All, thanks for the excellent input.

I have a Crestron Prodigy system in my house but am not happy with the Crestron hardware in terms of remote control.

Can anyone recommend a 3rd party remote control that is compatible with the Prodigy system?

Thanks

Unless you have the PMC3-XP processor, you're out of luck. Only Prodigy remotes will work with it, OR the iPad/iPhone/android app.

Ok. Thanks.

From what I gather, upgrading the processor to the PMC3-XP will essentially convert my Prodigy system to a full on Crestron system. Is this correct? The problem is these processors are difficult to come by.

There is also an MC3 processor I've read about. Is this an upgrade to the existing PMC2 Prodigy processor as well? Will it serve the same purpose?

Can anyone highlight the differences and speak to the availability of either?

Also, is the programming different for these processors relative to the existing PMC2 processor?

Much thanks.....

The PMC3-XP is no longer made.

The upgrade for a PMC2 is a PMC3.

The PTX3 is no longer made, the Current Prodigy remote is the PLX3.

The MC3 is a 'Full' Crestron processor that looks just like a PMC3, has all the same inputs and outputs, and supports all of the latest Crestron software. I.E. Smart Graphics and Simpl#Pro(You don't need to know what that is, so don't worry about it)

Depending on how the PMC2 was programmed it is as easy as a right click or a few clicks in some menus to change the program.

All of these products are available though authorized dealers who should also be able to set them up for you.

Note-to use a 3rd party remote you will need to get a Crestron RF Gateway, an RTI or URC remote, a Crestron Processor and someone to program all of this equipment for you.

What is it that you do not like about the remote?

It is possible that if it is the PTX3 the UI used was just poor and a newer UI/GFX could be created

So, let me see if I understand.

The PMC3 is the only available option to upgrade existing Prodigy systems. Will this allow for the expansion to Crestron from Prodigy? As the PMC3-XP was supposed to do?

The MC3 is not an option for me? It is not for existing Prodigy systems, rather for upgrading existing Crestron systems?

I am working with a dealer but got burned before and don't want to make the same mistakes. I want to understand what I am putting in and what I need.

My issue with the PTX3 was partially software related (definitely was buggy) but the hardware was terrible, extremely cheap in build and spent more time broken than working for me. I had 2 of them. I am hesitant to continue to pour money into remotes (although I understand the cost has fallen) that quite frankly, in my opinion, suck. That's why I am exploring other options.

1 more question. You mentioned to use a 3rd party remote, I need a Crestron gateway, a URC remote, and a Crestron processor. Will the PMC2 meet these requirements? Can my dealer use my existing processor, alongside a gateway, to set up a URC remote to work with my system?

Thanks again. This is invaluable.

The cheapest option you have is to source a PMC3-XP from eBay. Only place I know of you can find one. They were discontinued. Then you need a crestron RF gateway (There are two, the one you need depends on the remote you get) - these are still made. Then you need the new remotes. Just about anything from URC or RTI will work, although I'd stick to the simpler versions. You don't need touchscreen or anything. Then, this all has to be programmed. From scratch if your original installer didn't give you the source code and is unwilling to do so.

Or you can get your original installer to create an iPad/iPhone/Android interface and you can use a small tablet as a remote. This would most likely be significantly cheaper. By a lot.

The MC3 is only for full crestron, not prodigy. Upgrading to the PMC3 won't do anything for you that you're looking to do. Still uses all the same equipment limitations. You would have to get the PMC3-XP.

Correct PMC3 is the upgrade for a PMC2.

It DOES NOT allow you to intergrate with FULL line Crestron.


Correct, the MC3 is a new 3-Series processor.


Sorry to hear that, hey being informed is a good way to try and avoid that


The 1st Gen M/PTX3 had SEVERAL design flaws. Crestron HAS made running changes to the remotes including, a new battery cover design, new switches and buttons for the Top and Side button, a change to the other hard buttons.

The remotes are still WAY to fragile though and I think everyone agrees with that.

As far as the software, if you mean the look of the buttons on the screen and how it functions. That can be changed at anytime, the limiting factor is the Skill of the Dealer and their Programmer.



No, the PMC2 will not work. you will AT LEAST need a Crestron RMC3 and a CNRFGW-XXX to use a URC remote.


There is 1 more option but its REALLY dumb and would depend on how the system was programmed.

Thanks everyone. I think I'm beginning to get closer.

I need a PMC3-XP to expand Prodigy to the Crestron line.

Only place to get it is ebay because it was discontinued.

A quick google search shows it being listed on several sites including Crestron's own but overseas. Might that be a better approach to procuring one?

Why? Why was it discontinued if it's the only way to expand Prodigy capabilities to the Crestron line. Was it crappy? Is it even worth trying to find one?

What is a Crestron RMC3 and what is its relation to what we are talking about?

And I need a gateway. The Crestron CNRFGW-XXX being the gateway.

And a URC remote.

Will my programmer know how to program the URC remote? Is this something I can do myself or does it require the same Crestron programmer or a different programmer altogether?

Regarding the iOS app, I currently use it. It works OK (its my original programming that is bad) but there is not yet a substitute for pressing actual buttons.

Thanks all. Again!!

It was discontinued because the Prodigy line didn't work out the way Crestron thought it would.

Prodigy was supposed to be an intro to Crestron for smaller systems to compete with C4.

From a business standpoint it didn't work out for them so they scaled the line back and removed the ability to expand it to the 'Full' Crestron line.


Its just another Full Crestron Processor and the least expensive. So without knowing your total system it would be the MINIMUM to get you going, though possibly not the best option.



That really depends on the Programmer and how the system was programmed.

