Today, Crestron’s Ryan Berndt visited Duke’s Technology Engagement Center (TEC) and provided a detailed overview their new NVX network-based encoder/decoder hardware, other 2017 offerings, and the ongoing benefits of the A+ Education Partner Program.
The session centered around the Crestron DM-NVX-350. This new device connects to the network over fiber or copper and can function as a transmitter or receiver (but not both at the same time). It has two HDMI inputs, one HDMI output, audio breakout, and can also transmit USB 2 signals in both directions. Crestron isn’t the first hardware manufacturer to enter this market, but their first offering is uniquely compelling considering it blends well with existing DM/HDBaseT systems. Network-based AV is a game changer, and while it won’t immediately replace traditional DM/HDBaseT systems, it will start to erode the active-learning environments and upper segments of the market, first. If you would like to be prepared for the future of AV and have a bit of a DM and networking background, Crestron offers an updated three-day training session specifically for this emerging technology (NVX Design and Networking (DM-NVX)) But, traditional AV folks may be surprised to find that the class is dominated by network conversations and considerations.
Crestron also highlighted the Crestron Mercury. The Mercury is an all-in-one device that offers “bring your own device” (BYOD) AV simplicity to small conference rooms. The Mercury offers telephone services over SIP, it has built-in mics and a speaker and has an included Logitech webcam. See a Crestron Mercury in action on Duke’s campus at https://sites.duke.edu/ddmc/2017/08/15/crestron-mercury-quick-tour/
The session concluded with our Crestron representative mentioning the imminent demise of the DMPS3-4K-300-C (sad face). This system is the heart of Duke’s <$27,000 “classroom in a box” design that TTS has been installing. The system includes two cameras, an advanced audio DSP, VoIP, DukeCapture, etc. But, the good news is… Crestron will soon release the DMPS3-4K-350-C! So, it’s 50 MORE, right? But seriously, the DMPS3-4K-350-C has all the features of the DMPS3-4K-300-C, but with an additional network port and built-in AirMedia to enable wireless presentation from computers and mobile devices. Word on the street is that this feature may initially be free, but will eventually be an add-on license an AV technician can activate. Also, the price is identical to the previous version, so it’s a win/win.
