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MacroTech specializes in custom programming for audiovisual (A/V) control systems . Most A/V systems consist of equipment that varies from project to project or room to room. The unfortunate thing is that there isn't really a way for all of that equipment to operate together smoothly without a custom configured (or programmed) control system. The good thing is that we're here to help!

A control system is a series of devices that "tie" together all of the other devices in an A/V system. It normally consists of a processor and a user interface. The job of the processor is to understand all of the devices that are being used in a system, and know how you want to use them. A user interface can be a lot of different things. Usually, it is a dedicated touch panel or a tablet / smartphone. The cool thing about most control systems is that they can be programmed for the user interface to look exactly the way you want!

Ever witness a restaurant or sports bar employee struggling to change the channel on a TV by pointing the cable box remote at just the right spot behind the TV? With a control system, that same employee could have just touched a button on a touch screen and dialed the TV to the exact channel desired, with zero frustration or struggle. That's just one example of how a control system can make life much simpler.

Sky's the limit! Control systems can control almost all types of technology found in A/V systems. Typically, most control systems are integrated with TV's, projectors, DVD players, Blu-ray players, audio systems, video switching systems, cable boxes, lights, and so much more.

Absolutely, yes! Adding a control system to an existing system will give you added functionality, ease of use, and could even save you money in the long run. If your A/V system is difficult or confusing to use, you might be a great candidate for adding a control system.

We are here to help answer all of your questions and steer you in the right direction. Reach out to us to set up a free consultation so that we can talk about your needs and get you set up with the right solution.

You don't need to prepare anything formal for the initial consultation, however we do recommend being prepared to discuss the following items:

1. Think about the devices that you have or will have in your system. Model numbers for each device will help us to research and qualify the capabilities of each device.

2. Think about what you want to achieve with your control system.

   1. Do you want things to be automated so that one button press activates a lot of things to happen?

   2. What do you want to use as a user interface? Apple iPad? Purpose-built, dedicated touch panel? Phone?

      • Do you want the user interface(s) to be mobile, or fixed in place and mounted to a surface (wall, table, etc.)?

   3. In general, how do you want your user interface to look?

      • Do you want a map or floor plan on the main page so that you can easily choose a zone, or do you want a more traditional style with buttons?

      • Any certain color schemes, logos, or special graphics you'd like to see?

3. Do you have any system diagrams or plans available? Diagrams are always extremely helpful to us so that we can see exactly how devices are connected and make sure that nothing gets overlooked when reviewing the scope of a system.

4. Think about all of the systems that you've interacted with in the past. What didn't you like about those? What did you like? What aspects of those systems do you want to integrate into your new system?

5. What is the budget for the system?

6. What is the timeline for completion of the system?

7. Will there be an active internet signal available on the network in which the devices are connected?