Video Matrix Switch: Creates a Web like Pattern of Connections between Sources and Displays

Audio and video signals from multiple sources can be directed to multiple outputs using a Video Matrix Switch. As the name indicates, it allows multiple interconnection possibilities creating a matrix like web pattern. Ranging in sizes between 2 inputs and 2 outputs to 64 inputs and 64 outs, some of these devices can also be daisy chained. Depending upon the type of video signals supported, they can be classified as a VGA video matrix switcher, VGA AV matrix, DVI matrix, HDMI matrix, component matrix, composite video matrix and Cat5 video matrix.  Available in desktop and Rackmount versions, these units are easy to install, work on simple plug and play functionality and do not require any additional software or drivers for installation.

The HDMI Matrix Switch via Cat5e/6 is the latest model available and has the ability to route HDMI video from multiple sources to multiple outputs. Since it works on the latest digital video switching technology, this device relays digital signals with zero signal loss. Supporting resolutions of 480p, 720p, 1080i and 1080p along with 7.1 Digital Surround Sound Audio, this switch secures connections using HDMI cables or Cat5e/6 cables. They carry video and audio signals over a single HDMI Cable or two Cat5e/6 cables thereby reducing space and eliminating clutter. Control over these devices is exercised using front panel push buttons, RS-232, Infra Red remote control, USB and/or TCP/IP.

The VGA Matrix is the most basic device in this category. A combination of a VGA splitter and switch, this device allows switching of VGA video from many sources to many outputs. Compatible with VGA devices such as computers, DVD players and LCDs, they are connected using standard VGA cables. The type of unit determines the control features which could be through RS232 software, infrared remote, front panel push buttons or TCP/IP. These units support up to 1900 x 1200 video resolutions. The VGA Matrix Switch has 15 pin HD female input and output connectors. This Matrix has CE, FCC and RoHS compliance. This switch can achieve distances of up to 200 feet or more using extenders between the device and the monitor.

The DVI Matrix Switch on the other hand combines a digital DVI-D splitter and digital switch functionality into a single unit. The ability to connect multiple DVI sources to multiple DVI displays makes this unit an ideal device in environments where information from many sources needs to be relayed. These units are used in digital signage applications, entertainment facilities, and information broadcasting companies, commercial and financial institutions. The DVI matrix units have a medical grade UL Certification which makes them ideal for use in the healthcare industry.

KVM Matrix Switch: Allows multiple Users to control multiple Servers

Multiple servers or CPUs can be controlled and operated by multiple users with the help of a KVM Matrix Switch. Offering multi platform capabilities these units can work with PCs, SUNs, MACs, IBMs, HPs and Dells as well as Windows Vista, 2003, XP, 2000, Linux, Netware, and Unix operating systems. Available in a 1U rack mount form factor, these switches have models with 8, 16 and 32 ports. For achieving greater configurations, they can be cascaded and can accommodate up to 256 servers when this is done. An important feature of a Matrix KVM unit is that it can be controlled by multiple users. There are different versions available of these units with VGA or CAT5e/6 connectors. Also, different versions support different numbers of user’s with local access and remote access via CAT5e/6 or TCP/IP.

Amongst many other features of a KVM Matrix device, the most prominent one includes the ability to offer local as well as remote access control (Cat5e/6 or TCP/IP). The OSD user interface has many enhanced features for administration and user management, including the capability to define Super Users. These users can create custom user profiles with access rights for specific KVM ports. English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Japanese and Simplified Chinese are also supported by its multilingual interface. These KVM units have CE, FCC, VCCI, TAA and RoHS approvals. They have optional 12, 24 and 48V power options. Operating and storage temperatures are 0 to 50 and -5 to 60 degrees Celsius respectively.

The IP KVM Switch is the high end version which allows a user to work securely via a remote keyboard, monitor and mouse using 128 bit secure IP access across the web. Operating on plug and play technology it provides seamless, secure access over IP via a web browser, allowing control down to the bios level. It does not require any additional software or device drivers to be installed on the servers or remote PCs. The CAT5e/6 switch also allows a maximum distance of 1000 feet from the KVM ports for remote access and server connections up to 40 feet using category cables. The LEDs on this device indicate the connectivity status and it also offers users the ability to set their own passwords.

A blessing for Network Administrators, the KVM Matrix Switch allows them to maintain and monitors servers or CPUs from multiple locations. These Matrix KVM units are mainly used in security agencies, remote monitoring facilities, training institutes, server room environments and large corporate offices.

