Black Box: All-in-one set for KVM switching and extension, single target sharing and multicasting

Hallbergmoos, March 2, 2011 – With the ServSwitch Agility from Black Box, the IT and communications specialist, a versatile device to digitally switch, extend and distribute video, audio and HID (Human Interface Device) USB signals is available now. It can be used as a point-to-point extension for distances of up to 100 meters, to share a single remote computer (pooling), to mirror a source at multiple consoles and as KVM switch over IP. The ServSwitch Agility is therefore suitable for widely different application scenarios, such as medical personnel accessing high-resolution images, control consoles, media post-production or digital signage.

In its simplest configuration, the ServSwitch Agility functions as a point-to-point extender to deliver perfect DVI video, audio in CD quality and USB HID over distances of up to 100 meters using CAT6 cables. Used in a network, a KVM switch with any number of users can be created. Just add an additional Agility receiver per user to the system to combine digital video, audio and USB from different sources. Furthermore, the device enables multiple users to share a single remote computer (single target sharing): three modes (view-only, share and exclusive) allow a wide range of applications.

For the use in digital signage systems, the ServSwitch Agility is equipped with multicasting features. This configuration allows video and audio content to be mirrored at multiple consoles. “To keep network traffic to a minimum, we recommend the use of a network switch with IGMP (Internet Group Management Protocol),“ Axel Bürger, Managing Director of Black Box Deutschland GmbH, explains. “This function prevents the IP switch from sending multicast data to ports outside the Agility system. IGMP Snooping reduces the data traffic from the transmitters in multicasting operation in favor of an efficient bandwidth.“ Thus with no limit on distance any number of sinks can be added without causing bottlenecks. That way, digital displays within the IP infrastructure can be placed where they are most visible for your clients.

The Agility system can be controlled and managed easily and centrally with the controller unit iPath. With the comfortable on-screen dashboard, administrators can keep track of transmitters and receivers and define new content channels, manage access rights and configure devices.

About Black Box:

Black Box (NASDAQ: BBOX) is one of the world’s largest technical services company with focus on design, installation and maintenance of network infrastructure systems. From data communication and telecommunication services to on-site network installation, the company supports more than 175,000 clients in 141 countries with 194 regional offices. With “Free Tech Support“ for free and competent technical advice on the phone, free test scenarios, as well as installation and maintenance services, Black Box offers an exceptional service program. The Black Box main catalogue is well-known in the industry and comprises an extensive product portfolio on more than 700 pages. It provides details of approx. 10,000 IT products such as network components, as well as solutions for infrastructures and applications.

The headquarters of Black Box Corporation is in Pittsburgh, USA. Worldwide, the company has approximately 4300 employees, 50 of which in Germany. Black Box Deutschland GmbH is active on the German market since 1984. Its regular customers include small and medium-sized businesses, as well as big enterprises of various branches, such as services, industry, telecommunications, health care and public administration, as well as the banking and insurance sector.

Press Contact: Black Box Deutschland GmbH
Axel Bürger, Tel +49 811 5541 322, Fax +49 811 5541 499
E-Mail axel.buerger@black-box.de, Web: www.black-box.de

PR Agency: Weissenbach PR
Bastian Schink, Tel. +49 89 5506 7775, Fax +49 89 5506 7790
E-Mail: black-box@weissenbach-pr.de, Web: www.weissenbach-pr.de