Bringing the Power of Python Programming to the AV Industry
Extron Control - More Choices. Better Results.
Over 20 years ago, Extron pioneered a unique approach to setting up an AV control system using simple, drag-and-drop configuration software. The popularity of this user-friendly, configuration approach grew as platforms and system designs evolved. Recently, we took this to the next level by introducing more powerful hardware and software and creating advanced configuration with our Pro Series platform. But we had no intention of stopping there.
The same rock-solid platform that we use to program our Pro Series systems is available to customers, providing an ideal toolset for creating robust, sophisticated, and elegant control systems. Whether it is the convenience of configuration with the industry's most powerful configuration-based control system solution, or the unbridled freedom of Extron Control System Programming, you'll be confident that you have the right solution for any AV application.
Standardized Control System Commands for Extron Products
Industry's first Configuration Software
Server Based AV Resource Management Software
Powerful Configuration Software for MediaLink Plus, TouchLink Pro, IP Link Pro and eBUS
Integrated Programming Development Environment for TouchLink Pro, IP Link Pro and eBUS
Extron Programming
Python's Power + Extron's Expertise
Global Scripter and Extron Programming
Global Scripter is Extron's Integrated Development Environment that harnesses the dynamic power and intuitive nature of the Python programming language. Python is an efficient, object oriented language that enables programmers to reuse code and save valuable development time. Programmers will immediately see the benefits of the Global Scripter environment and of Python, with its clearly-understood syntax and extensible framework.
Extron ControlScript - The Python Library for AV Professionals
To help accelerate the learning and development processes, Extron created a custom Python library called ControlScript. ControlScript uses familiar AV terms that make it easier to program AV control system projects. When combined with Extron Pro Series control hardware, Global Scripter and ControlScript are poised to revolutionize the way you deliver programmable control systems.
Global Scripter
The feature-rich integrated development environment includes the ControlScript API as well as all of the tools for developing control system programs, such as file management, code editing, debugging and diagnostic tools.
System Manager
The System Manager window enables you to easily add control processors, user interfaces, user interface layout files, code files, and IR files to a project.
Code Editor
The customizable, syntax highlighting Code Editor provides typical editing functions and programming-specific features such as trimming of leading spaces, trailing spaces, and conversion of tabs to spaces.
Diagnostic Windows
This collection of tabbed windows can float anywhere on the screen, providing a view of properties for assets in the System Manager, messages about the build process, as well as a program log and trace messages for testing and debugging.
Layout Window
Provides the convenience of viewing control ID information as well as button states while programming touchpanel and eBUS device functions, and automatically generating code for these user interface objects.
Python - The Choice is Clear
Python is a well-established, object oriented programming language that delivers power and flexibility. It is easily readable, editable, and greatly enhances programmer productivity. The popularity of Python and its continuing growth is well-documented and is fueled by numerous programming resources, including a wide variety of online courses and tutorials.
Popularity of the Python Programming Language
Modern Programming Architecture
Programmers in our industry have long been forced to use proprietary software. These development environments, even when framed by open source languages, suffer from obsolescence and stagnation due to being part of an intrinsically-closed ecosystem. This is why Extron chose an open system, built on Python. We wanted to provide programmers a resilient, ever-improving platform that inspires creative design, provides easy implementation, and allows long-term AV system viability. The open source nature of Python allows you to incorporate readily-available elements that speed up development and lower costs. Hundreds of lively, online communities are continually extending Python's capabilities by creating additional libraries, modules, and projects.
Open Systems
- Easily incorporate code from any developer
- Have an abundance of programming resources
- Are easy to learn and use, with an expansive amount of online guides and tutorials
- Are built on a resilient platform that grows with your needs
- Promote more efficient workflows to develop, debug, and deploy programs
- Encourage programming creativity and knowledge transfer
- or -
Closed Systems
- Cannot use code from other environments
- Limit outside resources for users
- Have a steep learning curve
- Use outdated development environments
- Offer minimal troubleshooting options
- Rely on proprietary knowledge that doesn't transfer to other systems
Python Advantages
Python is a modern, open source programming language. Active online communities are continually extending Python's capabilities by creating additional libraries, modules, and projects. These openly accessible components speed up development and lower costs.
