When lights and visual effects shine in perfect harmony with the sounds of Bedřich Smetana's Moldau, it's all about the latest light show “Flow” by the artist collective Projektil. The 30-minute immersive experience interprets classical music in an innovative way and shows how art and technology can merge in perfect harmony. Behind the scenes: Thanks to NETGEAR hardware, Projektil is able to precisely coordinate and synchronize light, sound and images.

Technology meets art

“Flow” impressively demonstrates the importance of a stable and powerful network for immersive art installations. NETGEAR's AV line switches are specifically designed for audio, video and lighting applications. They ensure a stable connection, enabling fully automated control and a smooth running of the entire show.

Patrik Rost, technical director at Projektil, emphasizes: “The user-friendliness of the NETGEAR solutions is a decisive advantage. The preconfigured profiles make installation much easier, so in-depth IT knowledge is not required.”

NETGEAR network technology for demanding projects

The NETGEAR AV line switches not only impress with their ease of use, but also with their flexibility and reliability. Individual ports can be assigned to specific manufacturer profiles to ensure optimal performance. “A stable network is essential for the EONARIUM, a projectile-based immersive light show that is touring around 30 cities worldwide this year. The NETGEAR switch makes it possible to configure AV profiles with just a few clicks, ensuring easy installation and maximum efficiency in operation. This is essential for the smooth running of our shows.”

Redundancy as the key to stability

For projects the size of “Flow”, the use of two switches is recommended. The second switch would serve as a backup. This means that this second switch is also connected and involved and would automatically take over if the first switch were to fail for any reason. The show could continue without interruption. Michael Schäfer, Country Manager at NETGEAR Switzerland, recommends the following models: “A switch with 48 ports is ideal, so that there are enough ports available and can be used in the future - for example, the GSM4248PX with 1GB port and 10GB uplinks. For even higher requirements, the XSM4344C-100NES with 10GB ports and even 100GB uplinks is also available. Both models naturally support PoE+ up to Ultra PoE++.”

The Netgear AV Line switches are designed to meet the demanding requirements of modern AV projects. “Working with artists like Projektil is an impressive testament to the versatility of our products,” says Schäfer.

Functionality ensured in the overall solution

The Netgear switches are equipped with profile templates from AV standards and manufacturers, where you can easily configure the ports with a single click. This means that a switch can be fully configured within minutes without extensive technical knowledge. It is also ensured that NETGEAR switches function perfectly within the overall application. “NETGEAR and over 300 AV manufacturers belong to the independent *SDVoE Alliance. In a joint task force, they ensure that the products are 100% compatible and function as a complete solution,” says Schäfer.

Success in Switzerland

Demand for professional NETGEAR switches is growing rapidly. In the last three years, sales of fully managed switches in Switzerland have more than doubled. In the audio-video sector in particular, sales have quadrupled. Around 350 system integrators in Switzerland already rely on NETGEAR solutions, including leading providers such as Kilchenmann AG, AUVISO Audio Visual Solutions AG and B+T BILD + TON AG.