LIGHTNING STRIKES AT ISE

iMAGsystems is to use its presence at ISE 2017 to debut Lightning, an advanced new encoder/decoder. Lightning delivers uncompressed, zero-latency digital video at up to 4K resolution using standard 10GbE infrastructure, allowing Ethernet networks to truly become the backbone of AV systems.

Based on the next-generation AptoVision Blue River NT2000 chipset, the technology brings an unmatched level of flexibility and scalability, routing high-resolution video to multiple destinations retaining every pristine detail of the original source.

“It’s a huge game changer for the market,” says iMAGsystems CEO Gerry Raffaut. “Taking advantage of the latest generation ultra hi-def panels by getting 4K onto the canvas is a huge improvement, but arguably it’s the multiview capabilities that will provide the most commercial opportunities for consultants and system integrators. Until now multiview has been the preserve of expensive hardware solutions sold into the upper end of the market — command and control centres, and the like — but now consultants and integrators can encourage the investment into 4K in new markets such as huddle spaces and collaboration, safe in the knowledge that those extra pixels will be fully exploited.”

The integrator-friendly system allows video walls of up to 5×5 (25 displays), and any combination of asymmetrical matrix switching can be accommodated within the one system (rendering proprietary fixed-sized matrix systems obsolete). New features include multi-source video compositing, video wall processing with bezel correction, broadcast quality scaling, and no-compromise support for IP-based switching and extension of true 4K/60Hz (4:4:4) video over 100m of CatX or 30km of fibre. The NT2000 chipset is also HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 compliant, and supports the transmission of audio, GbE, 480Mbps USB 2.0, RS-232 and IR.

The power and potential of the AptoVision NT2000 chipset is formidable but Lightning truly distinguishes itself thanks to its software — Lightning Control Centre (LCC). iMAGsystems’ software engineers have worked tirelessly to ensure that working with LCC is straightforward for all involved in the project, from the specifier to the programmer and the technician installing and commissioning the system. LCC makes a Lightning network easy to configure and operate — think of the Lightning Control Centre as the key that unlocks the full gamut of possibilities made available by the AptoVision Blue River NT2000 chipset.

“The time is absolutely right for a product like Lightning,” says Raffaut. “We’re currently seeing interest from dozens of projects — commercial to hospitality, corporate, education and healthcare – that are all seeing the compelling advantages of moving zero-latency, uncompressed full-definition multiview video to the network. Lightning, with its unlimited scalability, is particularly attractive to larger commercial projects but we’ve had strong interest from pubs and licensed clubs as well.”

KEY FEATURES

• Superior AptoVision Blue River NT2000 (previously NT+) technology with zero frame latency, allowing 4K video distribution to be routed with the same uncompressed video quality as native and HDBaseT systems, maintaining picture perfect image reproduction with identical timing as the original source.
• Video distribution of all common video standards from VGA (640×480) to 4K (4096×2160) using standard enterprise 10GbE network switches ensuring ease of deployment, reduced maintenance and significant cost savings.
• Complete and independent audio, video and control matrix switching – Lightning handles the demands of digital video routing, ensuring HDCP compliance, maintaining EDID communication, all while controlling source and display end points.
• Unmatched I/O flexibility – Lightning allows the incremental increase of inputs and outputs, making fixed-sized matrix systems obsolete. It allows custom matrix sizes that are t-for-application; for example, a 48-port router allows such configurations as 12×36, 30×16, 20×25 and so on, all in a 1RU switch package.
• Lightning is in production – available now!

AptoVision: www.aptovision.com