Vaddio recently began shipping its AV Bridge MatrixMIX Multipurpose AV Switcher, which brings live event production to unified communication applications like Skype for Business, WebEx and Google Hangouts.
CI asked Vaddio product manager Rob Viren about why the AV Bridge MatrixMIX is seen as a big benefit for integrators.
Why was it important for Vaddio to develop a tool for integrators to help their customers live stream events to UC applications?
Viren: Vaddio saw a need for companies and organizations that wanted a way to enhance their meetings or live events and then easily stream these events by connecting to Skype for Business, WebEx, Google Hangouts, Zoom and so on.
Integrators will appreciate its crossover design and how the AV Bridge MatrixMIX can be used in a wide variety of live production applications.
Vaddio wanted to develop a flexible, usable platform that spanned the requirements of multiple industries. Vaddio didn’t want integrators to worry whether the product would have the capacity to meet the demands of an end user.
So, the AV Bridge MatrixMIX multipurpose AV Switcher was designed to provide the best possible user experience for everyone — from the most experienced AV operators to the occasional weekend volunteer.
Whether it was a house of worship with inexperienced operators, a venue looking to include complex graphics and transitions, or professors needing to orchestrate a complex lecture with ease and professionalism, the AV Bridge MatrixMIX provides a rock-solid, simple system that stays true to the core of Vaddio — the art of easy.
Can you describe how the AV Bridge MatrixMIX Multipurpose AV Switcher can help integrators add live production capabilities to their arsenals?
Viren: Integrators will appreciate its crossover design and how the AV Bridge MatrixMIX can be used in a wide variety of live production applications.
For example, when paired with the PCC MatrixMIX Camera Controller and TeleTouch 27 USB Touch-Screen Multiviewer, plus Vaddio cameras, audio devices or trigger sensors, it can be configured as a local presentation switcher for a lecture capture application in a larger lecture hall.
The system can be used as a production switcher in a live event application or configured for a PC-based collaboration session. And because the AV Bridge MatrixMIX can be controlled remotely, an operator can use it in large enterprise and higher education applications where a centralized control center is used to control multiple AV rooms.
The AV Bridge MatrixMIX offers a multifunctional feature set: camera switching, advanced camera control, streaming and graphics mixing — all from a single device. This built-in versatility lets end users enhance presentations or live events with graphics and interactive content for a superior user experience — and live stream it to a UCC application as well.
What level of training is needed to get customers’ IT departments up and running with this live production tool, or do you recommend integrators provided onsite assistance as a managed service?
Viren: An IT department doesn’t usually run the actual production; they would manage the IP address on their network 
and maintain firmware for the most part. Initial setup for the IT department consists of connecting the AV Bridge MatrixMIX to their network and possibly assigning it a static IP.
For integrators, the AV Bridge MatrixMIX is not overly difficult to set up. Formal training is not required as the system’s web-based user interface is intuitive for a first-time setup. For those who want details, Vaddio offers an online learning resource which is always updated with new content, plus Vaddio’s technical support team is always available to answer immediate questions.
For end-users who are running the live event production, the system’s touchscreen interface is extremely simple and intuitive. In fact, a professor or corporate trainer or volunteer producer in a church setting can create a first-rate production without extensive training.
