So if I get the MC3 to replace my PMC2, and get the HR-150 remote, I will be good? And I will have made the transition to full Crestron? And it will be compatible with my existing prodigy equipment for lights, A/V, HVAC?

NO!!!

You need to upgrade all your prodigy equipment to be Crestron if you install an MC3. The only way you can include your prodigy equipment with Crestron is to install a PMC3-XP.

I don't get it. Then what's the point of getting an MC3? Or an RMC3?

I don't understand what the benefit is. Besides getting to install a third party remote.

Can someone help?

Because you are not going to find a PMC3-XP processor, and if you do it won't be compatible with the newer Crestron products. The benefit is having a future proof system which is what you said you wanted. Prodigy is not a future proof solution since it has been discontinued.

Here is a solution for you.
Keep your prodigy system (I am assuming you have an iPad/iPhone app for lights, Audio and Climate). Add a MC3 and HR100/150 remote to only do your home theatre (you can use the same Crestron Mobile app to control your home theatre, its just a different connection). As time goes on slowly migrate your prodigy equipment into Crestron products until you have eliminated your Prodigy parts. As time goes on the MC3 will still be a current processor and allow for newer devices to connect to it when they are released.

Thank you. Before reading this, I had decided yesterday that to keep things simple. I would stay with my PMC-2 processor and just get a PLX-3 remote. From previous replies to this thread, I gathered this would be a solution. Just get a PLX-3 remote, program it as a replacement to the PTX-3 remote, and be done with it. For now at least.

I sent this to my dealer and got this reply. He says this reply is from Crestron themselves.



"Hi XXXXXX,
In response to you latest request regarding the XXXXXX Project. We respectfully decline the offer.
We decline on the bases that the PLX-3 is not an out of box compatible remote for a prodigy 2 series processor. To make it compatible you will need to add an additional gateway to the PMC-2. In addition you will have to change the firmware of the processor. That’s where the problems begin. The firmware update creates instability with the processor in our experience and PLX series remotes are not very good to begin with. This will create a situation that will cause your client dissatisfaction and countless lost hours attempting to remedy the problem.
Simply it’s not worth the headache…
Thank you,"


I am posting this because it goes against my understanding that I had previously obtained here on this forum.

I apologize but this back and forth with my dealer is whats leading to these trust issues. Can anyone speak to a) whather what is being said is true or not and b) whether this sounds like an answer from Crestron?

The technical issue of whether what they are saying is true or not is an important one for obvious reasons. The second issue, whether it came from Crestron or not, is a trust issue but I dont think Crestron would come out and trash their own products in this way.

Thanks again. Seriously.

I doubt that response is from Crestron. I think I might look for a new dealer.

Ok. Thats what I thought.

But is the content correct? Is the PLX-3 not compatible with the PMC-2? Does it require a firmware update? Does this update cause instability?

Can anyone speak to the content? Even if I choose another dealer (likely), I want to be armed with accurate info so we can work together towards a reasonable goal.

Anyone?

I just opened a PMC2 program that I wrote in Simpl a few years ago, and the software allowed me to add a PLX-3, in addition to the existing PTX-3s.

Based on that, I'd say the PLX-3 *IS* compatible with it, because if it weren't, the software wouldn't allow adding it to the program.

Note that this was a PMC2+, not the original PMC2 (without the plus). However, if you already have PTX-3s you most likely have the plus model.

I think SWO's suggestion is the best solution - get an MC3 with whatever remote you want (HR-100, HR-150, or MLX-3) now, then gradually replace all of the remaining Prodigy gear with Crestron models as budget allows.

It is compatible, I think the PMC2 just needs a firmware update when the program gets loaded.

As for instability and headaches? The only 'instability and headaches' I get (I'm Silver Certified, DMC-D-4K and a bunch of other certs from Crestron) is from lack of coffee or having to stand around doing nothing while I wait for things to load.

Also the PLX3 is a better build quality than the PTX3, THE ONLY thing most dislike about the PLX3 is the screen is a scrolling list similar to an iPod Classic.

BUT a smart programmer would only put just under 10 items on the list.

Sorry your dealer sucks.

Is it not possible to keep the PMC2 running the Prodigy gear and have it talk to a MC3 via Ethernet Intersystem Communication??

It is, but depending on what is in the system there may be no point in keeping the PMC2.

Also it sounds like the installer was an AVAD guy who doesn't have full access & training to install the PLX3 let alone deal with EIC

If they're pushing the RMC3 they have access. The OP did mention he has Prodigy lighting and HVAC.

Thanks for everyones input. Yes I do have Prodigy lighting control and HVAC control as well.

So, if I get an MC3 and a remote, what happens to my existing Prodigy controls, i.e. audio distribution, lighhting and HVAC control?

Can these work with an MC3 as well?

You have your programmer make them talk to each other.