Why KVM Switches And Extenders Can Assist The Broadcast Industry

A KVM Switch allows multiple computers to be controlled from one Keyboard, Video monitor and Mouse. Anything from two to hundreds of computers can be managed using this type of switch.

There are many savings attributed to using a KVM switch such as energy consumption, staff management, physical space, time management and security.

A KVM extender allows you to send the Keyboard, Monitor, and Mouse signal over a long distance using Cat5, TCP/IP or Fiber. This can be achieved for a single computer or the device can be connected up to a KVM switch to control multiple computers.

The broadcast sector is an area where KVM switches can provide real solutions. Broadcast machines and post production environments use many computers to generate and edit video and audio content. Using broadcast KVM switches helps with efficient management of access to post production computers while maintaining the machines in a controlled environment.

The further benefits to the broadcast sector are that it enables digital video and audio to be received from a large selection of broadcast and media production systems. It also allows multiple people simultaneous access to the same devices for easy collaboration, and it consolidates the control of all broadcast devices into a single interface.

KVM extenders are usually required too because video signals are optimised for a cable length of about 1.5 metres and often, companies want to position their computer a fair way away from the keyboard and mouse. Although you can buy extension cables, you will find that the image fades and becomes increasingly blurred and shaky with cable length. KVM extenders work better, they work reliably and they also allow only one cable to run between the PC and the KVM (making the cabling easy and tidy).

Professional quality broadcast KVM extenders (mains-powered at each end so not reliant on USB or PS/2 ports) should be used where access to the PC is required frequently and where signal integrity and video quality are important. Makes such as Guntermann & Drunck are a safe bet. Quality is the foundation of all their products and they have an extensive range of KVM solutions relating to all aspects of broadcast level video requirements.