Rackmount KVM: Assists in Controlling the Entire Network of Servers from a Single Location

A keyboard, mouse, LCD and a KVM Switch integrated into a drawer forms a Rackmount KVM LCD. This rugged sliding drawer is mounted in a server rack utilizing only 1U or 2U space providing an economical solution for server rooms. Available with many options, these devices have PS2 and USB variants that support the respective peripherals. Some models differ on the types of systems they connect to and support such as the SUN model that is compatible with SUN systems. Different types of video connections such as VGA, DVI, HDMI, Composite RCA or BNC and S-Video are supported by these devices and they are further classified on the basis of these video formats. The Rackmount keyboard drawer also differs based on model-specific features. For example, some are able to perform in high brightness environments and are known as sunlight readable KVM drawers, while another version called the short depth model, is ideal in situations where rack depth is shallow, such as with portable server racks.

However, all of these devices have many standard features such as the flip up design of the LCD, which eliminates the need to use bulky monitors. The on-screen display of the Rackmount monitor Keyboard is used to control Brightness, Contrast, Color, Clock, Horizontal Position, Vertical Position, Phase, Scaling, Auto configuration, Input select, Multi window, Clear EEPROM, Save and Adjust. Equipped with adjustable rack mounting brackets and slide rails which are fixed to prevent movement of the keyboard when in use, these units follow the TCP, UDP, IP, ARP, ICMP, HTTP/HTTPS, Telnet, DHCP/BOOTP, PPP, SMTP, DNS, NTP, Dynamic DNS protocols. Advanced models have KVM over IP, CAT5, Touch screen video input and 12/24/48VDC power options. Hot key switching, front panel push buttons or auto scan are the modes of control for these units. Also, these units can be equipped with 8, 16 or 32 port KVM switches that integrated into the rear of the metal frame. LCD Screen sizes can range between 17” and 20” and operating systems supported are Windows, SUN, Dell, UNIX, and Linux.

The Rackmount KVM device can be used to control up to 32 PCs and for greater configurations, they can be cascaded providing network administrators the ability to control their networks. Light in weight, these drawers also have built-in microprocessor emulation for each port boot up process and can support multiple keyboard languages. Hot Pluggable, this unit also comes with the ability to add or remove connected PCs for maintenance without powering down the switch or PCs.

Due to all its features, this device is commonly used in server room environments throughout commercial, industrial, government and military organizations.

Video Switch: Route video from multiple sources to a single display

Video from multiple sources can be displayed on a single display device with the help of a video switch. Available in many different models with all models varying according to the type of video signals supported, these devices have the ability to provide high resolution signals. Of the various models available, the most popular ones are the VGA, DVI Video, HDMI, Composite, Cat5 Audio Video and the video matrix switches. Latest models are also available with optional audio. Image quality and clarity is maintained and it appears as though each source is individually connected to the display device. Input ports can range between 2, 4, 8 or 16 and if more than sixteen sources need to be connected, a user can daisy chain these switches.

Also known as a video switcher, this unit works on simple plug and play functionality and does not require any additional device drivers for operation. Switching between various sources of video can be done using front panel push buttons, infra red remote control and RS232. Since switching is passive, there is no requirement of external power or batteries. Hot pluggable, a user can either add or remove the source devices without powering down the unit.  Compatible with PCs, MACs and SUNs with VGA video and multi sync SVGA, VGA and XGA monitors, they support the DDC1, DDCS, DDC2B, DDC2B+ and DDC2AB protocols.

Other key features of these video switchers are the ability to auto skip over power off, a computer in suspended mode or an unplugged VGA cable. Equipped with regulatory approvals from CE, FCC and RoHS, these devices can be combined with a video splitter to form a video matrix switch. The latter is capable of routing video from multiple sources to multiple displays, creating a matrix pattern of interconnection possibilities. These router units can also be controlled via TCP/IP and are available in models supporting different types of video signals.

A perfect solution for places where information from many sources needs to be displayed on a single display, the video switch is widely used in educational and financial institutions, airports, bus and train terminals, hospitals, information kiosks, digital signage applications, corporate offices and boardrooms etc.

Video Splitter: Replication of video signals on multiple displays in real time

Signals from a single source can be relayed on multiple display devices simultaneously and in real time using a Video Splitter. This device has the ability split the signal, amplify it and relay it on various devices. The resultant images are crisp and clear without any loss of data and it appears as though each display is individually connected to the source. Available in various models categorized on the basis of video signals they support, the basic model of this device is the VGA splitter. More advanced models include the DVI Splitter, Quad Video, VGA & Audio Video, S-Video, Component Video, HDMI Video and Composite splitter. All models are available in different sizes such as 2, 4, 8 and 16 ports.

