Icron is pleased to announce that HY-LINE Computer Components Vertriebs GmbH has become Icron’s first Certified Integration Partner.

“We are delighted to be named Icron’s first Certified Integration Partner,” said Werner Zieboll, HY-LINE’s President. “Our engineering team has always had the skill set to assist customers with their systems integration projects and now with training certification from Icron, we have tremendous flexibility to address customers needing embedded USB and video extension solutions for designs in key industries such as medical or industrial automation.”

Since 1990 HY-LINE has been at the forefront assisting customers in Germany with their digital display and extension projects in a variety of market applications including digital signage, desktop extension, medical and industrial automation.

Formal integration certification with Icron enables HY-LINE to offer specific technical expertise when there is a need for USB and/or video extension via Icron’s embedded product offerings; such as ExtremeUSB® Core 2200 series SO-DIMM daughter boards or the ExtremeUSB® Lions GateTM integrated circuit.

“We are quite pleased to recognize HY-LINE as Icron’s first certified integration partner,” said Robert Haefling, Icron’s President and CEO. “We are extremely confident in their ability to support the design efforts of our customers across Icron’s complete product spectrum.”

As well, Icron’s EL5100 Extender was included in HY-LINE Computer Components’ main exhibit at ISE. The EL5100 KVM extender which features USB 2.0 functionality along with 1080p video helped HY-LINE showcase an interactive 46” Full-HD Touchmonitor demonstration for their attendees at the show.

See the full video demonstration here.

HY-LINE sells and supports Icron’s full product portfolio from finished USB 1.1, 2.0 and 3.0 and KVM (Keyboard, Video, and Mouse) extensions systems to board level integration and embedded ASIC chips.

About Integration Systems Europe (ISE)

ISE 2012 is the largest professional AV and systems integration trade show ever held in Europe, bringing together manufacturers, distributors, integrators, specifiers and technology managers from over 100 countries worldwide.

You can also check out the release here.

The Composites Engineering Show (Image courtesy of NEC)

If you haven’t heard already, the composites engineering show is right around the corner.  The show is for UK-based design/materials/engineering professionals covering the latest composite technologies for the design and manufacturability of consumer and high performance products.

The show is a great place to hear about the latest technologies in product design, along with if and how those techniques should/can be incorporated.  For product managers and designers (mechanical, industrial, and hardware), they can learn about the latest technologies which can spark new product ideas and design techniques.

Here at Icron, since we manufacture industrial type extenders for media or KVM and USB extension, hearing about the newest techniques for product design professionals gives us new design ideas for upcoming products.

Product Manufacturing (Image courtesy of NEC)

Although some product design techniques are pushing the fringe of technology, these new techniques can generate innovative product design ideas. These ideas are then surveyed to end customers for ways to improve product design and add new high valued features. It will be interesting to see what new and innovative designs are released in the market place months following the show.

We recently added a new product line, the USB Extension Core 2200 Modules, for our customers who need to add USB extension to a larger more complex system.   USB extension solutions are ideal for a number of applications including industrial automation/control, KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) extension for remote desktops, security, digital signage, home network integration, accessing remote medical devices, and extending interactive white boards.

There are four Core 2200 Modules: Core 2210, 2220, 2230, and 2240.  Each module offers a unique transmission interface supporting different types of USB devices.  Depending on the target market and use case a specific Core Module can be used.  For example, in industrial automation/control applications where a keyboard and mouse needs to be extended up to 300 meters away from the computer, the Core 2210 would be integrated into the design.

One of the exciting features of the Core 2200 Modules is that there are multiple products available depending on what use cases need to be supported.  The modules come in a 200 pin SO-DIMM form factor along with full reference designs for integration.   This allows many applications that require USB extension an easy to source connector and flexible integration in the design.

Form Factor of Core 2200 Modules

If you are interested in learning more about  how to use the Core 2200 Modules in your application contact sales@icron.com or visit the product web page.

