A proverbial penny for your thoughts on the automate VX solution/server as named in the subject. Has anyone deployed it, and how would you rate its' overrall success? Does it deliver?

I'd like to hear about your experiences, reliability, possible pitfalls/issues/bugs etc. etc.

 

The customer is quite insistent we offer them the VX2 server paired with a Shure MXA 920 and multiple IV-CAM-P20-B cameras. They also demand we provide 3-year support package for the whole shebang (yes that means either buying the support services contract from Crestron or getting certified ourselves). That said, I haven't completed the IVC courses yet, but am planning to do so in the near future.

I am working on code for an IV-SAM-VX2-S Automate w/four 1 Beyond IV-CAM-P12-B cameras in a boardroom.  The 1Beyond Automate_VX_v1.1 module Help file is not very helpful so I asked TrueBlue if they had an example program for the Automate system with the option of manual camera control.  It was suggested that I use a 1Beyond AutoTracker_IV-CAMA3_v1.0 module for manual camera control but as for an example program . . . . .  crickets.  

One of our lead Techs worked with the "Crestron Solutions Consultant for the final commissioning".  Our Tech told me that he felt the Crestron Consultant appeared to be in training because they were struggling to get the system configured, forgot to save the configuration, etc.

 

So, I am a little nervous about this assignment.

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Doug G

I've done a few of the earlier units now, the non S2 models.

 

I found them to be ok.  And I've not had any bad feedback from the client but it does seem over priced for what it is.  I remember back in the day doing ptt conferencing tables where each participant would press a button on the table when they wanted to talk and we would then recall the relevant camera preset to hone in on that position.  I found the original vx system to be exactly that except it uses positioning data from the ceiling mics to recall the relevant preset which was fully manually configured during commissioning.  It works ok until the end user for whatever reason doesn't sit perfectly in the predetermined position and sits slightly out of frame. 

 

I see crestron have now adopted the "AI" catchphrase for this model so I'm not sure exactly what extra functionality this has brought.  

 

I never programmed the systems with crestron.  I did it through the API on a QSC Core 110f. Having said that, I kept programming to a minimum of sleep and wake for the cameras and I think I recalled a couple of different scenarios in code to suit different room configurations.  Was all pretty straightforward.  

 

When we did them, crestron didn't allow integrators to commission the systems.  It had to be done by them for a fee so I think proper commissioning of these systems is particularly important.  Thankfully the crestron tech that did our systems was pretty on the ball and did a good job.  

Do yourself a favor, and under-promise on how awesome/perfect it will be. If you try to make the camera shots really tight on one person, it'll often be not quite right, and you'll spend a lot of time tweaking camera presets. But if expectations are set reasonably, and you're able to leave the shots a little wider, then you'll have fewer service calls.

 

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Josh Winn
The LiquidPixel Group

A big Thank-you to Doug, Bambam and Josh for replying; your input is much appreciated. I just came back, was out of town for a few days.

 

I wish you all the best!

Hello Josh and Bambam,

  Did you all use the 1Beyond Automate_VX_v1.1 module to control the Automate (PC)?  

 

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Doug G

You will want to sell professional services, regardless if you take the training before hand, as there are too many variables and the classes don't cover them all.  I did hear Crestron may wave the professional services if you took the training and it's your first deployment.

 

Every tracking system has it's limitations.  Understand that Automate VX is an audio tracking system and relies solely on audio pickup.  There are the intelligent tracking cameras, but they do not initiate any of the auto switching.  I think Automate has the easiest time with larger systems and with multi-layout rooms.  You just can't beat the level of control with configs and scenarios.  Control through Crestron is now built in to ethernet devices and no modules are needed, or connection logic.

 

In terms of commissioning, It's really not that hard to get great shots with Automate VX.  If you want 1 person close ups, use discreet table mics.  If you are okay with 3 person shots, ceiling mics are fine, as long as they are in intelligent locations.  

 

Last two bits of advice, engage Crestron sales early and they'll be able to guide you as well as learn and use the room designer tool, prior to selling the system. https://www.crestron.com/Support/Tools/Configurators/Intelligent-Video-Room-Designer 

Thanks for your input Joe!

I took the IVC-D (Designer) course yesterday and I must say I concur - we'll definitely be quoting their commissioning service to all our customers for the foreseeable future.. I plan to take the classroom course (Engineer) too, but we won't be asking them to waive until we get our feet not only wet but thoroughly soaked. Thanks again, and all the best!