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KVM-Over-IP Platform and Management System Gives WELT the Agility to Implement Transformative Workflows and Deliver Innovative Broadcasts

PITTSBURGH and UTRECHT, Netherlands — Black Box, a global information technology solutions provider, today announced that private German broadcaster WELT (formerly N24) is deploying the full Emerald Unified KVM product line and Boxilla centralized KVM manager to support modern broadcast operations across its new state-of-the-art headquarters in Berlin. Designed, supplied and installed by the project's master systems integrator Qvest Media, the Black Box solution will enable reliable, flexible IP-based signal switching and extension for two large broadcast studios and one smaller studio, all of which rely entirely on remotely operated robotic systems.

"The Emerald KVM platform is unique in supporting both virtual and physical machines, and this capability — along with anytime, anywhere access via the Remote App software receiver — has opened up a whole new way of approaching our studio infrastructure," said Thorsten Prohm, chief technical officer at WELT. "The Black Box system's ability to support both HD and 4K likewise gives us valuable flexibility in managing signals and format types as we deliver news broadcasts with an innovative look and feel."

WELT will take broadcasts live from the new facility this year. With Emerald transmitters and receivers connecting operator workstations to computers in the facility's equipment rooms — and eventually to virtual machines — operators working anywhere will enjoy fast access to any sources they need to do their jobs. The Remote App securely extends access to the KVM network so that authorized users can connect to the studio or other broadcast facilities and remotely perform the same job they do when working on site.

Thanks to the API-based cross-functionality of the Emerald KVM platform with other platforms, including the studio management system, operators can completely reconfigure all workstations' functionality with the touch of a button.

"We're thrilled to be working with WELT on their exciting new facility build to redefine live news broadcasting — from an overhaul of the conventional studio model to the integration of user-generated content and modern news production," said Norman Tettenborn, principal at Qvest Media. "The Emerald KVM platform is designed to support this type of innovation, and we look forward to a successful launch."

"It's exciting to see WELT and Qvest Media take full advantage of our Emerald KVM platform to provide greater efficiency and creativity in taking studio programming to air," added Frank Nölken, director KVM business development at Black Box EMEA.