First to Offer Battery Backup and Surge Protection Plus Cresnet Technology
DENVER — Sept. 6, 2007 — APC, the global leader in integrated critical power and cooling services, today announced it has been selected as an OEM manufacturing source and technology partner for a pioneering new power conditioner for audio/video systems by Crestron, the world’s leading manufacturer of advanced control and automation systems and one of the most recognized brands in custom AV.
The new manufacturing and technology relationship, revealed at the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) Expo 2007, beginning here today, recognizes APC’s expertise and leadership as a designer and manufacturer of world class, reliable power protection and availability solutions. It also further validates APC’s role in raising the standards for power conditioners and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) devices for the AV market, and in achieving their widening recognition as essential building blocks in the design of high-quality systems.
An initial result of the joint endeavor is Crestron’s new CEN-UPS1250 Power Conditioner for Home Theaters and other audio/video systems, which Crestron is introducing at CEDIA Expo. The CEN-UPS1250 is a breakthrough product — the first Universal Power Supply to combine APC’s Battery Backup technology, Automatic Voltage Regulation, and high-performance Surge Protection, and Crestron’s powerful Cresnet-enabling technology.
APC’s innovative battery backup is designed to keep home theater and automation systems up and running when the power goes out, while the surge protection keeps systems safe from damaging power surges, spikes and even lightning. Automatic Voltage Regulation keeps voltage levels safe and steady. Cresnet is a simple, flexible network that provides bidirectional communication and 24V power for enabled devices. The Cresnet bus in the CEN-UPS1250 is the communications backbone for many Crestron touch-panels, keypads, expansion modules, tuners, and the like.
“We’re pleased to be working with APC in developing power products for the Home Theater and automation markets,” said Fred Bargetzi, Crestron vice president of Technology. “Power protection technologies like battery backup are ideal complements to Crestron’s own technology, and will contribute to products that help installers satisfy clients while increasing their own profits and efficiency.”
Adapting APC AV technology enables Crestron to better ensure uninterrupted service for customers and installers alike. Crestron recognizes that battery backup, surge protection and other APC enhancements can significantly reduce power issues as a source of system interruption. It also recognizes that the ability of APC’s power technologies to keep AV systems powered and running can also reduce costly, intrusive service calls — which will leave clients more satisfied and make projects more profitable.
“Our unique technologies for battery backup surge protection, filtering and voltage regulation have long been available to audio/video consumers through our APC AV line of power conditioners and related products,” said Joe Loberti, APC-MGE’s senior vice president of Home and Distributed Systems. “We’re gratified, through our partnership with Crestron, to bring their benefits to a broader community of users.”
In addition to battery backup and surge protection, APC technology in the CEN-UPS1250 also enables installers to remotely monitor the device via the Cresnet network and manage it by, for example, rebooting individual outlet banks to reset hung equipment — a feature that can eliminate service calls. Additional APC technology available to Crestron, and in the CEN-UPS1250, includes Isolated Noise Filter Banks, which eliminate EMI/RFI noise interference that can degrade picture and sound quality.
The CEN-UPS1250 includes the APC Lifetime Equipment Protection Policy and is also exceptionally easy to install and manage. It includes all rack-mount hardware, allows the battery to be easily accessed, and provides detailed diagnostic information on its front-panel display.
APC AV will exhibit its power products and other innovative audio/video solutions at CEDIA EXPO 07 in Booth 340, Colorado Convention Center. For more information about APC AV, please call 800-877-4080, or visit APC AV’s Web site at www.apcav.com.
About APC
In February 2007, APC and MGE UPS Systems combined to form a $3 billion (€2.4 billion) Critical Power & Cooling Services business unit of Schneider Electric. Together, APC and MGE offer the industry’s most comprehensive product and solution range for critical IT and process applications in industrial, enterprise, small and medium business and home environments. APC and MGE solutions include uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), precision cooling units, racks, and design and management software, including APC’s InfraStruXure architecture the industry’s only integrated power, cooling, and management solution. Backed by the industry’s broadest service organization and an industry leading R&D investment, the combined company’s 12,000 employees help customers confront today’s unprecedented power, cooling and management challenges. Schneider Electric, with 112,000 employees and operations in 190 countries, had 2006 annual sales of $18 billion (€13.7 billion). For more information on APC and MGE, please visit www.apc-mge.com. All trademarks are the property of their owners.
About Crestron
For 35 years Crestron has been the world’s leading manufacturer of advanced control and automation systems, innovating technology and reinventing the way people live and work. Offering integrated solutions to control audio, video, computer, IP and environmental systems, Crestron streamlines technology, improving the quality of life for people in corporate boardrooms, conference rooms, classrooms, auditoriums, and in their homes.
Crestron’s leadership stems from its dedicated people who are committed to providing the best products, programs and services in the industry.
In addition to its World Headquarters in Rockleigh, New Jersey, Crestron has sales and support offices throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia, Latin America and Australia.
