Maggie Music

Matrix switches which are capable of relaying audio and video from multiple sources to multiple devices are known as AV Matrix switches. These devices are the most demanded units in the category of matrix units as they can replay both audio and video signals. Available in sizes ranging from 2×2 form factors to 32×32, they can be single stand alone desktop units or rack mountable enterprises. For larger configurations, these units can also be cascaded or daisy chained. Supporting resolutions of 1920×1200, they allow any input to be routed to any output; or the same input may be routed to all outputs or any combination. The main advantage of this device is the elimination of the need to disconnect and reconnect the input and output cables. Control over this AV Switcher can be exercised using RS232, Infra red remote control, front panel push buttons or TCP/IP technology. The LEDs in front indicate the connection status. Offering multi platform support, these units can be used with VGA source devices such as Personal computer, set top box, DVD players and satellite receivers, etc. A combination of a video splitter and switch in one unit, this device has a bandwidth of 380 MHz. Connections are secured using standard VGA cables eliminating the need for bulky coax cables with BNC connectors. Low power consumption, excellent stereo audio and video performance and an excellent ESD rating are some key features of this device. The other variant of this switch is the CAT5 Video Matrix Switch. This device allows routing multiple UXGA Video and Stereo Audio sources to multiple remote monitors and speakers via standard UTP and STP Cat5 / Ca6 cable up to 1000 feet away. Ideal in scenarios where long runs are necessary for the audio and video output locations and where versatility and security is essential, this switch finds its usage in secure government as well as military institutions, commercial organizations like banks, mobile command centers, conference centers and data centers. Many advantages are associated with these units such as easy access to multiple servers in various locations, safe guarding the servers by storing them in a secure location and providing access from the production floor, saving physical space and offering increased return on investment and increasing productivity. The AV Matrix switch buffers video outputs and analog delivery of stereo audio maintains optimum integrity throughout the system. Due to all these features and advantages, it is widely used in commercial and educational institutions as well as government and military establishments.

A combination of video switch and a video splitter, the video matrix switcher is a device that allows multiple video and audio sources to be routed and switched between multiple video displays and speakers. Some or all videos from the sources can be routed to either some or all of the display devices. Since any combination of input can be connected any combination of output, the result is a matrix like pattern of interconnection possibilities, thereby giving the name to the switching device. Available in configurations ranging in sizes as small as 2×2 units to as large as 32×16, these units can also be cascaded to achieve an even greater configuration.

There are several types of these switches available depending upon the type of video they support. Some common models categorized on this basis are component matrix switch, composite matrix, VGA matrix switch, DVI matrix switch, s-video matrix, VGA audio/video matrix s and Cat5 audio video switch. While some of these units use VGA cables for securing connections, other use either Cat5 cables or DVI cables for the same. All these models operate on simple plug and play functionality and do not require any additional software or device drivers for operation. Control is typically done via push buttons in front of the matrix but high end models also use RS232 or Infra red remote control for the same.

An easy to use hardware device for complex configurations, the component matrix is available in standalone desktop versions or in rack mountable units. This model is available in 4×2, 4×4, 6X4 and 8×8 combination and some variants have the option to switch audio along with video. A maximum bandwidth of 325 MHz and video resolutions of 1080p are supported by these devices. The greatest advantage of this device is that it eliminates the need to move around video input and output cables. Designed to work with video equipment that has proper connections such as Cable and Satellite receivers, Computers, Video Scalers, DVD players, VCRs and so on, these switches also have regulatory approvals from CE and FCC.

The LEDs on the front of the Component Matrix Switch indicate the connection status. Due to these features along with the ability to route video and audio from multiple sources to multiple displays in any combination, the video matrix switches are used extensively in entertainment facilities, commercial and business establishments, government, training and surveillance industries.

A CAT5 Matrix Switch is used to route audio video inputs from multiple sources to multiple displays. Both video and audio can be routed to multiple monitors and speakers via category cables. Since multiple inputs can be connected to multiple outputs in any fashion, a web like pattern of interconnection possibilities is created. Available in sizes ranging from 8 in 8 out to 32 in and 16 out, these units can also be cascaded to achieve greater configurations. The key feature of this device is elimination of moving around input and output cables for various viewing combinations. Since both video and audio signals are routed, this device is also called the AV Switcher. Operating on simple plug and play functionality, this device does not require any additional software or device drivers for operation. Switching between the source and display is simple and control can be exercised via RS422, which can be connected through RJ45 port on the face plate of the unit. An optional Windows compatible software control application (SmartNetControl) that includes a RS422 to RS232 converter can also be used. Other methods of control include Port switching through a Graphical User Interface and via an infrared remote. Ideal for situations where long runs are necessary for the audio and video output locations and where versatility and security is essential, the AV Switcher finds it use in secure government and military institutions, commercial organizations like banks, mobile command centers, conference centers and data centers. Supporting multiple resolutions like VGA (640 x 480) up to 1000 feet, SVGA (800 x 600) up to 600 feet, XGA (1024 x 768) up to 450 feet, UXGA(1600 x 1200) up to 300 feet and WUXGA(1900 x 1200) up to 100 feet, these switches have a video amplifier bandwidth greater than 380 MHz. A single audio/video output can be routed to multiple destinations and each image will be crystal clear as if connected to original source. Available in desktop and rack mountable versions, these devices support a maximum distance of 1500 feet between the local and remote units. Equipped with an in built power surge and transient protection, the Cat5 Matrix Switch has a designated trimmer in the remote unit to compensate for length. LEDs on the front panel indicate the connectivity status. Operating at a temperature of 32F to 100F (0C to 38C) and relative humidity between 17 to 90% non-condensing RH, the storage temperature of this device should not be above 140F. All the above mentioned features make this Matrix switch a useful device for multimedia presentations.