When Matrix Video Communications started out in 1994, it provided broadcast video products to the local film industry and independent television content producers. As technology changed, the market shrunk and prices for equipment dropped drastically, and founders Glenn and Shelly Burgess saw the writing on the wall. They embraced the adapt-or-die philosophy of tech companies and branched out.
“We morphed into something new,” says Glenn Burgess, CEO of Matrix Video. “We were always on the periphery of the corporate, education, government markets so we decided to get more aggressive in those areas.”
It was a great decision. Matrix has grown into a national leader in the area of consultation, design, integration and installation of audio, video and multimedia systems for Canadian companies across sectors. Specialists across the country are on hand to design, install and service sophisticated broadcast, production and audiovisual systems that are easy to integrate into a company’s everyday operations. There are experts in different areas working out of all eight locations in Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg and Toronto and these specialists are shared between offices to ensure clients receive the best solutions to their communications challenges from the best people.
“We have to find out the client’s requirements, what they want their equipment to do, what they want to accomplish and then we design a system around that,” Burgess says.
Whether it’s a small huddle room, a sophisticated boardroom or a university lecture hall, Matrix has the right people on the job to integrate the best equipment to meet and exceed the client’s expectations – which is to have a sophisticated system operated with the touch of a button. By using only the best technology from the top manufacturers including Sony, Sharp, Samsung, LG, and NEC, Matrix’s projects are designed to deliver.
Matrix has a diverse portfolio with incredible projects across the country and across industries. For the Calgary Tower’s 50th anniversary, Matrix created a video wall to celebrate the history of the iconic building and the city. The custom installation features 21 55-inch screens wrapping around the curved wall, providing visitors with a unique viewing experience.
The company is also proud to be part of various educational projects in Calgary. Matrix supplied, installed, programmed and trained clients on the technology incorporated in the Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning at the University of Calgary. Collaborative spaces equipped with the latest technology instruct in-training teachers on how to use technology for 21st century education. Matrix also completed the teaching lab at the Foothills Medical Centre that allows practitioners to learn about and train in new methods of treatment.
“They can break into small groups or have all 18 stations on one case at the same time, and stations have individual monitors, microphones and speakers embedded,” says Burgess. “It truly was a custom design.”
The largest of Matrix’s projects was Rogers Place in Edmonton. This $11-million contract involved designing, providing and installing the state-of-the-art video production as well as digital signage screens throughout the arena. There are roughly 1,300 displays supported by around 850 signage players that can either be programmed to all show the game or be customized to broadcast individualized messaging.
The technical sophistication of these custom systems requires specialized staff, and Matrix has the best in the business. Many of the company’s 78 employees have been with Matrix for a long time and have helped it evolve, grow and adapt in the market. And unlike many AV integrators, Matrix’s growth has not come from mergers and acquisitions.
“Our growth has been all organic. I think that allows you to better manage the expansion and maintain the corporate culture. Matrix’s growth has focused on the company’s strengths and has been steady and controlled,” says Shelly Burgess, Matrix CFO.
The team is enthusiastic about the growth potential moving into the future as well. There are exciting possibilities for corporate applications as well as more creative areas including using projectors to display art on nearly any surface. The company is also considering opening additional offices in Eastern Canada to further establish Matrix as a truly national player and to encourage opportunities for such projects as sports arenas and federal government projects.
Matrix Video Communications has been on the cutting edge of the business for 25 years, often outselling large American competitors in some product lines, all the while creating the perfect communications and presentation systems for longtime clients. As technology continues to evolve and change, the Matrix team will be there to provide solutions for every need, every time, every step of the way.
