The newest audio-video matrix switcher from the engineers at QuickSet International, the QuickSwitch Sentinel 256 delivers.

The QuickSwitch Sentinel 256 series matrix routing switchers accept up to 256 composite, Y/C, component or RGBHV video sources with 256 balanced or unbalanced mono/stereo audio sources. It also connects any one of the input sources to one or more of the available 128 outputs. With a wide video frequency response of DC to 30MHz or 200MHz and advanced active/buffered circuitry, the Sentinel 256 is designed to capture signals from the most primitive CCTV cameras to state of the art high-resolution component video cameras. With the optional 200MHz cards, you can also distribute and view computer video up to 1600x1200 resolution in a custom RGBHV configuration.

The Sentinel 256 can route one camera to 128 monitors simultaneously or 128 of the available 256 sources of video to 128 destinations without moving a single wire.  The Sentinel 256 series of high performance routing switchers come configured standard with 30MHz video bandwidth for everyday live video surveillance applications. It will also serve as the backbone of a demanding state of the art, military command and control center using high definition component or high resolution PC video with the optional 200MHz video cards.
Unlike many competitive products in this size and price range, the modular card-frame design of the Sentinel 256 makes servicing and troubleshooting easy. The 9RU video and audio rackframes are designed to afford maximum flexibility for future expansion. The open architecture of the Sentinel series allows for configuration of a small 16x16 video system today. Yet, there is the peace of mind that if in a few months or years an expansion to a larger 256x128 video is needed with balanced stereo audio configuration the system won’t become obsolete.

QuickSet builds each router standard with a mil-spec power supply and includes a port for an optional redundant supply for mission critical system applications.  QuickSet modular switchers are field upgradeable. Additional modules may be added at any time without having to send the unit back to the factory.  Simple Ascii Strings (SAS) provide simple control through the standard RS-232 port. Other control options include IP (Ethernet-RJ45) control for operation over a LAN or via the Internet or with a wide variety of QuickSwitch remote keypads. The Sentinel is also fully compatible with third party touchscreen controllers AMX and Crestron.  As an option, Quickset can mount a 5” LCD monitor with headphone jack into the front panel for a quick and easy way to troubleshoot video and audio connections in large and complex systems. The monitor may be used as a preview monitor to make certain a feed is active before it’s routed downstream to a video recorder or as a remote monitor.
To monitor audio, the Sentinel 256 is available with ultra-low noise 3-wire balanced mono/stereo audio or RCA-style unbalanced mono/stereo audio. Audio can follow video or may be routed separately for maximum flexibility.  In a market crowded with “me-too” products, the Sentinel series is poised to become the industry standard “go-to” solution.                                                           

By Stefan Seigel