It’s not just a launch of some new switches. As QSC announces its Q-SYS networking solutions, which do include new Q-SYS NS Series network switches, “It’s very much a realignment of the way that QSC views the Q-SYS networking solution.”
That’s according to Patrick Heyn, marketing director for QSC.
[related]The new Q-SYS networking solutions are designed to simplify system design and installations, which the company expects will increase profitability for integrators working with Q-SYS-based networked audio, video and control systems.
“Q-SYS was built around mainstream, standard IT technology in order to provide synchronized, low-latency audio and video over standard IT networks,” says Martin Barbour, product manager, QSC, in the company’s press release.
“Nearly all modern network switches meet the performance requirements to support the transport of real-time media on Q-SYS; however, depending on network traffic, the network switch may need to be manually configured.
“In an effort to simplify Q-SYS system deployments, QSC has developed the NS Series to eliminate the guesswork related to networking and provide integrators a solution that can reduce the amount of time spent on network configuration, troubleshooting and support, allowing them to focus on more profitable aspects of the project.”
More about Q-SYS NS Series Network Switches
QSC’s Q-SYS NS Series is a range of enterprise-grade, fully managed 1/10GbE network switches that are pre-configured to meet the performance requirements of the Q-SYS Platform and associated third-party networked AV technologies, according to a QSC press release.
“The savings recognized by the reduction in deployment time is immense,” Heyn says.
Available in 8-port, 24-port and 48-port models, these Dell EMC network switches provide real-time transport of Q-SYS audio, video and control, as well as AES67 and Dante audio streams simultaneously within the same VLAN, all without the need to manually configure the network switch or end points.
How Q-SYS Networking Solutions Increase Integrators’ Profitability
QSC maintains that its new Q-SYS networking solutions, including Q-SYS NS Series network switches, will increase integrators’ profitability. How does that work?
Well, speeding up deployment was a big product development driver, Heyn explains.
The Q-SYS NS Series network switches aren’t proprietary. Q-SYS was built on standard networking protocols are built on standard iEEE-ratified protocols, he says. “The reason that we’re coming out with these switches is really just to expedite the deployment for those that want that expedited experience.”
Some integrators, he adds, don’t want to deal with custom configurations.
“If you just want a plug-and-play solution for a local AV network and you want to avoid engaging with IT tech support professionals, these switches are available for you.”
Related: 5 Ways QSC’s Q-SYS Is Ideal for IT Directors
Part of QSC’s goal seems to be making it easier for AV system designers to easily create solutions that are IT director-friendly. “The best part about these switches are that they basically come preconfigured for Q-SYS,” Heyn says.
“They’re plug-and-play. You pull them out of the box and plug them in and they’re ready to deploy a design on Q-SYS.”
Third-Party Verification
QSC says the NS Series was independently tested and verified by the University of New Hampshire InterOperability Laboratory (UNH-IOL). UNH-IOL is an independent provider of broad-based testing and standards conformance services for the networking industries.
“They’re plug-and-play. You pull them out of the box and plug them in and they’re ready to deploy a design on Q-SYS,” Heyn says.
“The UNH-IOL is trusted by some of the most recognized corporations in the networking industry, and we are very excited to partner with QSC to offer unbiased, neutral testing of network switches to validate the performance requirements necessary for real-time media distribution with the Q-SYS Platform,” says Michayla Newcombe, associate director UNH InterOperability Laboratory.
“We worked very closely with QSC to develop a robust testing process based on industry accepted test methodologies to help increase confidence and reduce time to market.”
Learn more about the relationship between Q-SYS networking solutions and UNH-IOL here.
“Our partnership with UNH-IOL allows the end customer to engage directly with the university for additional third-party network switch qualifications for Q-SYS,” says Heyn. “They will run a battery of tests directly against Q-SYS performance requirements, verify that this switch meets these requirements, and then deliver a customize configuration for the switch.”
Find more information about QSC’s new Q-SYS networking solutions ,including Q-SYS NS Series network switches, on its website.
Features and Benefits of Q-SYS NS Series Network Switches (from Website):
- Expedite deployment with a plug-and-play solution: Q-SYS NS Series network switches are pre-configured specifically to meet the performance requirements of Q-SYS audio, video and control (AV&C) systems, saving integrators an enormous amount of time installing local AV networks.
- AV infrastructure for today’s modern AV ecosystem: QSC has paired rock-solid Dell EMC network switches with finely tuned switch configurations created by the Q-SYS product development team. They were then independently tested for optimal performance by the University of New Hampshire Interoperability Labs (UNH-IOL) against their Q-SYS network protocol test suite to ensure support for the entire Q-SYS ecosystem.
- Future-proof solution: Q-SYS NS Series has also become the benchmark for future Q-SYS audio and video peripheral products, ensuring this investment in your AV infrastructure will support the expansion and evolution of your Q-SYS system for years to come.
- Flexible network scenarios: Q-SYS NS Series network switches support Q-LAN, AES67 and Dante audio streams in addition to Q-LAN video streaming and distribution, simultaneously within the same VLAN without ever having to manually configure or adapt the QoS settings on the switches or end point devices.
- Intelligent management & convenient connection options: These switches automatically manage any multicast traffic on your network, which can be common with networked audio and video distribution systems. They also provide a number of PoE+ capable ports for convenient connection of networked AV peripherals.
- Reduce support requirements: This investment in your AV ecosystem will decrease the need to engage with IT tech support saving you time, cost, and frustration associated with troubleshooting untested network switches.