Since COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions began to take effect, many people have found themselves spending their day at home instead of at the office, at school. or out and about. Being at home, we're all needing our networks to be more reliable than ever.

One such client came to us after having signed up for our Essentials+ membership plan, with a Wi-Fi connectivity issue. He was working from home and needed to be up and running again ASAP. Our support team was able to quickly assess the situation and an advanced technician remotely trouble-shot and updated the wireless network. The issue was resolved and the Wi-Fi was back up in no time.

The client was satisfied with the resolution and thanked our support team for the help at the time. Just a few days later, the client called directly to let us know how professional and helpful our support team was. The support he received is our goal with every interaction, and we couldn't be more happy to help.

​During COVID-19 in particular, as we find ourselves at home, using our Wi-Fi and other home systems more than ever, and cautious of scheduling in-person appointments, remote support is crucial. WattBox and Araknis Networks devices installed as part of your project from the start, coupled with one of our support membership options, allow us to troubleshoot, reboot, and update your system totally remotely. Helping our team solve most issues, as we did with this client's Wi-Fi, without an on-site visit, and getting your questions answered and systems fixed from a stress-free distance.​

BCG is also doing it's part to safely serve our clients and community during COVID-19 maintaining stocked shelves of PPE protection including masks, gloves, sanitizers and mobile hand washing stations for all of our vehicles so you can feel comfortable scheduling an on-site appointment as well should you need assistance. ​

Crestron has just announced it will be releasing a “shell” for popular iPad touchpanel. Crestron has embraced Apple technology developing applications for the iPhone and iPad that can be downloaded from Apple’s iTunes store. This shell adds a couple much needed additions to the iPad platform as a home automation controller.

For one, it will now dock and charge horizontally. It also adds 13 hard buttons for easy and quick navigation to certain control sections such as lights, music and shades. I personally like the feel of hard buttons when performing functions like channel surfing through a DirecTV guide. Even with the price estimated to be at around $500 for the Crestron iPanel, in addition to the price range of the iPad, it is still a much better and more functional deal than purchasing one of Crestron’s similar products, the TPMC-8X or the TPS-6X wirless touch panels.

TPS-6X

TPMC-8L

In general, the wireless on the iPad has proven to be far more reliable than on the TPMC-8X in the numerous installations we have done. Another major improvement of the iPad is the ability to roam around a large house from access point to access point. This was and still remains a major issue with the TPMC-8X. While that is an achievable function with the 8X, it requires far more network resources. Keep in mind, the entire system with the iPad still works on a Crestron backbone with a Crestron processor. You will also need a certified programmer to customize the touch panel application for your specific system and needs.

The Crestron iPanel will be debut at CEDIA 2010 this September 24-26 in Atlanta. Give us a call at 1-800-224-5721 to schedule a visit to our showroom in Downtown Los Angeles to check out the iPad in action.