Introducing the QuickSilver AV System from Mad Systems

Mad Systems' new QuickSilver audiovisual system provides for an affordable, uniquely flexible and powerful AV solution with low infrastructure to deliver media in the user's venue. QuickSilver is based on non-proprietary commercial quality hardware to ensure easy maintenance and long-term support.

With its Wi-Fi network, significant cost reductions are achieved by decreasing and sometimes almost eliminating installation of costly conduit and signal cable, without sacrificing reliability. The Wi-Fi link is only used for system control and occasional media updates.

QuickSilver comprises the following main non-proprietary hardware components:

* A central control system, connected to a Wi-Fi network
* A Wi-Fi controllable micro-miniature solid state media server with capabilities that provide incredible options for media delivery
* A Wi-Fi controllable micro-miniature sensor interface for buttons and infrared detectors
* A Wi-Fi controllable micro-miniature solid state audio replay device with some very unusual capabilities
* A master media storage device; when the master changes, the various components are updated over the network
* A mesh network controlled power management interface that allows equipment to be turned on and off at preset times or upon demand
* A stable commercial grade Wi-Fi network

This system is specifically designed to provide a highly stable solution that not only significantly reduces costs, but also provides a level of flexibility that has never been seen before. It can control media, lighting, special effects, and any of the usual type of devices that a user would expect to be part of an AV system. It can be controlled by venue staff using a phone or tablet.

With the QuickSilver solution, media may be looped, or started from conventional devices such as buttons, motion detectors, and more advanced sources to be announced soon. It can be controlled from a staff member's tablet or phone, so that it is possible to change all the content of the venue to "kid mode" to tailor content during the time that school groups are the main visitors.

If a visitor is identified as a child, kid-friendly content is displayed for their age group. If a visitor indicates a preference for Spanish language information delivery, then the system can deliver the content in Spanish, or with Spanish subtitles.

QuickSilver is ideal to help the user meet ADA requirements. Interactive exhibits can provide media for visitors in wheelchairs or with other special needs, and lower the buttons on a touchscreen interactive to make access easier, run high contrast media, increase audio volume, or provide subtitles.

Using this system, media may be updated by simply changing the content on a central drive. Change a file, and QuickSilver detects that revision, uploads it to the relevant device and starts using that content once it's there. The user can start with basic media, and expand to give their visitors additional options later. The hardware will stay the same.

QuickSilver replaces fixed graphics panels and signage. Why have fixed printed graphics when a flexible alternative is affordable, with the user in charge of the content to be delivered? With cost-effective ultra-short throw laser projectors now giving users many years of service, cost really is no longer a barrier -- and QuickSilver helps to exploit all that technology to create the most flexible solution ever seen.

The non-proprietary nature of the system components make for easy long term management. Servers are minute, and get tucked out of the way behind the monitor, hidden in the reading rail, or plugged into the projector. Button interfaces do not need to be physically connected to the servers -- the entire system can be Wi-Fi based. This solution supports high definition and 4K video, and interactive exhibits including touch-based interactives.

The audio replay unit, which comes with or without an internal 25W amplifier as needed, delivers a stereo output as standard and is small enough to tuck into the user's set work. With a small extender it gives up to eight simultaneous audio outputs, to provide a surround, 3D audio, or a multi-channel facility. With a built-in soundscape randomizer, a non-repeating soundscape for the user's venue is easily created.

Since QuickSilver infrastructure is mostly wireless, installed costs are surprisingly affordable.