Feb 2, 2012 - Middle Atlantic Products, in conjunction with Extron Electronics, is initiating and supporting the establishment of a new standard for half-width rack systems for AV integration.

Working in cooperation with the Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA), Extron and Middle Atlantic are seeking to establish and maintain a specific ECIA standard for what has typically been offered as a custom rack offering. To further strengthen the quality and application of the standard, the two companies are inviting manufacturers of compact-format devices to join a communication and working group for this effort.

Both manufacturers have recently developed product families - the Extron Half Rack Shelf System and Middle Atlantic's new HR Series Half Racks - which, respectively, fit within and incorporate the proposed 10-5/8" overall width defined in the proposed new standard.

Device manufacturers that would like to participate in the working group should contact Mark Tracy, director of product and business development at Middle Atlantic Products.

Half-rack devices have some popularity in broadcast use. While the need for half-rack systems is not broad in broadcasting, there could be advantageous circumstances.