American Dynamics Virtual Matrix (VMK) solution

[CCTV_Suppliers 0]

Anyone familiar with American Dynamics Virtual Matrix software? It is a solution that virtually eliminates any need of using Video Matrix hardware, including keyboards if necessary. This way there is no need to purchase very expensive Video Matrix hardware (for Casino environment, typical 1,024 or higher switchers are standard) and instead, all its functionality is spread between few workstations. Coupled with redundancy that can exist with hot swappable drives, hot swappable workstations, it makes perfect economical sense to get away from these very expensive matrix switchers, thus increase life expectancy of such systems and yet provide more cost effective maintenance path in the long term.

 

After playing around with software for some time now, it was obvious that the hardware requirements for this type of solution is not easy to obtain in the market. Quite of few end users were buying the best hardware solutions available from Dell and HP and yet, still having serious video “draggingâ€

[Thomas 0]

Matrox actually has a number of solutions for driving large numbers of monitors. They have one very sweet system that's used for large scale displays for things like control rooms. And it supports standard PCI slots or PCI-E slots.

[CCTV_Suppliers 0]

Which matrix are you referring to?

[bigbuilding 0]

I have briefly reasearched VM and I never thought of it as eliminating the matrix. I thought some of the advantages were: easier view/search on Net Client instead of listing cams by intellex you are able to have just 1 list of cameras, tours etc on Net Client, and quick search video from the Matrix keyboard (which is cool). Also I suppose its alot cheaper to install 1 CPU, 4 monitors to CPU, and 1 internet connection versus installing 4 new monitors and wiring to matrix,purchasing keyboard, and matrix harware.

 

For me, I rather view video over matrix not network, its like watching a movie on your TV or over the internet.

[CCTV_Suppliers 0]

Virtual Matrix gives a choice... I personally will not recommend it for any setup with less than 96 cameras and besides, if you already have your matrix switch, why change it?

 

But if you had a choice when your matrix switch decides to quit and compare pricing for another switch, which by the way must be MP3200 variation, then deal with typical cabling issues, programming, learning new platform, etc., then it should make an economical sense, at least that is my interpretation.

 

Each setup could be configured different using specific size monitor... Imagine this.. instead of using tube monitors, which still are in use and still available, you can have few 30" LCD monitors hanged with articulating arm and adjusted for best viewing and giving someone panoramic view of the entire facility and yet, all the connections are through a single workstation and network cable.. and then if you need to view anything remotely, then standard Network Client will suffice...

 

Again, I rather have choices than someone's ancient technology and have a technological platform that is a forward looking for future changes and newer technologies.... Remember, with this setup, you also can integrate your IP solutions, as this type of platform comes in with open architecture.. Regardless if you bring in NVR in the mix and end up using video encoders or IP solution, this platform does not have to change... just add, plug, configure and you are ready to rock and roll.

 

This is a confirmation of very extensive and expensive tests that were conducted outside of this manufacturer control and there are absolutely no bias of any sort that is or will be shown in this solution. If we were to follow this solution according to this manufacturer specifications, then overall solution will be cost prohibitive and there is not fun to talk about it. We have (4) of these systems ready for delivery to very high profile customer this upcoming week. The initial tests actually blown them away, as this customer realized the major cost savings compared to very expensive matrix switch that was recommended by others.

[Thomas 0]

Which matrix are you referring to?

 

I was referring the the graphics card company that specializes more niche graphics cards. They have card systems in place that already do 8+ monitor outputs.

[CCTV_Suppliers 0]

Can you tell me who this graphics card manufacturer is?

[Thomas 0]

Can you tell me who this graphics card manufacturer is?

 

Matrox. It wasn't a spelling error, it's the name of the company.

[CCTV_Suppliers 0]

Thanks.

[valboosky 0]

Very interesting.

 

I have only seen it with 4 monitors. And that took a pretty impressive computer. Quad Core with Dual 8800 GT and i Can still see video lag when CPU load hits a peak.

 

Very impressed that you managed to get that kind of hardware to test it out.

 

I guess you were really devoted to finding the limits.

[CCTV_Suppliers 0]

Very interesting.

 

I have only seen it with 4 monitors. And that took a pretty impressive computer. Quad Core with Dual 8800 GT and i Can still see video lag when CPU load hits a peak.

 

Very impressed that you managed to get that kind of hardware to test it out.

 

I guess you were really devoted to finding the limits.

 

VMK software is dependent on processor cycle, but it is not a processor intensive application. Rather, you have to find happy medium between your processor and the video cards.

 

In my last build, we delivered four VMK workstations, two of which are to control two monitors and the rest are to control four monitors. What actually became obvious in this last job was the fact that you do not want to use some cheapo monitors regardless of the size.

 

The main trick is to make sure that you do not use more than native resolution of the monitor (you can, but...). Also when you strip down majority of the services running in the XP background, it helps tremendously. Running four monitors with a single VMK showed clearly that the overal quad core proc was using less than 50% of its capacity, and the application was taking full advantage of the newest ATI video cards (HD4870) with newest GPU chips... This site also had a 30+" plasma monitor and we were able to push its maximum 1920X1080 resolution and the outcome was exceptional.. no hesitation of any sort for the video overlays coming from four different Intellex systems on the same monitor (total of 64 camera shots)..

 

I have another request right now where a customer wants to drive 60" plasma with this workstation and ability to view total of 30+ Intellex systems from his stores right at his office.. The solution for this application is much simpler, as all it needs is to have two of these video cards running in crossfire mode and then push the resolution to plasma native... and then he can arrange all his 30+ Intellex shots throughout this plasma. We had a similar job few weeks ago that required no more than 10 Intellex system on a monitor and with correct hardware list, we achieve the goal and overall system performance without any hesitation of the video stream.