Essential Install | Matrix and Signal Management
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WyreStorm has also been busy introducing compatibility with networking specialist Luxul to its NetworkHD supported switch family . Linking up with Luxul , which is also supplied by one of the brand ’ s UK distributors Invision of course makes sense , but the company also argues it illustrates how quickly NetworkHD has been embraced by installers after scalable , reliable networked AV alternatives to fixed matrix distribution .
Luxul switches offering support for WyreStorm NetworkHD include the AMS-2624P , AMS-1208P and AMS-4424P models and feature rear panel ports and front facing LEDs for easy integration with rack systems , while also offering user selectable blue / green LEDs that allow for consistency with other equipment . Also supported is the XMS-2624P , which offers a traditional front-facing port alternative .
James Meredith , WyreStorm ’ s NetworkHD and Enado product manager , says : “ NetworkHD is the most powerful , innovative yet simplest line of AV over IP products on the market today and it is important that our switch manufacturer partners are as well . Luxul ’ s line of AV switches offer the flexibility , simplicity and reliability we value so highly in our own products , with a good example being how their simple webbased tick box configuration enables a system to be set-up in seconds . When integrating with NetworkHD , our auto-discovery function means that for integrators the attachment of all components in a system is almost plug and play and they ’ re done !”
On partnering with WyreStorm , Clark Roundy , Luxul VP of marketing and product management adds : “ Luxul and WyreStorm have a fantastic long-standing partnership working together to help integrators deliver a better AVover-IP experience .
“ We ’ re excited that our high performance switches are now fully supported as part of the NetworkHD family and look forward to working even more closely with WyreStorm to benefit integrators and customers alike .”
Many companies on the control side of things , of course now want to offer their own solution , with RTI getting in on the act with its own AD-16x 16x16 audio matrix switcher . The AD-16x of course integrates fully with the RTI ecosystem , but offers further abilities too .
Mike Everett , vice president of global sales RTI , says : “ From the latest digital streamers to older iPod docks , the AD-16x can accommodate all of today ’ s audio sources , as well as tomorrow ’ s . This , combined with 16 output zones and the power of the RTI ecosystem , allows every room to be filled with personalised entertainment .”
Designed in the main for large , multizone audio installations , the AD-16x provides routing for 16 audio sources across 16 zones , while RTI Cool Power amplifiers ( CP-450 / CP- 1650 ) drive the audio to every speaker . The unit also features eight remote source inputs , which allow devices located in other rooms to be used as global sources . When the system grows past 16 zones , up to four AD-16x units can be cascaded for up to 64 output zones . The switch also delivers audio management , including parametric equalising , zone grouping and balance control , all configurable via a web interface .
RTI adds that the AD-16x can also act as an extension of the RTI ecosystem . At the heart of this integration is the AD64 twoway driver running on an RTI XP processor , which is designed to offer flexibility and programming efficiency . The driver features custom project labelling , allowing installers to name all zones and sources and eliminating programming by ID number . The driver also allows dynamic audio source management , which tracks active sources . This allows a user to determine if a source is already in use and select a different one to avoid those jarring inadvertent music changes .
Smart-e has launched the 4K-9000 series of HDBaseT testers with a suite of measurements enabling installers to identify and then rectify problems . The testers are capable of measuring cable length , signal strength , bit error rate ( BER ) whilst allowing for firmware updates to the Valens chip set . Future upgrades will also provide an App for real time data gathering . Jon Lane , company MD says : “ There is nothing more frustrating than completing an installation only to find that there is no image on the screen . In the old analogue days , it was relatively easy to find the problem , but now in the world of digital the problem is where to start ! This is where our testers come into play , giving the installer information about the problem , pointing to where the issue might be .”
The 4K-9000 testers can also be used to ratify an installation or provide confirmation that an existing installation is HDBaseT ready , allowing an installer to provide a chargeable service to the client .
The testers come in two versions : a transmitter 4K-TX9000 and receiver 4K- RX9000 , both units support native HDMI and DVI . Transparent DDC connectivity provides HDCP V2.2 & V1.4 compatibility whilst a 10.2 Gbps through-put enables 4K resolutions for 4:4:4 colour space @ 30Hz , or 4:2:0 @ 60Hz together with Deep Colour , 3D , 2K and 1080p resolutions . To assist with the installation process and technical queries , Smart-e is also providing dedicated product training sessions for installers .
More Information :
HDANYWHERE + 44 ( 0 ) 1684 576 348 , www . hdanywhere . co . uk
Connected Distribution + 44 ( 0 ) 1242 511133 , www . connecteddistribution . com
Crestron + 44 ( 0 ) 845 873 8787 , www . crestron . eu
Invision + 44 ( 0 ) 1359 270280 , www . invisionuk . com
Habitech + 44 ( 0 ) 1256 638500 , www . habitech . co . uk
Smart-e + 44 ( 0 ) 1306 628264 , www . smart-e . co . uk
46 | May 2017