Review: AMX's New Visual Architect Tool Eases Programming Pain

Under the hood, Visual Architect relies on Java code, which is part of AMX's Duet technology. Java offers a lightweight dynamic device discovery capability that simply is not available in Microsoft's Universal Plug and Play (UPnP), which requires a heavy IP stack. AMX calls it Dynamic Device Discovery Protocol (DDDP), and it relies on Java's JINI technology. This protocol allows devices with 50 to 100 bytes of process space to communicate through DDDP.

In addition, Visual Architect offers quick setups for IR-enabled devices. A capture process provides mappings across a laundry list of functions with internal device capabilities and is accomplished by selecting a type of device such as a CD player or a TV. This type of process helps dealers match a pre-configured set of functions with actual IR inputs.

For non-IR based devices that use serial or IP, Visual Architect offers a broad range of predefined functions for integration. Dealers can walk through a series of simple steps and select ports, baud rates and file headers. Essentially, Visual Architect provides every setting for a given transport layer so dealers do not have to create special interfaces or code.

The messages that are sent over a serial port, for instance, are connected feature by feature to a device listed in Visual Architect's database. The tool creates a functional mapping between a device and a controller.

Visual Architect also provides templates for touch panels that dealers can easily change to match dcor or theme throughout a home installation. Dealers can import graphics and modify background plates as well. Reusability is one of Visual Architect's main strengths, allowing dealers to use and even share design and technical installation work done on previous jobs.

Visual Architect is free to all AMX dealers.

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