Question 1

What types of Q-SYS systems do you program?

Accepted Answer

If there is a Q-SYS core involved, we can program it. Just reach out to get a quote and look at examples of similar systems that have been previously programmed and deployed.

Question 2

Do you handle both the DSP and control programming?

Accepted Answer

Yes, typically we do everything that is required in the Q-SYS file, control, DSP, video, etc. Sometimes, integrators may want to use in-house staff for audio configuration, which is also fine. We can work collaboratively with your team and other programmers, or take care of anything Q-SYS related from start to finish.

Question 3

Can you work with our existing Q-SYS files?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We regularly take over, debug, extend, and refactor existing Q-SYS design files and Lua codebases built by other programmers, service providers, and internal teams. Sometimes a client may be set on their current UCI, so we will often re-work the backend and extend the UCI in the same style, if they are set on that panel design.

Question 4

How far will you travel for commissioning?

Accepted Answer

Anywhere. We commission Q-SYS systems all over the globe, and location is never a limiting factor. Travel is billed without markup, so price, in addition to the skill level of in-house technicians, is the only limiting factor as to whether or not it makes sense to have us out onsite. For jobs located within 800 miles of Chicago, we typically travel via motorhome, instead of flying. This keeps travel costs low and provides extra flexibility on timing. Enjoy this photo of the 1978 Barth 24’ Class A used for regional travel.

Question 5

Can you commission systems you didn’t program?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can commission systems where the programming was done by another team, in-house or not, and do this occasionally. We will typically review the file in advance to identify any issues, and get permission on whether we can make our own changes or need to work directly with the programmer.

Question 6

Do you provide end-user training during commissioning?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We train operators, facility managers, IT staff, etc, on the Q-SYS touch panel interfaces, admin controls, and day-to-day system operation when necessary. Typically requires us to be onsite. Additionally, for programs that we write, we can provide Touch Panel User Guides (TPUGs) to aid in training and daily operation.

Question 7

Can you join our sales calls or client meetings for design consulting?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We regularly join sales presentations, scope review, and design meetings on behalf of, and with, our clients. We can present as Brownstone or white-label under your company.

Question 8

Do we need to use you for programming if you do the design?

Accepted Answer

No, we can provide design and engineering services standalone; however, most of these services are free and included at no cost by working with us to do your programming & commissioning. Additionally, projects tend to go smoother (and the labor hours tend to be lower) when the same team that designed the control architecture also programs it.

Question 9

What are your helpdesk response times?

Accepted Answer

Response times depend on the contract, and each contract can be customized to meet the need of you and your client(s). In general, most issues get an initial response within 2 hours during business days, with critical system-down scenarios receiving immediate attention.

Question 10

Can you provide helpdesk support for systems you didn’t build?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in these cases we’ll do an initial assessment of the system, request any engineering drawings or information, document its current state, and then provide ongoing support.

Question 11

How are helpdesk service contracts priced?

Accepted Answer

Service contracts are priced based on the number of systems to be supported, their size, and complexity. Contracts typically require a 1-year minimum duration, billed monthly, and may be prepaid yearly for a discount. Unused hours can be leveraged for programming changes and updates.

Question 12

How do you remotely access systems for helpdesk support?

Accepted Answer

To properly service a system we need direct access to the AV network through a remote, Windows-based, machine. In some scenarios, this need can be met with appropriate VPN access (in the case of AV systems running on Ubiquiti UniFi networks, etc), but typically a PC is required. The machine must have reliable internet access. These remote access machines can be provided by the end-client, the integrator, or Brownstone. In the event that the client can’t provide internet access, a Brownstone 5G gateway can be deployed.

Question 13

Is the 5G remote access gateway secure?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The 5G gateway connects exclusively to T-Mobile’s dedicated IoT network, which is isolated from public internet traffic. Access to the AV network through the gateway requires authenticated remote access applications. The client’s corporate network is never involved.

Question 14

What does the 5G gateway hardware cost?

Accepted Answer

The gateway hardware and data plan are typically bundled into the service contract. Contact us to share your needs and get a quote that works for you and your client(s).

Question 15

Can you submit plugins to Q-SYS Library?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as a pending certified Developer Partner we build plugins that meet QSC’s development standards and can assist with the submission process. Final approval is at QSC’s discretion, but we ensure the plugin meets their technical requirements, and have a long standing history of building quality plugins and integrations for the ecosystem.

Question 16

What protocols do you support in plugins?

Accepted Answer

TCP/IP, UDP, HTTP/HTTPS REST APIs, serial (RS-232/RS-485), IR, and GPIO. If the device has a documented control protocol, we can build a plugin for it, there really aren’t many limitations. Even if the protocol requires rolling authentication or advanced authorization keys, we can handle it.

Scale expertise,
not overhead.

Q-SYS Control & DSP Programming

Onsite & Remote Commissioning

Design Engineering & Consulting

Helpdesk & Managed Service

5G Remote Access Gateways

Custom Plugins & Modules

Frequently Asked Questions

Q-SYS Control & DSP Programming

Onsite & Remote Commissioning

Design Engineering & Consulting

Helpdesk & Managed Service

5G Remote Access Gateways

Custom Plugins & Modules

Scale expertise,not overhead.

Q-SYS Control & DSP Programming

Onsite & Remote Commissioning

Design Engineering & Consulting

Helpdesk & Managed Service

5G Remote Access Gateways

Custom Plugins & Modules

Frequently Asked Questions

Q-SYS Control & DSP Programming

What types of Q-SYS systems do you program?

Do you handle both the DSP and control programming?

Can you work with our existing Q-SYS files?

Onsite & Remote Commissioning

How far will you travel for commissioning?

Can you commission systems you didn’t program?

Do you provide end-user training during commissioning?

Design Engineering & Consulting

Can you join our sales calls or client meetings for design consulting?

Do we need to use you for programming if you do the design?

Helpdesk & Managed Service

What are your helpdesk response times?

Can you provide helpdesk support for systems you didn’t build?

How are helpdesk service contracts priced?

How do you remotely access systems for helpdesk support?

5G Remote Access Gateways

Is the 5G remote access gateway secure?

What does the 5G gateway hardware cost?

Custom Plugins & Modules

Can you submit plugins to Q-SYS Library?

What protocols do you support in plugins?

Scale expertise,
not overhead.