Introduction

The MultiTasker is a new type of AV equipment designed to simplify installation and control of AV systems. Although card-cage systems are very popular in many broadcast and industrial applications, they have not been widely implemented in mainstream AV installations. Computer and broadcast users learned a long time ago the benefit of card-cage designs, which include: ease of installation and repair, simple upgrade paths, improved reliability, and reduction of space and power supply wirings. In most cases, the card-cage solution becomes viable and competitive when 50% of available slots are filled with cards.

From the graph above you can see that a MultiTasker is very effective for small, medium, and large AV systems. The cost difference for large AV installations can be quite significant. In addition to the product cost differences, a MultiTasker also offers significant savings in labor costs. Consider the numerous saving features: single power cord, single rack mount unit, single control point, and single control protocol. All of these features add to significant time savings and quick and painless installations.

The MultiTasker Concept

To fully understand MultiTasker advantages, let’s look at the components involved in building a MultiTasker.

Enclosures – The MultiTasker design always starts with an enclosure and front panels. These are essential elements for the beginning of the system, and several options are available. The enclosure size will determine the number of cards that can be used in the system. The popular sizes are: 4-slot, 8-slot, 19-slot, and 20-slot. All enclosures can be stand-alone table type or mounted in the rack. Since all enclosures are compatible with each other and use the same control protocol, the units can be mixed in a single AV installation without changes in control protocol. All enclosures can be looped together for single RS232 control port.

Front Panel - the front panel of a MultiTasker has three different options noted below. Each option is designed to address a specific application and maximize MultiTasker capabilities.

* Blank Front Panel: used mainly with distribution amplifiers, auto switchers, line drivers, and Twisted Pair transmitters and receivers.

* Front Panel without Switches: used when a user interface will be done through an external control system. This configuration has RS232 ports on the front and back of the unit.

* Front Panel with Switches: used for applications requiring direct control of the unit during installations, operation, and emergency override. All keys are fully programmable and can be re-defined at any time.

Plug-In Cards

The plug-in cards are the heart of the MultiTasker system providing complete functionality and versatility to the MultiTasker configuration. Each MultiTasker card can be viewed as a stand-alone product sharing common power supply and control functions. Currently, there are over 70 different cards available for MultiTaskers ranging from simple distribution amplifiers to sophisticated scalars, power audio amplifiers, and controllers. Using a combination of these cards, any AV system can be designed and implemented using MultiTasker components. Simple RS232 control protocol allows uniform command structure between cards and simplifies system programming. Since many functions on the MultiTasker are fully programmable, the changes to the system can be made as requirements change. The cards’ capabilities cover all aspects of AV system design.

Conclusion

The MultiTasker system brings an unparalleled flexibility to the design and installation of audiovisual systems. Coupled with the availability of different plug-in cards and built-to-to order configurations the MultiTasker brings a unique design platform that is flexible, manageable, and upgradeable. New cards are constantly developed to increase capabilities of MultiTasker-designed systems. On the average, ALTINEX introduced 5-8 different cards every year to address the changing needs of the AV industry. The technology of tomorrow is here today.