TV Tech: What do you anticipate will be the most significant technology trends at the 2025 NAB Show?

David Isola: This year AI is set to dominate promising to explore the fusion of AI, creator platforms, next-gen sports technology, advanced streaming solutions, and distributed cloud architectures. We’re super excited to see the proliferation of AI in broadcast and workflow applications.

We are also always interested to see further advancements in sports production—especially in terms of streamlining of live production workflows and other advancements in scalability and flexibility around content creation and distribution. We always have our eyes open for anything around AI and how AI will automate tasks and the impact it will have on real-time analytics, and other ways AI can improve sports content delivery from the event and into households around the world.

TVT: What will be your most important product news?

DI: We will highlight our acclaimed and award-winning Emerald Unified KVM-over-IP products that offer secure, flexible, and scalable workflows with industry-leading low IP bandwidth usage. Emerald supports broadcast workflows by facilitating easy integration with H.264/265 video feeds, as well as media controllers, automation systems, and provide seamless access to physical servers, the public and private cloud with PCoIP Ultra support, and collaborative virtual machine (VM) sharing.

This will include our new award-winning DESKVUE PE Multi-Source, Multi-View receiver with precise 4K/60 video processing, our GE Gateway for multiple simultaneous VM access, and our Remote App, that provides high-performance remote access from anywhere in the world. Stop by for a demo of all these amazing products.

TVT: How is your new product different from what’s available on the market?

DI: Emerald DESKVUE is unlike traditional KVM or other multi-viewer type products in that it allows users to view and control up to 16 different sources spread across four different monitors. Traditional multi-viewers can only provide static or predefined layouts. Emerald DESKVUE gives you the opportunity to size, resize, and drag your sources (or “tiles”) across the different connected monitors, streamlining workflow and optimizing efficiency. DESKVUE is a part of the Emerald Eco-system and integrates with our IP KVM platform further providing flexibility to access and control both virtual and physical machines across the network.

TVT: What is it about the NAB Show that brings you back every year?

DI: There’s so much to see and do at the NAB Show! Apart from advancements in technology, product showcases, and speaking with industry leaders, the show really gives us a chance to find out not only the current state of the industry, but where its going. This year will be exceptional, and I know we will learn a lot more about AI and its impact on the broadcast industry.

PLANO, Texas—Black Box will highlight its Emerald Unified KVM-over-IP products that facilitate easy integration with H.264/265 video feeds, as well as media controllers, automation systems, and other systems at the 2025 NAB Show, April 5-9, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The Emerald Unified KVM-over-IP platform provides seamless access to physical servers, the public and private cloud with PCoIP Ultra support and collaborative virtual machine (VM) sharing, Black Box said.

Black Box booth will show new Emerald products, including the Emerald DESKVUE PE Multi-Source, Multi-View receiver with precise 4K/60 video processing and the Emerald GE Gateway for multiple simultaneous user access to the same virtual machine. The company also will feature the Emerald Remote App, which provides high-performance remote access, the company said.

Black Box will offer live demos of the latest DisplayPort versions of Emerald SE and PE. These reliable IP-based KVM solutions enable intuitive user experiences and remote system connectivity for production control rooms and both remote and hybrid productions, including live events, it said.

The Black Box Emerald IP KVM platform is a scalable universal access system that enables users to connect to both physical and virtual machines. It offers anywhere, anytime IP access over an existing IP network, WAN or the internet.

Advanced security and minimal low bandwidth consumption enable new ways of configuring control room infrastructure to maximize expandability. The platform offers local and remote users simplified workflows. Interoperability between 4K and HD video and one-touch control room setups combine with a high degree of automation through Emerald's APIs to give users flexibility and enable ease of use, it said.

The company will also demonstrate its Emerald DESKVUE PR Multi-Source, Multi-View receiver. With DESKVIE, all systems are displayed as individual windows on up to four 4K monitors, including one ultrawide curved 5K monitor. Users can arrange, resize or drag system “tiles” or “windows” across connected monitors, it said.

Emerald AV WALL, a native software feature of Emerald DESKVUE, makes it easy to display a single source from an Emerald system on a 2x2 video wall to be viewed by a larger group. Black Box this year also has made it simpler to upgrade and add a 4x4 video wall solution, the company said.

The company also will highlight its Emerald GE Gateway that connects to the Emerald IP-based KVM network all Emerald users enhanced simultaneous virtual machine connectivity with RDP or PCoIP (ultra) VM sharing; its Remote App for the Emerald Unified KVM platform that turns a user laptop or computer into a KVM receiver to provide authorized users access to sources; and AlertWerks IoT, it said.

See Black Box at 2025 NAB Show booth SL10616.

More information is available on the company’s website.

TV TECH: What do you anticipate will be the most significant technology trends at the 2024 NAB Show New York?

DAVID ISOLA: AI tools and the integration into production workflows (i.e., asset management, editing, etc), cloud-based and remote production workflows, and (always) storage solutions!

TVT: What will be your most important product news?

ISOLA: We are excited to launch our latest addition to our IP KVM Emerald Solution—Emerald DESKVUE PE: An Innovative Workspace Switch for Signal Distribution and Processing. Emerald DESKVUE PE is a high-performance, smart workspace switch that revolutionizes the KVM-over-IP experience, enabling users to seamlessly interact with and take control of up to 16 selected systems at once from a single multimonitor console.