The distribution amplifier units can also be cascaded to display the images on up to 90 monitors. Compatible with PCs, SUNs and MACs with VGA Video, these splitters support UXGA, SXGA, XGA, and VGA resolutions along with DDC, DDC2, and DDC2B protocols. Easy to install and operating on simple plug and play functionality, this device functions by connecting the transmitter to the computer and the output of the receiver to the display devices. Once the connections are secured and the unit powered on, the signals can be relayed. They do not require any additional software or device drivers for operation.

Other key features of the video distribution amplifier units are its small and compact size, low power consumption, locking connector for cables, agency approvals from CE, FCC and RoHS, multi modes of control such as front panel push buttons, RS232 and Infra red remote control and power status indication through LEDs. While the basic models can relay the signals up to 65 meters, the models using category cables for securing connections can extend the distance of transmission up to 900 feet. These units can also be combined with a video switch to form a video matrix switch that transmits signals from multiple sources to multiple displays.

Wherever there is a need to share information on multiple screens at the same time, the video splitter comes handy. For this very reason, it is highly demanded for digital signage applications, bus, train and air terminals, hospitals, financial and educational institutions and commercial establishments.

VGA Splitter: Shows the same images on multiple VGA devices simultaneously

A VGA Splitter is a signal booster and amplifier that splits the video signal from a single source, duplicates it and sends it to multiple display devices simultaneously and in real time. Due to its signal boosting and amplifying properties, the resultant images which are displayed are crisp and clear and support VGA, SVGA, UXGA, SXGA, XGA, and VGA resolutions up to 1920 x 1440 @ 60 Hz. The source is connected to the transmitter unit while the display is connected to the receiver unit of the splitter. Connections are secured using VGA cables. Number of displays that can be connected depends upon the number of ports in the VGA distribution amplifier.

Available in 2, 4, 8 and 16 ports, this device can also be cascaded for greater configurations and support a bandwidth of 350 MHz. Installation is easy and once the device is set up, it just needs to be powered on and can be operated. Since these devices work on plug and play functionality, they do not require any additional device drivers or software for operation. Compatible with PCs, SUNs and MACs with VGA Video, these units follow the DDC, DDC2 and DDC2B protocols.

Equipped with standard 15 Pin HD VGA connectors, they are available in various models with the VGA monitor splitter being the most basic one. Other models include Quad screen, DVI Splitters, S- Video, Component, Composite and VGA Audio splitter. This model has a limitation of distance imposed on it due to the use of VGA cables for securing connections. If category cables are used for connections, this issue can also be eliminated. The key feature of this device is the ability to switch to power save mode when the input signal is lost. LEDs indicate the input and power save status.


A combination of this splitter and a VGA switch results in a video matrix switch which allows many sources to be connected with many display devices. Perfect for environments where high resolution video is required to be displayed on multiple devices simultaneously, this splitter is perfect for presentations and training facilities. Digital signage applications, entertainment facilities and SOHO applications all make use of the VGA splitter.

VGA Extender: Helps Place Computers in a Secure Location and Relay Information to Public Places

VGA Extender allows long distance transmission of video signals using category cables. Since cat5/6/5e cables are used, a distance of up to 950 feet can be achieved and use of bulky VGA cables is also eliminated thereby saving space and reducing clutter. For even greater distances, one can use the high end version which relays signals over fiber optic cables. This model operates on single and dual link fiber optic technology.

Comprised of two units, a transmitter and a receiver, the former is connected with the source unit and the latter to the display. Once the connections are secured and the unit powered on, the device is ready to be used. Alternatively known as the vga to cat5 extension device, it works on simple plug and play functionality, is easy to install and does not require any additional software or device drivers for operation.
While maintaining signal strength, the extenders transmit crisp and clear images at a resolution of 1900 x 1200. Sizes range from 2 port to 4 and 8 port devices and some models are also available with optional audio, RS232 and infra red remote control. Offering multi platform support, they are compatible with almost all operating systems and are powered using 12V power supplies. They also have the ability to provide secure access and control of the infrastructure as PCs can be placed in a safe secure environment.

While the VGA extender over CAT5 is the basic model, more advanced models of video extenders are also available. These models are categorized on the basis of signals they support such as the DVI, HDMI, Composite and Component Extender. Wireless extenders are also available which were introduced to eliminate the wired clutter from the tech environments. They are equipped with session security log-in and Wi-Fi WEP protection and allow any desktop or notebook computers with Wi-Fi to access the VGA monitor or projector.

The VGA extension units can work with many video sources with a VGA connection, including PCs, DVD players, VHS, DVRs and so on. Since it can be used in environments where the video inputs need to be sent to multiple remote output devices, the VGA extender finds its use in digital signage applications, educational and commercial establishments, financial institutions etc.