AMX, the leading provider of unified control and automation solutions, has announced the immediate availability of its new ICSLan™ Device Control Boxes; two months before they were originally due to be shipped. These compact units let users connect devices not typically Ethernet-enabled, including projectors, displays, lighting and blinds, to an Ethernet network via a single standard twisted pair cable, for remote management using a NetLinx® Controller. Virtually any device controlled by IR, RS-232, I/O or relays can be connected to an IP network and managed, regardless of whether the device is in the next room, or across the globe.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be able to offer the ICSLan Device Control Boxes to the marketplace two months ahead of the date originally anticipated when we introduced them at InfoComm 2011,” said AMX President and CEO Rashid Skaf. “The ICSLan Device Control Boxes are yet another solution from AMX that emphasises our commitment to providing products that bring audiovisual and other equipment into an IT environment, for interoperability and easier management.”

Speaking of the early release of the ICSLan Device Control Boxes, AMX Europe Managing Director, Kevin Morrison said: “The response from our customers to the ICSLan product launch at this year’s InfoComm was overwhelmingly positive. We wanted to get this highly anticipated product to market as quickly as we could and are proud of the effort our engineering team has put into making this possible. This is the third new product this year alone that they have delivered ahead of schedule.”

The ICSLan Device Control Boxes give AV integrators and IT managers a simple and cost effective solution for the management of “whole” building and “whole” home systems. These compact units allow one NetLinx Controller to manage many more devices than the number of ports present on the controller itself.

Although technology that connects non-IT devices to an IP network is not new, what is new is the simplicity with which the ICSLan Device Control Boxes allow this to happen. Because they are native NetLinx units, programming is easy and no special codes or commands are needed. Further simplifying installation, the ICSLan Device Control Boxes feature Power over Ethernet (PoE) functionality, eliminating the need for a power supply at the install location.

ICSLan Device Control Boxes are available in the following configurations: the EXB-IRS4 for IR/S interfaces, the EXB-COM2 for serial interfaces, the EXB-REL8 for relay interfaces, EXB-I/O8 for input/output interfaces, and the EXB-MP1 for multiple interfaces including IR, serial and I/O.

AMX hardware and software solutions simplify the implementation, maintenance, and use of technology to create effective environments. With the increasing number of technologies and operating platforms at work and home, AMX solves the complexity of managing this technology with reliable, consistent and scalable systems. The company’s range of award-winning products spans control and automation, system-wide switching and audio/video signal distribution, digital signage and technology management. They are implemented worldwide in conference rooms, homes, classrooms, network operation and command centres, hotels, entertainment venues, broadcast facilities, amongst others. AMX was founded in 1982 and is a member of the Duchossois Group of Companies. To learn more about the new ICSLan Device Control Boxes from AMX, please visit www.amx.com/products/categoryCentralControllers.asp.