Last week, the Icron team attended the North American professional audio and video show, which showcased the latest technology in broadcast, post production, and media extension.  Our visit to InfoComm this year focused on reviewing the latest market trends and meeting our strategic customers in our private meeting space on the show floor.  Over the duration of the show, we gained valuable knowledge in two areas: The role of USB 3.0 in the broadcast and media extension markets and the continuous trend towards supporting extension over a network.

With regard to USB 3.0, the market continues to generate buzz and requests for a USB 3.0 extender.  The requests are limited to specific applications and the need for a customer to future proof the installation (i.e. provide USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 extension).  Considering the small amount of USB 3.0 devices currently available in the market (hard drives and high-end cameras), there is even a smaller number of end users who need extensions for these 3.0 devices.   However, since the announcement of the new USB 3.0 specification by the USB Implementers Forum, there are requests to have the technology even though the end user continues to extend only the keyboard, mouse, and flash drive.  In high-end video post production applications, the need to support more than flash drives is even further limited.

What is interesting about USB 3.0 is the ability for customers to be able to future proof their installations and have a USB extender that supports both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0.  This is a great fit for Icron since our technology extends both USB 2.0 and 3.0 beyond the inherent distance limitations.  With this in mind, based on the feedback and trends, we are working towards implementing specific requirements for a new USB 3.0 extender as well as working with all our customers on adding such a solution to our existing product line.

We also saw a continuing trend for extension solutions over a network in the broadcast, post production, and media extension markets.  This trend is aligned perfectly with our customers whose needs are to extend video and/or USB over a network (point to point and point to multipoint).  This allows installers the ability to use existing cabling and allows more complex installations with switching and/or routing capabilities for multiple displays and/or work areas.

The valuable insight and feedback helps put Icron in a good position to develop pivotal products with our customers.  For the end user, it allows Icron to meet their needs by appropriately applying our technology to the next generation of USB extension solution products.

If you have thoughts on USB 3.0 and network extension (including KVM) feel free to send me an email.

When slot machines require servicing or need to be upgraded, they are left sitting unused on the casino floor not generating revenue. Icron’s ExtremeUSB® technology can significantly reduce machine down time by creating a centralized service location.

To service slot machines, a technician must be dispatched to the casino floor next to the device.  If machines are non operational and not serviced immediately, they cannot be used to generate revenue. If machines are serviced promptly, this results in disruption and distraction for nearby players.

With a remote service model, the machines are easily serviced or upgraded from a central location. No player interruption or distraction is necessary and the machines are quickly upgraded, maximizing up time and revenues.

Icron Technologies’ ExtremeUSB® offers transparent connectivity to a centralized service computer at distances of up to 10 kilometers. This technology enhances the player’s experience by minimizing disruptions and maximizing serviceability. Less time is spent by the technician servicing each machine, and players enjoy more time playing.

ExtremeUSB® connects the slot machine’s computer, keypad, touchscreen, card reader, printer or other controls to a centralized location. Information is quickly uploaded or downloaded transparent to the players resulting in no distraction or disruption.

Further, service costs are lower since a technician isn’t spending his  or her time going to each machine. The time it takes to deploy a machine decreases since the management is centralized, and revenue increases because machines are operational in a shorter period of time.

Time spent deploying the machines and servicing them is substantially reduced. By centralizing the service location and  enabling connectivity to multiple machines at one time, costs of servicing, monitoring, and upgrading are greatly reduced.

Icron’s ExtremeUSB® makes it possible. We provide a variety of USB connectivity solutions to fit your specific design and business needs. Icron is focused on helping you enhance your customer’s experience and can help you improve efficiency and maximize revenue.

If you liked to learn more about our ExtremeUSB® products such as the USB Ranger® 2200 Series, please drop me a line!

In addition to product news video series, Icron has developed a Product News video of our EL4500. The EL4500 adds efficiency to the workplace and provides best in class, high definition DVI video, audio and USB 2.0 connectivity for PCs.

