Black Box ServSwitch Wizard USB KVM Extender With Audio

The Black Box ServSwitch Wizard USB KVM Extender With Audio is a high-performance solution built for professionals who need reliable, high-quality USB and VGA signal extension over long distances. Whether you’re coordinating a data center, operating a control room, supporting a distributed classroom, or setting up a powerful home office, this USB KVM extender delivers seamless keyboard, video, mouse, and audio sharing between hosts and remote consoles. Designed for quiet operation, robust construction, and simple setup, the ServSwitch Wizard lets you place critical peripherals where they’re most convenient while maintaining fast, crystal-clear video and responsive USB peripherals at the user’s desk.

• True USB KVM Extender: Extends keyboard, mouse, USB peripherals, VGA video, and stereo audio to a remote console with reliable signal integrity and responsive control, enabling you to manage a host computer from a distant location without sacrificing performance.
• VGA Video and Audio in One Package: Delivers high-quality VGA video together with integrated stereo audio pass-through, ensuring your presentations, media playback, and multimedia workloads look and sound right at the remote console.
• Plug-and-Play, Driver-Free Operation: Designed for immediate use with minimal setup. The system automatically negotiates USB and video connections, and supports EDID passthrough to preserve display clarity and resolution from the host to the remote monitor.
• Flexible Cabling with CAT5e/6: Uses standard CAT5e/6 copper cabling to bridge local and remote units, offering flexible deployment options. The compact extenders fit neatly on desks, in cabinets, or within a rack environment for clean, organized installations.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Works with a wide range of operating systems and host devices, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it an ideal choice for mixed environments or shared workspaces where multiple users access a single host computer.

Technical Details of Black Box ServSwitch Wizard USB KVM Extender With Audio

• Type: USB KVM extender with VGA video and audio pass-through
• Video Interface: VGA video signal extension to remote console
• USB Support: USB 2.0 high-speed transport for keyboard, mouse, and USB peripherals
• Audio: Stereo audio pass-through for local and remote listening
• Connectivity: Standard CAT5e/6 copper cabling between local and remote units
• Power: External power supply required for use of both units
• Platform Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux and other major operating systems supported via USB and VGA interfaces
• Form Factor: Compact enclosures suitable for desktop placement or shelf mounting
• Indicators: Status LEDs provide quick visual confirmation of power, activity, and link status

How to Install Black Box ServSwitch Wizard USB KVM Extender With Audio

• 1. Prepare the components: Ensure you have the local unit, remote unit, power adapters for both units, and a CAT5e/6 cable long enough to connect the two extenders. Verify that you have a VGA monitor, a USB keyboard and mouse, and any USB peripherals you plan to use with the setup.
• 2. Connect the local unit to the host: Attach the host computer’s VGA video output to the local extender’s VGA input and connect the USB keyboard and mouse to the local unit’s USB ports. If you plan to use audio, connect speakers or headphones to the local unit’s audio outputs.
• 3. Connect the remote unit to the console: Link the remote extender to the destination monitor with VGA, and connect any USB peripherals you want to access at the remote desk. If you need audio at the remote end, connect speakers or headphones to the remote unit’s audio outputs.
• 4. Bridge the units: Run the CAT5e/6 cable between the local and remote extenders and securely connect both ends. Ensure the cable path is clear of interference and avoids excessive bending or kinking.
• 5. Power up: Plug in the power supplies for both the local and remote units. Power indicators should illuminate, and you should see link/activity LEDs confirming a solid connection. Power on the host computer and the remote console to begin operation.
• 6. Verify operation and adjust: With the system running, verify that the keyboard, mouse, video, and audio respond correctly at the remote console. If needed, adjust EDID settings or display resolution to optimize video clarity and ensure the remote monitor displays at the desired resolution.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What does the Black Box ServSwitch Wizard USB KVM Extender With Audio enable me to do?

  A: It enables centralized control of a host computer from a remote console by extending USB peripherals, VGA video, and stereo audio over CAT5e/6 cabling. This allows you to place a workstation, server, or multimedia rig in a dedicated space while keeping access at a convenient remote location, improving workspace ergonomics and management efficiency.

• Q: Which cables and connectors are required?

  A: You’ll need standard VGA video cables for the host and remote displays, USB connections for keyboard and mouse (and any USB peripherals you plan to use), stereo audio cables if you require local playback, and a CAT5e/6 cable to link the local and remote extenders.

• Q: Is software or driver installation necessary?

  A: No specialized software drivers are required. The ServSwitch Wizard is designed for plug-and-play operation, with automatic USB and video negotiation and EDID passthrough to preserve display fidelity.

• Q: Which operating systems are supported?

  A: The extender supports common operating systems used in desktop and server environments, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, through standard USB and VGA interfaces. Specific driver requirements are minimal or absent due to its USB/KVM architecture.

• Q: Can I use the system with multiple host computers or multiple users?

  A: The ServSwitch Wizard is designed for a primary host with a remote console. It supports shared access between a host and a single remote console, optimizing control and reducing latency for a dedicated workflow. For environments requiring multi-user access, consider complementary Black Box solutions designed for broader sharing.

• Q: What about display resolutions and EDID?

  A: The system passes EDID information between the host and remote monitor, helping to ensure optimal display resolutions are maintained across the extended path. If you encounter a resolution issue, confirm EDID passthrough is enabled and that both VGA cables and adapters support the desired resolution.

• Q: Do I need to mount the extenders in a rack or cabinet?

  A: While the units are compact enough for desktop use, they can be rack-mounted or placed in a small equipment cabinet with proper cable management to maintain signal integrity and airflow.