Crestron Help PLEASE!!

[Gatsby191]

I have a Crestron Touch Panel(ST 1700C). I received it as a gift about 2 years ago, and I am now determined to use it for my 10 X 20 Home Theater Room. I know it may seem unnecessary because of all of the great alternatives, that are way cheaper, but I still want to take a stab at it, at the most affordable price that there is, on this scenario.(not afraid to use USED Crestron gear to finish this setup either) I need to know which of the useable processors (the MC2W, the CP2E,or the MP2E) is the most in-exspensive. And what else will be needed to run the Touch panel I've listed, based upon the following gear that is in my HT room: Plasma TV, A/V Receiver, HD Disc Player,Blu Ray Disc Player,CD/SACD Changer, Buttkicker amp, 2 Lutron Light Dommers, and a HD Cable Box. It's not a big room, and their isn't alot of gear or lights to control, but I've seen these type of Crestron Touch Panels in action, and I Just have to Have one of MY Own!
I had tried Crestron direct, but they gave me certified dealers to call, and those dealers didn't sound very open to the words "Most Affordable" scenario. I guess they figure, that when you come in to buy a Rolls Royce, that the price tag is of no concern... Please offer me some suggestions or info please. Thanks all. Joe B.

 

[bandphan]

you need to see a dealer(plain and simple), and let someone with crestnet experience help you. the cp2e i believe is the least expensive. if you dont have any expierence in programming, its not going to be easy.

 

[Halon451]

you need to see a dealer(plain and simple), and let someone with crestnet experience help you. the cp2e i believe is the least expensive. if you dont have any expierence in programming, its not going to be easy.

Very true - but at least it's not an AMX system. From my own experiences, the Crestron systems have always been a bit more intuitive with regards to the programming/setup than AMX, which requires you to construct the code, line by line, and is a royal pain in the a**, and nearly impossible for anyone who doesn't have the requisiste training/experience. Though Crestron may be easier (in a sense), I think it falls into the same category, more or less.

There are plenty of freelance AMX and Crestron guys out there - my last company used to hire them in as subcontractors (we would build the system, they would come in and program it). These guys go to the schools, and hit the road looking for contract work.

Where do you live? If you happened to be anywhere near the Central Florida area, I might be able to hook you up with someone, but they're not cheap either, just so you know.

 

[Gatsby191]

Too bad I moved back here to Orange County, NY (think "Orange County Choppers") about 2 years ago. Or else I could've called your Crestron guys. I was down in Fort Lauderdale for a 4 year relocation before that. I thought Florida would suit me as a new place to live. Just couldn't get used to their PIZZA, and I missed my beloved YANKEES too much! So back up to the land of the "Living With an Attitude" State for me. You can take the Boy out of New York, but you can never, ever, take the New York out of the boy!
Thanks for the info though. Joe B.

 

[1tribeca]

I've heard AMX is a little more reliable...maybe not. If your system is so basic, and doesn't require a lot of IT, security or other peripherals, then switch to an ELAN system...great for mainly A/V control. Besides, it's very expandable if you choose to do so later. AMX & Crestron pretty much require an overhaul if you want to make changes...and it's gonna require the aforementioned skilled tech to do it.