First UK event targets broadcast professionals, content creators & telcos with smart IT broadcast demonstrations, case studies and tutorials

Black Box Network Services, a leading worldwide provider of voice communications, data infrastructure and networking products is staging a UK showcase designed to help broadcasters, content providers and telcos  expand their knowledge and understanding of IT technology’s increasingly important role within broadcast workflows. Free to register and attend, the showcase will be held at Media City Imperial War Museum, Salford Quays. Manchester on 17 May 2013.

With broadcast workflows becoming increasingly reliant on IT technologies, Black Box’s specialist technology support teams will demonstrate how new intelligent control, switching and support systems can increase the efficiency and operating lifetimes of video servers whilst simultaneously  reducing operating costs within an IT-based broadcast workflow.

This one-day event will focus on informing and educating an audience of broadcast and telecoms professionals. A specially constructed series of case studies, smart demonstrations and broadcast industry hot topic discussions will enable decision-makers to evaluate different technology strategies  in a relaxed environment where every aspect from technical performance to cost is considered.

One area of broadcast IT technology that will be put under the microscope will be KVM (keyboard video mouse) switching and extension, and in particular its application within OB and mobile broadcast environments. KVM products, such as Black Box’s ServeSwitch family, provide optimised access to multiple servers and workstations from a single location in mobile studios. KVM switching and extension systems’ lightweight design and ease of use lend themselves to SNG and OB vehicle installation whilst their advanced video and data switching capabilities ensure full access to any production workflow without limiting functionality.

Black Box’s ServeSwitch minimises the number of monitors and keyboards needed to operate a broadcast workflow, freeing up space in OB vehicles and reducing the weight load. Additionally, the company’s new InvisaPC technology provides integrated real-time access to virtual desktops, resulting in more space and less weight, noise and heat within space critical operating environments. Users benefit from high-resolution images and full control of applications. InvisaPC is an IP-based system with low bandwidth requirements, meaning that network demands are minimised.

“Visitors to this special technology showcase will gain so much more than from a typical tradeshow. The focus is on education and information rather than selling,” said Anika Bascombe, Marketing Manager at Black Box Network Services. “As the application of core IT technologies becomes much more prevalent in broadcast operations of all sizes and scales, our specialist design and support teams can make a massive difference to the bottom line operating efficiency of any facility from a single OB truck to an entire TV station. Come to Manchester and learn how this technology can support the growth and development of your business.”

Registration to Black Box’s Media Broadcast Solutions Showcase is free of charge. The day starts at 10am and includes free car parking, lunch and refreshments.