Product specifications

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The Challenge:
A major broadcast studio wanted to set up a video extension and peripheral matrix
switching system over its existing cabling network, which consisted of primarily
CAT5e and fiber optic cabling. The system needed to enable forty producers,
directors, studio technicians, and operators to gain access to more than sixty
computers, servers, video sources, and camera feeds from any desk location.
A competitor’s system that had been deployed caused daily problems including
delayed switching times, lack of simultaneous access for multiple users, limited device
support for USB peripherals, uneven video and audio quality, and unreliable system
durability, and it used an older infrastructure that needed to be updated.
The Solution:
The Chief Hardware Engineer of the
studio came to Black Box because he
had worked with us on a digital signage
solution that has been very stable.
He wanted an entire switching and
extension solution. The studio was
responsible for producing live
broadcasts, and the list of issues that
needed to be addressed was long.
The system needed to be as free of
glitches as possible, and extremely
reliable and flexible. The current system
and its faults left end users frustrated
and had IT support dealing with endless
trouble tickets. Plus, technical support
had to be available 24/7 all the way
through the process (pre- and post-sale).
The solution decided upon was
the DKM FX HD Video and Peripheral
Matrix Switching system, which is a
modular system of chassis, interface
cards, and extenders. Since time was
of the essence, and a site visit was not
possible, the Black Box team of product
engineers, application engineers, sales
specialists, and product managers worked
together to review the application and
its challenges. Demo equipment was
configured at Black Box and shipped to
the studio, where the Chief Hardware
Engineer was able to configure the setup
with online and phone support from our
engineering specialists. DKM FX
transmitters were installed at each
server, computer, video source, and
camera feed; receivers were connected
to each user station. A single point of
management and control was installed
in the server room and deployed over
the existing infrastructure of CAT5e
and fiber cable.
Because this HD video and peripheral
matrix switching system is incredibly
flexible and scalable, the engineer is
able to continue to expand his broadcast
configuration, adding equipment and
users as required. The Chief Hardware
Engineer stays in contact with the
engineers from Black Box, and often
inquires about feature sets he would
like to see on our products. Black Box
product development and support
teams also continually release updated
firmware to fulfill this client’s needs.
Black Box Case Studies:
Broadcasting and production
studios need access for multiple
users and instantaneous switching
for live broadcasts and updates.
Broadcasting