Customer Stories
Matrox Extio 3 IP KVMs are OB-vious Choice for Lyon Video Mobile Broadcast Production Units
Full-service video production company relies on Extio 3 for high-performance, IP-based KVM extension and switching for OB vans and more
From premier North American soccer confederation matches to distinguished festivals and events, Lyon Video covers it all. For the mobile broadcast provider and production company, connecting staff in order to better serve customers across North America required switching up their KVM solution. With Matrox® Extio™ 3 IP KVM extenders, Lyon Video was able to affordably upgrade their existing infrastructure, and connect remote users and mobile unit operators with ease.
Searching for a flexible, future-proof IP KVM solution
Lyon Video needed a KVM solution that would allow users to connect to and switch between multiple hardware platforms – within or in a separate OB van – in the event of a system failure. The company also required a KVM solution that would allow engineers in the production studio to remotely access these broadcast systems in the OB vans in order to offer real-time technical support during events.
Furthermore, Lyon Video sought out an IP-based KVM matrix that would allow it to use its current one Gigabit Ethernet infrastructure. Many KVM systems on the market required dedicated connection links that were not IP-based or required a central controller or a matrix that requires users to purchase block licenses and a choose matrix size upfront. However, when Lyon Video came across Extio 3, the company knew that it would be able to leverage its existing IT networking equipment and infrastructure, as well as future proof its investments by expanding its installations without costly upgrades. Lyon Video found that Extio 3’s flexibility to adapt installations and seamless deployment made it an indispensable addition to its mobile production equipment.
Dynamic switching and remote access
Lyon Video is currently standardizing two installations that include Extio 3 transmitters and one receiver using installed IP switches. Various computers on the network are extended to different locations within a mobile unit, another mobile unit, or to a remote user over WAN and internet. With an Extio 3 IP KVM setup able to support one-to-many and many-to-many configurations, operators can rapidly access and switch between systems all from one desk while maintaining broadcast continuity. Furthermore, by allowing engineers to remotely access the broadcast systems in OB vans from their workstations at the production studio, mobile unit operators can receive tech support should a situation arise. Integrated directly within the Extio 3 KVM at no additional cost, Aggregator Mode also provides Lyon Video operators with efficient multi-system control. With Aggregator Mode, operators can simultaneously view and operate multiple source systems from their remote displays, that support 4K resolution, and control them with a single keyboard and mouse set.
Saving on costs and maximizing resources
Between its advanced IP KVM feature set, scalable design, and straightforward setup, Extio 3 has been a welcome addition to Lyon Video’s mobile production workflow. “Since we installed the Matrox Extio 3 IP KVM extenders, we have been able to more easily connect remote users to the mobile units,” said Kevin Norris, engineering operations at Lyon Video. “This upgrade has been quintessential in allowing us to save on travel costs, maximize our resources while maintaining superior production quality, and keep our staff safe and distant from one another during COVID-19.” Furthermore, the team at Lyon Video already has plans to expand its IP KVM installation. According to Norris, the company anticipates adding all PCs at Lyon Video headquarters to the KVM setup in order to allow engineering staff to easily access remote workspaces in the mobile units.
