Category: Press Releases

Airport on the Chinese plateau relies on IHSE KVM system

Oberteuringen, March 14, 2024 – IHSE, the leading manufacturer of high-end KVM solutions for the extension and switching of computer signals, announces that it has equipped a high-altitude Chinese airport with a fully redundant KVM solution for fail-safe air traffic control.

Over the past few years, IHSE KVM solutions have become an important and crucial element in air traffic control systems in major airports around the world. IHSE systems enable controllers in the visual control room to interact with all tower system equipment located in ground-level equipment room. Air traffic controllers can interact with all essential systems from their personal workstations, switch between them and react instantly to all eventualities.

For these security-critical applications, IHSE KVM systems offer increased protection against cyber attacks and a comprehensive redundancy concept for fail-safe 24/7 operation. IHSE KVM systems are deployed by several government aviation authorities and in many major global airports, including Frankfurt, Paris and King Abd al-Aziz Airport in Saudi Arabia.

Air traffic management at an altitude of 3,500 m

An IHSE system was recently installed in China at one of the highest airports in the world at an altitude of over 3,500 meters. The extraordinary location presented the system planners with special challenges and posed complex requirements on equipment and systems that are not generally encountered in lower-level airports. The combination of low air pressure, difficult terrain and geomorphological features, high winds, low cloud and extreme diurnal temperature differences calls for a particularly robust and resilient system. These are in addition to the normal requirements for the highest levels of security and reliability that are essential in air traffic management systems.

The fully redundant KVM system deployed here comprises two Draco tera flex KVM matrix switches with automatic switchover to a hot standby unit in the unlikely event of a failure of the primary switch. For further protection, the installation includes redundant power supplies and redundant fiber optic connections.

The IHSE solution creates optimum working conditions for air traffic controllers, who can switch all information sources to the screens directly from their multi-monitor workstations and immediately access all tower systems to ensure safe flight operations.

From March 19-21, 2024, IHSE will present its flexible and highly secure KVM solutions for towers, apron control, simulation rooms, baggage handling and passenger information systems at Airspace World 2024 in Geneva.

Fraunhofer IIS and IHSE announce their partnership for new JPEG XS implementations at IBC 2023

An image featuring the JPEG XS coding system in purple and red tones against a blue background.

Erlangen, Germany; Oberteuringen, Germany – Fraunhofer-Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS and IHSE GmbH, the leading developer of KVM systems, are cooperating to bring JPEG XS functionality to software and hardware-based devices which enable ultra-low latency and high-quality video transmissions. By using Fraunhofer’s JPEG XS SDK and IHSE’s JPEG XS IP core for FPGAs, innovative and ultra-low latency broadcast, in-house and gaming video routes can be realized with predictive and precise rate control.

JPEG XS is the new ISO/IEC codec for all video over IP workflows in studio environments, for local video networks and for VR/AR applications. JPEG XS allows transferring high-resolution and high-quality video data over standard Ethernet or other wired connections. The codec is designed to work with limited computing resources. The video coding experts of Fraunhofer IIS developed a high-performant software library for CPU and GPU that is available as SDK (Software Development Kit) for implementing the core JPEG XS functionality in software and hardware products. Especially the ultra-low latency feature for encoding and decoding of images makes JPEG XS an ideal candidate for KVM and gaming applications.

Stronger together

“Since many years, IHSE and Fraunhofer IIS are working together to develop the best low-latency codec for demanding transport streams of high resolution images in real-time. With JPEG XS a new step in this partnership evolved,” explains Prof. Dr. Siegfried Foessel, Head of the Moving Picture department at Fraunhofer IIS.

As one of the most relevant drivers of the JPEG XS standard, the Fraunhofer IIS experts optimized a JPEG XS software library for CPU and GPU. A first result of the partnership is the integration of the library into IHSE’s Draco Con APP. With this app a new dimension of flexibility is introduced to KVM systems. The software based KVM solution enables users to access an IHSE KVM network via IP protocol from a standard, network connected PC.

Cooperation for bringing JPEG XS into FPGAs

The JPEG XS software codec from Fraunhofer IIS was transferred in an IP core for FPGA.

“This IP core will not only be used for in-house products but will be also available as a licensing product to other KVM vendors or Pro-AV manufacturers,” says Dr. Enno Littmann, CEO at IHSE. “With different implementations available, either as software or FPGA IP core, manufacturers can choose the best solution for their products.”

