The Agility Controller enables high-performance, real-time extensions and switching of DVI video, audio, USB HID, USB 2.0, RS-232 over IP. The flexible topology of the Agility allows a variety of applications. The Agility can be a KVM Extender, a KVM switch, a sharing portal, a DVI extender, a trading desk switch and much, much more—it’s up to you how you decide to configure it.
System Components
The Agility system is composed of a variety of
Agility Extender units to connect computers and users over an IP network with unlimited extension distances. Choose from extender variations with Single Link DVI (ACR1000A series), Dual Head DVI (ACR1020 series), or Dual Head/Dual Link DVI (ACR10002/ACR1012 series). Besides the video channels, all extender units offer interfaces to attach USB HID, USB 2.0, audio, and serial.
The
Agility Controller , called
iPATH, is a management server which transforms the Agility Extender units into a digital matrix switching solution. Connected over Ethernet switches it is possible to route any user station to any computer attached to the network without any compromises to HD video quality or control. It also allows co-operative sharing of computers and multicasting of video to any destination.
Choose a controller version depending on the number of required endpoints. iPATH is available with 24, 48, 96, 192, 288 or unlimited endpoints. These reduced endpoints controllers can be updated via optional upgrade licenses whenever the system is expanded.
Pixel-perfect video
The Agility is capable of delivering pixel perfect HD video to each remote user. Resolutions are supported up to 1920x1200/1080p (Singe Link DVI), 2560x1600 (Dual Link DVI) and with bandwidth aggregation also RGB 4:4:4 and 1080p at 60fps. Four compression modes allow you to find the right combination of resolution requirements and bandwidth usage. For medical imaging set the video channel to transmit every single pixel and very frame. For less demanding image quality use a higher compression mode and save on bandwidth. Live statistics assist you with the configuration showing the compression mode, pixels and frames transmitted on a dedicated channel.
Easy Matrix setup
Connect further computers and users via the extender units, just as required. The iPATH controller automatically obtains the MAC addresses of extenders attached to the network. The administrator then allocates IP addresses, names and locations so that devices are easy to identify, configure and control.
Useful On-screen dashboard
The iPATH interface features a useful on-screen dashboard that gives you a current overview of the system. It is continually refreshed so you always have the most up-to-date system information. Tabs allow you to navigate between settings and device- or user sub-menus.
User Access Management
Once iPATH is plugged in, system administrators can begin configuring devices, users, and channels. Define new content channels, restrict and enable access privileges, push control, disable specific USB device classes either manually through the web browser or automatically using Active Directory. Reports with the history of devices, user logins and device connections can be viewed and exported to a CSV file or via SYSLOG.
Switching with individual channels or presets
Switching channels may be set to combine video, audio and USB from different computers treated as a single source. Ideal for Control rooms with audio alerts and mixed video sources. Using presets, a list of pre-defined connections between any transmitter and receiver, multiscreen, video wall or signage setups can be activated with a single click.
Intuitive User Interface in 14 international languages
The On-screen display at each user station allows users to login and choose channel connections or switching presets to change channels for multiple screens across multiple receivers. Each user can select their favorite channels within the OSD and allocate a hotkey for fast switching between channels. The video switching time between computers is less than one second with up to a further two seconds to connect the USB to support its full capabilities. In addition users can push content to any permitted screen, projector or video wall on the Agility network.
External Control and NTP servers
The API structure allows easy integration with other third party control systems like AMX, Creston, etc. to turn the Agility into an automated switching system.
The iPATH controller may be also connected to up to three NTP servers with authenticated connections using MD5 and Key ID as defined in the NTP standards. This enables all Agility units within a network to be synchronized with an authenticated NTP time.
Redundancy and link aggregation
For 24/7 reliability a secondary iPATH controller can be added to the system to ensure constant uptime. When you order two iPATH controllers as a primary and secondary controller in applications with more than 24 endpoints, take advantage of our Hub+Spoke License bundles. Each of these bundles consists of two licenses with an incentive for the license on the backup controller.
The connected Agility extender units support Teaming (two MAC addresses per unit) allowing two independent 1GB Ethernet links. That way, mission- critical computer/user connections can be setup with full redundancy — ideal for Process Automation, Control Rooms, or Broadcast Play out, and Operations.
Or use the second link for bandwidth aggregation to provide a high 2GB through put. With load-balanced video, 60fps on a single 1920 x 1200/1080p or RGB4:4:4 screen can be maintained even when every pixel is moving. Using two dual screens showing two different sets of content, 30fps can be guaranteed making it the perfect solution for high demanding applications like the distribution of radio graphs in hospitals, POST Production, Dubbing Theatres, or Simulations.
Configurations
1. Switching Network Application
Enable your network to perform like a KVM by just connecting Agility transmitter and receiver units. Create a KVM switch with as many users and CPUs as you want—just keep adding receivers and transmitters.
2. Multicasting
This unique feature enables the Agility to multicast video and audio, over your IP network, to as many receivers as you want with no distance limitations perfect for control rooms and digital signage.
3. Single-target sharing & Pooling
Let multiple users share a single remote computer in three different ways:
- View-only shows only the video feed.
- In Share Mode, an open connection is available for all users to use the connected devices at the same time.
- In Exclusive Mode, one user locks out the other users, preventing them from viewing or sharing the connection, with the exception of network administrators.
4. Trading Desk
Combine individual channels to define presets enabling you to move the keyboard, mouse and/or audio activity to another source, while the video channels remain unchanged on your monitors.
5. Point-to-point KVM Extender
In the most straightforward configuration, the Agility Extenders work without the iPATH controller. Choose an Agility Extender kit and connect a CAT6 cable directly between the extender pair to extend the KVM signals up to a 100m. For longer distance use the SFP-Port to establish a direct fiber link or connect the extender kit via a network and achieve nearly unlimited distances.
Possible applications:
• Distribute high-quality medical images to doctors and staff across large medical facilities. Agility uses standard Ethernet equipment, so the networking hardware doesn't need to be updated.
• In command and control room setups, multicast video and data to receiver units between LCD display walls. Users can interact with any of the computers using separate keyboards, mice, and DVI displays with 24/4 availability.
• Media post-production suites become collaborative with the Agility. Machine rooms store the media assets and hardware, and can distribute them throughout a post-production facility. Editors, producers, and directors can instantly communicate with animators and colorists.
• Get real flexibility for your digital signage network. All you need is an IP network running through the installation, and you can easily deliver content from one play out device via DVI. The number of screens is up to you.
• For another digital signage application, use the Agility to switch between multiple video sources.
• Deliver rich media experiences in public spaces, such as museums or libraries. The flexibility of the system makes reconfiguring your implementation a doddle.
• Distribute bandwidth-controlled video on multiple screens with full computer control and save on cables in traffic monitoring rooms.