Why Your Macros Fail (And How to Fix Them)

Macros are the backbone of automation, but they’re also the most common source of system failures. Whether you’re using Crestron, Control4, Savant, or another platform, the principles are the same: macros fail when timing, state, or device feedback isn’t handled correctly. In this post, we break down the most common causes of macro failures and how we fix them in the field.

The first cause is HDMI handshake timing. Displays, switchers, and sources all negotiate resolution, HDCP, and signal type. If your macro switches inputs too quickly, the system may not have time to complete the handshake. This results in black screens, audio dropouts, or inconsistent behavior. We fix this by adding delays, conditional checks, and routing verification.

The second cause is missing feedback. If a device doesn’t report its state, the macro may fire commands that don’t make sense. For example, sending a “Power On” command to a device that’s already on can cause lockups or unexpected behavior. We design macros that track state, verify feedback, and adapt to real‑world conditions.

The third cause is user interruption. If someone presses a button while a macro is running, the system may enter an undefined state. We build macros with lockouts, progress indicators, and recovery logic to prevent this.

Finally, macros fail when they’re too complex. The best macros are simple, predictable, and easy to troubleshoot. We break large macros into smaller, modular actions that can be reused and maintained easily.

If you want automation that works every time, ETIGROUP can design macros that are stable, predictable, and built for long‑term reliability.