If you think of a control room, you are probably thinking of users, displays, and video walls all located within a dark room, because this is the picture I am getting. Each display in this room has a specific yet important purpose and end-users are looking to get the most out of their hardware. KVM and Video distribution systems may be part of this setup so each display can switch to a different target quickly and effortlessly, but what if you can put multiple sources on the same display or video wall?
A KVM Multiviewer is typically a 4-port video manipulating processor that includes USB keyboard and mouse control so that a user can use one display to see up to four computers and be able to control them easily. The alternative to a KVM Multiviewer is to use separate monitors for each source and a KVM switch that lets you switch between them, so you only have one keyboard/mouse at the desk. This alternative option isn't space-efficient though, as you still need four displays with their own power outlet and video cables. Using a KVM Multiviewer now brings the power to view and control all four computers using one keyboard, one mouse, and one display with ease.
The typical modes of a KVM Multiviewer include Full-Screen, Picture-in-Picture (1:3), Quad-Screen, Side-by-Side, and the more relevant Free mode, which allows the user to adjust each input's size on the screen. The user can configure these systems to use hotkeys to manage the KVM and inputs, switch control over to different ports, and call different screen layouts. One of the new KVM Multiviewers from Black Box also incorporates the Glide-and-Switch feature, which allows the user to move the mouse in the direction of the different source window and the KVM will automatically switch the Keyboard/Mouse control over to that system. This feature allows the user to quickly switch ports by moving the mouse rather than using hotkeys, so it is great for tasks that need to be done quickly without delay.
The additional benefit of the KVM Multiviewer is that it can be integrated with other equipment to give more control. If you can imagine connecting a KVM Matrix that has over 100 targets to a KVM Multiviewer with four inputs, the user can not only see those four targets, but they can now switch them around. Black Box offers compatible KVM Matrix systems that can be used with the KVM Multiviewer so that the end-user can get the most out of their application.
Users who incorporate KVM Multiviewers have found that their tasks are more efficient and accessing and visualizing all targets is now a very easy thing to do. If you are thinking about incorporating a KVM Multiviewer into your application, give us a call and we can help answer your questions and help provide design ideas. Black Box offers several different Multiviewers that can fit your needs and we are ready to help.
For more information about Multiview KVM, click here.
To learn more about additional Multiviewers, click here.
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Product Engineer
Garrett Swindell has 20+ years’ experience programming, implementing server to client communications, and designing intricate control system. As a product engineer, his primary focus is developing connections between users and computers/servers though the use of hardware and software. Garrett assist local and international projects from start to finish with compliance regulations and performing product compliance testing with recognized test houses.
