The exhibition, which is the most prestigious European gathering for the professional AV industry, started to become a significant factor at that time and it was a great opportunity for the company to come out with its big innovation: the world's first 8x8 DVI matrix.
This product was groundbreaking, because it replaced the analog VGA technology with DVI. The Lightware team realized they could use chips designed for high-speed data transmission centers to switch the DVI format. After 8 years and 32 unsuccessful prototype versions later, Gergely and his team were able to create a properly working unit. This was introduced to the world at the Brussels ISE exhibition.
Although, the participants liked this revolutionary idea, most of the people were still thinking in terms of analog technologies at that time. One of the few exceptions was Vista, who saw the potential in the DVI format, before others could realize it. They had a product that was perfectly complemented by Lightware's 8x8 matrix.
In order to fully meet user demands, Lightware came up with the EDID Manager, which was subsequently integrated into all the following generations of devices. In exchange for the AV device, Vista effectively started to promote Lightware for free. Through word-of-mouth, there was interest in the company's technology even from as far as New Zealand.
To this day, Gergely believes that true success can only be achieved by doing something that breaks the traditional concepts or by inventing something that doesn't yet exist but will be in great demand. This perspective has greatly contributed to the growth of Lightware.
From 2006 onwards, Gergely wanted to put more and more effort in the AV developments, however the company still primarily financed itself through projector repairs.
Fortunately, along with the other founders of Lightware and thanks to their professional connections, Lightware employees had the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the AV world through training sessions, business negotiations, and professional trips.
Thanks to the continuous success, Gergely and the team gradually phased out projector repairs from the company's profile and eventually completely stopped offering this service in 2009. Dynamic growth started as Lightware gradually built up its AV product line.
After 25 years and a lot of manufacturing processes, Lightware became the largest AV manufacturer in Europe.
Keep an eye out for additional information regarding Lightware’s history!
