Besides the matrix switcher, considered a missing piece for HD systems, the new Infinova HD surveillance solution also includes pan-tilt-zoom and fixed security cameras, fibre optic encoders and an HD-SDI to HDMI converter. With this offering, Infinova gives Integrators the choice of a full line-up of surveillance technologies, including megapixel, analogue, H.264 and HD.

“The significance of having an HD matrix switcher cannot be underscored enough,” emphasizes Mark S. Wilson, Infinova vice president, marketing. “An HD switcher makes it extremely easy for our integrators to install an HD system that lets their customers match the viewing flexibility of video walls in traditional systems.”

According to Wilson, since HD is derived from a set of standards, including SMPTE-292M, developed by the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers for application in broadcast television studios, traditional IP and analogue matrix switchers will not work with HD. The great majority of HD manufacturers do not produce a compatible switcher so switching a video signal to the desired wall monitor is not possible. With the Infinova HD matrix switcher, security operators can call-up and switch HD security cameras to the desired monitor on the video wall and send the HD video to remote monitors in different parts of the building.