Part of the Emerald IP KVM ecosystem, the DESKVUE PE receiver allows for a customized operator setup, supporting up to four 4K/60Hz DisplayPort monitors on the desk or a video wall. Users experience intuitive interaction and superior control with easily adjustable layouts and movable windows, which simplify the management of vast system landscapes.

TVT: How is your new product different from what’s available on the market?

ISOLA: The PE provides a higher level performance to the existing DESKVUE family member, EMD5104-R. It supports more than a 40% greater workload with precision user response. This is ideal for customers who need a lot of 4K sources displayed to the operator across multiple 4K or 5K screens.

A unique feature of DESKVUE PE is its fully customized visualization layout, which removes the limitation of predefined screen layouts and is a great advantage over other solutions on the market. Users can freely select, move and arrange up to 16 system windows on and over their desktop monitors; lock important systems in their focus view; instantly switch a system inside a window tile; and select team collaboration modes as private, exclusive or view-only.

Other benefits include the integrated EmeraldAV WALL software, which enables direct access to a 2x2 video wall to share contents with the team for collaboration. Embedded RDP/PCoIP/PCoIP-Ultra clients allow direct access to virtual machines without the need for additional transceivers, while reducing the system complexity, space and costs compared to competing solutions.

TVT: What is it about NAB Show New York that brings you back every year?

ISOLA: Different from the spring NAB Show in Las Vegas, NAB Show New York is a more intimate experience that allows for deeper interaction between exhibitors and attendees/customers!

NEW YORK—Black Box has announced that it will showcase its cutting-edge control room solutions, featuring the Emerald Unified KVM-over-IP product line and the Boxilla KVM Manager during the 2024 NAB Show New York, Oct. 9-10, at the Javits Center in Booth 1204

Black Box said that visitors to booth 1204 will see how the Emerald ecosystem provides the intuitive user experiences and superior remote system connectivity necessary in modern broadcast and hybrid production environments. 

The 2024 NAB Show New York marks the first U.S. showcase of the new TAA-compliant version of Emerald DESKVUE, offering attendees an exclusive look at this advanced technology.

Black Box said that its Emerald devices seamlessly integrate with H.264/265 video feeds, media controllers, automation systems and other critical control room components, providing effortless access to physical servers, the public and private cloud with PCoIP Ultra support and collaborative virtual machine (VM) sharing. The company will highlight how its Emerald Unified KVM-over-IP products deliver secure, flexible and scalable workflows with industry-leading low IP bandwidth usage.

In addition, the company explained that the Black Box Emerald KVM-over-IP platform is an infinitely scalable universal access system, allowing users to connect to physical and virtual machines with anywhere, anytime IP access over an existing IP network, WAN, or even the internet. Black Box will highlight the Emerald system's robust security features, power and connectivity options that add resilience and simplify setup, and intuitive interfaces for flexible layout configuration and agile switching. Black Box will also highlight new power redundancy capability and two-network link redundancy (copper and fiber) for its Emerald traditional KVM DP receivers.

Adding to Emerald's fail-safe platform, which has no single point of failure, new security and compliance features protect against internal and cyber threats. These advanced security features and market-leading low-bandwidth consumption open new ways to configure the studio infrastructure with maximum expandability, incorporating remote users, remote productions, and distributed control rooms. Interoperability between 4K and HD video, combined with one-touch control room setups and a high degree of automation through Emerald's APIs, gives users valuable flexibility while ensuring ease of use.

The Emerald KVM-over-IP platform manages signals and format types, empowering users to deliver content with an innovative look and feel. Organizations can leverage existing IT equipment, facilitating control and monitoring through the Boxilla® KVM Manager's intuitive and visually appealing KVM management dashboard. New small-form-factor DisplayPort units ease installation, much like the Emerald Remote App, by providing access to as many as nine concurrent Emerald connections from a Windows 10/11 laptop.

Also during the NAB Show New York, Black Box will showcase the new TAA-compliant version of the award-winning Emerald DESKVUE KVM-over-IP receiver, a small-form-factor device offering users a new concept for creating individually tailored workspaces. 

Emerald DESKVUE allows users to access up to 16 physical or virtual systems and H.264/H.265 streams simultaneously, replacing multiple receivers and thus reducing system complexity and costs. All systems are displayed as individual windows on up to four 4K or curved (5K) monitors. Users can arrange these windows in any way; switching between systems happens automatically in the background as users perform their tasks, removing any need for manual switching commands — or even awareness of system changes.

Black Box will showcase Emerald DESKVUE with enhancements that enable greater workspace personalization, including system arrangements on the screen, with capabilities such as locking favored system tiles and easier, faster switching among tiles, as well as an exclusive work mode and personalized on-screen layouts — resulting in a tailored workspace with the most flexible system integration and visualization landscape. 

Complementing Emerald DESKVUE is the Black Box Emerald AV WALL, a new solution that enables seamless interoperability with Emerald KVM-over-IP systems while supporting non-KVM environments — making it easy to display a single source from an Emerald system on a video wall for viewing by a larger group. The solution directly supports a 2x2 video wall while allowing for the expansion in the number of supported monitors through additional units.

Short for keyboard, video and mouse, KVM switches allow multiple computers to be controlled remotely using a single set of peripherals. In this way, one person can manage workstations in many locations from the same desktop location in a manner that is efficient, productive and (from an equipment purchasing perspective) economical.

