June 17, 2011

By Carolyn J Dawson

TMCnet Contributor

 

AMX is one of the leading providers of solutions that simplify the implementation, maintenance, along with the use of technology to create effective environments. The company recently announced the release of the ICSLan Device Control Boxes. These interfaces will be able to control almost any device including AV, HVAC, lighting and shades and other devices that make use of IR, RS-232, I/O or relays.

 

ICSLan Device Control Boxes are perfect for conference rooms, classrooms or auditoriums where there is a requirement for a single controller to manage multiple devices spread throughout a facility. It can also be used for adding additional ports to an AMX Central Controller.

 

In a release, AMX Chief Technology Officer Robert Noble said, "When there's no need for master-to-master redundancy, ICSLan Device Control Boxes are a simple, cost-effective method to extend control. They provide for a future proof solution as they enable ports over Ethernet, and allow an installer to add ports practically anywhere."

 

The ICSLan Device Control Boxes units are designed with embedded Power over Ethernet (PoE) functionality to simplify installation and function as port expanders for a master controller that only needs a single Category Cable connection for control and power. A demo of the installation-simplifying ICSLan Device Control Boxes is being held this week in booth 2525 at InfoComm 2011 in Orlando, Fla.   

 

Now that Ethernet has become the industry standard for connecting devices, the ICSLan Device Control Boxes make it a lot easier to introduce control to equipment such as projectors located extended distances from a master controller. Apart from this, the number of ports on an AMX Controller can be increased when all ports are fully populated. Since these the ICSLan Device Control Boxes make use of Native NetLinx technology, it is becomes extremely easy to add an ICSLan port extension to an AMX installation.

 

It is also easy to program as there are no special codes or commands required. By leveraging its PoE capability, it eliminates the need for a power source at the install location. Due to its compact and neat design, it is also easy to hide and makes for a clean installation.

 

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO West 2011, taking place Sept. 13-15, 2011, in Austin, Texas. ITEXPO (News - Alert) offers an educational program to help corporate decision makers select the right IP-based voice, video, fax and unified communications solutions to improve their operations. It's also where service providers learn how to profitably roll out the services their subscribers are clamoring for – and where resellers can learn about new growth opportunities. To register, click here.

Carolyn John is a Contributor to TMCnet. To read more of her articles, please columnist page.

Edited by John Lahtinen