Hands On: Altinex Multitasker Matrix Switcher

Richard Dussaigne, vice president for audiovisual integration at Americon in Camarillo, Calif. Americon specializes in control room environments, manufacturing furniture but also offering complete AV services.

Richard Dussaigne, vice president for audiovisual integration at Americon in Camarillo, Calif. Americon specializes in control room environments, manufacturing furniture but also offering complete AV services.

MY PICK: Altinex MultiTasker Matrix Switcher/MultiTouch touch panel control system

LIST PRICE: $2,295 (for 8x4 switcher); $2,100 to $3,145 (MultiTouch panel)

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT IT: The Altinex MultiTasker matrix switcher and MultiTouch touch panel provide full signal management from one configurable system. Anything that you would want to do to with audio or video signals can be achieved through the use of a MultiTasker. The latest addition of full control system functionality completes the package.

MY RESULTS: Our customer was looking for a control system to help facilitate a videowall installation that we provided. The costs of other control systems we had offered were too much for the budget and had been planned for future system expansion. Frustration finally got the best of the customer and he called asking for a simple handheld universal remote solution to “get him by” until they could do the full-fledged system.

Rather than provide a bandage solution, we offered the Altinex system, which had just been introduced. The solution fit within his budget and facilitates control of the wall processor, displays, and input devices to a point where anybody can walk into the room and operate the videowall. An 8-inch full color touch panel provides easy navigation to various control functions. Our customer is very happy with the results.