Recommended Limitations:
[Link: crestron.com]

Thanks.

I heard from my programmer that the code is in Simpl Windows. What are the implications of this?

Your system being programmed in Simpl vs. System Builder simply means it may be possible to have a slightly larger program running in the processor.  System Builder creates more overhead in generating the code while custom written Simpl Windows programs tend to be more streamlined.  Either way, your system with the expansion should work out fine.

Just a word from a programmer that recently had to alter how a system was working due to size limitaions on an Adagio Unit, once going "outside" the box of the Adagio processor the file size gets quite large quickly. I had 3 MLX-2's, 1 XPanel, 1 TPS-6X, 3 C2N-DBF12 keypads, and an iPad interface loaded onto an AMS and it locked up the AMS. We now have an AMS that is strictly doing audio distribution with a CP2E taking care of all the interfaces. The "maximum" file size on one of these units is based on a very basic audio distribution system and adding logic outside the basic system MAY cause problems.

Looking at your system it seems fairly basic so you shouldn't have any problems using the AES to do what you want.

Guys this is exactly the kind of info I'm looking for... the capacity capabilities related to the AES and what it can support. Sounds like it would generally work.I read the info on the crestron capabilities document, but often its best to ask the folks that work with this stuff.

So if I build this out, could it support

5 apads
1 ipad
1 tps6
2 MLX-3

2 avr's
2 displays (a plasma and a pj)
input devices for 2 setups

some limited lighting and shade control for the HT and media room - via either lutron grafix eye or some crestron alternative

It seems like the lighting and shade control might be the only thing that is an issue?

Take a look at the Crestron CLS-C6. It is very similar to the Graphix Eye, but is native to Crestron. I have one in my theater and it works well. It also has options for shade control.

CJ

Thanks, great tip. So if I spec'd the Crestron CLS-C6 instead of the Graphix Eye the AES will be fine with this load?

Yes

Thanks guys

Everything looks good. I have much larger systems running on an AES with no problems what so ever.