These days, users expect flexible preview switching. When you add two projectors and the ability to send what's on the screen to a video conferencing system, we're starting to talk about expensive routers and major time and effort to program the control system that drives them.

Other applications, such as switching 50 or 60 VGA inputs to a single projector, can be hard to implement with off-the-shelf products. Command Systems' Theatre Commander Modular Switcher is designed to address these problems.

Theatre Commander Modular Switcher is a modular switcher with three different parts (low inventory!):

- a passive cardframe
- an input module
- an output module.

Using nothing more than a Philip’s-head screwdriver, you can build almost any size switcher or router, from 2 input, 1 output up to 64 input 64 output - and any size in between. Even complex distributed, hierarchical switching arrays can be implemented.

Latest single-chip buffers, surface-mount technology and short, direct signal paths provide high-bandwidth performance and an 8 bit parallel interface and configurable source and destination addresses make integrating it rather simple compared to some solutions.

Some other benefits are:

• Total immunity to crosspoint latch-up.

• All RGB/Video outputs are fully buffered and have DC to 350MHz response.

• Direct H and V paths avoid sync ID problems.

• "Audio" channels are direct DC paths in BOTH DIRECTIONS.

• Separate ground returns for audio and video.

• Audio ground is separately switched - no ground loops.

• Virtually unlimited dynamic range for audio.

• Audio channels can be used to switch keyboard and mouse signals simultaneously with VGA for computer training room applications.

• RGB "zero reflections" performance applies to ANY point on the matrix, not just at the end of the bus.

• Slide-out source indicator labeling.

• Flexible mounting brackets and 10cm depth minimises impact on rack air flow, allows mounting into front or back of rack and even permits direct mounting to any flat surface, e.g. inside lectern furniture, under workbenches etc.

Balanced or Unbalanced Audio Balanced or Unbalanced Audio Balanced or Unbalanced Audio Balanced or Unbalanced Audio - you have the flexibility of unbalanced audio with switched, isolated grounds or balanced audio.

• Bandwidth Bandwidth Bandwidth Bandwidth - extends from DC to in excess of 350MHz. All configurations have short, clean signal paths. You get absolute signal integrity.

• Control Control Control Control - is via an 8 bit parallel port which also connects DC power. It plugs directly into a 10-way Theatre Commander PIU accessory socket or is easily interfaced to 3 rd -party controllers, a PC printer port or a simple push-button switch matrix.

• Flexible Addressing Flexible Addressing Flexible Addressing Flexible Addressing - With all inputs and outputs individually addressable, programming your control system is a snap. Just set each module to match your existing variables.

• Hierarchical Distributed Arrays Hierarchical Distributed Arrays Hierarchical Distributed Arrays Hierarchical Distributed Arrays - are an ideal solution for multi-input conference rooms, classrooms, command and control centres etc., where large numbers of VGA inputs spread over a large area are needed. Modular Switcher's compact size and flexibility allow cardframes to be mounted under desks, linked in a hierarchical array. This avoids the need for VDAs for each input, greatly simplifying installation and cabling.

For more information: www.commandsys.com.au

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