These factors explain why KVM switches have long been popular in film and TV production as well as with IT departments, purchasing officers, support technicians and more. It also explains why the market for KVM switches is so dynamic, with many trends guiding its development.

Heavy Lifting
As broadcast television moves from HDTV to 4K and beyond, so does KVM switching technology. “The trends driving the KVM switches market include the increasing adoption of high-resolution formats like 4K and 8K in the broadcast industry,” said Jon Litt, Managing Director of G&D North America. “This adoption requires KVM switches with high bandwidth and low latency to support seamless video editing, streaming, and broadcasting processes effectively.”

The shift towards IP-based workflows is driving another significant KVM trend, namely more flexible and scalable KVM solutions that enable remote access and control over IP networks.

"Scalability is a major driver for organizations adopting IP KVM, however, functionality and performance must meet the users’ needs for it to be valuable," said Jamie Adkin, vice president of sales-EMEA for Adder Technology. "While IP offers the transport mechanism, a KVM manufacturer's design choices have the greatest impact on the user experience. Not all IP KVM solutions are born equal."

This capability is particularly important for distributed production environments and live broadcasts where remote access is essential for efficient operations, Litt added. “Moreover, automation is a crucial element shaping the KVM switches market. Modern KVM solutions are integrating features such as predictive maintenance and user workplace synchronization to enhance operational efficiency.”

In the world of KVM switches, “USB transparency” refers to a KVM switch’s ability to pass signals from a wide range of USB devices without issues occurring—even if the USB devices themselves come from various generations and use different drivers. The growing trend of USB transparency across KVM switches ensures that USB devices perform as if they are directly connected to a computer, rather than going through a switch.

“In the old days, every now and then you'd run into a USB device that wasn’t compatible with a KVM switch,” said Thomas Tang, president and founder of Apantac. “Thanks to the KVM industry’s embrace of USB transparency, this rarely happens anymore.”

This area is one that Adder has focused on as well, according to Adkin. "For media customers, the most important factors have been our USB peripheral support, tight integration with Broadcast Control Systems, and ZeroU devices that reduce power consumption and increase rack density."

Controlling Virtual Machines
A “virtual machine” is a software emulation of a physical computer that is commonly hosted in a private/public cloud and accessed via an IP network internally or externally via the internet. According to John Hickey, Black Box’s senior director of R&D and KVM, VMs are being used increasingly in broadcast production facilities.

“With this trend comes the need for a flatter learning curve for operators, who now take on expanded responsibility for more systems,” Hickey said. “By simplifying operator access to and interaction with VMs and other systems, KVM technology plays a central role in addressing this need.

"It also offers a solution for hybrid workflows, enabling secure, reliable, 24/7 access for team members working on- and off-site," Hickey added. As more and more aspects of the industry shift to IP—and particularly production facilities and OB vans—KVM solutions provide essential connectivity and control.”

Television’s move into the multiplatform universe (OTT, cable/satellite, mobile, ad streaming) has made life infinitely more complex for broadcast engineers, compared to the days when they simply had to provide a single TV transmitter with linear content. This is why an increasing number of engineers choose KVM switches to reduce the complexity of setting up and maintaining multiplatform IP-based production/playout systems.

“Smaller KVM systems can be configured easily,” said Dan Holland, marketing manager for IHSE. “Meanwhile, in larger systems such as a control room environment, the customer wants to have all the complexity of managing a KVM transparent to the end user. So push button panels, touchscreens interfaces and multiscreen support are key items that need to be supported by KVM switches.”

Don’t Just Switch, Extend!
Today’s KVM users want to be able to manage more computers over larger distances than ever before with a single set of peripherals. In response to this trend, Matrox Video focuses on high-performance KVM extension over IP via switches and extenders.

“By using an IP-based KVM extender, you can have your computers in a very far away location from where you're actually working,” said Catherine Koutsaris, product manager for KVM Extenders at Matrox Video. “So you can have a computer in another building or even in another city, and be able to access it from your desktop as if your own keyboard and mouse were connected to it directly.”

Security and Signal Latency
As they support higher resolutions, KVM switches are nevertheless being designed to be more secure than ever—and faster too. “Security and reduced latency are key factors for any KVM system,” Holland said.

In terms of enhanced security for KVM applications, Koutsaris is seeing advances in areas such as “more sophisticated network management, different user permissions, how devices are being detected and managed on their network in relation to each other, who's allowed to access their network, different types of encryption between devices, and how that's being managed in an organization,” she said. “Of course, you need to determine your security levels based on your application.”

As for the importance of reduced latency for users? “One of the first things that an experienced KVM user asks about new KVM switches these days is, ‘what is your signal latency?’” replied Tang. “They want to be able to switch between computers very fast, plus have the ability to see and control multiple screens from multiple computers on their desktop.”

According to the experts interviewed for this story, future trends in KVM switches include supporting 8K resolution, augmented reality/virtual reality control interfaces in remote control rooms, and more KVM switches that support multiple windows within a single screen for “live broadcasts and complex post-production workflows, and improves overall operational efficiency,” Litt said.

As well, “AI is leading the charge so perhaps one day KVM extenders will have integrated voice recognition or visual tracking that can be activated by the end user without having to go to a traditional keyboard and mouse,” said Holland.

For more information, download TV Tech's free "Guide to KVM."

ALLENTOWN, Pa.—WFMZ-TV is a small independent TV station and yet we can boast running a lot of well-known, high-end systems that are on the cutting edge of technology. The Black Box Emerald KVM systems we’ve deployed over the years are just one example.

