Atlona has launched a versatile new switcher in its Omega Series of AV integration solutions for modern workspaces and meeting environments. Available immediately, the AT-OME-MH21 combines HDMI and USB-C inputs with advanced functionality and a built-in USB 3.0 hub for video conferencing peripherals or touch displays.
Intended for huddle rooms, small meeting spaces, and even home offices, the two-input OME-MH21 offers integration and user convenience features including automatic display control, audio de-embedding, and high-quality 4K to 1080p down-scaling for use with HD displays. Automatic input selection intelligently switches between inputs when sources are added or removed, minimising the need for the user to touch the device. This is particularly significant given today’s heightened health concerns as people return to shared physical environments.
The OME-MH21’s HDMI input and output support HDR and 4K/UHD, 60 Hz, and 4:4:4 video at data rates up to 18 Gbps, while the USB-C input is ideal for direct AV interfacing with newer laptops and mobile devices plus data connectivity to the integrated USB 3.0 hub. The USB-C connection combines with the unit’s two USB type A ports and USB type B interface to support up to two host PCs plus two peripheral devices such microphones, speakerphones, or cameras. This enhances soft codec conferencing applications, with the ability to switch video and USB together between two host PCs.
“The OME-MH21 provides a compact yet comprehensive integration solution that is right-sized and attractively priced for smaller collaboration spaces,” said David Shamir, VP of Product Management, Atlona. “Its USB-C input and integrated USB 3.0 hub make it ideal for supporting the latest BYOD trends and the wide adoption of software-based conferencing solutions.”
The OME-MH21 is HDCP 2.2 compliant and can be configured and monitored remotely over a LAN or WAN through the Atlona Management System. Like all Omega solutions, the new switcher is backed by Atlona’s 10-year limited product warranty and support services.
Meanwhile – as previously reported – Atlona has strengthened its presence in the CALA region and in the US by appointing WDC Networks as its master distributor, and Groz Global Brands as its exclusive manufacturer’s representative in Brazil, with Brownestone as manufacturer’s representative for the Pacific Northwest region. Brownestone will bring its sales-focused operation closer to commercial AV customers in the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska.
WDC Networks has been a successful distributor in Brazil for 17 years and more recently the broader CALA region. The company services the Telecom, IT, Security, Solar and Audio Visual markets. Atlona strengthens WDC Networks’ value proposition as a supplier of complete AV solutions, expanding its range of collaboration, distribution and control products for commercial and residential projects.
“As one of the largest technology distributors serving the AV industry, WDC Networks represents many of the largest brands across LED panels, displays, projectors and audio systems,” said Fernando Guerra, Director, AV and Automation, WDC Networks. “Atlona adds the important missing pieces we have in our AV and Automation ecosystem so that we can better serve our customers, as well as the quickly emerging AV industry taking shape throughout Brazil. We also see opportunities to bring Atlona into our growing ‘as-a-service’ portfolio as we help our customers transition from CAPEX to OPEX models.”
Guerra emphasises that AV is a “maturing market” in Brazil, and business trends such as AVoIP that have developed in other regions are just beginning to surface. These are new business opportunities that Groz Global Brands looks forward to exploring in direct communication with customers. The fact that both companies are longtime representatives of Atlona parent company Panduit creates an abundance of natural opportunities to introduce Atlona into broader IT-related projects.
“Our experience with Panduit and knowledge of the IT network infrastructure makes Atlona the natural next step for both Groz Global Brands and our broader customer base,” explained Douglas Ozanan, Sales and Marketing Director, Groz Global Brands. “Our structure will ensure local representation across the large and unique Brazilian market, with dedicated resources to focus on sales, marketing, and technical support and engineering services.”
WDC Networks and Groz Global Brands’ in-country presence will also simplify how Atlona operates inside Brazil, which has a business culture that requires local inventory, a strong dealer network, and Portuguese-fluent resources to ensure success.
“These new partnerships with two of the most recognised AV companies in Brazil will strengthen our position as a complete AV and IT solutions provider throughout the country,” said Esteban Perez, Atlona Director of Business Development, Latin America. “Both companies represent a broad and diverse franchise of suppliers and professional services, and have strong expertise serving systems integrators, resellers and end users all commercial and residential AV verticals.”
As an AV manufacturer’s representative in business since 1999, Brownestone considers Atlona’s product line a perfect complement to its specialised line card. Atlona’s AVoIP based video distribution and networked control solutions especially strengthen Brownestone’s message as a complete AV solutions provider, alongside its range of videoconferencing, audio production, and projection solutions.
“Representing the Atlona product line immediately strengthens and enhances our company’s value proposition,” said Mike Charles, Principal, Integration Channel Sales for Brownestone. “Atlona helps us offer comprehensive and high-performance packages tailored to the needs of our commercial A/V customers, especially in the corporate, education and houses of worship verticals. They dovetail perfectly with the rest of our line card, and fills in gaps that previously prevented us from offering a complete package or solution.”
Charles sees strong opportunity for Atlona in the videoconferencing market as more companies seek to connect workers, customers, and partners remotely, and keep gatherings to a minimum for health safety. “When it comes to AV over IP networking and control solutions, Atlona really shines,” he said. “Atlona is a real asset when it comes to proposing complete, best-in-class video conferencing packages for these types of projects.”
Brownestone has equipped its own conference room with products from its line card, including those from Atlona, so that customers visiting its offices or joining their videoconference calls can see firsthand how it can benefit them. Charles envisions regional training and education initiatives with Altona partners in 2021, which he emphasises will “help us build strong customer relationships.”
Jamey Swigert, Director of AV Sales and Business Development, Atlona: “Brownestone has a reputation for being very selective about the brands they represent, and their relationships with vendors tend to be long-term. They are a sales-based organisation that works very closely with their customers, and an ideal partner for Atlona in a quickly growing region for commercial AV business.”
