AMX - IP Control - Extron

[Deleted User]

My experience is limited to a few years in the field with AMX control systems. I have found them to be virtually failsafe once properly installed and programmed. My experience in the AV industry spans 20 years to me, the performance of AMX hardware/software is stellar... (sounds like a-- kiss rodeo, but true to my experience)
Recently I colaborated a design of a very complex University system where through concerns of the budget many of the AMX integrated controllers were replaced by using Extron IPLT devices. The Extron devices add 4 serial control ports (they offer relay and IR modules as well) from IP over an ethernet network line. Thus a network of inexpensive switches and remotely located IP-LT boxes offer a "less" expensive alternative to expanding AMX systems.

My problem.... in the past several years of designing, programming and servicing AMX control systems the vast majority of failures have been 3rd party hardware. I do not mean to slam Extron, however there have been many Extron product failures. Secondarily I worry about finger pointing when control communications don't work. AMX has an excellent programmer resource tech department - they do deal with a lot of third party issues, but most of those are not competing for the same control device dollars. How do you feel about these issues?

Yippee Yi yay!

yuri

extron also has a good tech support section (at least here in the netherlands)
In a school environment i would certainly go for the "simple" extron solution -> all your control in 1 box, controlled by 2 or 3 buttons.
The only downside with Extron is that it's not as flexible as AMX, so if money is not an issue, go for AMX

wgreen

While I feel that Extron offers the same excellent technical service that AMX offers, I am no longer installing Extron Control systems in my rooms unless it is the MLC 52 RS controller. I have approximately 18 MLC 206 AAP panels in some of my rooms. I had some problems that Extron worked with me for over a year on resolving but feel that the amount of time and effort I expended in getting these systems to be more reliable has not been paid back. While the price of the systems are good, the limited controlability in our classrooms has been a drawback. AAP component failures and lock ups of the IPLT devices have caused lost instruction time. I now install NI-700 or NI-2000 controllers with the NXT-CV7 panels and have had few problems. While more expensive in the short term, the reliability of the AMX systems ensures that my instructors are not hampered by the technology. I think the extra push for the more reliable AMX systems are worth the investment. I continue to use lots of Extron interface equipement, but not their controllers.