AV Evolved: Next-Generation Partnerships for Next-Generation AV
Sure, computers are getting faster and sleeker. But the true innovation lies in fundamental efficiency. That’s the driving philosophy behind our partner Thinlabs, a pioneering technology company that’s revolutionizing how we think about powering and deploying computers in today’s connected world.
Established in 1998 and headquartered in Langhorne, PA, Thinlabs has become the leading independent manufacturer of next-generation Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) computers and digital signage solutions. Their patented technology can power an entire computer setup, including up to four monitors, through a single 90W PoE connection.
This breakthrough technology recently earned Thinlabs U.S. Patent US 12,360,775 B2 for their “Power management system and method for operating multiple high-powered components of a computer using a single power-over-ethernet cable connection.” But beyond the technical achievement lies a practical revolution that’s perfectly aligned with NETGEAR’s PoE-enabled switching infrastructure.
Smart Buildings: The Computer That Powers Everything
Thinlabs positions their devices as the “Smart Building Computer” – and for good reason. These versatile systems seamlessly integrate with and power various environmental sensors, creating intelligent control networks that optimize energy efficiency throughout modern facilities.
Whether serving as edge devices for Building Management Systems (BMS), collecting data from multiple building systems, or providing local processing capabilities, Thinlabs computers eliminate the complexity of traditional deployments. Their access control and security applications are particularly compelling. Imagine powering video surveillance, intercoms, and access control systems through a single, elegant solution that leverages NETGEAR’s intelligent PoE switches with their advanced power management, precise per-port power budgeting, and enterprise-grade reliability.
Digital Signage Simplified
Traditional digital signage deployment can be a nightmare of power outlets, cable runs, and installation complexity. Thinlabs changes that equation entirely. Their PoE-powered digital signs and kiosks can be deployed anywhere your NETGEAR network reaches, without the aesthetic compromise of visible power cables or the expense of electrical work.
For interactive kiosks handling wayfinding, self-service ordering, or information dissemination, the installation advantages are transformative. A single Ethernet cable provides both the power and the high-speed data connection needed for rich, responsive user experiences. This dramatically reduces installation time, labor costs, and long-term maintenance complexity.
End-User Computing Reimagined
Perhaps nowhere is the Thinlabs advantage more apparent than in Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) and end-user computing environments. Their PoE computers enable organizations to quickly deploy and reconfigure workstations with minimal cabling, making hotdesking, office moves, expansions, and reconfigurations incredibly efficient.
The numbers speak for themselves: Thinlabs solutions deliver up to 85% less power consumption than traditional PCs, reducing computer-related energy costs by up to 90%. For organizations deploying hundreds or thousands of workstations, these savings compound into substantial operational advantages while supporting green computing initiatives.
The enhanced security benefits are equally impressive. Centralized management of DaaS environments, combined with the inherent security advantages of thin clients, creates a more robust and manageable IT infrastructure that IT teams love to deploy and maintain.
With over 60,000 PoE computers deployed worldwide, Thinlabs offers a proven solution. Their impressive Mean Time Before Failure (MTBF) of approximately 1,400,000 hours demonstrates the reliability that enterprise customers demand.
The company serves diverse markets including healthcare, education, financial services, manufacturing, retail, and hospitality, with strategic partnerships spanning industry leaders like Cisco, Microsoft, VMware, and Citrix.
The Perfect Infrastructure Match
NETGEAR’s comprehensive PoE switching portfolio provides the ideal foundation for Thinlabs innovations. From our managed switches that deliver precise power budgeting to our advanced PoE++ capabilities supporting 90W devices, NETGEAR infrastructure enables Thinlabs technology to reach its full potential.
Our switches handle the intelligent power management that makes multi-screen PoE deployments possible, while our network management tools provide the visibility and control needed for enterprise-scale implementations.
The partnership between NETGEAR and Thinlabs is a vision of simplified, efficient, and sustainable computing infrastructure. As organizations continue to demand greater energy efficiency, reduced complexity, and enhanced flexibility, this combination delivers tangible business value.
Whether you’re planning a smart building implementation, designing a digital signage network, or architecting a modern end-user computing environment, the NETGEAR-Thinlabs combination offers a compelling path forward that reduces costs, simplifies deployment, and enhances reliability.
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