In Broadcast - July 2017 - 28

28

www.inbroadcast.com | Vol: 7 - Issue 6

InTech

The Revolutionary
Impact Of KVM On
The Broadcasting World
IP-based KVM delivers not only enhanced broadcast workflows, but also benefits
the return on interest in a range of scenarios, explains John Halksworth,
Senior Product Manager, Adder Technology...

W

e are currently in the midst
of an IP revolution within
the broadcasting sector. Thanks to
increasingly fast, robust and highly
available IP networks, the technology
is being implemented throughout
broadcasting infrastructures and is
used to transport audio and video
signals across both wide and local area
networks.
This has resulted in the widespread
adoption of IP-based KVM (Keyboard,
Video, Mouse) matrix, switching and
extension systems, which allow the
remote control of multiple computers
and applications from a single
workstation.
The earliest adopters of KVM
technology were using what is known
as 'proprietary KVM', which used
traditional baseband technology and
often involved building an entirely
new IT infrastructure to work. This also
meant that any business looking to
implement a KVM system would also
face considerable business disruption.
IP-based KVM functions in the same
way as its predecessor, proprietary
KVM, but enables a level of flexibility
and control that can only be
guaranteed with IP technology. The
use of IP also makes it much easier to
implement into broadcasters' existing
IT infrastructures, while minimising
operational disruption and saving
money.
Broadcasters operate in numerous
different environments, and IP-based
KVM technology can deliver a range of
benefits across them all.
Production
The outside broadcast (OB) truck is
perhaps the most recognised of all
the typical production spaces, not just
for the frequency that it's used but

also for its reputation as a notoriously
uncomfortable environment, often
at times of heightened stress. The
nature of the truck means that it's
very limited on space, and with lots of
equipment and numerous members
of staff working side-by-side to make
sure the broadcast goes according to
plan, things quickly become cramped.
With IP-based KVM, this space can
suddenly become more flexible and
comfortable. Most of the computer
equipment can be placed in one part
of the truck away from the main
working area, and staff can gain
access to all the computing resources
from a single workstation - freeing
up even more space. With seamless
switching between applications and
zero latency across the entire network,
the environment becomes more
comfortable and efficient.
Next comes the gallery control room,
which is altogether roomier than the
OB truck but still poses numerous
challenges. It's another environment
that's heavily dependent on lots of
computers, processors and the like,
and often this bulky equipment is
located within the control room, taking
up space and making the room itself
unwelcomely hot and stuffy.
The same benefits of IP-based, high
performance KVM come into play here.
The flexibility of the network means

that all the necessary equipment can
be placed in a different room within
the building (or, depending on the
strength and reliability of the network,
within a different building entirely),
which results in more space, less heat
and an altogether more comfortable
working environment. There's another
significant benefit for the equipment
here, too: by opting to locate the
equipment within a professional server
room that's secure and temperaturecontrolled, the machines are likely
to live for a lot longer than they
previously would have done.
Because the OB truck and the gallery
control room both require their own
specific IT infrastructures, it is often
difficult to implement proprietary
KVM around them. With IP-based KVM
however, it can easily fit into their
existing infrastructures and networks
- perhaps the biggest benefit of them
all.
Post-Production
While it's fair to say that easy
implementation and the ability to
remotely locate computer equipment
are the two biggest benefits of IPbased KVM in the production space
(and still equally useful within the
post-production area), it's the highquality performance that is the biggest
blessing within post-production suites.

AdderLink Infinity

Unlike other similar technologies
in which quality is considered an
afterthought IP-based KVM allows
users to control multiple computers
and applications with pixel perfect
video quality. This is vital for anyone
working with a post-production suite,
as they need to be 100% confident that
what they're seeing on the screen is as
good as it could possibly be.
There's also the seamless switching
ability of IP-based KVM, which enables
businesses to create a customised
edit suite based on specific customer
requirements by enabling different
clients to seamlessly switch between
different pre-sets and resources. These
suites can then be easily tweaked and
customised, hugely increasing overall
efficiency and productivity.
Benefits
IP-based KVM and the benefits it
can deliver to broadcast workflow and
ROI, across a range of scenarios has
undoubtedly captured the attention
of broadcasters, and we are now
really starting to see its adoption on a
widespread scale.
As the UK and beyond continues
to make investments in high-speed
infrastructure and connectivity, we will
see IP-based KVM continue to thrive
and enable broadcast applications.
http://www.inbroadcast.com http://www.adder.com/products/industry/broadcast
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of In Broadcast - July 2017
