KVM in Studios & Broadcast Operations

The broadcast station required switching and extension flexibility, the ability for multiple users to collaborate in real time, instantaneous switching of HD video, and a workflow that would not be interrupted. Normally in Studios, Producers, Directors, Studio technician and operators need to gain access to a number of Computers, Servers, Video Source and camera feeds from any desktop location.

Common Challenges faced in Broadcasting Studios Environment

The servers are located in a central equipment room.  Several directing and editing rooms are connected to the servers via CATx and fiber cables.  The workstations within the directing suites are equipped with one or two monitors.  Some jobs also require a USB 2.0 connection for special input devices.  The system needs to be controlled in real time and down to the BIOS level from the central equipment room via the KVM matrix switch.  Additionally, the KVM system needs to work with an external matrix controller, which also handles automatically switching the broadcast signals.

Application Diagram

User consoles and control room workstations are connected to the DKM matrix switch via fiber.  The management console with Java utility and the CPUs are connected via CATx.  Multiple users have simultaneous access, and groups are easily able to collaborate. In addition, if video or peripherals need to all be switched together, switching happens instantaneously, with no delay

Black Box 3 Step Solution

Black Box DKM FX platform can be used to resolve the issues faced  and implement varied requirement, with the 288-port matrix switch controlling the signals required by the application. Within the 288 ports, the matrix switch features freely scalable inputs and outputs, plus the ability to mix copper and fiber cabling. Using DKM FX extenders, users’ consoles, including multiple monitors and USB peripherals, are smoothly integrated into the KVM peripheral matrix switch system, which requires little space. The connections of the consoles and servers are, depending on the distance requirement by the building structure, transmitted via CATx or fiber, which has no effect on the signal quality, maintaining the same high level of resolution whatever distances or media are used. DKM FX Transmitters are installed at each server, computer, video source and camera feed. DKM FX Receiver gets connected to each User station Central DKM Chassis: A single point of management and control gets installed in the server room and   deployed over the existing infrastructure of CATX and Fiber cable.

Connect users and computers to your DKM/DKM FX system while extending them simultaneously over long distances. Many video options with DVI-D or HDMI, as well as inputs for SDI, VGA and other analog video formats. Peripheral options for USB HID, PS/2, embedded USB 2.0 at 36 Mbps, transparent USB 2.0 at 480 Mbps, RS-232, RS-422, analog, and digital audio. Choose a housing depending on your interface requirements with 2-. 4-, 6-, or 21-port housing. Various power options with AC and DC power supplies, with or without redundancy. Also work as a standalone, point-to-point KVM extension without a DKM switch.