Introduction - Black Box ServSwitch ACL0802A Manual

The ServSwitch™ Brand 8 x 2 Matrix Video Switch is an ideal tool for sharing
and/or switching between the output of as many as eight video sources (such as
PCs), in order to display or capture that output at two video destinations (such as
monitors). Once you attach all your devices, you can hook the Switch to the
included keypad for full manual switching control.
The Switch's features include:
• With its large bandwidth, it can handle even very high resolutions and refresh
rates, up to 1600 x 1280 pixels at up to 85 Hz.
• It can switch the single video output of as many as eight devices and send it to
both monitors simultaneously, or it can switch the dual video output of as
many as four devices, sending one head's signal to one monitor and the other
head's signal to the other monitor.
• It includes two serial keypads, so it's ready to do manual switching almost right
out of the box (you do have to attach the keypad to the Switch first). Or you
can attach one or both of the Switch's keypad ports to a PC's serial ports or to
some other serial device and perform switching and monitoring with serial
commands.
• Because it has a universal power supply, you can plug it in almost anywhere if
you have the right input cord. (And it's small and light enough to take almost
anywhere!)
• It's primarily designed to carry VGA/SVGA video, but it can handle separate
horizontal and vertical sync, composite sync, and sync on green, so with the
right kinds of cables or adapters it can accept all sorts of video from all sorts of
devices.
• All of its input and output signals are buffered, so you'll get the sharpest
possible images.
• It can drive video signals as far as 300 ft. (90 m) end-to-end, so it's ideal for use
in auditoriums, conference halls, and similar spaces.
• Its front-panel LEDs show you right away which video inputs are going to
which outputs.
• To top it off, it can be operated by pressing a single keypad button, so anybody
can use it without having to be extensively trained.

2. Introduction

CHAPTER 2: Introduction
9