AMX LLC
| File:AMX logo.svg | |
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automation and control |
| Founded | Richardson, Texas, United States (1982) |
| Founder | Scott Miller |
| Headquarters | Richardson, Texas |
Key people | Rashid Skaf, CEO (09/2005) |
| Products | See listing. |
| Revenue | Increase (est) Template:US$ (2013) |
Number of employees | 600+ (2006) |
| Parent | Harman International Industries |
| Website | www.amx.com |
AMX (previously known as AMX, LLC) is a United States-based producer specializing in video switching and control solutions. Presently, it operates as a subsidiary under Harman International Industries, within the Harman Professional Division.
Overview
Established in 1982 by Scott D. Miller, AMX initially launched with the MX Series remote control designed for projector slides. Miller held the roles of Chief Executive Officer and President at AMX, LLC (also referred to as AMX Corporation). AMX develops both hardware and software aimed at distributing video signals within conference rooms, as well as across entire buildings or globally via IP networks. Their product range also includes devices that enable remote management of diverse systems such as HVAC.[1]
In 1988, AMX pioneered the introduction of the first touch panel specifically created for room automation.[2] Additionally, AMX’s home automation controls have been extended to mobile platforms through dedicated applications ("apps") available on smartphones and tablets via authorised partners like Touch Panel Control.[3] These apps support iOS, Android,[4] and Windows 8 operating systems.
Company expansion
Before 1999, the company operated under the name AMX Corp. It subsequently rebranded as Panja Inc. In 2001, the firm reverted to the name AMX Inc.
In February 2005, Duchossois Industries, Inc. completed the acquisition of AMX, which had been publicly traded, for a sum of US$315 million.
On November 1, 2006, AMX revealed its acquisition of Endeleo, a UK-based producer specializing in analog audiovisual distribution solutions. Shortly thereafter, on December 4, 2006, AMX announced it had purchased AutoPatch, a signal switching and routing company headquartered in Washington state. Within two weeks following this deal, AMX also acquired Matrix Audio Designs, a Canadian firm located in Barrie, Ontario, recognized for its expertise in premium multi-room distributed audio systems.
On June 18, 2007, AMX expanded its portfolio by acquiring Inspiration Matters, another UK company known for manufacturing digital signage products under the Inspired Signage brand. Later that year, on October 2, AMX added to its acquisitions with ProCon Technology, a UK-based enterprise focused on customizable control keypad systems, switchers, and distribution amplifiers. These five acquisitions collectively increased AMX’s workforce to over six hundred employees within a single year.
On July 15, 2008, AMX further broadened its offerings by acquiring Atrium Group, an IPTV software developer whose technology evolved into AMX’s Vision2 IPTV platform.
Finally, on March 21, 2014, Harman International Industries announced an agreement with The Duchossois Group and its affiliates to purchase AMX LLC for US$365 million.
System layout
A standard AMX configuration is composed of the following components:
- User Interface - The User Interface serves as the point where users input commands to operate the system. Devices used for this purpose include touch panels, keypads, remote controls, and mobile applications.
- Master - Known as the "NetLinx Master," this unit integrates the CPU, a Linux-based embedded operating system, along with RAM and ROM. Upon receiving an event from an interface device (for example, a button press on a touch panel), the master runs NetLinx code developed by a programmer. It then forwards instructions to the Controller, which carries out the necessary actions.
- Controller - Acting on commands transmitted by the master, the Controller manages connected devices accordingly. It may be integrated within the same hardware as the master—such as in an Enova DVX Series Presentation Video Switcher or a NetLinx NX Series Controller—or exist separately, like in an ICSLan Control Box or a DXLink transmitter/receiver. While most contemporary masters include control ports, some models (notably the Enova DGX Series Digital Video Switchers) do not.
- Video Switcher - The video matrix switcher directs video signals from chosen sources to designated displays. AMX incorporates proprietary technologies like SmartScale for image resolution adjustment and InstaGate Pro for managing HDCP keys, ensuring rapid and dependable video switching without compromising source quality.
Axcent
AMX formerly produced the Axcent line of controllers—computing devices primarily intended to manage other equipment within Audio-Visual control environments. These have since been replaced by the NetLinx controller series.
One example is the "Axcent3 Integrated Axcess Controller," featuring 6 RS-232/RS-485 serial ports, 8 relays, 6 Infrared/Serial ports, and 6 input/output ports. Serial interfaces handle transmission and reception of serial strings, commonly ASCII commands and responses. Relays enable switching of low-current circuits. Infrared ports transmit signals that mimic typical remote controls used for devices like televisions and VCRs. Input/output ports detect contact closures.
AMX provides an Integrated Development Environment called NetLinx Studio, which facilitates editing, compiling, and uploading code written in AXCESS—the proprietary programming language designed for Axcent controllers.
See also
References
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External links
Template:Harman International Industries Template:Samsung Electronics