This is Paul from Vetra Systems. First, I would like to thank you all for your support and interest in our products. Wow, you have covered a lot of ground here in a very short time. I just wanted to address some of your comments and clarify some of the features of the new switchcaster (combined KVM switch / broadcaster). Please note, we have only recently started posting here, so please be patient if I miss some subtlety of gaming. We will be checking the forums from time to time, but suggest you contact us via email or phone if you need direct assistance.
The new switchcaster will work both as a KVM switch and a multicaster for both keyboard and mouse. Keyboard and mouse can broadcast together or independently. We added inversion broadcasting, allowing the selection of one channel, broadcasting to all but the selected channel, and the ability to easily toggle between the two. If you want to broadcast to all without inversion, you still can. Channel switching happens even faster than in our standard KVM switches so that any delays should be imperceptible. As an option, the unit is available with expansion, so that you can string together up to 8 units to control up to 64 PCs.
Actually, the y-mouse functionality is already built-in to the switchcaster, at least for many setups. Often the y-mouse is used to combine the KVM output with the broadcaster output. The switchcaster performs both functions, so the y-mouse is no longer needed. No more maze of wires.Originally Posted by 'Bradster',index.php?page=Thread&postID=124866#pos t124866
If that were the case, just think about all the wires you could remove out of your setup. I know for at least mine It's a bit crazy
VIDEO FEATURES:
There have been several questions and comments about the video switching. First, let me be clear. The switchcaster has several versions, and is available with keyboard and mouse (KM) only, no video, so if you don't need or want it, you don't have to pay for it. Basilicos pretty much hit the nail on the head. We offer the video, as an option, for those who still want to use this as a traditional KVM switch, now or later on, as well as for non-gaming customers.
As Xzin mentioned, when you switch video, a monitor takes a second, or even several seconds to sync up. This is a limitation of the monitor, not our switch (which switches the video in just a few milliseconds), so there's really nothing we can do about it. As I understand it, this limitation makes video switching of any kind unworkable in just about every gaming scenario, and that most (all?) of you use a separate monitor for each PC.
Thus, we are not planning on offering any gaming-specific video options at this time. We welcome any suggestions, but remember, the monitor itself just cannot switch fast enough.
I think the switchcaster may help you do this. The feature, scroll-lock- N, selects the next available channel so that you can "instantly" switch from character to character, in order, in rapid succession. It's also available using the "next" button on the front panel.
Regarding several comments about inversion broadcasting, holy trinity groups, transfer of leadership, etc. If I understand correctly, I think we have given you just what you need. With inversion broadcasting you can directly address any character individually, then switch to broadcast to all the other characters, except for the one previously selected. You can toggle back and forth with a single command. You can change the lead character.
Regarding the use of scroll lock for hot-keys, the scroll lock button is used by most, if not all KVM manufacturers because it is virtually never used for anything else. I think you'll find that our scroll-lock switching sequence (scroll-lock 1, 2, etc.) is actually simpler and fewer keystrokes than every other KVM switch on the market. We might look into this further to see if we can find an alternative.
Regarding upgrades, please understand, we are fundamentally a technology-oriented hardware company. Computer hardware manufacturers are in a difficult situation where products change rapidly, but pretty much no one lets you just trade in your old stuff. Intel comes out with scores of new processors practically every month, but they don't let you just trade in your old processor every few months and just pay the difference, right? Obviously, we're a much smaller company, but you get the idea. We want to be responsive and develop new features, but not shoot ourselves in the foot in the process. We have tried to keep you all abreast of our upcoming products. I personally have even mentioned the new switchcaster for some time before its release to those looking to buy standard broadcasters to hopefully avoid any "buyers' remorse". That being said, We are considering some kind of upgrade policy, depending on what product was purchased, and when. I hope we can come up with something that will allow us to offer you some relief without breaking the bank (either yours or ours).
One product can't do everything, but we've tried to make a flexible, versatile product that can adapt to many possible setups and reduce the number of boxes you need. We always welcome any suggestions, comments, and questions. Please feel free to contact us.
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