When I was considering a system that could access and control video anywhere over my network at Broadcast Beat Studios, Gefen was the first and foremost company for the job. For the distribution and matrix switching combinations I had in mind for the studio, I wanted to be able to tie my network together and be able to access everything along my network infrastructure.
Aside from the specialized cabling which Gefen was also able to provide, I wanted to use their DVI KVM over IP device for my studio purposes. Integrating a 1:4 VGA hub and a 1:4 DVI splitter, I was able to effortlessly complete my circuitous route and eventually had control over all the devices on my network. The DVI to VGA converter installation also completed without a hitch. No matter how much cabling I ran, it was a Gefen solution that finally made it work.
Another reason I chose Gefen because all their products include lifetime support. Their technical representatives and engineers are available to consult regarding any installation or change I may want to make in my system set up. In fact the GefenPro line allowed me several unique features such as the versatility for the configuration I wanted and 24/7 technical support – exactly what’s needed for a solution instead of having to waste hours upon hours to either troubleshoot or create a particular configuration.
At Broadcast Beat Studios, we are amazingly interconnected – and Gefen makes it all happen. For example, our teleprompters are connected via Gefen. The Teleprompter server has a DVI output so I’ve taken the output of the Teleprompter server, channeling through a DVI splitter, with one output going to a VGA converter (1 DVI in / 1 VGA out), which is then connected to a VGA splitter where I’ve connected the actual teleprompters through the VGA port. These teleprompters are located on our soundstage, and it works like a charm.
This is how I’ve actually connected it: from the Teleprompter server DVI out, to the DVI port in the splitter; the first splitter output goes to the control room, the second DVI out goes to the soundstage – the DVI input goes into the VGA converter, which converts to VGA – with one VGA output going to one Teleprompter and another VGA output going to the second Teleprompter. Another DVI splitter is connected to our Vizrt Engine in the control room, with output to a Plura monitor in our server room. The Gefen products allow me to easily convert the signals to which ever type I need at the moment. This just wouldn’t be possible, otherwise.
Aside from the rugged construction of the Gefen products, each of the boxes that I’m using as their own independent power supplies, which really helps in eliminating signal degradation. Unpowered converters and splitters just can’t give the same performance.
So far, and talked about the devices – and only mentioned cables; Gefen manufactures premium high-end cables that are beyond description. After saying that, it’s really going to be hard for me to describe them in a way that will accurately portray their quality – but I’m going to do my best.
Gefen’s high-speed HDMI Cables with Ethernet and Mono-LOK handle highly demanding installations superbly. With HDTV resolutions 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p, 2K, 4K supported, up to 4096 x 2160, they are manufactured, tested and certified up to HDMI Category 2 (340 MHz) with high-quality 28AWG copper conductors and multi-layer shielding that protects the signal from electromagnetic interference (EMI). Premium. Definitely.
Cabling can add-up quickly. It doesn’t take too long before you realize that you need cable runs for this and cable runs for that – and although my cables are relatively short runs, most Gefen cables can usually handle hundreds of feet and maintain signal integrity. I have (10) High Speed HDMI Locking Cables at 25ft (M-M), (10) High Speed HDMI Cables (non-locking) at 6ft (M-M), (5) HDMI Copper Cables at 50ft (M-M), (2) Super Booster Cables for HDMI at 75ft, (10) DVI-D Copper Cables at 40ft (M-M), (6) DVI-I Copper Cables at 6ft (M-M), and (5) HDMI to DVI Locking Adapter Cables.
Aside from their fantastic customer support, their website is extraordinary! It is sleek and streamlined, very much like their products; it’s also easy to navigate and finding the right product is a snap. There is even an “Outlet” page, featuring items currently at a discounted price! The product pictures are crisp, and you can actually see the fine craftsmanship in the different items presented. There’s a “downloads” area, a separate “manuals” area, and even a forum – a place where you might pick up a tip or two of the trade.
And they’re ready for 4K, too! Gefen has an extensive selection of 4K Ultra HD (UHDTV) equipment that will satisfy even the hungriest of engineers! With minimum resolutions of 3840 x 2160, both large and small displays benefit from the increased picture definition. All of Gefen’s products are Plug and Play (PnP) compatible, so installation is fast.
Gefen Products are loaded with features! There’s FST (“Fast Switching Technology”), which not only improves overall A/V system behavior and performance it allows quick connect and disconnect and display power ups and power downs without disturbing the rest of the network; 3D support (in preparation for the next generation of audio and video displays); Web Server Interface, which allows your Gefen devices to be controlled over IP (Telnet and UDP) and RS-232; and many other advanced functions, giving Gefen products the technological edge.
Gefen’s three key product lines include: their digital signage series, consisting of its first software hardware product the HD Digital Signage Creator – a comprehensive system for scheduling, playback, monitoring and video wall solutions; the Gefen ToolBox line, which comprises a selected assortment of Audio/Video splitters, switches, extenders, converters and matrix switchers for total system integration; and the Gefen ProLine – suited for the broadcast, rental/staging and healthcare industries, with more expanded hardware features and even fiber-optic capability.
Since Gefen is part of the Nortek Company, when you deal with Gefen, you have access to other Nortek brands, such as: tvONE – a world class solutions provider specializing in video conversion and AV signal distribution, based on its proprietary CORIO® video conversion technology; Magenta – the industry-recognized leader in the transmission, switching and flexible distribution of multi-format video, audio and auxiliary signals over fiber and Cat-X cabling, and their world renowned MultiView, Infinea, Mondo and new Voyager series products; Niles – a CORE Brands group that combines the product and marketing strengths of ten iconic audio, power management and control brands into a single business unit that includes ATON®, BlueBOLT®, ELAN®, Furman®, Niles®, Panamax®, Proficient®, SpeakerCraft®, Sunfire® and Xantech® brands, providing a comprehensive array of devices for every aspect of whole–house distribution and integration of audio/video systems; SpeakerCraft is SpeakerCraft is an internationally-recognized brand of architectural loudspeakers and electronics; PanaMax is the country’s pre-eminent designer and manufacturer of electronic and electrical protection, filtration and control products; and Furman, which has been producing high-quality products, including the professional audio and video signal processors on which the company was founded, the trusted AC power conditioning and distribution products for which they are best known, and the innovative energy management solutions which utilize their revolutionary BlueBOLT® cloud-based platform.
About Gefen
Gefen is a leading provider of innovative audio, video and computer signal processing solutions for commercial and prosumer applications. With a heritage of practical innovation, Gefen provides intuitive connectivity products and solutions that bridge the gap between rapidly advancing technology and real-world applications. Gefen elevates system performance by making connectivity and signal management seamless. Visit them at: www.gefen.com/index.jsp
About Nortek
Nortek* is a global, diversified company whose many market-leading brands deliver broad capabilities and a wide array of innovative, technology-driven products and solutions for lifestyle improvement at home and at work. The Company’s broad array of offerings includes audio-video and security solutions, digital display mounting solutions, ventilation products such as range hoods and bathroom fans, heating and cooling products, and air management systems.
*As used herein, the term “Nortek” refers to Nortek, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise. This term is used for convenience only and is not intended as a precise description of any of the separate corporations, each of which manages its own affairs.
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