S/Y Vertigo

Control System

The vessel’s automation is driven by Crestron, programmed and commissioned by Liquid Automation.

This upgrade replaces the previous proprietary overlay with a native Crestron environment, enhancing speed, reliability, and maintainability while reducing hardware footprint.

The Crestron system centrally manages:

• Audio / Video Distribution

• Lighting

• Blinds and Shades

• Mast Camera

The Liquid Priority Control Module (LPC) is integral to the Crestron management system on S/Y Vertigo. It provides real-time feedback on shared source usage, preventing conflicts and ensuring seamless source selection across all audio/video areas. 

User Interfaces

The user interfaces implemented for the S/Y Vertigo technology upgrade include a combination of dedicated touch screens, handheld remotes, and existing keypads.

The interfaces are as follows:

Crestron TSR-310 wireless remotes: 6 units

Crestron TSR-1070 Touch Screen (Replacement): 2 units

Crestron HR Handheld Remote (Model: HR-150): 3 areas.

Apple TV: 12 units

Video Distribution

Video distribution is managed via Crestron Digital Media (NVX) for real-time, high-performance 4K UHD content delivery over IP networking.

Key Video Features

• 4K UHD video switching capabilities.

• Crestron Digital Media (NVX) forms the core of video distribution.

• High-performance, real-time 4K60 4:4:4 video over Gigabit Ethernet.

• Supports HDR10 and HDCP 2.2.

• Distributes multichannel surround sound and stereo down-mixed audio signals simultaneously.

• Video, Audio, and Control are delivered to each room via a single cable.

• Enables quick switching between sources.

• Decentralised sources and displays allow future sources in any AV Rack to be viewed on any display.

Audio Distribution

Audio distribution uses the Crestron DM NAX Audio-over-IP amplifier, providing eight amplified stereo zones (16-channel outputs). It supports built-in streaming services and is AES67 compliant.

System Highlights

• The system utilises the Crestron DM-NAX-8ZSA amplifier.

• It provides eight amplified stereo zones (16-channel) outputs.

• It is a next-generation Audio-over-IP (AoIP) amplifier that puts Crestron multiroom audio distribution on the network.

• A dedicated streaming service player is available for each of the eight zones.

• The system is built on AES67 standards.

• It is interoperable with Dante audio networking devices via AES67 compatibility.

• Features full DSP capabilities on the line and speaker outputs.

• Includes 4 stereo unbalanced analogue RCA and 4 SPDIF (2 TOSLINK® and 2 Coaxial) audio inputs.

• Allows Output Bussing for the linked operation of multiple adjacent zones.

Lighting Integration

The yacht's Lighting Integration focuses on unified control and seamless operation with the audio-visual systems. Control over existing Lights and Window treatments is centrally managed via the new Crestron control system and accessible from the dedicated wireless touch screens in areas like the Owners and Guest Cabins.

The existing Lutron Lighting keypads are retained, providing quick, simple control. A specialised feature was implemented in the Port Forward cabin where the ensuite lights can be set to 10% brightness to act as a night light, triggered directly from the bedside touch screen. 

Network Infrastructure

The network infrastructure was fundamentally upgraded to an enterprise-grade solution using fibre links for the wired backbone, achieving speeds of 10Gbps+ to support all media and control traffic. This robust system utilises managed switching to enforce security and reliability across the vessel.

Network Design Features

• Wired Backbone: High-speed 10Gbps+ fibre links were used between core switches.

• VLAN Segmentation: Services were separated into virtual subnets for security, isolating entertainment from ship networks.

• Wireless Networking: The Wi-Fi system was upgraded to a Wi-Fi 6 system.

• PoE+ Switching: All switches are Power over Ethernet (PoE+) compatible, enabling remote maintenance and power cycling of equipment

Equipment Racks and Power Management

Equipment racks were built using high-quality components and designed for seamless installation and remote management. IP-controlled power boards facilitate off-site reboots. The system actively monitors temperature and humidity to prevent damage to equipment.

Each Rack Includes:

• IP-controlled power boards for remote management.

• A Crestron temperature and humidity sensor.

• A predefined set point to trigger an overheating alert.

• Automatic equipment shutdown if the temperature reaches a second set point.

• High-quality Middle Atlantic racks.

Key Features

·  Priority Control: Implements the "Liquid Priority Control Module" for real-time feedback on shared source usage, preventing conflicts and locking out controls when a source is in use.

·  High-Speed Network: Network infrastructure upgraded using fibre links instead of copper, achieving speeds of 10Gbps+.

·  Video Distribution: Utilises Crestron Digital Media (NVX) for real-time, high-performance 4K UHD (4K60 4:4:4) video over standard Gigabit Ethernet.

·  Audio Distribution: Features an Audio-over-IP (AoIP) amplifier system providing eight amplified stereo zones (16-channel outputs) with built-in streaming support.

·  Network Security: Uses Layer 3 managed switches to isolate entertainment VLANs from critical ship networks effectively.

·  Navigation Integration: NMEA Navigation info (Boat Speed, Wind Speed, Water Temp, and Wind Direction) is displayed directly on all Crestron touch panels.

·  Owner/Charter Mode: Touch panels allow selection between Owner and Charter modes, switching media accounts.

·  Mast Camera: The long-range PTZ camera is reinstalled, with control and viewing available from all guest areas and the Bridge helm.

·  Master Cabin Specialisation: The TV lifter was replaced with a quiet, raise-and-twist model, and the stereo sound image follows the viewing angle of the lifter.

·  Rack Safety: Racks include an internal sensor that triggers an alert if the temperature exceeds a set point and automatically shuts down equipment at a second set point to prevent thermal damage.

·  Support: Includes one full year of 24/7 off-site monitoring and support options