PULSE-EIGHT ANSWERS

MATRIX REVELATIONS

The Pulse-Eight team, UK innovator in the matrix and signal management sector, offer answers on some of the thorniest issues currently facing the industry.

Matrix products and AV over IP solutions are still vying for attention and dealers need to decide which is appropriate for each project

What are the most common technical challenges facing this sector currently? It’s fair to say that the most predominant technical challenge in this industry at the moment is the ongoing global components shortage. Almost everyone in the industry has been affected by this in one way or another. This shortage is resulting in many manufacturers experiencing longer and longer component lead times. Which, unfortunately, is creating bottle necks in product shipping. As a Manufacturer in Great Britain, Pulse-Eight is having to get creative with its distribution equipment. We have worked around this parts obsolescence issue by creatively redesigning products that utilise parts that are becoming available.

AV over IP or conventional matrix, where are we? When comparing AV over IP versus conventional matrices, both categories are very important, but it’s true that each has its own place in the industry. Conventional fix formatted matrices, which Pulse-Eight have been working with for the past decade, have a ceiling in the residential space especially when it comes to input and output counts. This, in comparison to an IP solution, could be seen as limited.

When looking at our own soon to be launched AV over IP solution that offers endless connectivity from an input and an output perspective, ultimately creates a clear path into a commercial space whereas a residential fixedformat matrix is limited. Where can the sector go next in providing the next step change in functionality? As far as looking to the future of the industry and providing the next step change in functionality, we as an industry need to accept new technology. Embracing and working with new formats such as 8K and 16K is imperative as clients will demand these resolutions as they become more mainstream. In addition, you only have to look at current announcements such as Sky with their new Sky Glass display to see how the world is potentially opening up a different ways clients are receiving media.

Set-top boxes will potentially soon be a thing of the past, with content being delivered via onboards. As an industry we need to look towards working more with integrated solutions, but also at the same time rolling with any new format changes and any increases in enhancements in video and audio distribution qualities and signal management options. Staying on top of the needs and demands of the ever-changing client should remain a top priority. We should be working to integrate the latest technology into our products to ensure the most premium and advanced experiences for our clients.