New digital KVM extenders provide superb image quality up to 2km away from host PC

KVM extension specialist Scene Double Ltd has introduced a range of digital KVM extenders that enable a computer's DVI-D flat-screen display, keyboard and mouse to be located up to 2km away from the CPU with no degradation of image quality.

Manufactured in Germany by IHSE GmbH, the DVXi series extenders comprise a local unit and a remote unit connected via CATx (copper) or fibre-optic cable and are available in single- or dual-head models with either PS/2 or USB device interfaces.

Since the extenders transfer video data from the computer's graphics card in binary coded format - not as an analogue signal - there is no corruption of the data over the transmission line and perfect image quality is maintained, even at the highest screen resolution of 1600 x 1200.

Incorporating a special compression algorithm, the DVXi extenders provide transmission distances of up to 140m using CATx copper cable, up to 400m with multi-mode fibre-optic cable and up to 2km using single-mode fibre-optic cable.

All versions feature local outputs to enable KVM consoles to be connected at the CPU, and the extenders' isolated link interface (even on CATx models) ensures high immunity to electrical interference.

USB versions can be used with non-PC platforms such as Mac or Sun and can handle a variety of human interface devices, including bar-code readers and touch screens, as well as the usual mouse and keyboard.

The DVXi extenders are particularly suitable for cross-site applications where multiple CPUs may be located in a separate building to protect them from hazards such as adverse environmental conditions, theft or unauthorised installation of software.  They are also intended for use with workstations in applications requiring the exceptional video quality that DVI digital extension provides.  Typical users are expected to be government and military establishments, airports, call centres, industrial companies, and audiovisual, broadcast and financial organisations.

With prices starting from just 650, DVXi extender kits contain a local unit, a remote unit, a CPU cable and two power supplies.  Also available is an optional 19in. rack-mount kit accommodating up to four DVXi units.

A planned expansion of the range over the coming months will see the introduction of models capable of handling even higher screen resolutions, and there will also be enhanced versions featuring stereo audio and serial interface support, as well as specialised extenders, repeaters and splitters for digital signage applications.

For more details of currently available products, visit www.scene-double.co.uk.