Expansion on the cards
Expansion on the cards
The latest product updates to be issued by Extron include new Quantum Ultra expansion cards to simply the design, integration and operation of large videowalls, together with a new compact but high-performance control processor and new 4K.60 video switchers.
The Quantum Ultra expansion cards link up to five Quantum Ultra frames together, extending the high-speed HyperLane bus between processors. Once configured, the processors operate as a single system with a shared bus. This makes each input source available to all video outputs. Those outputs are also genlocked across all frames, maintaining image synchronisation and eliminating video tearing. Integrating Quantum Ultra processors configured with Quantum Expansion cards provides flexible system design for large videowalls without the need for front-end switching or distribution amplifiers.
Alongside the Ultra expansion cards is the release of Extron’s new IPCP Pro S1 xi compact control processor, which has been designed for decentralised control in small- and medium-sized applications. The device is said to offer greater processing power and twice the memory of the manufacturer’s IP Link Pro series. Ethernet monitoring and control enables the management of AV devices using a standard Ethernet network. It also features one bidirectional RS-232 serial port with hardware and software handshaking, advanced security standards and Gigabit Ethernet, which ensures compatibility with multiple TouchLink Pro touchpanels, Network Button Panels and IPL EXP expansion interfaces using a standard network infrastructure.
Lastly, the recently announced DSC 401 and DSC 401 A high-performance scalers have now been made available. They support data rates up to 18Gbps and incorporate the manufacturer’s Vector 4K scaling engine. Both models support 4K/60 signals on a single HDMI connection, while additional features include onscreen menus, internal test patterns and status LEDs.