R&D Director, Keith Frey, on PureLink’s Road to Success
Blending industry know-how, cutting-edge precision, creative thinking, and the relentless drive of a pioneer, PureLink has set the absolute standard in Pro-AV deployment for over 12 years. From product conception to production, no element is left to chance as administrators, engineers, researchers, and designers are all engaged in close cooperation. At the core of its advancement is PureLink’s state-of-the-art R&D division based in Atlanta, GA. PureLink’s R&D Director, Keith Frey, reveals a behind-the-scenes look at how PureLink masters each stage of product development to unveil the latest creations marked with avante-garde innovation.
Q. From concept creation to design and quality control – what distinguishes PureLink
from competing A/V manufacturers in each stage of product development
A: Purelink’s approach to design is based on customer and market feedback, as well as technology advancements. We consistently interview with our clients to import vital feedback in to new designs, so we can meet their actual needs. Our quality control is based on proven strict manufacturing standards, as well as adhering to exact standard specifications for the technologies we employ. Overall, our product development uses latest tools and technologies, as well as frequent evaluation of customer needs, in order to provide effective, reliable solutions.
Q: With a fully-dedicated workforce and engineering lab, the new R&D division is an integral part of PureLink’s newest and ongoing advancements. What procedures or protocols set PureLink’s R&D division from other facilities?
A: Our Atlanta research and development facility operates within various industry standards, set forth by reknowned entities such as IEEE, ANSI, ISO, and others. Our Atlanta R&D division workforce also receives constant training for changes in current technologies, and new emerging technologies, so that we are on the forefront of developing the most effective products for the market.
Q: As the ultimate solutions provider, many of PureLink’s greatest innovations originated from finding answers to complications or setbacks, consistently combining cutting-edge technology with radical thinking. As the R&D Director, how difficult is this to achieve?
A: What allows PureLink to achieve success, is the pursuit of detail, critical knowledge, and research of all technology options on the horizon. With these fundamentals, we are able to achieve the latest technologies and products.
Q: PureLink will unveil the MediaAxis at InfoComm14. From a technical viewpoint, what makes this the frontrunner compared to other presentation switchers on the market?
A: Media Axis is the first in the market to provide the combination of 4K digital media switching, scaling, full menu of audio processing, and 3rd party control in a simple, intuitive, easy to use interface. Along with those features is a robust mechanical design. Media Axis is meant to launch the future of PureLink’s rugged, future featured products.
Q: At a time when the market continues to become highly competitive, what would you say are the biggest challenges you face while researching and developing new products?
A: PureLink’s Atlanta research and development team is constantly combing new emerging technologies, and meeting with technology partners to be at the forefront of knowledge.
Q: PureLink is also preparing to launch iCON Automation. How does this new expansion into the control market give PureLink the definitive competitive edge?
A: iCon is based primarly on intuitive, simple to implement design. Integrators need to protect their bottom line with a control platform that is reliable to implement, and does not require programming languages to complete low to mid level designs. Our approach is to help the integrators cut down on system implementation time and costs. iCon makes installation and operation simple and effective.
A 30-year industry veteran, Keith Frey has worked in the professional video and audio industry from virtually every angle, from service and training to product development and application support. Some of Keith’s many specialties include large venue projection and flat panel displays, critical viewing systems, control and automation, and video/audio processing, transport, transcoding, and routing.
