When sourcing and buying IT for a superyacht, there is a plethora of considerations for ETOs and ITOs to think about. It is not only a case of getting the best technology onboard to suit the owner’s every need in each part of the vessel, but also sourcing it in the most cost-effective way. It can be difficult for one person to keep up to date with all the latest trends – such as IoT (Internet of Things), Big Data, IP communications and data security – for the vast amount of tech used on a superyacht.
To give technical staff one less thing to think about, we called in Roland de Haas, Senior Account Manager at Infotheek Marine to run through the key IT needs on a vessel and give us some options of the best technology for the job, drawing on the company’s 26 years of experience as an IT partner in the Marine and Offshore industry.
Switches
Every yacht today has multiple devices onboard and needs a fast and secure network. Switches are responsible for collecting and distributing data in a network, and so are very important in achieving this. Network switches such as those by Cisco deliver performance and security. They are also scalable. Infotheek Marine can create innovative designs for LAN infrastructures on superyachts, and is currently helping many ETOs and integrators in their mission to create the most functional design.
Video Wall
Superyacht owners demand the ultimate viewing experience when relaxing on the yacht, and new technology can help advance AV to the next level. For example, Crystal LED Integrated Structure (CLEDIS™) uses Sony’s ultrafine LEDs as its light source, delivering a unique visual experience that is unachievable with even the highest-end conventional LED array. Ordinary TV screens can be also integrated with these video walls, to create an even better experience for the user.
Compact & reliable Systems
With limited space onboard vessels, compact and reliable PCs are in high demand. One option to consider is the Intel® NUC – a powerful 4×4-inch mini PC with entertainment, gaming, and productivity features, including a customisable board adaptable to the memory, storage, and operating systems needs of your yacht. The computer can be used for entertainment, CCTV, collaboration, and even as a server.
The latest series of the Intel NUC “Gen 7” is also able to support 4k 4:4:4 High Dynamic range (HDR). HDR imaging technique provides a greater contrast and colour range, making images even more realistic and spectacular.
Control devices
Owners, guests and crew alike need to be able to control every manageable service or product in the ship, and intuitive devices such as iPads are a popular way to do this. Advanced app integration with different technologies onboard means that today, iPads can be used for a very wide range of applications. Everybody knows that you can use an iPad for switching on a TV or controlling the lighting on a yacht. But had you considered performance monitoring of the engine, VSAT, the complete IT infrastructure or even planning the laundry using your tablet? We believe these are a necessity, ensuring everything is controllable via one device.
