Using a tablet to remotely control an IMS 3000

[Caleb Williams]

I'd say, with most clients, things are done via their office computer and nearly nothing is done right at the equipment anymore. The exception is where there is a problem and you want to see the results of your actions.

At this point in time, I know of no clients, of ours, that are using the bluetooth dongle with an app on a tablet or phone. Have some servers on Q-SYS UCIs in both touchscreen and web-browsing form and they get some use...unless it comes to show builds. I'd say when the touchscreens get used (again, more for when something is up or a special show), it is for basic transport functions or switching to HDMI input...which is faster than fumbling around on the web browser.

We had some managers complain about having to run from an office to an auditorium to do quality checks on prints, so the company purchased a cheap amazon tablet that also gets used for inventory that they can do fine-playback-control with in the auditorium. For QC only it's really nice, but I agree with Jesse on having a physical keyboard. Ultimately it's best to create a scope of things you'd like a device to be able to manage, and select a device based on that scope.

[Steve Guttag]

More and more, we are putting in WiFi systems that allow for QC (and tech alignments) from the auditoriums. With everything moving to a web browser based UI, it just seems practical. I'm always trying to get my Q-SYS UCI more useful, and it is customer driven but without a doubt...if you are building a show or modifying it, a laptop/computer is going to be the better tool. That is what I carry with me.