Welcome to the matrix – unlimited switching with the ServSwitch DKM from Black Box

Hallbergmoos, June 16, 2011 – With the ServSwitch DKM from Black Box, a new 160- or 288-port matrix switch with as yet unrivalled flexibility is available now. It not only allows hassle-free control channel extension of numerous video formats, but also any desired matrix configuration – regardless of whether a single user is to switch 287 computers or around 30 team members are to have access to up to 258 computers. The device is thus ideal for both broadcasting applications, where cutting stations and studios are often separated from media servers, and digital signage infrastructures.

With the ServSwitch DKM, it is for the first time possible to route digital video signals together with keyboard and mouse (USB HID) signals over both CATx and optical fiber cables. The switch matrix is based on the DKM extender series and transmits the maximum single-link DVI video resolution across the entire distance, which, depending on the cabling, is up to 140 meters (for CATx cables) and 10 kilometers (for single-mode optical fiber) for both input and output sides. No fine tuning or compensation to improve the image quality is required. Besides the DVI-D video channels, numerous input video formats are supported optionally -  from SDI, HDSDI and EGA to S-VHS, as well as F-BAS and Composite to RGBHV video. These input signals can comfortably be scaled up to or down from 1920 x 1200. In addition, high availability is ensured by redundant power supplies which are exchangeable during operation. “The wide range of video and peripherals signal formats supported as well as the multilevel fail-safe features make the ServSwitch DKM the ideal matrix switch even in critical environments such as live broadcasting,“ Axel Bürger, Managing Director of Black Box Deutschland GmbH, explains. What’s more, peripherals signals, such as analog audio, digital audio, RS-232 and USB 2.0, can be transmitted and switched at full power depending on the selected transmitter and receiver equipment.

The ServSwitch DKM boasts sophisticated user guidance for assigning IDs to the devices connected and easy configuration of the entire infrastructure. Its modular design allows flexible scaling from 8 ports to up to 288 ports – in increments of 8 ports each. The system can be remote controlled from any media controller via its RS232/V.24 or TCP/IP interface, which is of particular advantage for digital signage projects or studio applications with switch matrix controllers. As is standard for KVM switches, the ServSwitch DKM is also switchable via hotkey controls. The system impresses with switching times of only a few milliseconds and the option to activate entire presets that way. “The flexibility of our device not only shows itself in the open design of the matrix. With the various modes, classroom and conference room configurations or its use in a control station are no trouble at all,“ adds Bürger.

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