Multiview processing – the combination and display of multiple video sources for simultaneous viewing on a single monitor – has long been used for tasks as mundane as viewing multiple security cameras or as sophisticated as the use of a single screen to display multiple sporting events at a sports bar or sports book. “Integrators are increasingly finding that the technology is applicable for residential use in living rooms, home theaters and man caves at a price comparable to the cost of a premium 75-inch smart TV with multi-view processing from Key Digital’s KD-MLV4x4Pro,” says DeWayne Rains, vice president of sales for Key Digital, the award-winning developer and manufacturer of leading-edge digital video processing and video signal distribution solutions, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.
“Multifaceted international sporting events often have different events running on different channels or streams, and leagues and associations such as the NCAA, NFL and MLB have games, matches and competitions scheduled in competition with each other,” says Rains. “Viewers can keep up with multiple events and bring a sports bar video wall-style experience home to their own big screen.”
The KD-MLV4x4Pro is an all-in-one matrix switcher device with multi-view video processing that empowers users to display up to four video sources simultaneously on a single screen for the ultimate picture-in-picture experience. The video processor effortlessly handles 4K/UHD content at 60fps input and offers optional 4K down-conversion for compatibility with legacy displays or projectors. The KD-MLV4x4Pro comes equipped with advanced standards compatibility, supporting HDCP 2.2 and deep color and facilitating EDID handshaking for communicating resolutions and audio formats to connected sources.
Four HDMI inputs accommodate sources, while four independent HDMI outputs can feed local displays along with four mirrored outputs on RJ-45 connections that can simultaneously deliver selected signals to televisions or projectors located elsewhere in the home via a CAT connection feeding four included KD-EXMLVRx extender receivers. The KD-EXMLVRx units feature power over CAT, eliminating wall wart supplies. Bidirectional IR remote interface allows control of displays via the Rx units. Alternatively, IR signals from a remote can be collected to control a source at the matrix.
The active multi-view content or full-screen content can be displayed on any connected display. The multi-view mode can be selected to display sources in any of five default layouts, and custom layouts can be created. Each multi-view window can display the assigned name of its source. Nine selectable test screens are included to help expedite installation.
“Simplified control is essential to the home user experience,” Rains continues. “Along with its IR remote extension capabilities, the KD-MLV4x4Pro can be easily controlled from the sophisticated yet user-friendly and totally free KD-App for iOS. Plus, the KD-MLV4x4Pro now features integrated control by way of a Web GUI from any browser on any device sharing the network.”
Audio is an essential part of the consumer viewing experience and the KD-MLV4x4Pro supports independent audio routing with de-embedding ports for analog balanced/unbalanced and digital optical connections. This flexibility allows users to select audio sources even between the displayed screens in multi-view mode. The audio processor accommodates surround formats up to 5.1 Dolby®/DTS™.
“Consumers have become attuned to enhanced viewing options and are demanding no-compromise experiences in their homes,” says Rains. “The KD-MLV4x4Pro satisfies those demands.”