In 2017 when we upgraded the WFMZ-TV studio, we installed Emerald KVM units to support our weather department. In addition to using Black Box copper-to-fiber converters to support signal transport over longer distances, we had already been using KVM technology to enable remote access to PCs and reduce clutter across our master control and news operations. We turned to the newer Black Box Emerald units to reduce bandwidth utilization and more effectively manage network resources.

Freeing Up Bandwidth
With an incremental upgrade of our legacy KVM systems to Emerald units over subsequent years, we ultimately achieved a 90% reduction in network utilization, freeing up bandwidth for critical tasks such as internet connectivity and video editing. Because we consolidated PC and Black Box units onto the same switches, we kept infrastructure management straightforward while optimizing operational efficiency.

By 2023, we had more or less standardized on the Emerald KVM units across our operations. During the NAB Show I visited the Black Box booth and saw a demo of the company’s new Emerald DESKVUE receiver, and I immediately thought of the many places we could use it. I was so excited about what DESKVUE could do within our master control department that I put in one of the first orders for the product after the show.

DESKVUE is a KVM-over-IP receiver that allows users to simultaneously monitor and interact with up to 16 systems, whether physical, virtual, or cloud-based. Working closely with the Black Box team to navigate setup and configuration, we got DESKVUE up and running for monitoring in master control. Once again, I was impressed that the Black Box system maintained high video quality, even for monitoring multiple systems, while keeping bandwidth requirements low.

Once we figured out how best to utilize DESKVUE, we were able to seamlessly monitor four key systems across our main and disaster recovery site. We have configured the system with hotkeys assigned to different profiles so that each operator has instant access to the right systems for their job. By giving our operators the ability to view multiple systems at a glance, DESKVUE has proved to be a powerful tool for quickly fixing on-air problems; it’s easier to spot any issues faster because different rundown playlist computers are right there, front and center.

Nearly 10 Hours of Daily News
WFMZ-TV operates 11 channels, including a primary channel with 9.5 hours of news coverage per day, a 24-hour automated weather channel, and several subchannels. Black Box systems support both daily operations and special events.

For instance, we rely on the company’s fiber extenders for signal extension during our broadcast of the local FREDDY Awards for musical theater in area high schools, as well as our annual coverage of the Philadelphia Mummers Parade — a folk parade held every year since 1901 — for MeTV2 on our sister station, WDPN-TV. We now also count on DESKVUE to help minimize recovery time in the event of any issues, in turn reducing any negative impact.

Being one of the very first DESKVUE users, we have appreciated the proactive support from Black Box. For a smaller station like ours, it makes a difference to receive individualized support along with the sale. Overall, this approach has allowed us to leverage the latest in KVM technology, and to manage our existing technical and human resources more effectively to serve our viewers. l

Henry Crush has been IT director since 2022 and has been with WFMZ since 2005. He is responsible for installation and maintenance of new and existing IT/IS hardware and software. He can be reached at HenryC@wfmz.com.

More information is available at www.blackbox.com.

Join John Hickey, senior director of R&D and KVM at Black Box, for a fascinating discussion of the latest trends in keyboard, video, mouse (KVM) technology. 

Learn why IP-based KVM tech is replacing legacy matrix devices. Find out the three key benefits IP brings to KVM in media applications and how the technology will continue evolving along an IP trajectory to bring even more IP sources into the personal space of users and enable operators to optimize their own workspaces.

Interviewed at the 2024 NAB Show, Hickey also talks about the company’s latest product introductions, including Emerald DESKVUE, a new concept in KVM over IP that enables users to create personalized workspaces where they can view and interact with up to a total of 16 systems, including those that are physical, virtual, and cloud-based as well as a combination of the three.

Hickey also talks about AV WALL, the latest DESKVUE feature set upgrade that adds video wall capabilities and integrates various IP video sources, including AVC/H.264 and HEVC/H.265.

Recorded at the company’s NAB Show booth, the video also gives viewers a good look at the latest Black Box innovations. 

Black Box 

Black Box is a trusted IT manufacturer delivering cutting-edge technology solutions & products and world-class consulting services to businesses around the globe. The breadth of our global reach, continuous innovation, and depth of our expertise accelerates customer success by bringing people, ideas, and technology together to solve real-world business problems. Since being founded in 1976, technology has changed, but our commitment remains steadfast.

PLANO, Texas—Black Box will unveil and demo an enhanced Emerald DESKVUE IP keyboard, mouse, video (KVM) receiver with the Emerald AV WALL feature set at the NAB Show, April 13-17, in Las Vegas. 

Emerald DESKVUE allows users to access as many as 16 sources and arrange them on up to four 4K screens (one of which can support 5K). When they add the Emerald AV WALL, they can move sources from Emerald DESKVUE to a 2x2 video wall to enhance collaboration with a local team, the company said.

Black Box will also introduce its Emerald GE Gateway, a solution that connects seamlessly to the Emerald IP-based KVM network, giving all Emerald users enhanced simultaneous connectivity with VM sharing as well as physical machine access, saving the cost of additional PCoIP clients. Intuitive dashboards created with the company’s Boxilla KVM management system enables IT administrators to manage and monitor Emerald GE via a centralized system.

