Extron New A/V Controller: No Programming Required

Extron Electronics says its new TouchLink control system offers powerful audio/video control in commercial and residential environments without programming.

The Anaheim, Calif.-based manufacturer, known for its commercial audio/video integration products, officially released its TouchLink line at InfoComm 09, June 17–19 in Orlando, Fla.

The fully configuration-based touchpanel control systems are appropriate for residential as well as commercial environments, says Joe da Silva, director of product marketing for Extron.

TouchLink products have the power to handle the control needs of single display rooms, dual display rooms, divisible rooms, multi-image systems and video conference suites, according to Extron.

The hook for installers, da Silva adds, is that TouchLink Control Systems can be deployed much faster than traditional programmable control systems and are easier and less costly to support. He says they’re virtually “ready to use out of the box.”

At InfoComm, Extron unveiled three TouchLink touchpanel models:

• TLP 700MV—This is designed for mounting into a lectern or wall and features a 7-inch touchscreen,10 field-labelable backlit buttons and a large volume control knob.
• TLP 700TV—Designed for tabletop use or VESA mounting, it features a 7-inch touchscreen,10 field-labelable backlit buttons and a large volume control knob.
• TLP 350CV—Extron calls this one a Cable Cubby version and it features a 3.5-inch touchscreen,10 customizable backlit external buttons, interior LED lighting and cable connectivity via Extron’s ArchitecturalAdapter Plates.

Extron also announced an Ethernet control processor (IPL 250) and Extron GUI Configurator Software to complement its TouchLink line. The control systems are designed to integrate seamlessly with Extron’s GlobalViewer Enterprise software and Free GlobalViewer Web application for A/V resource monitoring, management and control over a computer network.

‘No Programming’

Setting up a TouchLink touchscreen layout is fast and simple, according to Extron, with ready-to-use, customizable design templates. Users can choose to start from scratch and design their own layout using Extron’s GUI Configurator touchscreen design software.

Here’s what Extron has to say about its templates:

Standard templates for single display rooms, dual display rooms, divisible rooms, multi-image systems, and video conference suites are carefully matched to the most common A/V applications installers and integrators are likely to encounter. In many cases, all the input sources, display control, and environmental settings are already in place. If any modification is required, the included GUI Configurator’s user-friendly, drag-and-drop interface makes adding or removing a source or other element a snap.

Once installers power on the TouchLink control products, “they’re 90 percent done,” according to da Silva.


At InfoComm, Extron unveiled three TouchLink family members: TLP 350CV flip-up 3.5-inch screen, wall-mounted TLP 700MV, and the TLP 700TV tabletop touchscreen pictured top right.


New drag-and-drop configuration tool


Extron at Infocomm 2009