IHSE USA announced its new Display Management System (DMS) product bundles for fixed-sized KVM matrix systems. The new DMS product line — which includes control management software, USB-HID for keyboard and mouse and support for either HDMI or DisplayPort video — offers a full package system under one part number and in sizes ranging from 4×4 up to 16×16. The new DMS bundles include the KVM matrix switch, a full set of extenders and the Draco tera tool software for advanced system management.

The IHSE DMS offers many features and benefits, including IHSE’s exclusive Flex-Port technology. This technology allows each matrix port to be user-configured as an input or an output. With the advanced control interface, operators have the option to manage switches through an OSD (on-screen display), a GUI systems configuration software or any third-party control system using IHSE’s free API.

Via the OSD or using IHSE’s tera tool software, every step of the DMS setup process is designed to be quick configuring inputs and outputs automatically while letting the installer make intelligent design decisions along the way. The controller card inside the matrix switch automatically assigns the extenders to the switch configuration, optimizing setup with predefined ID tags and without the need of IP addressing. With the IHSE DMS, a 16×16 system could be commissioned in less than half a day.

Handling long distance computer connections is a simple operation. As each Draco extender is connected and power applied, the module automatically negotiates a port ID, which is stored in the switch processor control module. This port ID is retained even if the module is moved to another physical cable connection. In addition, extender definitions automatically determine the device ports to ensure source signals are all switched synchronously.

Along with the compact design and low cost, the Draco Flex family incorporates features from the Draco enterprise series of switches, including SNMPv3, LDAPS, multilingual on-screen display, encrypted communications for maximum security and macro-key configuration for salvo presets. Multiple console workstations can be reconfigured with a single click using predefined presets. The creation of individual macro layouts is straightforward and can be undertaken without programming knowledge.

Users of the DMS get the same high-performance features normally found on larger matrix systems. It includes dual Ethernet ports for backup or redundancy and dual-power supplies as standard features. The 1RU chassis includes LED indicators for active signal status, power supply status, and fan power status. Power requirements are 100-240VAC, 50/60Hz @ 1.4A (40W max), with an MTBF estimated at 200,000 power-on hours.

The IHSE DMS also offers an EDID management tool built into the configuration software that allows administrators to manage EDID on a single source, or in some cases, create a custom EDID that can be loaded to each KVM extender module. In this way, the KVM extender units can recognize any source resolution pushed to that user station. Due to budget constraints, facilities upgrade equipment at different times, resulting in a mix of monitors and computers that operate with a range of resolutions and differing operating systems. IHSE’s EDID management ensures all computer systems operate seamlessly between user stations.