Black Box will highlight its Boxilla enterprise-level KVM manager that gives users easy control and monitoring of an unlimited number of Emerald devices and software solutions. Its intuitive, visually appealing dashboard makes it easy to monitor system performance, configure proactive security alerts, check on real-time status and identify active devices, connections and users as well as bandwidth usage.

"Our expanding Emerald Ecosystem is bringing unprecedented flexibility to control room environments, offering robust performance and security features along with customization options that allow for greater efficiency, more seamless collaboration, and improved operational responsiveness,” said John Hickey, senior director of R&D and KVM systems at the company.

See Black Box at NAB Show booth W4527.

More information is available on the company’s website.

DALLAS—Black Box will showcase Emerald DESKVUE at NAB Show New York. Its KVM-over-IP receiver supports users with intuitive user experiences, system connectivity and customization, and switching between sources—all suitable for control room environments.

The Black Box Emerald KVM-over-IP platform serves as a scalable universal access system, which the company says gives users the flexibility to connect to both physical and virtual machines, with anywhere, anytime IP access over an existing IP network, WAN or even the internet. The Emerald DESKVUE KVM-over-IP receiver, a small-form-factor device, offers users a new concept in creating individually tailored workspaces.

Emerald DESKVUE allows a user to access up to 16 different physical or virtual systems simultaneously, replacing multiple receivers and reducing system complexity and costs. All systems are displayed as individual windows on up to four 4K or curved (5K) monitors. Users can arrange these windows in any way, as they would on a video wall, but at their desk space. According to the company, switching between systems happens automatically in the background as users perform their tasks, removing any need for manual switching commands — or even awareness of system changes.

Product managers will be available at the show to answer questions about how this and other Black Box KVM-over-IP solutions address a variety of broadcast, media and control room challenges. The company will exhibit in booth 627.

DALLAS—WFMZ-TV, an independent television station in Allentown, Pa. is deploying Black Box’s  Emerald DESKVUE receiver in its master control room to enable efficient operator interaction with more than a dozen sources across multiple screens. Emerald DESKVUE simplifies connections to physical, virtual and cloud-based systems within a single personalized workspace, the company said. 

"When I saw the Black Box demo of the Emerald DESKVUE at the NAB Show, I immediately thought of all the different places we could use it," said Henry Crush, IT director at WFMZ-TV. "We've been looking forward to getting the system installed here at the station, where we'll use it as a cost- and space-saving replacement for multiple operator stations in master control. If the Emerald DESKVUE works in our environment the way we expect it to, then we'll expand from there and deploy the system in other areas as well. The possibilities are phenomenal."

The Emerald DESKVUE receiver allows users to simultaneously access, monitor and interact with up to 16 physical or virtual systems across up to four 4K screens, which connect to the small-form-factor device along with a keyboard and mouse, audio, and other USB 3/2 devices. Giving users access to distributed physical systems, virtual machines via RDP, PCoIP, PCoIP ultra, H.264/H.265 sources, and Virtual Network Computing (VNC), Emerald DESKVUE enables efficient handling of numerous sources. These sources and systems can be freely positioned across screens as movable windows, and instant switching simply requires moving the mouse between these windows.

While Emerald DESKVUE is a KVM-over-IP receiver, the system eliminates the need to switch from one system to the next or to run client software to access virtual machines. Rather, the receiver provides anywhere, anytime access to physical and virtual machines, along with extremely low bandwidth usage and HD/4K video interoperability, according to Black Box.

"Over the years we've been working together, WFMZ-TV has always been ready to take advantage of innovation to drive greater efficiency and flexibility across its operations," said Ed Krach, senior solutions architect at Black Box. "This investment in the Emerald DESKVUE—an NAB Show Product of the Year Award winner—is a great example of the station's continuous improvement to its connectivity and control capabilities. We look forward to seeing how WFMZ-TV takes advantage of this new solution."

The Emerald DESKVUE receiver is the latest addition to the Emerald KVM systems deployed at WFMZ-TV. The station also relies on Emerald systems in its news and weather departments, as well as in master control, for seamless remote desktop connectivity and point-to-point control of computers—across the station and satellite locations—with optimal use of network resources. The Boxilla KVM system management platform from Black Box allows for comprehensive control of all Emerald KVM devices.

NEW YORK—During NAB Show NY, Oct. 19-20 at the Javits Center in New York, Black Box will spotlight new products for its KVM over IP platform. . 

The recently announced Black Box Emerald GE leverages PC-over-IP (PCoIP) Ultra technology to enable multiple users to connect simultaneously and control a virtual machine (VM) just as they would a physical system. With extremely low bandwidth requirements, the system supports remote access through both local and wide area networks (LANs and WANs). 

Pairing seamlessly with the Emerald KVM-over-IP platform, Emerald GE supports VM sharing while ensuring a secure, high-definition and highly responsive computing experience. Unlocking collaboration across physical machines and VMs, Emerald GE empowers broadcasters to work together more efficiently in remote production scenarios.

Also shown will be the Emerald VUE 4K multiviewer, which unites KVM switching with quad multiviewing to enable simultaneous monitoring of four DisplayPort video sources across two screens at exceptional 4K60 image quality. The system is ideal for production environments where space is limited, as it allows users to arrange windows freely on the screen or in preconfigured screen layouts such as full-screen, quad-view or picture-in-picture (PiP). Real-time switching between sources via keyboard, API or GPIO — or with the Black Box Glide & Switch capability — gives producers, engineers and editors convenient control over the production process.