EL4500 features include:

• High Definition video with no video degradation over distance
• DVI input and output
• Three USB 480Mbps ports supporting all USB 2.0 device types (including isochronous)
• Stereo audio
• LAN connectivity or 100 meters over Cat 5 cabling
• True “Plug and Play” (no software drivers required)
• Support for all operating systems
• Support for additional USB hubs and devices
• Optional rack mount kit

See below to review our video of this exciting product!

If you have any questions about this product or any other Icron products, please email us for more information.

The digital signage market, where networked digital displays are used in public and retail spaces, has seen significant growth since its early stages back in 2006.  According to InfoTrends, the digital signage market was valued at $1.1 billion back in 2006.  Now, in 2011, it is expected to reach $2.59 billion. 

Why is the market experiencing such growth?   Well, more and more businesses in a variety of markets are adding digital signage to increase sales and greatly enhance the customer experience.   A good example is in cruise ships where static, dynamic and interactive displays add significant value for each and every guest.  To see how one state of the art cruise ship is using interactive digital signage, view the following link: Digital signage in action. Considering the total cost of ownership and the return on investment, more and more companies are adding digital signage to their public spaces.

Interactive digital signage provides even more value to the guest or shopper experience and can be implemented over an existing network with a KVM (keyboard, video mouse) extender which extends the video to the digital display but also enables interactivity.  Providing the extension, lowers the total cost of ownership, since one server can provide video to multiple displays from a remote location.

If you are interested in learning more about interactive digital signage, feel free to contact me anytime. Also, let me know what your target market is and how you plan to enhance the customer experience.

It’s been a while since I wrote about the technical challenges of creating a PC-on-TV wireless extender and I thought its due time to review the previous postings and finally go over the solution.  Originally planned as a three part series, the first posting covered the increased demand for such a solution, the second covered the challenges, and the third covers the technical solution.  The business plan and cost structure is not covered here as this is a technology and not a solution that is being productized, however, if you have input or ideas, feel free to contact me anytime.

Part 1 – The Demand

Part 2 – The Challenges

Part 3 – The Solution. Developing a wireless solution adds significant complexity due to the bandwidth limitations of the transmission channel.  Since the channel is limited; the solution is to do some type of compression.  H.264 compression is chosen for two reasons: the first is due to its prevalence in the consumer space as the main choice for bandwidth limited applications, the second is the fact that it has high error resilience so there is limited loss of data.  This loss of data will result in so-called video “hiccups” which are unacceptable to the end user.  H.264 compression also has a high compression ratio to address the need to compress the data stream to provide adequate coverage within a typical home with a bandwidth of 20Mbps.

Another challenge is transmitting USB 2.0.  USB-IF specifies a distance limitation of five meters (16.4 feet) for USB.  In the PC-on-TV architecture, the distance easily exceeds five meters.  The solution is to use Icron’s patented ExtremeUSB® extension technology which allows USB peripherals to be placed wherever users need them without the use of repeaters.  Icron’s communication protocol preserves standard USB functionality and timing restrictions while accommodating the increased distance delay incurred in extended range transmissions.

The final challenge is to multiplex video and USB 2.0 in one transmission stream. Consider the USB traffic first, which depends on the type of device connected to the host.  For example, interrupt devices such as mouse, keyboard, and game controllers require low amounts of bandwidth but bulk and ISO devices require additional bandwidth to operate correctly. Enough bandwidth has to be allocated for all types of USB devices while not affecting the video quality.  Furthermore, latency and buffering has to be balanced which are two opposing constraints.  Too much buffering results in long latency and poor interactive response; too little buffering means the ability for error correction is lost.  Low system latency is critical and ideally is no more than 50 milliseconds so the end user does not notice a delay.  The solution is to choose a video processor which has low latency with H.264 compression.

