Presentation Switchers

Government and Military Briefing Centers

The Challenge

In military briefing centers, integrators have an exceptionally large set of design challenges. Integrators must combine client furnished equipment, such as satellite imagery, broadcast feeds from cable boxes, document cameras, and video conference gear, along with defined levels of security including NIPR and SIPR Networks. Designers must also support new digital devices, high resolution media players, digital imaging equipment, and high resolution computer systems. And, military customers put a priority on flexibility, adaptability, and expandability to meet the future requirements of new technologies in an often secure and demanding environment.

Meeting the Challenge

To meet this challenge, Presentation Switchers developed a line of modular digital presentation switchers called the "Series 500".

Each system begins with the selection of a modular enclosure - the PS550 & PS545 are the most popular North American versions. Each enclosure has power, communication, and audio and video output boards. The PS545 was designed specifically with the SECURE environment in mind and offers no Ethernet communication port. The designer then selects a series of input card assemblies (HDMI, VGA, DVI, DisplayPort, Component, Composite, and S-Video) to meet the specific mission requirements of the installation. Here is a typical PS550 configuration:

In this example, we are utilizing NIPR (non-secure) PC, SIPR (secure) PC, a NIPR Video Teleconference Codec and a media player - all using traditional Analog video signal and audio formats. Additionally, the design incorporates Digital signals from a BluRay player using HDMI and a document camera on DVI-D. An additional slot is left open for future expansion.

To output from the Series 500 switcher, we can use both Analog “VGA” signals and utilize Digital HDMI to output up to 1920 X 1200 resolution. The Series 500 supports all new Digital HDTV formats up to 1080p. Audio is provided simultaneously on balanced line level outputs (stereo or mono) and thru a commercial 70V (North America) or 100V (European) amplifier. The integrated 100 watt amplifier supports 2-20 speakers tapped accordingly providing excellent coverage for briefing/conference facilities of up to 100 people.

Going Beyond the Challenge

The Series 500 offers additional "automation" features that integrators and end users alike will appreciate: Auto-Switching, Display Controls and Control System Feedback.

Auto-switching

In this user selectable mode, if a presenter connects to any port on the Series 500 and activates his/her device (laptop etc), the Series 500 recognizes the new signal and automatically switches to that input and displays the new source on the LCD/Plasma Display or Projector. If the system was in standby mode, the Series 500 can turn on the projector and lower the projection screen.

Integrated into the Series 500 is the ability to control Projectors or LCD/Plasma Displays via RS-232 commands. A pair of contact closures also allow for simple relay control of an electric screen or privacy drapes. An easy-to-use, “Set and Forget” Graphic User Interface (GUI) makes set up a breeze and eliminates the need for large control systems for simple room configurations.

When integrated with a 3rd party control system, such as a Crestron or AMX controller, the Series 500 automatically notifies the controller when a switch occurs - either an auto-switch or a manual switch from the front panel. It also notifies when the user manually changes the volume from the front panel. This feature eliminates the control system having to poll the Series 500 for status changes - reducing the amount of code and lowering programming costs. The control system also appears "more responsive" when changes occur by immediately updating the panel to reflect the changes as they happen.

In Conclusion

With the convergence of analog and digital signals today, integrators are finding it increasingly difficult to accommodate existing and new age equipment in briefing room designs with traditional, fixed configuration switchers.
Presentation Switchers, with its Series 500 line of modular digital presentation switchers provide near-limitless solutions integrating analog and digital devices in briefing room environments - with ease. Presentation Switchers is quickly becoming the worldwide "go-to" source for digital presentation systems.