Hi all,

I have (had!) a Crestron Prodigy system installed in my home. Whereas I read a lot the negative commentary, it actually worked just fine for me - but then our installation is very straightforward... The Crestron controls audio/video only across several rooms (no heating - ground source heat pump and automated temp control mean it is never touched/adjusted, blinds - none powered, lights - no need, security - have separate app and separate cameras).

We normally control the audio/video by the Crestron Mobile Pro app on iPads (2) and iPhones (2). This is used for TVs plus Sky, Apple TV, DVD player, AVR.

Unfortunately my PMC3-XP just died - a light comes on but the programmer cannot communicate with it ...

There are two things I'm trying to get done and one other I'm contemplating but no big deal whether it happens or not:
1) get our sitting room connected - so reprogramming required anyway
2) get the PMC repaired/replaced
3) (potentially) connect our security cameras to be visible on our TVs (turned to that channel by the Prodigy

2) repairing/replacing PMC3-XP:
With regard to the PMC3-XP, it will cost quite a bit for Crestron in the UK to even look at it - from prior experience of forum members, is it worth it or should I buy a new one on eBay - c€500.
The PMC2 is so much cheaper on eBay (c€100)! Would it do the job for us? (I.e. Be controlled by the app, perform the same functionality as the PMC3 for AV.

3) is it easy/advisable to get the security cameras controlled by the Crestron? Would I be able to see what's on the cameras outside the home?

The programmer said it might be worth looking at Sonos or Denon Heos instead of repairing the Crestron but I like using the app and only going for the remotes occasionally when I need that extra functionality... Unless there's a very good reason, better the devil you know would be my preference ...

Advice appreciated ... Many thanks all!

I would look at getting it repaired. If there is no communication but power lights up, it could be the internal SD card is bad. It still has to get sent in but it could be a very easy fix. No, Crestron will not send out a new SD card. I've had a couple MC3s with this problem and it was the SD card.

The PMC2 is NOT the way to go. Your PMC3-XP will work with any Crestron gear while the PMC2 will NOT. There's new firmware that will even allow a PMC3 to work with all Crestron gear.

Yes you should be able to put the camera's on the iPads and iPhones through Crestron. Yes you will be able to view when not at home.

If your programmer said to replace the PMC3-XP with Sonos or Heos, I'd be finding a new programmer right away! Neither will control your TVs, AppleTVs etc.

Thanks so much - appreciated! I will take the advice and send it in ...

(btw, the programmer's super - knows his stuff and was just giving me the options! Don't want to give the wrong impression!)

Then I'd love to hear how he plans to control your BD player, SkyTV box and AppleTV from either Sonos or Heos.

Just send it in to Crestron to be repaired.

In the US when we send items in Crestron lets us know if the cost to repair is worth it.

I can't see this running more than getting a used one off ebay, also there is no issue of programming or anything once it comes back. The old program just gets loaded and you're done.

I agree with Kgossen, Sonos/Heos is a music player not a control system for working a TV.

Just 'cause your programmer seems to know more than you doesn't mean he actually does if he is suggesting this.

Example - Car needs to be fixed "mechanic" says to get a new GPS.

I’m in the same position, my PMC3-XP just died and Crestron said it can’t be repaired as parts are obsolete - is it not essentially the same hardware as an MC3? System is about 7 years old so wouldn’t have expected a hardware failure requiring a whole new unit (due to their own decisions re Prodigy..)

The likely option is then a new MC3, but I believe the system was programmed with the wizard based system, and the original dealer is now gone (although I have the programme in Dropbox).. Would the whole system need reprogrammed as ‘full’ Crestron or can the wizard based be code be added to an MC3 by the new dealer?

Thks in advance