Black Box will also spotlight its Emerald KVM-over-IP platform, which serves as an infinitely scalable universal access system, giving users the flexibility to connect to both physical and virtual machines from any location at any time, which allows for optimized studio infrastructure and workflows. Advanced security and market-leading low-bandwidth consumption allow maximum expandability, incorporating remote users, remote productions and distributed control rooms.

Interoperability between 4K and HD video and one-touch setup of control rooms, combined with a high degree of automation through Emerald's APIs, give users valuable flexibility and ease of use in managing signals and format types to deliver content with an innovative look and feel — all while preserving investment in existing IT equipment.

Another booth highlight is Black Box Boxilla enterprise-level KVM manager, which makes it easy for users to control and monitor an unlimited number of Emerald devices and software solutions. With its intuitive and visually appealing dashboard, Boxilla offers a simple, complete solution for monitoring system performance, configuring proactive security alerts, checking on real-time device status and identifying active devices, connections and users, as well as their current bandwidth usage. 

To offer a precise view of network bandwidth, Boxilla also provides at-a-glance access to dropped frames, round-trip time and other critical system and device data. With these capabilities and the system’s ease of use, administrators can proactively identify and resolve issues before they compromise the performance and the user experience.

 “We look forward to bringing exciting new products such as Emerald GE and Emerald VUE to NAB Show New York and to showcasing the exceptional performance and capabilities of the full Emerald KVM-over-IP platform and Boxilla management system, said John Hickey, Senior Director of R&D and KVM Systems at Black Box. "With these robust, flexible solutions, our customers are able to address the challenges of any modern workflow across any media or entertainment application.”

Black Box will be in Booth 1921 at the show. Click here to register for NAB Show NY. 

LAS VEGAS—Black Box has announced that it will be showcasing its high-performance KVM-over-IP solutions at the 2022 NAB Show from April 23 to 27 in Las Vegas. 

The solutions are tailored to the unique requirements of modern control rooms, media production and postproduction facilities, and broadcast playout environments and are designed to lower users' cost of ownership, enable greater workflow optimization and contribute to more agile IP-based operations, the company reported. 

"With more than 40 years in the business, robust R&D operations and an extensive portfolio of interoperable, state-of-the-art KVM systems, Black Box has a solution for any challenge,” explained John Hickey, senior director of R&D and KVM Systems at Black Box. “The industry's migration to IP workflows, virtualization and remote work continues, and the 2022 NAB Show offers a great opportunity for us to showcase our latest additions to the Emerald KVM line and to demonstrate how the entire product family can help media organizations realize greater flexibility, efficiency and reliability in mission-critical workflows."

The products it will be highlighting during the NAB Show include:  

• NAB Showcase: Black Box Emerald KVM-Over-IP Platform. The Black Box Emerald KVM-over-IP platform serves as an infinitely scalable universal access system, giving users the flexibility to connect to both physical and virtual machines from any location at any time, which allows for optimized studio infrastructure and workflows. Advanced security and market-leading low bandwidth consumption allow maximum expandability, incorporating remote users, remote productions and distributed control rooms. Interoperability between 4K and HD video and one-touch setups of control rooms, combined with a high degree of automation through Emerald's APIs, give users valuable flexibility and ease of use in managing signals and format types to deliver content with an innovative look and feel, while Emerald preserves the existing IT equipment.
• Black Box Emerald GE PCoIP® Ultra Gateway. The new Black Box Emerald GE is the industry's first and only solution to leverage cutting-edge PC-over-IP (PCoIP) Ultra technology to enable multiple users to connect simultaneously and control a virtual machine (VM) just as they would a physical system. With extremely low bandwidth requirements, the system supports remote access through both local and wide area networks (LANs and WANs). Pairing seamlessly with the Emerald KVM-over-IP platform, Emerald GE supports VM sharing while ensuring a secure, high-definition and highly responsive computing experience. Unlocking collaboration across physical machines and VMs, Emerald GE empowers broadcasters to work together more efficiently in remote production scenarios.
• Black Box Emerald VUE 4K Multiviewer. The Emerald VUE 4K multiviewer unites KVM switching with quad multiviewing to enable simultaneous monitoring of four DisplayPort video sources across two screens at exceptional 4K60 image quality. The system is ideal for production environments where space is limited, as it allows users to arrange windows freely on the screen or in preconfigured screen layouts such as full-screen, quad-view or picture-in-picture (PiP). Real-time switching between sources via keyboard, API or GPIO — or with the Black Box Glide & Switch capability — gives producers, engineers and editors convenient control over the production process.
• Black Box Boxilla KVM Manager. The Black Box Boxilla enterprise-level KVM manager makes it easy for users to control and monitor an unlimited number of Emerald® devices and software solutions. With its intuitive and visually appealing dashboard, Boxilla offers a simple, complete solution for monitoring system performance, configuring proactive security alerts, checking on real-time device status and identifying active devices, connections and users, as well as their current bandwidth usage. To offer a precise view of network bandwidth, Boxilla also provides at-a-glance access to dropped frames, round-trip time and other critical system and device data. With these capabilities and the system's ease of use, administrators can proactively identify and resolve issues before they compromise performance and the user experience.

The company will be exhibiting at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Booth W4117. 

More information is available at at www.blackbox.com.

PITTSBURGH—Black Box will showcase its new Emerald GE PCoIP Ultra Gateway designed to enable multiple users to connect at the same time and control a virtual machine as if connecting to a physical system at the 2022 NAB Show in Las Vegas, April 23-27.

