Beyond the Code: Key Takeaways from Crestron Masters 2025

What began over two decades ago as a gathering of 30 programmers in New Jersey has grown into one of the most significant events in the pro AV calendar. This year, Crestron Masters 2025 hosted more than 700 attendees in Europe. Its largest gathering on the continent to date. For those of us in attendance, it wasn’t just about product announcements or coursework (though there were 40 of those to choose from). It was about the community.

Crestron has leaned heavily into that idea. The rebranding of their Online Help to the True Blue Community is more than a cosmetic update. It’s a strategic shift toward unifying programmers, designers, consultants, and IT/AV professionals under a shared banner. Documentation, discussion groups, known issue tracking, and support are now housed in one place. Built by the community, for the community.

But community wasn’t the only story. Crestron also gave us a peek at where the platform is headed technically.

Intelligent AV: Content, Collaboration, Control

A recurring theme in the keynote was how Crestron continues to invest in their core pillars of AV. Content, collaboration, and control.

We saw the DM NVX 384, a multiview-capable solution that expands how AV-over-IP can serve complex environments. In collaboration, AirMedia Connect continues to mature, offering flexible wireless sharing in BYOD-centric workplaces. And in the control space, Crestron Construct is making steady progress toward VTPro-e parity, with a major release expected later this year. If you’re a programmer who’s been waiting to dive deeper into Construct, this is the year to do it.

Crestron also showcased updates to Automate VX, their intelligent video platform that now includes spatial awareness and auto-measurement capabilities. Up to five cameras can be auto-switched in a room, minimizing the need for manual configuration. For those designing hybrid meeting spaces, these features could streamline deployment considerably.

The message was clear: it’s an API-driven world. And Crestron is building tools that reflect that reality like the new Logic Editor plugin and XIO Cloud integration.

Programming for the Future

Crestron emphasized that the future of control is rooted in HTML5 and CSS, with cross-platform apps for Mac and PC in development. The goal? Flexible, scalable control systems that align with modern developer practices while still meeting the expectations of seasoned AV programmers.

Even audio isn’t being left behind. With distributed DSP capabilities extending through the NAX and NVX lines, Crestron is continuing to expand what integrators can do over a converged network.

Crestron Masters 2025 Builds the Future

One of the keynote’s stickiest phrases was this: “AI is enriched by great AV.” Whether you’re a control programmer, a UC specialist, or an IT manager trying to wrangle hybrid spaces, that sentiment rings true. And with budgets reportedly up 19% year-over-year in the IT/AV space, the opportunities to enhance communication are growing.

Crestron Masters 2025 wasn’t just a look at what’s next for Crestron. It was a reminder of what’s possible when AV pros come together to share, learn, and push the industry forward.

And yes, we’ll be talking about it on AVWeek.