The complete architecture is shown in the following two diagrams.  Figure 1 is the local extender design which is connected to the PC and figure 2 is the remote extender design connected to the TV where the end user is located.  In the first figure, the local extender contains a DVI or HDMI input connector.  The DVI signals are sent to the DVI/HDMI receiver which converts DVI or HDMI signals into standard video data format for the video processor.  The video processor uses H.264 compression to encode the video data which is then sent to the ExtremeUSB® Extender.  The ExtremeUSB® Extender takes the USB signals from the host and multiplexes the USB data with the video data.  Subsequently, the data stream is transmitted wirelessly using 802.11n.

Figure 1. Architecture of local extender

Figure 2 illustrates the design of the remote extender which receives the transmitted data signal.  The ExtremeUSB® Extender de-multiplexes the USB and video data.  The USB Device Connector allows for multiple connections of a keyboard, mouse, game controller, web camera or any other USB device.  The video data sent to the video processor decodes the signals which are converted by the DVI transmitter to send DVI or HDMI signals to the remote TV.

Figure 2. Architecture of remote extender

The solution provides full PC functionality at the TV location and supports all USB device types including web cameras and flash drives.  The user has full functionality over wireless from anywhere in their home.

If you are interested in this technology or have any other questions on our video (KVM – keyboard, video, mouse) extenders or our USB extenders feel free to contact me any time.

Our visit to the International CES 2011 show was an ideal forum to showcase to the industry our technology and product roadmap while receiving feedback from our strategic customers on what they would like to see, and get compelling mention in the press.   Suffice to say, we are excited that we achieved all three.

While at the show, Icron held a press conference on January 7^th where we unveiled technology demos of our USB 3.0 extender cable, USB over DisplayPort, along with our KVM product line up.  In case you missed our press conference, here are just a few descriptors of the demos:

• In partnership with Intersil, we introduced our new 20 meter USB 3.0 Active Extension Cable which utilizes our LionsGate IC and leverages USB extension technology, the active cable extends USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 connectivity well beyond the USB 3.0 specification distance limitation of three meters.
• Advanced USB over DisplayPort technology, which delivers DisplayPort video and USB 2.0 capability over a standard DisplayPort cable.
• ExtremeLink™ 4500, the newest addition to our KVM product line. The ExtremeLink™ 4500 is one of our KVM (keyboard, video and mouse) extender products and allows a computer to be placed remotely from a workstation area, connected over an existing LAN or dedicated Cat 5 (up to 330 ft).

This abundant set of demonstrations received an enthusiastic article in the CES Daily which is published each day of the show. The article covers our KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) extenders which enable video, USB 2.0 and audio to be extended up to 500 meters (1640 feet) on Cat 5 cables or support connections on a Local Area Network (LAN).

As well, the review of our ExtremeLink™ 4500 in CRN reiterated the impressive performance of our KVM products.

The ability to extend KVM and USB over a dedicated Cat 5 cable was impressive enough. But over a LAN? Testers were truly dazzled when they connected the 4500 sender and receiver to their test LAN and it worked right out of the box, permitting input from the remote keyboard and mouse to be displayed on the remote monitor, and with almost no detectable delay.

Thank you for visiting us at CES 2011 and for helping us make it a successful show. Please feel free to drop me a line with your thoughts of the show. If you are interested in our KVM products or any of our other products, please contact us at any time.

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday!

Before the holidays, Icron developed another video presenting  USB over DisplayPort.

You can also see our view on our YouTube channel!

Also, in case you didn’t know we are attending the International CES show in Vegas! If you are there, stop by our booth (South Hall 1, Lower Level # 20560) to review our product lines and see demos of the following:

• New 20-meter USB 3.0 Active Extension Cable which utilizes Icron’s LionsGate ASIC and leverages Icron’s USB extension technology, the active cable extends USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 connectivity well beyond the USB 3.0 specification distance limitation of three meters
• Advanced USB over DisplayPort technology, which delivers DisplayPort video and USB 2.0 capability over a standard DisplayPort cable
• New uncompressed video and USB KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) extender product

If you’re at the show, please stop by and say “hi”!