More information: https://www.jpegxs.com or https://jpeg.org/jpegxs/index.html
For product demonstrations at the IBC, visit us at the Fraunhofer booth in Hall 8 B80 and IHSE in Hall 7A25.

About Fraunhofer IIS

For over 30 years, the institute’s Audio and Media Technologies division has been shaping the globally deployed standards and technologies in the fields of audio and moving picture production. Starting with the creation of mp3 and continuing with the co-development of AAC and the Digital Cinema Initiative test plan, almost all consumer electronic devices, computers and mobile phones are equipped with systems and technologies from Erlangen today. Meanwhile, a new generation of best-in-class media technologies – such as MPEG-H Audio, xHE-AAC, EVS, LC3/LC3plus, Symphoria, Sonamic and upHear – is elevating the user experience to new heights.

Detailed information on: www.iis.fraunhofer.de/jpegxs

IHSE ASIA Expands Partnership Network with Spectrum Audio Visual Pte Ltd in Singapore

Oberteuringen/Singapore, July 24, 2023 – IHSE ASIA, a leading provider of advanced KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) solutions, is delighted to announce its strategic partnership with Spectrum Audio Visual Pte Ltd, a reputable audiovisual solutions provider based in Singapore. This collaboration marks an exciting milestone in IHSE ASIA’s efforts to strengthen its presence and expand its market reach in Singapore.

As a renowned manufacturer of high-performance KVM solutions, IHSE ASIA has been at the forefront of delivering cutting-edge technology to a wide range of industries. Their innovative KVM systems have revolutionized workflow efficiency, offering seamless control and instant access to multiple computer sources from a single workstation.

With this partnership, IHSE ASIA aims to leverage Spectrum Audio Visual’s extensive industry expertise, robust customer network, and strong market presence to better serve customers in Singapore. Spectrum Audio Visual’s commitment to delivering exceptional AV solutions aligns perfectly with IHSE ASIA’s vision to provide reliable, scalable, and future-proof KVM solutions to customers across various sectors.

“We are thrilled to join forces with Spectrum Audio Visual as our esteemed partner for the Singapore market,” said Mr. Terence Teng, CEO of IHSE ASIA. “Their deep understanding of the local AV industry, coupled with their reputation for excellence and customer-centric approach, makes them an ideal collaborator for IHSE ASIA. Together, we aim to provide unparalleled KVM solutions and exceptional customer support to businesses in Singapore.”

Spectrum Audio Visual, with its track record of delivering state-of-the-art audiovisual solutions and exceptional customer service, is excited about the possibilities that this partnership brings. “We are honoured to be selected as IHSE ASIA’s partner for Singapore,” said Mr. Vincent Chua, Managing Director of Spectrum Audio Visual. “The addition of IHSE ASIA’s innovative KVM solutions to our portfolio will enhance our ability to address the evolving needs of our customers and offer them advanced technology solutions that drive productivity and efficiency.”

Both IHSE ASIA and Spectrum Audio Visual are committed to delivering cutting-edge technology, customized solutions, and unparalleled customer service to their clients. Together, they will focus on providing comprehensive KVM solutions tailored to the unique requirements of businesses in Singapore.

About IHSE ASIA:

IHSE ASIA is a leading global provider of innovative KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) solutions for mission-critical and secure access to computers and servers. The company’s high-performance KVM products enable efficient workflow solutions in industries such as broadcasting, air traffic control, government, defence, medical, and many more.

About Spectrum Audio Visual Pte Ltd:

Established since 1999 with more than 70 staff, Spectrum Audio Visual Pte Ltd is the trusted leading regional AV System Integrator with offices in Singapore, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. The company’s core expertise is in Design and Build for Professional Audio-Visual Solutions delivering cutting-edge AV technology, integration services, and exceptional customer support for Multinational Corporations, Government, Education and Entertainment.

IHSE provides KVM System for Blue Mammoth Games

Oberteuringen/Atlanta, June 21, 2023 – IHSE helped Blue Mammoth Games streamline their control room with a high performance KVM switching system

Blue Mammoth Games (BMG), a Ubisoft esports studio based in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia, recently added an IHSE KVM system to enhance their control room environment. BMG was looking for a way to relocate computer systems from the workstation areas to a remote server room. An IHSE KVM system would allow any workstation to be easily assigned to any computer in the control room.

