Williams AV IR A4 – IR+ Emitter Array Expansion Hub

Product Overview

The Williams AV IR A4 IR+ Emitter Array is the expansion hub that scales a Williams AV infrared assistive listening system beyond the four emitters an IR M1 modulator supports directly. Each IR A4 connects up to four IR E4 infrared emitters, and a fully expanded system supports up to 16 emitters from a single IR M1 control center. AV integrators specify the IR A4 for large venues — auditoriums, convention spaces, and houses of worship — where distributed emitter placement is required to maintain line-of-sight coverage across balconies, wings, and divided seating areas.

Product Description

The IR+ platform uses a distributed emitter array architecture: rather than relying on one high-power transmitter panel, coverage is built from compact IR E4 emitters placed where listeners need them. The IR A4 extends that architecture. It accepts the feed from the IR M1 modulator over CAT5e and fans it out to as many as four IR E4 emitters, with each CAT5e leg carrying 48 VDC power, RS-485 communication, and the baseband infrared signal. Maximum cable length is 328 feet (100 meters), giving designers substantial flexibility in routing emitter runs through large commercial spaces.

Because the IR A4 is a passive part of the signal and power distribution chain, deployment is straightforward: home-run the array to the modulator, then branch CAT5e to each emitter location. Note that the IR A4 is not a standalone product — it requires an IR M1 modulator and at least one IR E4 emitter to function — and it is not plenum-rated, so installations in plenum spaces require a plenum enclosure. The array dissipates only 1 W of heat, simplifying enclosure planning. Pair it with the Williams AV IR E4 IR+ Emitter and the IR M1 IR+ Control Center to build out full-venue infrared coverage.

Key Features

• Four-Emitter Expansion — Each IR A4 connects up to four IR E4 emitters, multiplying the coverage available from a single IR M1 modulator.
• Scales to 16 Emitters — Using IR A4 arrays, one IR M1 control center can drive up to 16 IR E4 emitters across a large venue.
• Single-Cable Distribution — CAT5e connections carry 48 VDC power, RS-485 communication, and baseband IR signal to each emitter, with no local power required.
• Long Cable Runs — Supports CAT5e runs up to 328 feet (100 meters), accommodating distributed emitter placement in large commercial spaces.
• Low Heat Dissipation — At just 1 W of heat dissipation, the array can be concealed in tight equipment locations without thermal concerns.
• Compact Form Factor — The 7.6 x 6.6 x 1.1 inch chassis tucks above ceilings (in a plenum box where required) or behind millwork near the emitter field.
• Distributed Coverage Design — Enables emitter placement for balconies, room wings, and obstructed sightlines where a single emitter cannot maintain line of sight.

Typical Applications

• Auditorium
• House of worship
• Government space
• Multi-purpose room
• All-hands room
• Commercial meeting space

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the IR A4 work on its own?

No. The IR A4 is an expansion component, not a standalone system. It requires an IR M1 modulator as the head end and at least one IR E4 emitter to transmit audio.

How many emitters can a full system support?

An IR M1 modulator supports four IR E4 emitters directly. Adding IR A4 arrays expands the system to a maximum of 16 emitters, with up to four IR E4 units on each array.

What cabling does the IR A4 use?

Standard CAT5e terminated to RJ-45. Each run carries power, RS-485 control, and the baseband IR signal, with a maximum cable length of 328 feet (100 meters) per leg.

Can the IR A4 be installed in a plenum ceiling?

The IR A4 itself is not plenum-rated. For installation in plenum air-handling spaces, it must be housed in a plenum-rated enclosure to meet code.

When should I specify the IR A4 in a system design?

Specify it when emitter count exceeds the IR M1's four direct ports, or when grouping emitters by zone simplifies cable routing in venues with balconies, wings, or divisible rooms.

What warranty applies?

The IR A4 carries a 2-year Williams AV warranty.