By Jason Tirado
Lightware Visual Engineering

According to Pew Research, roughly one-third of Americans in the labor force are millennials – those ranging in age from 27 to 42. In 2016, Millennials surpassed Generation Xers to become the largest generational group in the U.S. labor force. This means most live events will soon become Millennials if it has not happened already. The technology-savvy generation puts a high value on the quality of an experience over physical things, like event-related swag, which has pushed live event planners to focus more on the experience in their live event production.

Fortunately, technology has evolved the dynamics of live event production from the days of a single screen and slideshow to projection mapping, mobile apps and personalized event experiences. Audiovisual technology is essential for a successful, engaging live event. Integrating audiovisual technology has the potential to essentially bring an event to life, whether it’s a presentation, speech, conference, training or standard meeting. It is designed to engage an audience and enable them to connect with the conveyed messages. As a result, the messaging will leave a longer-lasting impression.

The emergence of new, engaging technologies continues to change the live event industry. As with any new technology, the evolution has accelerated efficiencies and enhanced the attendee experience. However, one thing has remained the same: The underlying importance of reliability in any live event audiovisual system.

“Live events are unique because each week is a new project,” explained Drew Taylor, owner and video engineer for High Resolution Engineering and a Lightware customer. “We’re packing and shipping professional video equipment to venues across North America. We must have products we can rely on. If something fails during an installation on a show site, swapping the products out is challenging. We must have ready-to-go, reliable products because our clients count on us to deliver a fail-proof, robust solution. Our extensive rental inventory supports various events, including corporate events, trade shows, entertainment and festivals, product launches, concerts and exhibitions.”

Most audiovisual and live event professionals pack and ship equipment to venues worldwide to power the next engaging experience, so audiovisual providers and live event professionals must have products they can rely on. Have you ever heard the expression “The show must go on”? If something fails during an installation, swapping the products out is challenging. Not to mention, the attention that you’ve worked so hard to grab with an engaging live event, has likely been lost.

Lightware’s MX Modular Matrix Series, featuring HDBaseT technology, has been standardized by event production technologists as a reliable solution with built-in segment-specific device features for live event applications. Designed for mission-critical operations, the MX Modular Matrix Series features hot-swappable N+1 redundant power supplies. If one of the supplies fails unexpectedly, the remaining PSU units continue operating while the AV system remains seamless. Hypothetically, if a server fails, production can send commands directly to Lightware’s technology to modify outputs and ensure no content loss. It enables video producers to have a constant content stream to the destination.

Lightware’s connectivity and signal management solutions utilize HDBaseT technology, from HDMI point-to-point extension to signal-to-switch and beyond. HDBaseT is the global standard for the distribution of ultra-high-definition video, audio, Ethernet, control, USB, and up to 100W of power over a single cable and across a distance of up to 328 feet or 100 meters. HDBaseT offers users many advantages and unlocks a host of features. Harnessing HDBaseT technology, Lightware’s MX Modular Matrix Series supports high-resolution 4K UHD, 2560×1600 and 1920×1080 at 120Hz resolutions, standard HDMI 3D formats and all HDMI 1.3 resolutions, operating without signal latency. Notably, the MX Modular Matrix Series features a non‑blocking topology, which allows any input to be tied to one or more outputs without limitations. Users can tie one source to multiple destinations at the same time.

Since 1998, Lightware has been developing matrix switchers, signal extenders and accessories for the professional AV market. Lightware provides unique advantages to integrators and end-users by combining a built-in video frame rate analyzer, cable diagnostics and an open API for higher level management and monitoring systems. Lightware’s MX Modular Matrix Series are the highest performance, modular expandable DVI and HDMI compliant switchers, available in five different frame sizes, ranging from 9×9 to 80×80. The MX Modular Matrix Series is here: https://lightware.com/product-families/mx-series