Crestron is launching its Crestron Connected initiative at CES, which they say provides the framework for a distributed cloud-based control system. Collaborating with leading manufacturers of commercial and home electronics products, Crestron is embedding its control platform intelligence in a wide selection of source equipment and display devices such as Blu-ray Disc players, flat panel HD TVs, and audio/video receivers. According to Crestron, products with Crestron Connected inside can be easily connected to any home or enterprise network using standard Ethernet cable and seamlessly monitored, managed and controlled from any web-enabled laptop computer or mobile device, such as an Apple iPod, iPad or Android smartphone or tablet through Crestron Fusion RV software. The company also says that no programming is required.

Crestron Connected claims to provide an easy to implement out-of-the-box solution — you just open a secure web page and every device on the network is instantly displayed. Crestron Fusion RV is then used to monitor, manage and control all electronic components in any room at any location around the globe. Integrators and IT managers can even get instant text or email notifications if, for example, a projector lamp fails or a device loses power.

Traditionally, control companies create a unique control module for every brand and product. A vast library of control modules is, therefore, required to create an integrated program, which is then uploaded to a central processor. All products are then hardwired back to the processor.

Crestron is taking the opposite approach. Now, to ensure stability and consistent interoperability between devices, Crestron is embedding its control intelligence in popular hardware and home electronics, eliminating the central processor and the need for hardwiring back to the headend.

Devices that feature Crestron Connected inside can simply connect directly to the network from its Ethernet port. With plug-and-play and auto-discovery support, the need to program a central processor to translate all the different “languages” is effectively eliminated.

For more information on Crestron Connected, click here.