Avocent Enhances KVM Switching Solutions for Avid Systems


Switching Capabilities Enables Access and Control of Multiple Video Servers

HUNTSVILLE, AL April 25, 2006 - Avocent Corporation (NASDAQ: AVCT), a leading provider of audio-visual connectivity and control solutions, has added enhancements and support to the Avocent AMX® keyboard, video, mouse (KVM) switching solution that delivers an efficient and cost-effective way to access and control multiple Avid® products from one or more broadcast engineers' workspace. The enhancements support a wide range of Avid broadcast products that include systems such as Avid NewsCutter® and Media Composer® Adrenaline(TM) digital nonlinear editing systems, Symphony(TM) Nitris(TM) and Avid DS Nitris finishing systems, Avid Deko® graphics systems, and the Avid Xpress(TM) family editing tools.

Using Avocent's AMWorks® Java-based system administration software, users can define groups of server outputs (like the Bin Monitor and Composer Monitor outputs of Avid Media Composer Adrenaline) and groups of displays (the Bin Monitor and Composer Monitor at the edit desk) so that when users select a new server on the primary monitor, the secondary monitor automatically follows. Unlike fixed-dual head systems, the Avocent AMWorks software can support up to 31 server outputs in a server group, and 31 slave displays in a group. With these features, Avocent can even support users that have 4 or 5 monitor outputs from the editor.

In addition to being able to reconfigure multiple computer displays from a single pull-down selection, the Avocent AMWorks software will allow users to control third party outboard routers so that the same pull-down selection will also reconfigure audio feeds, video feeds, and machine control.

"Avocent is committed to developing and enhancing existing products for the broadcast engineering market," said Mitch Friend, senior vice president and general manager of Avocent. "The Avocent KVM switching solution for broadcast is the perfect complement to Avid products designed for the broadcast studio."

Avocent KVM switching and extension solutions support the Avid Deko Fast Action Keyboard (FAK), which enables users to put the chassis of the Avid Deko in the machine room, and extend the keyboard, monitor, and mouse out to the graphics suite on a single UTP cable. Not only can users extend the FAK keyboard with the Avocent products, users can allow multiple FAK keyboards located in different studios to switch between a single channel of the Deko system.

"Avocent KVM switching solutions provide broadcast engineers with the functionality that enables them to increase productivity and simplify management of multiple systems. The end result is a streamlined workflow for broadcast and postproduction machine room operations," said James Frantzreb, senior product marketing manager of Avid Broadcast.

Demonstrations of the Avocent broadcast engineering solutions will take place in the Avocent booth (#SU4572) and the Avid booth (#SL701) at the NAB Show, in Las Vegas, NV, April 24-27.

Avocent connectivity and control products provide connectivity, switching, extension, monitoring, and control for serial, video, and audio data. These products allow industry professionals to deliver leading-edge connectivity and control solutions to a range of markets including retail, medical, digital signage, hospitality, A/V, and broadcasting.

About Avocent Corporation

Avocent Corporation is the leading supplier of connectivity solutions for enterprise data centers, service providers and financial institutions worldwide. Branded products include switching, extension, Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI), remote access and video display solutions. Additional information is available at: www.avocent.com.

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