Python is an interpreted language that offers a quicker workflow from editing code to testing a program. Ultra-fast data parsing and real-time event modification speed up and simplify programming tasks.
The design philosophies of Python emphasize code readability and simplicity. Its unique code structure is uncluttered by punctuation, features an efficient and concise lexicon, and uses white space for enhanced readability.
Python has a shallow learning curve compared to other programming languages, which helps get programmers up and running quickly. Programmers can write flexible programs without volumes of support code, providing quicker turnaround and code verification.
Using ControlScript and Python, programmers can extend the capabilities of a system by adding or customizing modules to fit the specific needs of the project. This adaptability makes the language well-suited for the broadest variety of applications.
Python helps you create programs for any size application. Our Pro Series Control Systems have been running Python under the hood all along. Now ControlScript - the Python Library for AV Professionals, is ready to help.
Control System Programming - The Complete Solution
Global Scripter provides all the tools needed for developing control system programming, such as file management, code editing, as well as debugging 
and diagnostic tools. The IDE also includes the ControlScript library, as well as helpful documentation, reference material, and sample code. Using a single software environment, programmers can develop, debug, deploy, and maintain programs with ease. All resources are packaged into one file and format, greatly simplifying project transport and management.
Our Pro Series Control Systems have been running Python under the hood since they were introduced. In addition to programming software, our Pro Series platform includes configuration software, AV system management software, touchpanels, button panel and conferencing interfaces, control processors, and a broad range of other tools and technologies geared to handle the evolving complexities of today's AV system designs.
ControlScript is an object-oriented API - Application Programming Interface optimized for rapid data manipulation. ControlScript speeds programming by enabling large datasets to be retrieved from multiple devices and parsed effectively and efficiently. Programmers can reuse portions of code, incorporate readily-available modules, as well as define objects once in the program and then simply reference them moving forward. The ControlScript API accelerates development efforts so that programmers can spend a little less time waiting and a lot more time creating.
Programmers can use Global Scripter and Extron IP Link® Pro control processors to support the latest BMS - Building Management System protocols, including BACnet, KNX, and DALI. Modern BMS allow for centralized monitoring and control of mechanical and electrical systems that include HVAC, lighting, power, and closed-circuit camera control.
Resources
Extron Authorized Programmer - EAP is an Extron Control Systems Certification program designed for AV professionals who will use Global Scripter to deploy and maintain programmable Extron control systems. In EAP, you will learn how to develop a programmed framework using Python, as well as best practices for designing these systems and ensuring optimal system performance. Become a Certified Extron Authorized Programmer and access all the benefits of Global Scripter, the ControlScript API, and more.
Extron offers an extensive library of modules that speed up the development process for Pro Series control systems. Device modules are time-saving, reusable program files that include all the commands necessary for integrating a device into a Pro Series control system. Helper modules, which include common AV operations and logic, can be used in many different types of projects directly as provided, or they can serve as examples to create your own modules to suit almost any need. Modules are developed and tested to provide a consistent, standardized coding approach that makes programming more straightforward and troubleshooting more efficient.
Device Modules Helper Modules
Extron has a library of online video tutorials to help you learn more about the latest features in Extron control system software, including Global Scripter. These videos also highlight steps and helpful tips to accomplish common tasks with ease, and successfully set up your control system.
Extron publications are essential resources for designing and deploying professional AV systems. The Control Systems Design Guide offers an in-depth look at the best methodologies for AV control system design, with a focus on designing functional, highly effective, and intuitive control systems. The Extron Guide to Graphical User Interface Design is a valuable reference of the latest GUI Design concepts and best practices. The Extron Control System Programming Using Python reference guide is available to certified Extron Authorized Programmers, and provides an in-depth look at using the Python programming language and ControlScript library with Pro Series control systems.
View Extron Design Guides View Reference Guide
To further support the growing community of programmers, Extron has an online forum where peers can learn and share insights about using Python, Extron Global Scripter, and ControlScript. Extron moderators actively support discussions in the forum, answering questions and offering recommendations to ensure the success of this thriving control system programming community.
Visit the ForumExtron Control System Programming Products
Contact Us
For a first-hand look at Extron programmable control systems at one of our worldwide facilities, or, for a personalized in-office demonstration of the Pro Series Control platform, contact your Extron representative.
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