In Broadcast - November 2015 - 44

www.inbroadcast.com | Vol: 5 - Issue 11 | November 2015

InMedia

IP-Based KVM - What It
Means For Broadcasting
As the implementation of IP infrastructure in broadcast increases, so too does the focus on
IP-centric control, writes Jamie Adkin, Strategic Sales Manager EMEA, Adder Technology...

he broadcasting environment is
one characterised by tremendous
change - from the emergence of multiplatform content delivery solutions, to
the use of 4K/UHD to deliver clearer,
crisper images.
One of the major changes within
the sector has been the move away
from the reliance on specialist,
proprietary technology towards a
more
software-based
approach.
As a result, the popularity of IP as
a standard transport network has
grown significantly in adoption and
popularity.
IP & Broadcast
IP has an increasingly important
role to play in content capture, gallery
control and post-production, through
to delivery. From switching in the
outside broadcast (OB) environment,
to the use of switching and extension
within the studio control room and
post-production suites, IP based
high performance KVM removes the
limitations of traditional AV equipment
and brings real-time, accurate video
operation to these areas.
Switching & Extension
Bringing
enhanced
levels
of
reliability and versatility to the control
room, IP-based KVM also has the
power to deliver HD video quality at
60 frames per second. This technology
allows operators to switch, extend, and
share computers and content, without
loss of quality or performance. It also
improves the ergonomics of a working
environment by freeing up space and

eliminating excess heat and noise.
The KVM extender functions in such
a way that the user is not aware of it,
running efficiently in the background,
providing
real-time
extension,
high resolution graphics, full USB
compatibility and instant switching
speeds.
KVM & The OB
OB trucks are used in broadcasting
live events - such as sports and news
- and are essentially a microcosm of
the gallery control room. In order for
the OB truck to perform successfully,
it requires instant video and USB
switching
capabilities,
reliability,
device
support,
and
efficient
ergonomics.
Space is limited in an OB truck and
it is a pressurised environment with
a limited number of staff performing
many
functions.
This
includes
monitoring video feeds, previewing
shots, ensuring the quality of shots,
guaranteeing the playback capabilities
and transmitting the feed back to the
studio or main truck that is controlling
the broadcast.
Given the space constraints, each
computer cannot have a dedicated
keyboard, mouse and monitor. The
ergonomic requirements are therefore
critical in this setting and are met
by a KVM solution that extends and
switches video signals, without loss of
quality or performance.
Studio Control Room
What makes IP ideal for the
broadcast environment is that it is

Adder Technology
KVM system in-situ

IP-based KVM offers
a noiseless solution

cost-effective, reliant and resilient,
and already forms the backbone of the
control room's infrastructure. While
technology on the network may be
sourced from different vendors, the
investment has already been made.
The result is that broadcasters can
leverage the IP investment without
significant additional cost.
The control room is the hub of
the studio and reliability is the
key requirement - especially for
live broadcasts. IP-based highperformance KVM solutions allow
operators to switch control between
many different systems and workflows,
from one desk, and enable multiple
users to share the same resources.
This can assist in making more
effective use of a control room's staff
complement, and may even lead to the
reduction of staff numbers needed.
Key to this is that users have the ability
to switch between the resources that
they need, quickly and efficiently.
Post-Production Suite
Post-production may be a different
environment from the OB truck and
gallery, but the requirements are the
same; a quiet, comfortable working
space with the ability for an editor
to access the variety of hardware
and software required, from a single
workstation.
Extending these resources without
loss of quality or functionality
is crucial. KVM ensures that the
computers can be removed from the
editing suite, freeing up space, and

eliminating additional heat and noise.
IP-based KVM also ensures that the
edit suite can be easily configured
to meet the needs of different
clients, in terms of software and
software preferences etc. This is
especially useful if clients need to
use their own machines, which can
be easily integrated with the KVM
solution, without the need for cables,
connection and specialised support.
Apart from delivering a noiseless/
fanless system, IP-based KVM also
guarantees pixel perfect content and
frame rate. When editing content,
users must have absolute assurance
that the picture on the screen is
exactly the picture that was received
from the camera, and that the
extension equipment has not altered
or had any effect on the picture
quality.
Delivering Benefits
KVM technology that is IP-based
is already delivering flexibility,
scalability, and enhanced reliability to
applications throughout the broadcast
sector. There is little doubt that IP is
developing the face of the broadcast
industry, bringing with it a host of
benefits that can improve the entire
workflow.
As IP is more widely adopted, IPbased KVM will too grow in popularity,
particularly as broadcasters seek
to improve set-ups with enhanced
efficiencies and functionality through
the use of technology.
www.adder.com

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of In Broadcast - November 2015