During a visit to the IHSE booth at NAB 2022, the BMG technical team was impressed with the compact and modular rack-mounted extender solutions supporting the Draco tera flex systems. BMG worked with the IHSE design team to develop a KVM system which included support for Dual Monitors, USB headsets, Stream decks and midi controllers. The system was based on IHSE’s Draco tera flex KVM matrix switch and Draco vario HDMI extenders with mezzanine USB 2.0 cards for additional USB devices needed at each station.

“Like many other esports developers, Blue Mammoth Games has quickly recognized how IHSE’s KVM extenders provide that extra edge for managing high performance esports computer systems during competitive game play,” said Dan Holland, Marketing Manager for IHSE USA. “With our high frame rate extenders, flexible packaging solutions and low latency video and USB interfaces, IHSE continues to be the world leader in KVM for esports solutions.”

About Blue Mammoth Group

Founded in 2009, BMG specializes in MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online Game) and competitive online multiplayer games. They develop and publish Brawlhalla, a free-to-play fighting game with over fifty million players. BMG also develops MMO Dungeon Blitz which has over eight million players.

IHSE announces contract with telco provider in China

Oberteuringen/Guangzhou/Singapore, June 13, 2023 – IHSE ASIA is to supply KVM matrix switching and extender solution to a major telecommunications provider in China for its research and development center and cloud dispatching center.

The IHSE Draco tera KVM switching system solution enables operators to switch in real time between remotely-located source computers. Users need just one keyboard and mouse to access and control several computers. Locating source devices in a separate, secure location improves the operating environment and provides enhanced IT security.

IHSE’s SIRA (Secure IP Remote Access) solution enables intercommunication and data exchange between different sites. Using SIRA, computer resources will be mutually shared between the R&D center and the southern base center; a distance of over 1000 km.

“Operations personnel in the control room rely on accurate data to manage and control highly complex networks,” said Terence Teng, CEO of IHSE Asia. “Our highly customized KVM systems are designed to provide full flexibility and allow operators to select the critical information they need to ensure the network operates with absolute security and maximum reliability.”

National aviation authority relies on IHSE system for 24/7 air traffic control

IHSE announces largest single purchase order in company history

Oberteuringen, Germany, May 23, 2023 – IHSE, the leading manufacturer of high-end KVM solutions for extending and switching computer signals, announces the equipping of 21 air traffic control centers for a major government aviation authority. IHSE is awarded the contract due to the system’s workflow optimization and reliability.

The national aviation authority operates a system of air traffic control and navigation with numerous area control centers across the country to control the en-route air traffic of a given flight information region.

IHSE’s KVM solution for computer and system access was chosen to modernize and automate the 21 centers. IHSE’s high-end equipment increases operational efficiency with decreased workload, enables seamless connectivity of dedicated air traffic management systems, and ensures fail-safe management of all flights over the national airspace.

As part of the project, the organization is refurbishing 1500 operator stations. Equipped with large 4K screens, users will be able to access the computers and monitoring equipment they need from their workstations. All tasks can be viewed at a glance to respond to hazards without delay.

To enable highly secure 24/7 operation, a triple level redundancy concept is used, allowing continuous operations in case of failures.

With a volume of over €7 million, the project represents the largest single order since IHSE was founded in 1984. In addition, our solution will make a significant contribution to improving national flight safety: due to higher data availability, operators will be able to track around 74% more aircraft simultaneously on their screens than before.
Michael Spatny
Managing Director/CSO, IHSE

New Product: Draco CON App

Oberteuringen, 19th January 2023 – IHSE GmbH introduces a new product: Draco CON App.

With IHSE’s Draco CON App, a new dimension of flexibility is introduced to KVM systems. The software based KVM solution enables users to access an IHSE KVM network via IP protocol from a standard, network connected PC!

What is a KVM system?

KVM matrix systems are hardware-based networks for the interconnection of keyboard, video and mouse signals. Usually, a system like this consists of several specialized encoding and decoding units that are connected via a central matrix and a dedicated network. This enables a high performing signal distribution in real-time.

