XPanel and Adobe Flash End of Life

Version 1.4 by Mark Kohlmann on 2021/01/07 00:21

Why is this an issue?

Crestron released SmartGraphics around 10 years ago as their next generation touchpanel/user interface platform. They built the platform on Adobe Flash technology. This was the only native and officially supported way of delivering an interface for Crestron systems until the end of 2020.

Adobe Flash End of Life

On December 31st, 2020 Adobe Flash released end of life. Crestron's SmartGraphics Web XPanel is built on Adobe's Flash technology. Browsers and Operating Systems are removing support for Flash starting January 1st, 2021 and the existing SHOWRUNNER™ XPanel interface will no longer be accessible. In November 2020 Crestron released a tool to allow the XPanel to be invoked using a link from a webpage. The new approach requires the installation of an application on the computer accessing the system. A link for the application is provided when accessing ShowRunner's webpage. Version 2.201 and later of ShowRunner uses this new approach. It is recommended that all sites be updated 2.201 or later of SHOWRUNNER™.

Option 1: Update ShowRunner to versions 2.201 or later and install the Crestron XPanel application
- Access the XPanel following the instructions for v2.201 or Newer
Option 2: Do not upgrade ShowRunner
- Access the XPanel following instructions for v2.200 or Older

Plans for the future

Chief Integrations is actively developing an HTML5 interface for ShowRunner that will be platform agnostic and provide a number of enhancements and improved functionality. We will release the interface as soon as possible.

Statements from Manufacturers

Adobe's Statement on Flash EOL:
https://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/end-of-life.html

Crestron's Statement on Flash EOL (See Section Custom User Smart Graphics Web XPanel Conversion):
https://support.crestron.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1000740