A KVM extender can be quite useful when you need to control a computer from a distance. It effectively overcomes the distance limitation of HDMI, DisplayPort and USB cables by transporting KVM signals anywhere from 15 feet to several miles away from the computer system. As one of the major KVM product manufacturers in the world, AV Access has released five models of KVM extender so far: HDEX80-KVM, 4KIP100-KVM, 4KEX100-KVM, 4KEX100-KVM-H2, and 4KEX100-DP-KVM. What are their differences? Which one is right for your KVM setup? You can find the answer here in this blog, with an attached comparison chart at the end for your reference.
Assess Video Connectivity and Resolution
First and foremost, you need to assess video connectivity and resolution. You can check if the KVM extender supports the resolutions that your displays and source system support, like 4K@60hz or 1080P@60hz. If you only need to transmit 1080P full HD video, AV Access HDEX80-KVM extender is right for you. If you prefer 4K@60hz 4:4:4, then choose 4KEX100-KVM-H2. If you need to connect a game source with 1080P@120Hz, then you can choose 4KIP100-KVM.
Another aspect you need to consider is the video interface of the KVM extender, like the most common HDMI and DisplayPort interface. Their specifications establish the maximum supported resolution per revision, the required bandwidth, as well as the corresponding high-bandwidth digital content protection (HDCP) revision. Among AV Access’s five models, 4KEX100-DP-KVM is the only one built with DisplayPort 1.2 port.
Verify Support for USB Devices and Other Peripherals
AV Access KVM extenders can extend various kinds of USB devices. While keyboard and mouse are the primary USB devices, USB flash drives and USB audio devices can also be extended. USB devices can be divided into three categories: USB HID devices, USB 2.0 devices and USB 3.0 devices. At present, AV Access KVM extenders are built with two to four USB 2.0 ports. Please refer to the comparison chart at the end of the blog for more details.
Ensure Support for Audio Devices
Most KVM extenders on the market have a combination of connectors that can support both analog and digital audio devices. For example, line-in connectors can be used to connect an amplified analog audio source like an audio mixer, whereas 3.5 mm jacks are used for un-amplified audio signals such as a microphone or headphone. Among AV Access’s five models, 4KEX100-KVM, 4KEX100-KVM-H2 and 4KEX100-DP-KVM are built with 3.5mm jacks for transmitting stereo audio.
Ascertain Transmission Distance and Connection Method
All AV Access KVM extenders transport signals over a CAT5e/6/6a cable, with different maximum transmission distances ranging from 260ft/80m to 395ft/120m. In terms of connection methods, the 4KIP100-KVM extender not only supports point-to-point transmission from TX to RX, but also supports multiple point-to-point transmission via a standard Gigabit Ethernet switch. You can deploy up to 16 sets of transmitter and receiver in the same network for multi-user control. In comparison, the other four models can’t work with an Ethernet switch for multiple point-to-point transmission. Read this to learn the differences between KVM extenders vs. KVM over IP.
In addition to the above key considerations, you can also pay attention to other ports or functions like PoE, RS232 control, IR control, etc. For detailed differences between our five models of KVM extender, please refer to the comparison chart below. We hope this article will be helpful to you in choosing the right AV Access KVM extender. If you still have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
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