Software based KVM solution

Draco CON App is a software that emulates the functions of a regular (physical) IHSE CON unit (decoder). Thereby it successfully replaces the CON hardware for a deployment with a maximum of flexibility. Users only need an IP connection with sufficient bandwidth (at least 1G), low latency and a suitable device like a capable laptop or desktop PC to access a regular KVM network in real time.

Simple and Flexible

The main goal of the Draco CON App is to provide the most flexible access to KVM connected devices as simply as possible. To achieve that it utilizes the already available IT infrastructure such as active network components like switches, routers. This enables particularly simple and flexible installations and additions to a proprietary KVM system without sacrificing the secure core of it.

Unmatched Flexibility and Performance

A major benefit is that customers of IHSE’s proprietary KVM solutions can flexibly expand their system with IP based components. The serviceability, safety, and reliability of an IHSE KVM system are maintained, while at the same time the flexibility and simplicity of the transmission protocol over-IP are incorporated into the system.

The Draco CON App thereby offers a maximum of flexibility for existing as well as new customers and works with Windows®, Linux and MacOS®.

Best of both worlds

The IHSE Group is on a successful path to become a well-rounded supplier of KVM, both proprietary and over-IP, offering customers systems that match their requirements perfectly and unlike no other on the market. The new Draco CON App is an important step to offer “the best of both worlds” to all customers, connecting homogenously proprietary and IP based switching.

Draco CON App provides our clients with a maximum of flexibility while keeping infrastructural requirements and network configuration demand to a minimum.
Mark Hempel
Head of Product Management of IHSE GmbH

IHSE receives Common Criteria PP4 Compliance

Oberteuringen, January 17, 2023 – IHSE’s Draco vario KVMA Isolated Secure Extenders is Common Criteria PP4 compliant.

The Common Criteria PP4 certification is a prestigious and rigorous standard for equipment used in environments that may be subject to a high risk of infiltration and require special security measures. Certification is only issued after extremely sophisticated testing by independent institutions.

High security environments

KVM solutions from IHSE are favored by many professionals worldwide for application in highly secure and critical environments. IHSE’s extenders and matrix switches are equipped with essential features making them a perfect match for 24/7 mission critical applications.

Tests and requirements

IHSE Draco vario KVMA Isolated Secure Extenders are now Common Criteria NIAP PP4 compliant. This is a mandatory requirement for many security-focused applications around the world. The compliance process includes intensive analysis of weak spots and a thorough analysis of equipment design by independent security experts. Common Criteria PP4 compliance confirms the high security standard of IHSE products.

KVM in high security environments

Already well known for product reliability and customer centric engineering, IHSE now offers specialized products for high security environments. Certified components from security specialist HighSecLabs are incorporated in the Draco vario KVMA Isolated Secure Extenders.

IHSE’s KVM systems are an ideal solution in allowing flexible access to IT resources whilst protecting critical data assets. They can securely extend and switch keyboard, video, mouse and audio signals in real time, without any loss of quality at distances of 10 km and beyond. With optional data link and power redundancy configuration for failsafe interconnection via fiber or Cat X, IHSE technology is the ideal choice for 24/7 mission critical applications.

Secure setups containing both classified and unclassified endpoints can be achieved in combination with Draco tera matrix switches and Draco vario extenders.

Availability

IHSE Draco vario Secure KVMA Extender products with Common Criteria PP4 compliance will be available in Q1/2023.

Protecting intellectual property has always been a challenge and even more so in today’s networked world. The secure KVMA Isolated Secure Extenders provide maximum protection while maintaining full usability and collaboration.
Mark Hempel
Head of Product Management of IHSE GmbH

IHSE introduces Draco tera IP Gateway

Frankfurter Smart City Skyline im Sonnenuntergang, in der Stadt sind mehrere Punkte miteinander verbunden

Oberteuringen, April 20th, 2022 – Successfully connecting proprietary and IP networks – combining the best of both worlds.

IHSE is proud to announce a groundbreaking new product: Draco tera IP Gateway. The Draco tera IP Gateway provides IHSE KVM users with the ability to bridge multiple KVM matrices over existing IP networks within buildings, across campuses and between remote corporate offices. It combines the high levels of security and performance of the Draco tera KVM system with the flexibility and ease of connectivity inherent in IP-based network communication. Therefore, it allows users to access remote computers and interact in real-time with minimal latency and no visible artefacts, with the full confidence of a highly secure KVM system.