If the programmer is Certified or has a lot of experience with Crestron's full like they *SHOULD* be able to.


iPad/Phone can be a great ADDITION to a system, but it should never be a primary control, one of the reasons is as you said the feel of buttons.

Guys, believe it or not, I am still at this.

The carrot at the end of stick for me is the programming, which the current dealer is promising to give to me once we finish this.

So, we go.......

To catch up:

I currently have a Prodigy system with a PMC-2 processor.

I have a PTX3 remote which no longer works. Because of bad experiences with it, I need to replace it.

My options are:
1) Get a PLX3 remote. Is this still the latest Prodigy remote? This would be simplest way. If I get one of these, it is a simple swap. No harm no foul. Gets reprogrammed and its done. Correct?

2) Get a third party remote. If I do this, I would need:
a) a new remote like an MX-850 that I have
b) a gateway like a Crestron CNRFGWA-418
c) a new processor because the PMC2 allegedly could not do this. Is this correct? If I get a new processor, my choices would be:
1- A PMC3-XP if I can find one. This would upgrade Prodigy to full on Crestron. Anyone know where I could get one?
2- Is a PMC3 the same? Would this also get the job done?
3) Would an MC3 work? Would it upgrade Prodigy to full on Crestron? And handle a third party remote like the MX-850?
4) Would an RMC3 work? Is this the same as an MC3? What are the diferences? Would this also function to use third party remotes? Upgrade to full on Crestron from Prodigy?

To keep things simple, I think I could just get a PLX3 remote.
But to future proof the system, as best I can, it seems I should invest in one of the other processors. Can anyone chime in as to which would be the best and why if I went this route?


Thanks everyone. This 'little' change is driving me crazy.

The PLX3 will require a reprogram and will connect with the PMC2 you currently have

Correct


This won't upgrade you to full Crestron, but will allow you to integrate full Crestron equipment into your prodigy system. Only place I know of is EBay to get one

No, No, it doesn't have the XP capabilities

If you only have a PTX3 and third party devices, yes this would work, still requires the 418 gateway. If you have a lot of Prodigy devices then no this will not work. You cannot connect prodigy devices to a Crestron system

RMC would work again if you only have the PTX3 and third party devices. Same processing features as MC3 with less connections and no built in gateway. Yes would still be able to connect to third party remotes using the 418 gateway. This unit does NOT provide 24v which the gateway requires, so you would need to find an external power supply to do this. Alternatively you could look into a 2-series processor (cp2e, AV2, pro2) on EBay.

What current prodigy devices do you have? As my answers above state if you only have the PTX3 and PMC2 then changing to a full Crestron solution won't be a problem. However, if you have the P-Amp, lighting/audio keypads then upgrading will be an expense. Prodigy has been discontinued so there is little "future proofing" you are going to do

Welcome

Thanks a ton

1) So the XP in PMC3-XP is what allows integration with Crestron equipment?

2) Is there a difference between 'integration with Crestron equipment' and full on crestron? Especially in regards to 'future proofing'? Would the PMC3-XP allow for that 'future proofing'?

3) I dont understand what you mean by "If you only have a PTX3 and third party devices". Especially as it relates to the other processors. I use my system for audio/video control, lighting, and climate control. Does this help? And again, how does this relate to the processor?

4) RMC3 and MC3 are essentially the same processor with the same limitations? In regards to third party devices? ( Note, I still dont understand this) So, between the 2 processors, the differences are the RMC3 has less connections and no gateway? Essentially, the RMC3 is a cheaper less powerful alternative to the MC3?

5) If I choose the MC3, assuming I even can, why do I need a gateway? Doesnt this come with a built in gateway?

6) The cp2e, AV2, pro2 processors you refer to. Are these Crestron? How do they fit in with all of the above? I have never heard of these and my dealer has never mentioned any of them.

THANKS!!!!

Yes

Integrate with Crestron means you can add Crestron devices to the XP processor and still use your Prodigy equipment. Full on Crestron means you have to replace all your prodigy devices to be of a Crestron equivalent, this will also allow for the best future proofing solution. The PMC3-XP will allow for some future proofing but not to the extent that installing a MC3 will provide

I said that because if you didn't have lights, audio, video, and climate you could easily get a 3-series processor and remote for much cheaper. Since you have other prodigy equipment it will cost much more to convert to a full Crestron system

Correct

It does come with a gateway but that gateway isn't compatible with a URC or RTI remote. You need to purchase a Crestron Remote to connect to the gateway on the MC3.

Yes, these are Crestron Processors. Your dealer hasn't mentioned them as they are 2-Series processors. They still work with most current Crestron devices and you can likely find them on EBay for much cheaper than an MC3 or RMC3.

Ok. So my best option is the PMC3-XP. Anyone have one to sell? 😀

So what exactly does the RMC-3 give me? Besides the ability to add a third party remote? I fail to see any advantage. It seems to be wasteful to get this if I can get a PLX-3 remote to fit into my Prodigy system.

Why is my dealer pushing the RMC-3 so hard?

They were disco'd a long time ago, you may get lucky and find one on EBay

If you can get the PLX-3 then do it, however this won't provide any future proofing. There are also problems with the PLX-3 with the power button and scroll wheel. Crestron has improved these but they still break.

Because he knows that you are most likely not going to find the PMC3-XP, the integration with Prodigy and Crestron on that processor is a pain (depending how the original system was programmed) and you are wanting to future proof, thus the reason to switch to a full Crestron system.
I would rather install the MC3 over the RMC3, for the minor cost difference you gain a lot more with the MC3.

Have you seen the new HR remotes from Crestron [Link: crestron.com]? These may be a better fit for your TV viewing over the PLX-3. These connect to the gateway incorporated into the MC3 so you wouldn't need additional parts