DVI

The DVI-I variants carry both signal parts: digital, like a pure DVI-D source, plus analogue. That allows computers and measurement devices delivering only an analogue picture to be integrated without a converter in front. When selecting, check the signal value in the filter: dual link DVI, single link DVI or single link DVI-I.

The link type of your source determines which resolution is achievable:

• SingleLink   1920 × 1200 bei 60 Hz
• DualLink   2560 × 1600 bei 60 Hz oder 4096 × 2160 bei 30 Hz

Important for planning: dual link is available with dedicated transmission only. If you need the higher resolutions, your choice of transmission route is already made.

Every variant transmits keyboard and mouse. For further USB devices there are three routes:

• GenericUSB passes through HID devices, smart cards and mass storage, available with both transmission routes.
• U variants (dedicated) additionally transmit transparent USB 2.0 over the KVM link — all USB classes, at full speed and 16 Mbit/s.
• U2 variants (dedicated) use a transmission line of their own for USB 2.0 and reach high speed at 480 Mbit/s. In return they operate strictly as a point-to-point link and rule out a redundant transmission line.

• Dedicated transmission connects the computer and console modules over a line of their own — independent of your IT, entirely predictable in its behaviour, and the only option for dual link, multi-channel and transparent USB 2.0.
• KVM over IP uses your existing standard network and is the basis for installations that grow flexibly. Selected variants can be powered via Power over Ethernet, which removes the need for a power supply at the module.

All DVI extenders transmit via bluedec™, G&D's multi-stage video compression: pixel-perfect and with no perceptible latency, at efficient bandwidth. Uncompressed variants are not part of the DVI range.

With dedicated transmission there are multi-channel variants for two or four video channels (MC2, MC4). They transmit several channels of one source in parallel and suit workplaces where a single computer drives several monitors.

In a matrix environment the other approach applies: a multi-monitor workplace is built from several console modules, so each monitor can be switched to a different source independently. Multi-channel variants are not the right choice here.

Both transmission routes can be integrated into a matrix system later, each into its own world: KVM-over-IP end devices work with IP matrix switches (ControlCenter-IP, ControlCenter-IP-XS), dedicated end devices with dedicated matrix switches (ControlCenter-Digital, ControlCenter-Compact). Within each world, mix & match applies: DVI modules operate alongside modules for other signal types.

Your choice in the categories above therefore also determines which matrix the installation can grow into later. Exception: the U2 variants remain point-to-point links.

Unlike HDMI or DisplayPort, DVI does not support embedded audio, meaning it does not transmit audio within the video signal. With the audio versions, analog audio is therefore fed into and output through separate jack connectors on the modules. Video, audio, and USB are then transmitted together over the same cable. When making your selection, ensure that both the computer module and the workstation module are audio versions.

• Isn't DVI outdated?
  Not where the hardware is. In control rooms and industrial plants, DVI sources remain in service, often across long lifecycles. The screw-locked connector is an advantage over HDMI in environments exposed to vibration.
• Can I connect an analogue video source?
  Yes, via the DVI-I variants. They accept the analogue signal part as well as the digital one.
• How do I know whether I need single link or dual link?
  By the resolution you need: single link covers up to Full HD/WUXGA, dual link goes beyond that. If in doubt, the graphics card's data sheet will tell you.
• How does audio reach the workplace?
  DVI itself carries no audio; the audio variants transmit analogue audio in addition.
• Can I keep using a PS/2 keyboard?
  PS/2 is supported by the previous generations, which you will also find in this category. The current modules work with USB. The "input devices" filter shows which variants support PS/2.
• Can DVI be combined with other signal types?
  Yes, within the same transmission route. In an IP matrix system, KVM-over-IP modules for different signal types work together; in a dedicated matrix system, the dedicated modules do. IP and dedicated end devices cannot be mixed.