Our replacement system is basically all A/V and audio distribution (plus a couple drapes). No HVAC, lighting control, etc. And I could use some input on processor selection.
We have:
- 9 Audio zones with Crestron CNX-B12 keypads & multizone amps.
- Two PAD-8A to feed the audio zones.
- 6 A/V zones with TV's (4 inputs).
- One PVID 8x4 to distribute component & digital audio to the TVs.
- A couple CNRFGWA RF Gateways, & misc equipment.
The tough question is what Crestron processor-controller to use.

The dealer proposed an MC-3 (new Core 3 processor), but we'll max the Com and Relay connections and I'm concerned about future expansion without hanging additional devices that might complicate the installation or future programming. The AV2 is old technology about to be discontinued, and I'd like this system to survive and expand for at least 10 years. But the AV3 isn't out yet.

Since 1/3 of the cost is in programming, I would appreciate any suggestions on which processor to use or to wait for the AV3.
Thanks!

There is nothing in the system design you have described to warrant the need for an MC3. At this point in time, there are few applications which truly require the new platform. Until Crestron releases access to the full potential of that unit, I have no reason to sell it. While I've used one with no issues, and it appears to be stable, I'm personally not going to sell it until it has been on the market for at least a year.

The two-series is still current product, and no EOL road map has been identified. Whoever told you that it's 'about to be discontinued' is full of it.

Go with a CP2e, its more than enough for what you are trying to do and is proven to be stable. Down the road when it is time to upgrade that PVID to DM (which should really happen now), go ahead and upgrade to a 3 series processor.

Yah, like post 3 said, I would think about upgrading to DM now.

Cant a second MC3 be added in slave mode for expansion?

Why not use the Sonnex system instead of the PAD8A design?

What's the point in that???

Plus, if the three series to two series interop is anything like two series to x gen, the answer would be no.

Mike
I wasn't talking cross platform communication (2 series to 3 series) I'm talking about using the MC3 now and adding one or upgrading to the Pro3 if/when it comes out.

I agree this system is really based on all current/ old Crestron gear so they might as well use the pro2/AV2.

I looked at the Digitial Media, but total project cost more than doubled and everything isn't HDMI yet. Have also heard (read) about the various issues with handshaking and decided not to push the envelope.

Our dealer uses a large template program they've developed, and it won't fit in CP2E memory. But I think the AV2 is a viable option. Any drawbacks to the AV2 over the CP2E or MC3?

I say use what your installer suggests. Its his responsibility to keep it functional so what we say doesn't matter at all. They probably have been using what they recommended on all their other projects and would like to keep that direction.

Don't be the thorn in the side client that takes them out of their comfort zone.

I would agree in most aspects, but I'm the one who must live with the system in the future [which will cost about the same as a car]. If our next Satellite receivers have RS232 connections, I would like to change from IR control for better reliability. If we add any draperies that require relay control, I would want to add them too. With the MC3, I think this would require additional Crestron components (since we'd already be using both serial and relay ports).

My perception (right or wrong) is:
- Changing the processor in 3-5 years would involve major programming changes.
- It's the client's responsibility to learn and understand enough about the system being proposed to suggest (not demand) possible changes to accommodate future needs.
- And it would be more advantageous to pay extra $$ up front if it avoided growing pains in the future.

The AV2 "appears" to have more expansion capability to meet future needs than the MC3 (whether they materialize or not). And I'm willing to pay the extra price for that comfort level. However, I don't want to ask the dealer to substitute the AV2 without knowing any limitations. That's why I was asking if there are any drawbacks to the AV2 over the CP2E or MC3?

I am far from an early adopter (although I have some pilot units I get to play with on occasion from various vendors) mainly because a proven system will make a customer far happier than one that requires rebooting and lots of trouble calls.

Stick with an AV2, its very expandable. The 3 series stuff isn't ready IMO, and I refuse to sell it till it is, 2 series has been solid for years (aside from a few quirks here and there)

Why are you really wanting the 3 series? Just because its new?

Lastly I would encourage ya to move to the new Cameo 8 button keypads, they are far more attractive than the old CNX-B12. You lose two buttons, but I generally only use them in rooms with basic sources (radio 1 Radio 2, Ipod ect) where all your doing is changing volume, tracking up/dn, and 4 sources. They also have some neat features such as a light sensor, back lit laser engravable buttons...I like using the light sensor as trigger (or sleep) where you turn off the lights in teh room and the music will turn off after x amount of time. Obviously this isn't good for a room with tv, but a baby room that like to go to sleep with music...kid room, or even just a guest room.

Beyond that, a few MTX-3 hand held remotes, or the new MLX-3(cost effective not touch screen but lcd display), or for more functions a tpmc-3x (about double the cost of a MTX-3)

Lastly look at a TPMC-4SMD for a main area, and consider using it to control multiple rooms to clean up walls and add functionality.

I think you should look at this again. A lot of components are now coming out with no component outputs, e.g Atv2, satellite and cable decoders, media players, and it costs to convert this to component to send it throught the PVID. It is also illegal (if HDCP) and adds a point of failure to the system. With component you also have to deal with the whole digital sunset nightmare.

If you cannot afford the DM8x8, then wait for the DM6x6 which should be available soon and will be cheaper since it is not based on a "card" design.

Or if you are brave enough you can go for a third part cheaper HDMI matrix solution. AMX has a nice 8x8 over UTP but now you will need to control the tvs through the Crestron processor and this means for you 6 more IR/RS232 ports - this is where the Crestron room solution boxes offer a tremendous advantage.

Also I would look at Sonnex instead of PAD8 and amps.

All good advice on the AV2 it seems. We looked at the Cameo but couldn't find an 8-button, single-gang keypad. Is this new?

With remotes in every audio zone, we decided they'd never find their way back onto a charging dock [another thread elsewhere], and liked the button layout better on the URC MX900 than the MLX-3.
Thanks for the much-appreciated input.

As another poster already mentioned, you should have them change out the Pad8 setup for a SWAMP-8 and a SWAMPE-4. It should cost less than the PAD8 setup, be more flexible, sound better, and take far less time to install.

Also, I know that your installer uses a templated program, but it seems pretty ridiculous that you would need to spend double on a processor because they can't figure out how to trim out some of the bloat from it.

Now that I've re-read your initial post, I really think you might want to shop around for a different integrator. You say that 1/3 of the cost of the system is programming, but they use a templated program that they are making edits to. Looking at your equipment list, the programming should actually be pretty lightweight and nowhere near 1/3 of the system cost. The fact that they are trying to get you into a 3 series processor, but are promoting older and less efficient audio and video distribution technologies are definite red flags.