Reliability – it ’ s never been so important in these uncertain times
Today ’ s companies and consumers are looking for dependability ; they want and demand certainty . The broadcast market is now driven by a move to new technologies , and the need to merge yesterday ’ s original broadcasting equipment with today ’ s professional IT systems . BY JOCHEN BAUER
Big drivers for sure are the two upcoming Olympics in Asia : South Korea in 2018 and Tokyo in 2020 . But it is not only major events that are initiating the massive drive at the moment ; day-to-day business is also bringing up the need for up-to-date systems , which need to be futureproof and provide compatibility via an open framework . The recent shift towards 4K / Ultra HD ( UHD ) and IP is an example of the difficulties these changes can create . Therefore , it comes as no surprise to see new alliances coming together to proclaim common standards , in the hope of creating the certainty our industry demands .
Such standards require more than simply common wordings that end in proprietary cul-de-sacs . As manufacturers , we need to provide future-proof investments that generate need and deliver tangible advantages to our customers ’ businesses .
When looking at all these new system approaches , a great enabler technology is KVM ( keyboard , video and mouse ). Having to deal more and more with IT installations , an appropriate , easy-to-handle infrastructure has become essential .
When it comes to common standards , the big benefit of a KVM infrastructure is its independence from any computer platform or operating system . Hence , it can turn even a mixed system environment or island installations into a homogeneous operation layer — plus provide all the needed flexibility for system access .
To be future-proof , systems need to be adaptable so that they can still be used even when requirements change . When planning a KVM system there are a number of aspects to consider :
First of all , it ’ s the general system architecture : will they have one overall-installation or is it rather going to be multiple “ islands ” for different workflow tasks that should be interconnected ?
What ’ s the system size going to be ? How many computers and how many work places ( access points ) will be needed ?
What signals do we need to distribute ? Just one video signal per system or multiple ; will there be further signals such as USB or SDI to be distributed ?
What cable infrastructure are we going to use ? Easy to install and
G & D systems such as the new ControlCentre-Compact KVM matrix are capable of virtually any kind of signals , and offer additional functionalities of a highly reliable and intuitive operation . cheaper CAT cabling , or fibre optics that allow much higher bandwidth ? Especially with high-resolution video applications , the latter offers better quality . Nevertheless , a good KVM system should be able to operate without significant latency even via CAT cables .
Nowadays , the question about the kind of video signals is rather obsolete . The question is rather about the bandwidth , and less about the form factor of the interface . It shouldn ’ t matter whether it ’ s DisplayPort , HDMI or DVI , and even analogue VGA signals usually can be integrated into a high quality KVM system .
Typically , we find rather heterogeneous environments with a big mix of different cabling , different video resolutions , video standards and operating systems . But the great thing is that a good KVM system should be able to adapt to all these parameters and turn out into a smooth and homogeneous user interface .
Therefore , G & D have always placed an emphasis on the compatibility of our systems , ensuring existing installations not only work with new developments but are enhanced by them . Usability is also much in demand . With more and more IT systems incorporating the latest , tapeless workflow structures , easy-to-operate human-machine-interface technology is becoming an absolute essential . Having the right machines available as and when required is a core competence of KVM . A KVM system is an enabler technology so it needs to be as intuitive as possible .
Maximum reliability is also an essential , particularly in control room applications . The control room is an area that G & D have focused on and we are now seen as specialists , not just by the broadcast industry . Working with other industries has given us the experience to develop a product portfolio with enhanced safety features and improved functionality that benefits all .
Reliability is paramount throughout our business — and so it is an essential component of G & D ’ s personal consultancy , our solutions and in the usability and performance of our products . .
Jochen Bauer is Marketing Director , Guntermann & Drunck . www . apb-news . com
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