Datapath Introduce New Arqa KVM System

Datapath announces a new KVM system designed to further enhance control and management of Datapath’s video processing hardware.

Adding to a broad portfolio of video management solutions, Arqa from Datapath will bring all the convenience and benefits of KVM control, with the trusted reliability and function that comes as standard from the UK manufacturer. With near-zero latency and visually lossless video transmission, Arqa brings numerous benefits to both end-user and integrator.

The Arqa KVM system utilises a highly optimised video over IP transport technology which greatly reduces latency compared to other solutions and provides instant control. Rigorous testing reveals no difference between operating a PC via Arqa, or having the connection direct to a local desktop.

The convenience and benefits of KVM control is becoming increasingly necessary to control room architectures as security concerns increase and AV/IT teams aim for a more streamlined management process. Using Arqa, maintenance teams can have all PCs housed in a single location – saving time, desktop real estate, as well as keeping hardware secure.

For Command & Control and business critical environments, the latency issue is of prime importance, as Datapath product manager Mark Rogers explains: “Operators tend to interact with multiple sources or applications simultaneously which are often hosted remotely for a number of good reasons. Obviously being able to respond quickly during a crisis is critical, meaning the latency and responsiveness of their video system is a key factor. With encoding technologies like H264, PCoIP or RDP, the latency can be too high or the quality too unpredictable, so these are not good choices where real-time control is concerned.”

Furthermore, if the source itself is using software-based KVM to encode its desktop then it is using its own resource to do so, which takes resource away from the application itself. Rogers adds: “Users want a solution that is reliable and doesn’t compromise on either quality or latency. Arqa is a visually lossless KVM which runs on a 1Gb network with simple and cost-effective networking hardware.”

Another benefit for end-users is Datapath’s One Control technology, which lets operators seamlessly switch between up to 16 independent sources as if they were one desktop with no button presses required to switch. Since the system behaves essentially as an IP matrix switch, users can have up to 2000 endpoints in the system to choose from.

Rogers concludes: “Arqa also works with our award-winning VSN Video Wall Controllers, so pulling content onto each workstation as well as pushing it onto our video walls is easy to achieve. Whether clients need KVM to increase security from both internal and external threat, centralise their assets for maintainability purposes, or they simply want a cleaner working environment, Arqa is the ideal solution. We now have the full control spectrum covered, with Arqa being Datapath’s hard KVM option, as well as our soft KVM offering which utilizes WallControl 10 software.”

Arqa from Datapath will be on show at ISE 2020, where visitors to their Hall 10 booth can enjoy a full demonstration. Arqa from Datapath will be shipping from Q1 2020.