Advantages of AV Matrix Switching in Today’s Boardrooms
10 February 2009
Laptop presentations, DVD/Blue Ray Players, Digital Satellite Television, Video Conferencing, AV Control Systems. All of these technologies are being utilized more and more in today’s corporate environment. Couple this with multiple display devices in the same environment and we can find displaying the correct visuals on the correct output at the correct time very difficult indeed. Not to mention the audio that may need to accompany those visuals.
The solution is to use an Audio Visual Matrix Switcher. The Matrix Switcher allows us the convenience of being able to use one device to route all our Audio/Video signals. These switchers are generally easy to use and can avoid the hassle of having to change Inputs/Outputs on multiple devices to get what we want. It is especially useful for people who generally have difficulty comprehending the different types of Video Signals and where they plug in. To be honest, most people don’t care. All they really want is to be able to achieve the desired results with minimal effort, and this is exactly the power that an AV Matrix Switcher can give you.
There are some other advantages to using these devices:-
• Reduced Cabling:
All input signals run directly to the switcher which then
distributes them to the relevant output device. There is thus no need to connect every input device (eg. DVD Player) to every output device (eg. Plasma TV).
• Versatile and Flexible:
If set up correctly, a Switcher can allow the user to route any input signal to any output. As an example, if we had a DVD Player and Laptop Point in a Boardroom as well as an LCD TV and Projector for display, a Switcher can give us the option of viewing my laptop presentation on both the LCD and Projector or Laptop on Projector and DVD on LCD. We can even view a presentation whilst playing audio from the DVD Player. It just gives us the option to get the look and feel we really want.
• Easy Integration with Control Systems:
AV Switchers can be easily integrated into AV Control Systems such as Crestron or AMX which can simplify the use of various AV devices even further.
In conclusion, whatever the AV setup required, there is a Switcher out there that could possibly make life a lot easier, although care should be taken to ensure that the correct one is chosen for the job. Some factors that should be taken into account are:
• Number of input devices (Audio and Video)
• Number of output devices (Audio and Video)
• Types of Video and Audio connections to be used
• Resolution of connected video devices
The design of such systems can become complicated and therefore it is recommended that a professional always be consulted before any equipment is purchased.
Karmentheren Moodley
Project Manager
Teljoy Audio Visual