New Installation Showdown
New Installation Showdown: Wyrestorm NetworkHD 120 Series vs HDAnywhere MHUB-S – Ensuring Control Reliability for Fresh AV Deployments
Imagine your venue packed with eager customers, and suddenly, your AV system becomes unresponsive. Control issues during critical moments can disrupt service, frustrate guests, and hurt your reputation. When planning a new AV installation, choosing the right matrix isn’t just about resolution or bandwidth—it’s about ensuring your system remains controllable when it matters most.
Today, we compare two leading solutions—Wyrestorm's NetworkHD 120 series and HDAnywhere's MHUB-S—to help you make an informed decision for your venue.
---
## **Understanding Control Architecture in New Installations**
### **Wyrestorm NetworkHD 120 Series: App-Dependent Control**
The NetworkHD 120 series centralizes control through network-connected devices like tablets or smartphones. While sleek and modern, this approach creates a single point of failure. If your network connection drops or the device breaks, your entire system could become uncontrollable.
### **HDAnywhere MHUB-S: Multiple Control Redundancies**
The MHUB-S employs a “belt-and-braces” approach, offering multiple independent control methods:
- Smartphone/tablet app
- Infrared (IR) remote control
- Physical front panel buttons on each matrix unit
This multi-layered control system ensures your staff can always switch sources, even if one method fails.
---
## **Installation Reality: Running Cables to Every Display**
Since you’re running new cables to each TV regardless of system choice, the typical cabling advantage of IP-based systems becomes less relevant. Both systems require:
- Dedicated cabling to each display
- Proper termination and testing
- Clear cable management and labeling
The key differentiator is not cabling complexity but system reliability and control redundancy.
---
## **Control Reliability When Technology Fails**
### **Wyrestorm NetworkHD 120 Series: Vulnerabilities**
- **Single Point of Failure:** Control depends entirely on network connectivity.
- **If the tablet’s WiFi drops:** The entire system can become uncontrollable.
- **No backup control methods:** Staff can't switch sources if network issues occur.
- **Real-world risk:** Picture a packed Saturday night. Your staff tries to switch from a football game to a live band, but the control tablet disconnects. Customers grow restless, revenue drops—your venue’s reputation takes a hit.
### **HDAnywhere MHUB-S: Fail-Safe Control**
- **Triple redundancy:**
1. Smartphone/tablet app
2. IR remote control
3. Front panel buttons
- **Always operational:** If one control method fails, others are ready to step in seamlessly, keeping your system responsive at all times.
---
## **Performance and Reliability: What Matters Most**
| Feature | Wyrestorm NetworkHD 120 | HDAnywhere MHUB-S |
|---------|--------------------------|------------------|
| Control Methods | App-only | App, IR remote, front panel |
| Control Redundancy | Single point of failure | Multiple backup options |
| Network Dependency | Critical | None (independent operation) |
| Signal Quality | Supports up to 4K over IP | Uncompressed 4K |
**Pros and Cons:**
- **Wyrestorm:**
- Modern, IP-based architecture
- Sleek app interface
- Future-ready technology
- Vulnerable to network disruptions
- No dedicated backup controls
- **HDAnywhere:**
- Multiple control options ensure operational continuity
- Proven, dependable technology
- Physical buttons for emergency control
- Requires dedicated cabling and rack space
---
## **Training Your Staff for Reliable Operation**
### **Wyrestorm NetworkHD 120 Series**
Staff must understand:
- Network troubleshooting
- WiFi stability
- App updates and management
- Limited options if control fails
### **HDAnywhere MHUB-S**
Staff training focuses on:
- Using the app for daily control
- Operating IR remote controls
- Engaging front panel buttons in emergencies
- Simple troubleshooting procedures
---
## **Choosing the Right System for Your Venue**
### **Opt for Wyrestorm NetworkHD 120 Series if:**
- You have a robust, redundant network infrastructure
- Your venue’s staff is comfortable with IT troubleshooting
- You prioritize sleek, modern control interfaces
- Network reliability is high and consistent
### **Choose HDAnywhere MHUB-S if:**
- Uninterrupted source control is critical
- Your venue operates during peak network congestion
- Dependable, multiple control options are essential
- Staff training time is limited
- You prefer a proven, fail-safe solution
---
## **The Verdict: Reliability Trumps Features in New Installations**
For new AV deployments, where running cables is standard, the decision hinges on control reliability.
**Wyrestorm NetworkHD 120** offers modern IP-based benefits but introduces a single point of failure—potentially disabling your entire system when network issues occur.
**HDAnywhere MHUB-S** provides peace of mind with multiple control redundancies, ensuring your venue stays operational, regardless of network conditions.
---
## **Make the Right Choice for Your Venue**
Consider these critical factors:
- How reliable is your network infrastructure?
- Can your venue afford downtime during peak hours?
- Do you have IT support available when needed?
- How important is control redundancy to your operation?
- Are you willing to accept potential control failures for sleek design?
---
## **Final Thoughts**
In new AV installations, cabling investments are similar. The real question is: **Can you afford to have your entire system become uncontrollable due to network glitches or a broken tablet?**
For venues where operational reliability is paramount, the HDAnywhere MHUB-S’s multiple control redundancies offer unmatched peace of mind. When choosing your AV system, prioritize control robustness—because in busy venues, control isn’t just convenience; it’s essential.
---
## **Quick Comparison Summary**
| Feature | Wyrestorm NetworkHD 120 | HDAnywhere MHUB-S |
|---------|--------------------------|------------------|
| Control Methods | App only | App, IR remote, front panel |
| Control Redundancy | Single point of failure | Multiple backups |
| Network Dependency | Yes | No |
| Signal Quality | Supports 4K over IP | Uncompressed 4K |
---
**Ready to make the best choice for your new venue?** Reach out to our experts to discuss your specific needs and ensure a reliable, future-proof AV installation.