In addition to the high level of security of data transmitted throughout IHSE’s KVM switching and extension systems, Secure Core™ technology prevents direct access to the data within the KVM system from the IP network. This maintains the integrity of the KVM system and is consistent with the IHSE philosophy of secure separation of core matrix and IP networks as an effective countermeasure to potential cyber attacks.

The Draco tera IP Gateway combines the best of both worlds. Allowing secure, IP-routable site networking of KVM matrix systems without compromising operational flexibility, security or maintainability. It currently supports up to eight bidirectional grid lines for bidirectional KVM operation with video resolutions of up to 4k30 with a view to be expanded to 4k60 in the near future.

The solution addresses existing customers as well as new customers to allow them an easy expansion or flexible new installation of an IHSE KVM system. Our Draco tera IP Gateway delivers two significant advantages: flexible, secure matrix interconnectivity and the ability for users to access any end computer on the KVM system from any remote IP workplace within an existing gigabit network.
Dr. Enno Littmann
CEO of IHSE GmbH

IHSE acquires kvm-tec

Das IHSE Firmengebäude im linken Teil, das kvm-tec Gebäude im rechten Teil.

IHSE acquires kvm-tec

IT security specialist expands product portfolio
IHSE plans to drive growth with KVM-over-IP solutions
Addressing new customer groups and meeting growing demand for IP solutions

Frankfurt am Main/Oberteuringen/Tattendorf, November 3, 2021. IHSE GmbH (“IHSE”), a Brockhaus Technologies AG group company, acquired a majority stake in kvm-tec Holding GmbH (“kvm-tec”).

Founded in 2006, kvm-tec develops and distributes flexible, high-security KVM-over-IP solutions (KVMoIP) to extend and switch computer signals. The company enables the high-performance, latency-reduced transmission of the signals via the standard IP protocol in existing networks. IHSE is a leading global technology provider for KVM solutions (keyboard, video, mouse) via proprietary network protocols, and is expanding its product portfolio and customer base with this acquisition.

The proprietary KVM solutions of IT security specialist IHSE are used particularly in mission-critical applications such as air traffic control, in control rooms and in the utilities and transport sectors. KVM solutions over the standard IP protocol are increasingly being deployed in industrial applications, broadcasting, post-production and the public sector as the more flexible, lower-cost solution that can be implemented faster. With the acquisition of kvm-tec, IHSE is accessing a worldwide KVMoIP customer base which will benefit from the international IHSE distribution network going forward, with offices in Germany, the USA, Singapore and China. In addition to joint sales forces, the management of IHSE and kvm-tec see further synergy potential in purchasing and production.

Ing. Dietmar Pfurtscheller, founder and CEO of kvm-tec, will remain with the company after the transaction is completed, along with his wife Ingrid Pfurtscheller MSc, Head of Sales and Marketing, and drive growth together with the IHSE team. kvm-tec is based in Tattendorf, Austria, and currently has 28 employees.

“With kvm-tec’s IP-based product portfolio we are strengthening our strategic competitive position in the market for further growth. Now we offer the right KVM solution for every customer need. Our joint technology platform also means we are reinforcing our innovation capabilities in a rapidly changing market,” says Dr. Enno Littmann, CEO of IHSE. “Our international subsidiaries enable us to be close to our customers also. In the IT security space, local personal contacts are a key success factor,” adds Michael Spatny, Managing Director at IHSE.

“Since kvm-tec was founded some 15 years ago, we have continuously developed the technology behind our KVMoIP products and are proud to supply numerous international customers today,” says Ing. Dietmar Pfurtscheller, founder and CEO of kvm-tec. “We are confident that in IHSE we have found the right partner to support our ongoing growth; with its global footprint and KVM expertise we are well positioned to become a ‘KVM Global Powerhouse’ together,” adds Ingrid Pfurtscheller MSc, Head of Sales and Marketing at kvm-tec.

Marco Brockhaus, CEO of Brockhaus Technologies: “We are delighted that our technology group is continuing to grow with the acquisition of kvm-tec by IHSE. We make Mittelstand champions even better, even stronger, even more successful. Because that is exactly what Brockhaus Technologies stands for. We support our subsidiaries with our network and our expertise, and are a reliable partner for acquisitions too.”