In the Key Digital matrix switch thread, the topic of AutoPatch came up...




Tom,
The AutoPatch PrecisLT line is a pre-configured series with models from 4x4 to 12x8 in multiple video formats.

The component video + stereo audio models (w/ all-RCA connections) are listed below w/ list pricing. These P/N and pricing are for the models without front panel controls.

PrecisLT 4x4 (p/n # 37-56) is $ 1,021. list price
PrecisLT 4x8 (p/n # 37-59) is $ 1,450. list price
PrecisLT 8x4 (p/n # 37-62) is $ 1,450. list price
PrecisLT 8x8 (p/n # 37-65) is $ 2,041. list price

Compare these prices to KDS FatBoy series...

The serial protocol is dead easy....
Input 2 to output 4 would be I2O4T
T is for "take".

Now there are some differences between AP and KDS, some in their favor.

- This series of AutoPatch does not have stereo AND coaxial digital (S/PDIF) switching like the KDS, it has stereo only. If you are not switching stereo, you can use the "left" inputs/outputs for S/PDIF switching.

- This series of AutoPatch does not have IR control, you need a controller capable of sending RS-232 commands.

- The 8x8 AutoPatch is a single 2U chassis, where as the 8x8 KDS is two 3U chassis tied together with jumpers. (yes, it is 2U vs. 6U)

- The AutoPatch has BNC or RCA versions available, the KDS is BNC only (which means adapters on most installs)

- AutoPatch offers toll-free 24/7 tech support. As for support from KDS.... I will let someone else tell that tale...

Since the OP was talking about audio, here is the info on the PrecisLT w/ DSP.

There are only 2 models.

PrecisLT w/DSP 8 source, 8 zone (1U) (p/n # 37-83) $ 1,820. list price
and
PrecisLT w/DSP 18 source, 18 zone (2U) (p/n # 37-80) $ 2,535. list price

Each zone has it's own DSP engine, so you have 10 bands of graphic EQ, balance control, tone control (bass, mid and treble), and volume in every zone.
In addition, you have serial controlled input trim volume for each input for level matching.

All of which are controllable via the RS-232 protocol, with feedback available to compatible control systems.

You can also do grouped zones, and custom EQ profiles per source or just as "car stereo" style presets by using strings.

Also, the PrecisLT and PrecisLT w/ DSP do NOT have the lifetime warranty anymore.

They have 3 year warranty, and 24/7 tech support.

For those that don't know, Autopatch is owned by AMX. The are more a player in the commercial market, or at least historically have been (I can't say I follow them to closely). They have always been considered second tier to Extron, along with FSR, Kramer, etc., but they are probably less expensive. I don't have much experience with their products directly, but last I looked seriously they were lagging behind in things like fully loaded bandwidth, versatility (being able to run different types of video in the same matrix), and some other areas. Extron is one of the few manufacturers in this business I have a lot of respect for in terms of how they operate, quality control, tech support, education & training, product availability, etc., so yes I am partial.

I don't remember hearing anything particularly negative about Autopatch, though, and they have been around a long time.

To me it seems that Autopatch hasn't become a household name because they only want to deal with volume dealers (which isn't necessarily a bad thing). That being said, if you ask nicely they will direct you to vendors in your area that will sell sideways and keep pricing as competitive as direct.

Autopatch (with a good control system and amp) has allowed me to create my own configurations for distributed audio and video and not be tied down to the standard Niles, Speakercraft, etc. stuff.

AutoPatch has certificates that ship with each video matrix showing that unit's bandwidth measurements, and they are "loaded" measurements (all zones active).

I am glad that you brought up this point, this is where AutoPatch, Extron, Kramer, etc outshine the "consumer" grade gear...

Anyone can produce a solid spec when only one zone is connected, measuring ALL zones shows that the power supply is rock solid and that the crosstalk reduction has been adequately addressed (among other factors, I'm sure).


The 1Y, Modula, Epica, and Optima series allows you to mix input and output types among 15 digital and analog signal choices.

The Modula CatPro takes that even a step further, allowing runs over UTP to connect directly to the switch, and switch seamlessly with the signals run over the native cabling terminations. (IE: VGA (HD-15) connections, RGBHV on BNC terminations, etc.)

On the input side, you have the choice of native cabling cards, or UTP receive cards, and you can mix in any combination.
On the output side, you have the choice of native cabling cards, or UTP transmit cards, and you can mix in any combination.

As long as they are for the same signal type, you can simply switch between any UTP or native inputs to any UTP or native outputs without any TX or RX units or jumpers required at the rack.

Also, all signals on the UTP inputs are skew corrected and peaked before entering the matrix, just as all receivers at the displays will do again before making the connection to the display.


It shows!! Don't get me wrong, Extron is absolutely a top-tier vendor at the head of the category, as is Kramer.

Extron and Kramer make A LOT more gizmos (varieties of interfaces, DAs, etc.), but IMO, AutoPatch is not second tier by anyone's yardstick.


They may not have the catalog depth of Extron or Kramer, but they make World class switching and UTP products, and they stand behind what they make and offer great to support the dealers.

Thanks for the update, 2nd rick. I am loyal to the companies that have been good partners over the years, but it's always good to keep and open mind and an eye on the rest of the market. I appreciate the info.

I use both Extron and Autopatch and I definitely wouldn't consider Autopatch to be a second tier company behind Extron. In fact, the 8Y-XL was used in the filming of The Matrix, where I would have expected a switcher from Grass Valley or similar company.


That's simply not true. All of their specifications have been using fully-loaded numbers for many years- up to 400 MHz in 1999. I know that this has been true since the 4YDM came out in the late 80's and was probably true before that. I think that most Autopatch matrices are more versatile than the Extron ones. The 4YDM that I mentioned above can send any video input to any video output. I ended up having to get an Extron 3200 to get the same flexibility.

CJ

This is a good document for any audio guys wondering how video signal are reproduced...
Unlike audio, you actually WANT the sine waves to be as close to square as possible!!

Knowing The -3dB Point Is Not Enough: The Importance Of Bandwidth In Video Applications

Interesting, i never really thought about using Autopatch....

Corey
On your autopatch systems, do you use it for HD feds as well?
Or just SD Video, and Audio

Ive seen your pics of that sports bar u did, it looks great. I'm actually in the process of doing up a proposal for one out here... Autopatch never came into my mind until i saw this thread, now i have even more ideas....

this sports bar wants HD on all 12 LCD's... so thats why i was curious on if the autopatch will work with HD + Audio
Im going to run the AA AVX 561 + an extra Expander for his HD feeds, he will also need 12 HD cable boxes ( I tried to get him to use DirecTV, but wasnt having it)
I really like AA products, so far..never had a problem

Autopatch Modula series in configurable. You can build it with or without Audio.

The bar you are referring to was a 16x24 Component Video with 8x8 balanced analog audio with digital VC. They can send 12 H20's and 2 DVD players to any or all of the TV's in the Bar (no audio). They also have 2 xm tuners and 3 zones of audio. We chose 1 DVD, 1 XM Tuner, and the first 6 Sat boxes to send Audio to the in ceiling speakers. The rack then has some basic composite fed LCDs to keep track of the sources.