The proliferation of video sources on-board today’s tactical ground vehicles has resulted in the need for modern video equipment to ensure the video’s usability and availability. Increasing demand for cost-effective, size, weight, and power (SWaP) optimized video management and rugged display solutions is driven by video system upgrades or new video system architectures required to maximize video source usefulness. Choosing the right video system components that will keep system cost and footprint down in an already space constrained environment – while also reducing program risk and time to market – is often challenging due to a number of factors. For example, device interoperability issues can arise both between the ancillary equipment as well as with legacy sensors , which can lead to the need for custom solutions. 

These often proprietary, stove-piped systems include redundant equipment that consumes excess power and takes up valuable real estate. Ultimately, these factors combine to create a poor, unsafe in-vehicle experience for warfighters, with reduced reliability and an increased chance of mission failure. Furthermore, it is important that all video system components are rugged enough to maintain stable operation in harsh environments.

Substituting commercial, lab, or office-based products that are designed for different uses and environments in order to reduce the initial outlay can result in reliability and system footprint issues. While the obstacles can be daunting, choosing the right solution can reduce risk, time to market, and program cost while increasing the probability of mission success. This white paper analyzes these challenges and proposes a winning solution.