Gefen demonstrated its first integrated, network matrix switching system using Video over IP technology at InfoComm. The Gefen HDKVM over LAN system combines a 24-port Gigabit Ethernet switch with Gefen’s VGA, DVI and HDMI over IP extenders. The managed switch can be configured for different VLAN zones, enabling the configuration of 24 ports in any combination of inputs/outputs. The system is flexible with 1080p high-resolution distribution and switching and optional automation control using the GAVA (Gefen A/V Automation) system.
The HDMI KVM over LAN system will demonstrate how easy it is to create dynamic digital signage systems for any installation using a LAN. It supports high definition video, provides mobile control and allows 330 feet (100m)of extension on both sender and receiver sides. The 24-port Gigabit switch is arranged in a 8×8 configuration with four inputs and four outputs using four VLANs. All devices on all four VLANs are accessed using GAVA.
“You can assign VLAN1 to be the #1 and #2 inputs/outputs and VLAN2 to be the #3and #4 inputs/outputs,’ explained Hagai Gefen, president, Gefen. “In this case, both the #1 and #2 ports would be able to communicate on the same VLAN, and the same for the #3 and #4 ports because they are using the same VLAN. However, with the GAVA configured, you can route any input to any output in any configuration—singular or broadcast mode—because all of the VLANs can talk to one another through GAVA.’
GAVA controls all audio/video devices, lighting and window shades using a web-based interface that can be accessed by any smartphone, tablet or computer. It uses an existing LAN, allowing an easy integration of both mobile and traditional A/V devices connected to the network. GAVA can be programmed with “event triggers’ that are totally customizable. For instance, you can program a pre-set trigger that will automatically dim the lights, turn on the display and control window shades.
Gefen’s HDMI over IP extender streams KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) signals over a Gigabit Ethernet infrastructure. Resolutions up to 1080p with HDCP-compliance are fully supported using the same CAT-5 cable to transmit USB peripherals along with analog audio, microphone in/out, RS-232 and IR control. Multiple sender and receiver combinations are supported on the same network and can be placed up to 100 meters apart. When sender and receiver units are configured to unique IP addresses and using the VLAN, each can be managed, switched and controlled by GAVA.
The VLAN provides a scalable and dynamic infrastructure that is centralized on the managed switch and can be assigned ports. Multiple VLANs offer multiple ports that can be controlled through the switch from anywhere on the LAN.
“There are some great features to this package,’ said Hagai Gefen, president, Gefen. “HDMI can be extended up to 200 meters, 100 meters before and 100 meters after the Gigabit switch. The audio/video content is streamed over the Ethernet with very low latency using H.264 lossless video at150Mbit bandwidth, which has no signal degradation. Any smartphone or tablet with a web browser can control the switching of all the sources, displays and connected peripherals using GAVA. With this package, we can provide any size in/out switcher in which all connected devices can be configured, accessed and extended over the network.’
