Which tool initiates the discovery process to verify the online status of a controller and touch panel?

The tool that initiates the discovery process to verify the online status of a controller and touch panel is Discovery Manager. This specialized utility is designed specifically for identifying and communicating with Extron devices on a network. It scans the network to find all compatible controllers and touch panels, providing essential information about their connection status.

By initiating the discovery process, Discovery Manager helps technicians confirm whether devices are online and functioning properly, which is critical for troubleshooting and ensuring that the AV system operates smoothly. This tool enhances the workflow of system integrators by simplifying device management and identification across a network.

Other tools, while useful for different aspects of device management or validation, do not perform the same comprehensive discovery function. For instance, the Connection Validator checks the connection integrity, and the Toolbelt Utility provides a collection of various utilities for Extron products, but neither specifically initiates the discovery process. Thus, the effectiveness of Discovery Manager in verifying device online status makes it the correct choice for this question.