Chapter 1

Introduction

Overview

The CubiQ CS1642 / CS1644 USB 2.0 DVI Dual View KVMP Switch charts a revolutionary new direction in KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switch functionality by combining a 2/4-port KVM switch with a 2-port USB 2.0 hub at the same time as providing dual-screen support for two DVI displays, making it ideal for graphic designers, banking and finance consultants, medical applications, and gamers. The CS1642 / CS1644 supports 2.1 channel surround sound to give a theater digital audio experience that enlivens video playback.

As a KVM switch, it allows users to access four computers with dual-screen support from a single USB keyboard, USB mouse, and dual-screen console. As a USB hub, it permits each computer to access any peripherals connected to the hub on a “one computer at a time” basis.

The CS1642 / CS1644’s independent (asynchronous) switching feature allows the KVM focus to be on one computer while the USB peripheral focus is on another. This eliminates the need to purchase a separate USB hub as well as the need to purchase separate stand-alone peripheral sharers.

The CS1642 / CS1644 further improves on previous designs with DVI (Digital Visual Interface) connectors, and the transfer of keyboard and mouse data to the computers via a fast, reliable USB connection. DVI supports both digital video input (flat panel displays, data projectors, plasma displays, digital TVs and set-top boxes) and analog video input (traditional monitors and TVs).

In addition to the CS1642 / CS1644’s 2.1 channel surround sound functionality, a single microphone can provide audio input to each of the computers, and you can listen to the audio output of each computer on a single set of speakers (on a one-at-a-time basis). As with the USB peripherals, the audio focus can be independent of the KVM focus.

Setup is fast and easy; simply plug cables into their appropriate ports. There is no software to configure, no installation routines, and no incompatibility problems. Since the CS1642 / CS1644 intercepts keyboard input directly, it will work on multiple computing platforms (PC (x86/x64), Macintosh PowerPC, and Sun Microsystems Sparc). There are two convenient methods to access the computers: port selection pushbuttons located on the unit’s front panel; and hotkey combinations entered from the keyboard.

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