The Crestron® MC3 is an economical 3-Series Control System® in a compact form factor with built in infiNET EX® and ER wireless technology, and on-screen display capability. Featuring the 3-Series® control engine, the MC3 forms the core of any modern networked home or commercial building, managing and integrating all the disparate technologies throughout your facility to make life easier, greener, more productive, and more enjoyable.
3-Series® Control Systems
Today's commercial buildings and custom homes comprise more technology than ever before, and all these systems need to be networked, managed, and controlled in fundamentally new ways. The IP based 3-Series platform is engineered from the ground up to deliver a network-grade server appliance capable of faithfully handling everything from boardroom AV and home theater control to total building management.
3-Series embodies a distinctively robust, dynamic, and secure platform to elevate your system designs to higher levels of performance and reliability. Compared to other control systems, Crestron 3-Series provides a pronounced increase in processing power and speed with more memory, rock solid networking and IP control, and a unique modular programming architecture.
Modular Programming Architecture
Designed for enhanced scalability, the MC3 affords high-speed, real-time multi-tasking to seamlessly run multiple programs simultaneously. This exclusive modular programming architecture lets programmers independently develop and run device-specific programs for AV, lighting, shades, HVAC, security, etc., allowing for the optimization of each program, and allowing changes to be made to one program without affecting the whole. Even as your system grows, processing resources can easily be shifted from one 3-Series processor to another without rewriting any code. The end benefit is dramatically simplified upgradability with minimal downtime, whether implementing changes on site or remotely via the network.
Robust Ethernet & IP Control
IP technology is the heart of 3-Series, so it should be no surprise that its networking abilities are second to none. High-speed Ethernet connectivity enables integration with IP-controllable devices and allows the MC3 to be part of a larger managed control network. Whether residing on a sensitive corporate LAN, a home network, or accessing the Internet through a cable modem, the MC3 provides secure, reliable interconnectivity with IP-enabled touch screens, computers, mobile devices, video displays, media servers, security systems, lighting, HVAC, and other equipment — whether on premises or across the globe.
Control Apps & XPanel
Years ago, Crestron pioneered the world's first IP-based control system unleashing vast new possibilities for controlling, monitoring, and managing integrated systems over a LAN, WAN, and the Internet. Today, Crestron offers more ways than ever to control your world the way you want. Using a computer, smartphone, or tablet device, Crestron lets you control anything in your home or workplace from anywhere in the world.
Native to every 3-Series control system, Crestron XPanel technology transforms any laptop or desktop computer into a virtual Crestron touch screen. Crestron control apps deliver the Crestron touch screen experience to iPhone®, iPad®, and Android™ devices, letting you safely monitor and control your entire residence or commercial facility using the one device that goes with you everywhere.
Crestron Fusion® Cloud
Crestron Fusion Cloud provides an integrated platform for creating truly smart buildings that save energy, enhance worker productivity, and prolong the life-span of valuable equipment. As part of a complete managed network in a corporate enterprise, college campus, convention center, or any other facility, the MC3 works integrally with Crestron Fusion Cloud to enable remote scheduling, monitoring, and control of rooms and technology from a central help desk. It also enables organizations to reduce energy consumption by tracking real-time usage and automating control of lighting, shades, and HVAC.
SNMP Support
Built-in SNMP support enables integration with third-party IT management software, allowing network administrators to manage and control Crestron systems on the network in an IT-friendly format.
infiNET EX® Wireless Control
Integrated infiNET EX technology provides an extremely easy and cost-effective way to add control of lighting, shades, room temperature, door locks, and other functions using the complete line of infiNET EX based wireless products. Adding infiNET EX wireless keypads and remotes enables complete, customizable control over everything from any room. Perfect for existing structures and rentals, infiNET EX affords ultra-reliable 2-way wireless communications throughout a home or business without the need for physical control wiring.[1]
“ER” Extended Range RF Technology
Crestron Extended Range (ER) wireless technology enables compatibility with certain Crestron wireless touch screens and handheld remotes. Crestron “ER” operates in the same 2.4 GHZ spectrum as infiNET EX, and is specifically optimized for use with wireless touch screen devices to ensure robust and dependable bidirectional RF communications.[2]
Cresnet®
Cresnet provides a dependable network wiring solution for Crestron keypads, lighting controls, shade motors, thermostats, occupancy sensors, and other devices that don't require the higher speed of Ethernet or the wireless communication of infiNET EX. The Cresnet bus offers easy wiring and configuration, carrying bidirectional communication and 24VDC power to each device over a simple 4-conductor cable.
On-Screen Display
The MC3 includes the ability to control a home, hotel room, or other facility using just a television screen and a handheld remote [3]. Featuring customizable scrolling menus and full-color icons, the MC3 OSD makes it easy to select any room in the house, pick a music or video source, choose a radio station, TV channel, or media title, and even access lighting, climate, and security system controls. The MC3 OSD provides true-feedback so you always know the status of the item you're controlling. Audio adjustments and lighting levels are clearly indicated using bar graphs. Room temperature and security system status can be viewed and controlled without leaving your favorite seat. Even metadata from your iPod® or Internet radio tuner can be displayed to show the current playing song or radio station.
IR Wireless Option
When equipped with the optional CNXRMIRD IR Receiver [3], the MC3 affords a low-cost IR wireless control solution using a universal IR remote.
Audio File Playback
Built-in audio signal rendering lets you add audio feedback to the OSD, or generate door chimes, phone ringers, and other signals that can be played through the home theater or whole-house audio system. Load your own custom audio files to sound alarms, provide confirmation when you execute a command, deliver helpful voice prompts, or just play welcome music as the home theater system turns on.
Onboard Control Ports
In addition to Ethernet, the MC3 includes two bidirectional RS-232 COM ports and five IR ports to interface directly with all of your centralized AV sources, video displays, and other devices. Two programmable relay ports are included for controlling a projection screen, lift, power controller, or other contact-closure actuated equipment. Two digital inputs enable the integration of power sensors, motion detectors, door switches, alarms, or anything else that provides a dry contact closure or low-voltage logic signal.
BACnet™/IP
Native support for the BACnet/IP communication protocol provides a direct interface to third-party building management systems over Ethernet, simplifying integration with HVAC, security, fire & life safety, voice & data, lighting, shades, and other systems. Using BACnet/IP, each system runs independently with the ability to communicate together on one platform for a truly smart building.[4]