KVMTech's solution was contracted in 2018 to supply and install relevant electronic solutions and associated cabling for the station's studio rebuild.

East Coast Radio says that its solution needed to be simple, time-efficient and flexible. It had to cater to the requirements of a multitude of systems from IT to broadcasting, overseen only by a small technical team.

Consisting of Guntermannn & Drunck (G&D) products, the installed solution comprised:
  • a customised digital video interface centre as the central matrix switch
  • DVI connectors, and
  • DVI central processing units with trade switching as the core function.
"We previously had layers of wires littering our server room, causing confusion when one of the hard-to-identify extenders failed — a regular occurrence before the upgrade," says Reuben Baatjes, IT and broadcast technician at East Coast Radio.

"The failures would limit the DJs ability to carry out their tasks and, on occasion, result in a station blackout. We would remain 'silent' for as long as the equipment repair demanded," adds Baatjes. 

"KVMTech's solution not only solved our connectivity challenges, but KVMTech's single-console control (one mouse, one keyboard) with multi-monitor workspaces created more efficient internal processes," says Siyethemba Shozi, technical manager at East Coast Radio. "This has resulted in a flexible, convenient and easy-to-use studio, which improved DJ productivity and positively affected listenership ratings."

The East Coast Radio team says that Reghardt Rautenbach, KVMTech's managing director, delivered a unique and customised solution. 

"Many thanks to Rautenbach, as he ensured we were prepared for any upscaling and any dynamic studio demands," Shozi says. "By asking the right questions and ascertaining the required studio functionality and flexibility, Rautenbach pinpointed exactly what was needed. We now have a future-proofed studio."

The team says that KVMTech's studio upgrade delivers a sustainable solution, where the quality and productivity of product outweigh perceived costs.

"Considering the time saved from a human resource perspective, and zero maintenance or repair expenses to date, there is no doubt that the ROI for this aspect of the studio upgrade has surpassed the initial investment," adds Shozi.

While all products in the KVMTech range are warrantied for a minimum of 36 months, the warranty duration does not give full justice to the product and equipment longevity.

"Once we have completed installation and commissioning, it is rare to see the same customer before 10 to 15 years have passed," says Rautenbach. "Our equipment hardly requires any maintenance and it is extremely rare for any repairs to become necessary before at least 10 years have lapsed."

"Having come from a history of late-night call outs prior to the upgrade installation, it is encouraging to know that we can all sleep comfortably now, knowing that the studio will run without failure," concludes Shozi.

For more information, visit www.kvmtech.co.za