G&D’s KVM systems make it possible to centralize the computer infrastructure in dedicated server rooms and serve as the backbone of the IT environment. Around 100 high-performance computers are housed centrally in the server room and made available to users at their respective workstations via KVM.
These systems include ingest and video servers, studio and broadcast automation systems, graphics systems, teleprompters, camera robotics, as well as general-purpose configuration servers and clients. This setup made it possible to create largely computer-free Video Control Rooms, Program Control Rooms, ingest and playout areas, graphics departments, and studios.
To ensure high system availability, two fully mirrored, redundant matrix switch clusters, each built around a ControlCenter-Digital 288, were deployed. If switching through one matrix is unavailable in the event of a fault, the system automatically switches to the second matrix. This allows production teams to continue working as usual even if a system failure occurs.
Where computers still need to remain locally available, KVM switches such as the DP-MUX2 allow users to switch between multiple systems. TradeSwitches also enable producers to control several computers using a single keyboard and mouse.
Another key part of the solution is the integration of the ControlCenter-Digital KVM matrix into LAWO’s VSM broadcast control and monitoring system. Using the IP-Control API, the VSM controller communicates directly with the KVM matrix and can execute switching commands. This makes it possible, for example, to switch multiple program configurations at the same time or transfer setups between different control rooms.