Leveraging PC-over-IP Ultra technology, the Black Box Emerald GE PCoIP Ultra Gateway requires extremely low bandwidth and supports remote access through local and wide area networks (LANs and WANs), Black Box said.

Pairing seamlessly with the Emerald KVM-over-IP platform, Emerald GE supports VM sharing while ensuring a secure, high resolution and highly responsive computing experience. With the ability to unlock collaboration across physical and VMs, Emerald GE enables broadcasters to work together efficiently in remote production scenarios, it said.

See Black Box at NAB Show booth W4117.

More information is available on the company’s website. 

WASHINGTON—TV Tech and Sound Video Contractor are hosting a new webcast, “How Video Compression Affects AV and KVM Systems,” featuring a Black Box senior director.

AV Technology Contributing Editor Tim Albright will host John Hickey, senior director of R&D and KVM systems at Black Box, in the 45-minute webcast that will offer insight into compression technologies and schemes, use cases for different application scenarios and how the right compression algorithm can make the difference for professional AV and KVM systems. 

The webcast will take place on March 30 at 11 a.m. ET. For more information, or to register, click here. 

PITTSBURGH—Black Box has introduced its new KVD200-2H 4K HDMI dual-head desktop KVM switch, which is designed to let professionals control two computers with a single keyboard and mouse.

The KVD200 can handle dual HDMI and DisplayPort signals from the computers (Microsoft Windows/Mac OS X/Linux) and dual output video signals (up to UHD 4K at 60 Hz) to one or two 4K HDMI monitors. The DisplayPort and HDMI inputs can support advanced video cards.

The switch supports speaker and microphone audio and features two USB 2.0 ports, two USB 3.1 Gen.1 ports and one USB Type-C 3.1 port to support high-speed peripherals like storage devices, flash drives and cameras. HDCP 2.2 support also enables users to stream 4K video from online streaming platforms over the computer.

Push-button control and keyboard hotkeys assist with switching, while keyboard/mouse emulation ensures compatibility with HID devices, per Black Box.

For more information, visit www.blackbox.com.  

PITTSBURGH—Black Box is rolling out its new Digital Workplace, a service that strives for unified communications and collaboration (UCC) in the new reality of digital and virtual workplace environments.

Offering UCC as a service in the cloud, Black Box Digital Workplace breaks down departmental communication silos into a single, cooperative digital solution, the company says. This enables employees to communicate remotely from any location via a single cloud or on-premises network with their current applications.

Black Box Digital Workplace is delivered in three components:

• Premises UCC: Works with partners to create a customized UCC solution that meets customized business requirements and provides premise-based voice, video and collaboration solutions. 
• Managed UCaaS: A subscription-based UCC service managed by Black Box that leverages cloud offerings from two partners. 
• Premises-to-Cloud Upgrade: Allows customers to transition to the cloud at their own pace and build in flexibility for future UCC requirements. 

"The pandemic has accelerated many organizations' adoption of digital workplace solutions and exposed a critical need for effective business continuity in times of crisis. There's never been greater demand for solutions that deliver the seamless connectivity and collaboration workers need to be productive, from any location in the world," said Doug Oathout, senior vice president of strategy and partnerships, Black Box. "Black Box is ideally positioned to help customers transition from legacy operations to the new Digital Workplace. Not only are we deeply invested in these types of solutions, but we understand our customers' current and future needs and have the tools, processes and expertise to help them be successful in the 'new normal' of remote collaboration."

For more information, visit Black Box’s website. 

Black Box's Emerald Unified KVM platform provides the flexibility and network security essential to KVM extension and switching. The low-latency, high-performance Emerald 4K and Emerald SE transmitter-receiver pairs connect workstations with remote computers and servers over distances up to 10 kilometers over single-mode fiber, or even farther over IP. According to the company, the Emerald Remote App facilitates convenient anywhere, anytime access without the need for additional hardware receivers. 

NEW YORK—Black Box will show its Remote App for the Emerald Unified KVM platform at this year's NAB Show New York, which the company says gives authorized users simultaneous remote access to one or more sources—PCs, servers or virtual machines—across an Emerald KVM network. 

Supporting multiple simultaneous connections for full-HD video up to 45 fps, the new Emerald Remote App is suitable for tasks such as remote process and applications monitoring. With authentication against the Boxilla KVM network manager from Black Box, the Remote App offers users a list of connections and provides access, just like a standard hardware-based system. According to the company, because the Remote App is not tethered to a fixed location, users can access the Emerald KVM network from anywhere using their own computers or laptops.

Black Box will also showcase the Emerald ZeroU DVI transmitter for the Emerald Unified KVM platform. A little bigger than a smartphone, the compact ZeroU transmitter works with the Emerald SE receiver with hardware housed securely in a corporate data center or in the cloud. Supporting visually lossless full HD DVI video up to 1920x1200 and requiring less than 40 Mbps of bandwidth for 1080p video, the transmitter brings connectivity to a variety of applications including broadcast, post production and more.

Black Box will demonstrate these products at its booth, N855, during NAB Show New York, Oct. 16-17.

Black Box will mark the European introduction of its new MCX AV-over-IP system and feature products across its Emerald Unified KVM (keyboard, mouse and video) portfolio, including a new remote app, at IBC 2019, Sept. 13-17, at the RAI in Amsterdam.

