Do you have a Crestron system in your home or office in need of updating? Or are you looking to install a system and would like to customize it to meet some specific needs you have? A Crestron programmer is who you want to call.
A Crestron programmer is someone who can create customized solutions and/or integrate two or more Crestron-controlled systems, so they can be controlled by a centralized device. You are free to hire anyone to program your Crestron system, however, it is highly recommended that you work with a Crestron Certified Programmer (CSP).
A CSP is someone who has at least three years of professional programming experience, and has also been through Crestron’s training program. Before even being admitted to the certification process, a programmer must provide Crestron with a detailed business plan, three letters of reference, as well as sample programming files. So, when you hire a CSP, you have at least some level of assurance that the programmer has experience, training, and a legitimate business.
However, there are other benefits to working with a certified Crestron programmer. According to Matt Grisafe of AV Programming Associates, a CSP based in Northern Nevada, “A CSP will have full access to tech support from Crestron. This is especially important when your Crestron programmer is working on an existing system. If there is a problem with the older hardware they are working with, the programmer can get on the phone with a Crestron representative who can diagnose issues and make recommendations. Even with brand new systems, there can be hardware problems on rare occasions. A CSP can typically get the issue resolved quickly by calling Crestron.”
Grisafe continued, “When you work with a programmer who is not part of the CSP program, they won’t have access to this type of tech support from Crestron. When they run into problems, they will either have to spend extra time researching a solution (likely costing you more money), or they may be forced to abandon your project altogether, requiring you to find another Crestron programming company to complete the job.”
CSPs are required to engage in continuing education in order to maintain their certifications. They also have exclusive access to webinars and video conferences attended by other Crestron professionals.
To find a CSP near you, you can go to the Crestron website and use their CSP search tool. If there isn’t a CSP in your area, don’t worry! Many Crestron programmers are willing to travel to locations around the country. It may also be the case that a Crestron programming company has programmers working remotely, and could actually have a Crestron programmer near you. Take AV Programming Associates, for example. Their headquarters are in Northern Nevada (in the Lake Tahoe/Reno area), but they also have offices in San Diego, California and in Charlotte, North Carolina.
