Why Virtual Matrix?

Conventional analog video systems use coaxial cable to connect all components ― cameras, monitors, and recorders ― with hardware matrix switches so that they can distribute video. But, for many organizations, it is not cost effective to buy and install more cable every time they want to expand their video system. Virtual matrix technology provides a software-based alternative to analog matrix switches for efficiently and intelligently routing live and recorded images to video walls, monitors, recorders, and mobile devices. This is especially important when considering the trend toward geographically-distributed video operations, where scalability is a key concern.

Also consider that analog hardware switches have a finite number of ports, while a virtual matrix can distribute video from any number of cameras to any number of networked devices. Analog matrix switches are bulky, heavy devices that take up lots of space and consume considerable power, while software-based switches reside just on an IP network. Additionally, in deployments where the cameras and hardware matrix are far apart, the video signal needs to be boosted by way of repeaters or amplifiers to avoid signal degradation that would otherwise occur.

With a virtual matrix, video streams are sent through Ethernet cables, which are less expensive and easier to work with than coaxial cable. Software switches run on wireless networks, as well, which allows video distribution solutions to be deployed virtually anyplace. And because video is transmitted as IP packets by a software switch, there is no signal degradation, regardless of how far the video has to travel.

Nextiva Virtual Matrix Overview

Nextiva Virtual Matrix is Verint’s high-performance virtual matrix that automatically distributes video, audio, and alarms across Local and Wide Area Networks (LANs/WANs). With Virtual Matrix, authorized users can view live and recorded video on analog monitors or PCs. They can view predetermined image sequences, video from multiple cameras on a single monitor (tours), and multiple tours at one time (salvos). And they can control PTZ cameras, assign cameras to monitors on demand, and simultaneously replay alarm-based video at multiple locations for redundancy and coordinated response.

Nextiva Virtual Matrix provides the functionality of traditional analog matrices without the limitations. Verint software-based switching technology promotes virtually unrestricted system scalability without the costs and bottlenecks associated with matrix hardware. Virtual Matrix can address and manage any number of video inputs and outputs with additional hardware investments. And Virtual Matrix can interface with any PTZ keyboard protocol and control any PTZ dome with conventional commands, such as Pan/Tilt/Zoom, Focus/Iris, and Presets.

From a central workspace within Nextiva Control Center, administrators can identify and configure all cameras, monitors, and CCTV keyboards. Then, authorized personnel can define camera tours, salvos, and instant replay settings for customized camera views from the same Virtual Matrix workspace.

Virtual Matrix works with standard IT equipment and TCP/IP networking infrastructure and supports traditional CCTV components. This helps protect existing investments, reduces training costs, and allows staff to continue using the PTZ cameras, keyboards, and other devices to which they’re already accustomed.

Virtual Matrix can also be integrated with other systems, such as access control solutions, to expedite emergency event notification and response.

This sophisticated switching software comes fully integrated with the Verint Nextiva networked IP video portfolio, for easy interoperability with all Nextiva devices and video management software applications, more rapid deployment, and lower cost of ownership and operation.