The Remote App for the Emerald Unified KVM platform enables authorized users to remotely access sources, including PCs, servers and virtual machines, at the same time across an Emerald KBM network. The app, which supports full-HD up to 45fps, is well-suited for tasks like remote process and application monitoring.

Used with the Black Box Boxilla network manager, the Remote App provides a list of connections and makes access quick and easy. Because the Remote App is not tethered to a fixed position, users can access the Emerald KVM network from anywhere.

The company will also feature its Emerald ZeroU DVI transmitter for its Emerald Unified KVM platform. Compact in size, the ZeroU transmitter works with the Emerald SD receiver, offering users a seamless desktop experience anywhere on a TCP/IP network with hardware housed in a secure corporate data center or in the cloud.

Requiring less than 40Mb/s of bandwidth for 1080p video, the transmitter enables high-performance connectivity for a variety of applications.

The company also will demonstrate the need for convenient, intuitive real-time access to multiple computers from multiple locations at its IBC stand.

See Black Box at IBC 2019 Stand 8.B59.

More information is available on the Black Box website.

NEW YORK—Black Box will address key trends and broadcast industry challenges with high-performance KVM, video walls and other solutions. The company will also have two demo stations to give attendees a first-hand look at the benefits of high-performance KVM and virtualization.

Boxilla

At Demo Station 1 for live and post production, viewers will see scalable, enterprise-class KVM solutions that provide instant access and real-time control. These offerings are designed for greater flexibility toaccess systems from any location, scalability, efficiency and speed. Attendees will also learn how they can access 4K resolution, 10-bit color and other equipment for post-production purposes.

At Demo Station 2 for virtualization, Black Box will feature its Boxilla. This enterprise-level KVM and AV/IT system manager offers a comprehensive and centralized command center for managing, deploying and accessing high-performance KVM virtual and physical devices for IP and cloud-based workflows. According to the company, the latest release of Boxilla enables DKM systems to grow beyond private networks to seamlessly connect across IP networks to access physical and virtual servers in the same way they access servers directly connected to DKM today.

Black Box will exhibit in booth N143.

LOS ANGELES—Black Box is ready to showcase what it has to offer in response to the growing areas of 4K and virtualization at this year’s SMPTE 2016 conference. The KVM and AV technology provider is bringing new technologies in the virtual desktop infrastructure and high-performance KVM systems.

One of these products is the 4K60 module for the DKM system. The new module can be installed via a card, saving users from replacing the whole system. The updated DKM system enables matrix switching and console extension for multiple video formats, as well as flexible cross point switching. This allows the systems to be up to 140m apart over CATx or 10km over fiber.

There will also be the InvisaPC, which is designed to close the gap between traditional KVM and virtual machines. The device can be used to extend and switch DVI, USB HID, USB 2.0 and audio, in addition to controlling virtual machines using RDP 7.1/8 Remote FX. The IP-based system requires a bandwidth of 35 Mbit to transmit HD moving images.

Three other products that Black Box is planning to show at SMPTE are the Agility, DCX3000, and Radian video wall processor. The Agility is a multi-faceted system for digital switching, extension and distribution of video, audio, serial and USB signals that can convert from point-to-point extension to cross-point switching. The DXC3000 offers a 30-port matrix for switching of digital HD videos, audio and USB signals. The Radian video wall processor offers design freedom, with the ability to position or change images as the user sees fit.

SMPTE 2016 is currently underway. Black Box is located at booth 305.

Shortly before NAB Show New York, TV Technology spoke with Josh Whitney, Vice President/General Manager–Technology Product Solutions for Black Box.

TV TECHNOLOGY: What technology trends do you anticipate will be “front and center” at NAB Show New York?

JOSH WHITNEY: The industry continues to highlight the benefits of moving from proprietary to IP-based technology and related cloud-based workflows. I expect this theme to continue for several years at both the New York and Las Vegas NAB Shows, as customers look to future-proof their technology and transition to a virtual world. Our exhibit will also include this theme as it relates to user connectivity to virtualized and cloud-based servers.

TVT: What will be your company’s most important product news?

JW: Black Box is showcasing the breadth we offer for high-performance KVM connectivity through our direct connect, IP, hybrid or virtualized KVM solutions, allowing our customers instantaneous access and real-time control. Our 4K extension over switchable KVM is a solution we are delivering for customers today, and it’s primarily a significant capability for our post-production customers.

At the show, our real-time demo includes our best solutions in 4K, virtual desktop infrastructure and high-performance KVM by demonstrating both live and post-production experiences. Our demonstration will also include extension of KVM connectivity to virtualized servers such that an operator will be able to access production or media servers regardless of type (physical or virtualized) or location (local or remote).

TVT: How is your new product different from what’s available on the market?

JW: With the industry moving toward IP-based and cloud-based solutions, the requirements for KVM are also changing. Black Box is the first KVM provider to offer advanced high-performance KVM beyond connectivity to physical ports. Our InvisaPC IP-based KVM platform enables broadcasters to connect to physical or virtualized servers over an IP network, while also tying into a local KVM matrix. This expands the reach and value of the KVM network while also increasing the user’s ability to share and collaborate.

TVT: Did you attend last year’s show? Do you have a favorite restaurant or point of interest you can share with other attendees?

JW: I was not able to attend NAB Show New York last year, but I highly recommend Ben’s Deli in the Garment District for the best pastrami sandwich in town.