Gefen GF-AVIP-MC AV over IP Matrix Controller with KVM & Video Wall Control

Gefen GF-AVIP-MC AV over IP Matrix Controller with KVM & Video Wall Control

The Gefen GF-AVIP-MC is what turns a collection of Gefen AV over IP extenders into a system that's easy to run. Without it, every transmitter and receiver has to be set up and switched through its own web interface, which is manageable with a pair of units but impractical with dozens. Connect the controller to the same network and it finds every compatible Gefen video and KVM over IP extender automatically, showing each one's name, channel ID, IP address and status on a single screen.

Routing is visual and quick. Live preview thumbnails show every transmitter and receiver, and you route a source to a display, a group of displays or a video wall by dragging its thumbnail onto the destination. Video, audio, RS-232, IR and USB can be routed independently, which allows proper KVM roaming: keyboard and mouse control can move between source computers while the screen keeps showing what it was showing. The controller handles both unicast (point-to-point) and multicast (one-to-many) distribution, standard matrix and free routing modes, definable display groups, and video wall creation and control. Up to 256 presets store complex routing setups for instant recall.

It connects easily to the rest of an installation. Standard control is available through the web interface, either remotely or locally, as well as RS-232, Telnet, UDP and the included 8-button IR remote. Eight trigger inputs let a simple keypad built into a lectern, conference table or classroom desk recall presets at the press of a button. The HDMI output and two USB ports allow a local monitor, keyboard and mouse, or an HDMI touchscreen, to run the interface with no PC. Two LAN ports let the controller manage the AV over IP devices on a physically or logically separate network, keeping high-bandwidth video traffic and security apart from the main network. A guest mode gives day-to-day users routing and preset access while locking away configuration settings.

It takes MicroSD for servicing and is set up through Gefen's Syner-G software. Power comes from the supplied 5V locking supply or, according to the manual, from an 802.3af PoE switch. It draws 14W and comes in a 231.5mm-wide steel chassis. Gefen give it a two-year warranty.

What Gefen say about the GF-AVIP-MC

The Gefen GF-AVIP-MC AVoIP Matrix Controller provides a powerful, centralized solution for managing your entire Gefen AV over IP system through a single, intuitive web interface. This robust controller simplifies complex setups by enabling comprehensive management of routing selections, matrix switching, and video wall configurations for all connected transmitters and receivers on the network. Ideal for large-scale commercial installations, security surveillance systems, and video wall displays, the GF-AVIP-MC eliminates the need to configure each extender individually, offering a streamlined, scalable, and efficient management platform for your professional AV/IT infrastructure.

Key Features

• Centralized System Management: Enables the management and full configuration of multiple Gefen AVoIP extenders from a single WebGUI, eliminating the need to access each unit individually.
• Matrix and Video Wall Control: Natively supports the creation and control of complex matrix switching and video wall modes using simple presets within the WebGUI.
• Flexible Routing: Supports both point-to-point (unicast) and multi-to-multi (multicast) routing selections for maximum system design flexibility.
• Multiple Control Interfaces: Offers versatile system integration with support for control via WebGUI (remote or local), RS-232, Telnet, UDP, and an included IR remote.
• Direct System Access: Features an HDMI output and USB ports for connecting a local monitor, keyboard, and mouse for direct access and control of the management interface without a separate PC.
• Preset Triggering: Includes a dedicated trigger input interface that allows for the simple recall of stored configuration presets from a remote keypad or other trigger-based control device.
• Dual LAN Ports: Equipped with two LAN ports to manage AVoIP devices on a physically or logically separate network, enhancing security and isolating high-bandwidth video traffic.
• Syner-G™ Software Support: Fully compatible with Gefen Syner-G™ software for easy device discovery and initial IP configuration on the network.
• How It Works

The Gefen AVoIP Matrix Controller provides centralized control of all Gefen Video and KVM over IP extenders through a single WebGUI interface, eliminating the need to access each transmitter and receiver individually for configuration and routing changes. Simply connect the controller to the same network as the extenders, and it automatically discovers all units, allowing operators to configure video, audio, RS-232, IR, and USB routing by dragging and dropping transmitter sources onto receiver destinations. The Independent Routing feature enables advanced KVM roaming, where keyboard and mouse control can switch between multiple source computers while maintaining the current video display on a single monitor setup. The system supports up to 256 customizable presets for instant recall of complex routing configurations, video wall creation across multiple displays, and both unicast and multicast distribution modes, creating a flexible and scalable virtual matrix environment manageable from one control point rather than accessing dozens of individual device interfaces.

From the user manual:

This Matrix Controller is a powerful and flexible solution for controlling Gefen compatible Video and KVM over IP based extenders within same network. The user only needs to install this unit into the same local network as the extenders (transmitters and receivers) to easily define and configure channel routing selections (including video, audio and a variety of controller interface types), using the WebGUI. Either unicast or multicast scenarios can be configured via WebGUI. It is also possible to define and switch routes using customized groups or presets allowing for easy control over multiple video zones.

Additionally, this unit supports controlling the matrix and video wall modes of connected AVoIP units. The settings of all connected transmitter/receiver units, including IP address, netmask and extender status are clearly displayed within the WebGUI. The WebGUI is easily accessed via a web browser over a normal network connection or by directly connecting an HDMI display and USB keyboard & mouse to the unit. A standard HDMI plus USB touch screen display can also be used to interact with the local WebGUI and control the unit.

A trigger input interface is also provided to allow the easy addition of a remote control keypad, or other trigger-supporting products, which can be installed within a podium or within a table in a conference room or classroom. This interface can allow the user to activate stored presets with the simple press of a button.

Applications: Video/TV wall display and control; Security surveillance and control; Commercial advertising, display and control; Home Theaters with Smart Home Controls; House of Worship/Live Venues; Retail sales and demonstration.

Additional features: Definable display groups; Control over standard matrix, free routing and TV wall modes using presets or direct configuration; Can be powered by an Ethernet switch that supports the IEEE 802.3af-2003 PoE standard (Optional).

Specifications