Crestron

End User FAQs

Please click on question to go directly to the relevant answer below.

 

Q:  Where can I find a list of Crestron dealers?

A: We do not have a list of crestron dealers on our website as it is similar to creating an invite list for a wedding, whoever we leave out will get upset. Contact Crestron sales on +612-9737-8203 or email hq @ crestron . com . au

 

Q:  My Crestron system has stopped working and I don't know who installed it originally, what do I do?

A: If you do not have the source code for your installation then it is impossible for a new dealer to modify the system so you may have to pay them to completely reprogram it so It is really in your best interests to try to find out who did the original installation.
Hopefully the problem is just a piece of hardware that needs repairing however if the main processor or a touch panel has died then you will need the original program to load into a replacement unit.
Check the hardware for stickers that may suggest who installed it. If you cannot find the original installer contact Crestron on on +612-9737-8203 or email hq @ crestron . com . au and we will suggest a dealer or we may even know who did the original job.

 

Q:  I want to get a Crestron system installed. What do I need to be aware of?

A: All Crestron systems have custom programs and only the compiled program is stored in a Crestron processor so you cannot modify it in any way.
Think of a cake as an analogy to a Crestron processor where a programmer writes the program. We call the original program the source code which is like the ingredients of a cake (e.g. flour, milk, butter).
The programmer then compiles the source code and loads the compiled code into the processor which is like baking a cake.
If you want to make a change to the program without having the source code (eg adding a new BluRay player to the system) it is like asking someone to put more butter into the cake which cannot be done, instead you must start again.
It is therefore in your best interests to get a copy of the source code with your Crestron system in case you want the possibility of someone other than the original dealer to modify the program in the future (or have your own backup in case the dealer doesn't).
Crestron dealers however are not keen to give you the source code as it is their intellectual property which probably took them a lot more time to create than what they charged you for. Consider it like asking Microsoft for a copy of Windows source code.
You may need to pay more for the source code, you should discuss this with the dealer before comitting to the job.
It is also possible to get a password protected copy of the source code. This is preferrable if the dealer doesn't want to give you the source code.
It is also possible to find a middle ground where some of the source code is password protected and other parts are not so that another Crestron dealer cannot rip off the source code but could make small modifications in the future.

 

Q:  I want to modify my Crestron system myself, how do I do that?

A: Due to the complexity of programming Crestron systems Crestron only allows Crestron dealers to have access to the software to program Crestron systems so it is impossible for end users to modify their own systems.

 

Q:  My touchpanel is broken and I have no way to control anything in my house, help!

A: Firstly I recommend that you never get a Crestron system with only one way to control it.
You should be able to control your lights from light switches as well as your Crestron system, you should also make sure you have at least two ways to contrl your entire system.
If you have a Crestron processor with an ethernet port then it is possible to control it with an xpanel from a networked PC or by an iPhone/iTouch/iPad.
An xpanel is either an executable file or a web page which can be created to look exactly like a touchpanel and used to control a Crestron system from a PC.
You must get the Crestron programmer to create an xpanel and/or iPhone control during the original programming of the system and it will cost more money however it is much cheaper than aditional touchpanels.

 

Q:  What can I control with a Crestron system?

A: Just about everything electronic, you will have to ask your dealer for specific products.
Many products have pre-written modules to control them so will be cheaper and more trouble free to get working although there are far too many products released every day for Crestron to have modules for and some products are far too configurable to be able to create generic control modules so the dealer will have to create the modules themselves which will be much more expensive and take much more time to perfect.
Some manufacturers do not have any way to control them either so you should check with a dealer for each product.
Crestron systems can control via infrared (Foxtel, BluRay, TV tuners, etc.), serial (Projectors, LCD, AV amplifiers, lighting and videoconferencing systems, etc.), relays (screens, drapes, pumps, etc.), ethernet (music and video servers, air conditioning and building management systems, intercoms, some PC applications, etc.) and much more.

 

Q:  Can I control my Crestron system from anywhere in the world?

A: If your Crestron system is connected to the internet then yes. You can use xpanel software, a web page, a mobile phone (with Windows mobile) or an iPhone.

 

Q:  Can I control a Crestron system from a Windows PC, Mac, iPhone or Linux PC?

A: You can control a Crestron system from a Windows PC using either an executable xpanel, a web based xpanel.
Crestron xpanel uses ActiveX technology so only works on a Windows operating system.
You can control a Crestron system from a Mac using Crestron Mobile for Mac
You can control a from an iPhone using Crestron Mobile for iPhone
You cannot control a Crestron system from a Linux OS.

 

Q:  Can I control a computer with my Crestron system?

A: You can turn a PC on and off, start and stop applications. You cannot control individual features of applications.

 

Q:  My Crestron system isn't working, what do I do?

A: Contact the dealer that did the original install and arrange for a repair through them.
Crestron does not have any field technicians and only accepts repairs through Crestron dealers.
If you are not able to have a repair done through the original Crestron dealer then contact Crestron for a list of Crestron dealers who will be able to help you.

 

Q:  I have a wireless Crestron touchpanel that keeps dropping offline. What do I do?

A: Contact your Crestron dealer, the issue can be caused by weak signal due to access point placement, other wireless products causing interferrence in the area or a bad access point.
A Crestron dealer should do a wireless survey of the premises to determine the optimum access point, positioning of the access point and configuration of the access point.
Unforunately there are some places where it is impossible to get flawless wireless reception such as residences facing marinas and naval bases.