Crestron is a company that designs and builds solutions for “intelligent video conferencing, digital content distribution, smart home systems, as well as control and management technology.” You can find their solutions in high-end homes, corporate boardrooms, entertainment venues, government buildings, and many, many other types of facilities. In the Crestron business model, the company produces the technology, but then relies on independent Crestron dealers and programmers to sell, install, and customize them.
When it comes to the programming of their products, Crestron partners with Crestron Certified Providers (CSPs), all of whom have gone through the company’s own extensive training and testing process.
CSPs are trusted partners that Crestron relies on to enhance their software solutions, as well as troubleshoot when there are issues with functionality. There are CSPs located all over the world, and there are often multiple certified Crestron programmers in or around major cities. However, you don’t have to hire the nearest programmer to you, since most of the work can be done remotely.
Matt Grisafe, owner of AV Programming Associates in the Lake Tahoe/Reno area, provides Crestron programming to clients all over the United States. He says, “We have had the privilege of working with residential and commercial clients, as well as Creston dealers, in all parts of the United States, and even in other countries during our 20+ years in business. People who have a need for Crestron programming know the importance of working with a skilled and experienced team, and are often willing to look outside of their immediate area for that team.”
Crestron Service Providers sometimes work directly with end users to design and commission customized Crestron systems. CSPs can also serve as a technical resource for Crestron dealers who are working with end users to provide them with customized solutions.
Crestron dealers can be a good resource for clients who don’t just want to pick a Crestron programmer at random off of the Crestron website, since dealers typically have experience with many different programmers. They can often make a good recommendation based on the client’s specific Crestron programming need(s). For example, not all Crestron programmers are adept at working with existing systems—or even willing to work with them. A Crestron dealer can likely refer a client to a programmer who has extensive experience working with older systems in need of updating.
But does the Crestron programmer you hire need to be a CSP? Not necessarily, but it is highly advisable that you do. CSPs have access to all of the resources that Crestron makes available, as well as the company’s technical support team. Hiring a CSP also ensures that your Crestron programmer has completed the required training and has demonstrated their programming abilities to the satisfaction of Crestron. Hiring a non-certified programmer is a gamble you might not want to take!
