Gefen GF-HDK18G-VIP-TX 4K KVM over IP Sender

Gefen GF-HDK18G-VIP-TX Gen3 4K HDMI & USB-C KVM over IP Sender

The Gefen GF-HDK18G-VIP-TX is the source end of the Gen3 HDK18G-VIP system. Connect it to a computer, media player or other source, connect it to a managed gigabit switch, and any receiver on that network can pick it up by channel ID. One sender and one receiver make a simple point-to-point extender. Add more of each and the same hardware becomes a virtual matrix, where any display can view any source and any workstation can control any computer. The system scales to 39,900 senders and more than 65,000 units in total, limited in practice by network bandwidth and switch ports.

The inputs are what set this sender apart from most AV over IP transmitters. It has a standard locking HDMI input and a USB-C input, and the USB-C port carries both the video and the USB 2.0 data back to the computer. A modern laptop can therefore join the system through one cable, with the keyboard and mouse at the far end controlling it directly. Input selection can be manual, or set to switch automatically when a new source is connected or when the current signal is lost. Both inputs accept up to 4K 60Hz 4:4:4, and the HDMI input supports HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HDCP 2.3, 2.2 and 1.4, Deep Colour and lip-sync. A locking HDMI loop-through output feeds a local monitor at the source position.

Audio is flexible in both directions. Embedded HDMI audio passes as uncompressed LPCM up to 7.1 channels, or as high bit rate formats up to 7.1 including Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS:X and DTS-HD Master Audio. A 3.5mm line input can replace the embedded audio with a separate analogue feed from a computer's line output. By default the line input takes priority whenever something is plugged into it, and either source can also be forced. Going the other way, a TOSLINK optical output delivers the audio return path: sound from a display at the receiver end comes back across the network to an AV receiver or amplifier at the source location.

EDID is handled on the sender. It uses an internal 4K60 two-channel EDID by default, can load a custom EDID file, or can copy the EDID of the display on a routed receiver, so the source outputs exactly what that display wants. Bi-directional IR and RS-232 route independently of the video, and an IR emitter and IR receiver come in the box. Control is through a built-in web interface, Telnet, UDP and an API for IP, RS-232, CEC and IR bridging. Firmware can be updated from the web interface or, across a whole installation, from Gefen's GF-AVIP-MC Matrix Controller. Content is protected with AES-256 encryption.

Physically it matches the receiver: 231.5mm wide, 25mm high and 158mm deep, rack-mountable in Gefen's optional 19-inch vertical stack rack. It has a built-in two-port gigabit switch, draws 12W at most, and runs from an 802.3at PoE switch or from the supplied 12V/3A locking power supply. MTBF is 50,000 hours, and Gefen give it a three-year warranty.

What Gefen say about the GF-HDK18G-VIP-TX

The Gefen GF-HDK18G-VIP-TX is a high-performance 4K HDMI and USB-C KVM over IP Sender unit that extends and distributes video, audio, and control signals over a standard Gigabit local area network (LAN). This powerful sender allows you to route 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 video with HDR, along with USB, RS-232, and bi-directional IR, creating a flexible and massively scalable "virtual matrix". By pairing this Sender with one or more receivers, you can control any source from any display on the network, making it an ideal AV over IP solution for professional AV, digital signage, and high-performance KVM applications.

Does not include GF-HDK18G-VIP-RX Receiver. (Sold Separately)

Gefen Gen 3.0 KVM products offer enhanced performance, features, and functionality such as 4K Ultra HD with HDR support, built-in scaling, video-wall control, independent RS-232, IR, USB, and audio routing, USB Roaming, OSD Hotkey Keyboard switching.

The Gefen GF-HDK18G-VIP-TX & RX feature maximum input resolution of 4K 60 Hz 4:4:4, and maximum output resolution of 4K 60 Hz 4:4:4. HDCP 2.3/2.2 and 1.4 are also supported. 7.1 channels of HBR (High Bit Rate) lossless and LPCM digital audio can pass through the system as well. Video, Audio, RS-232, 2-way IR, and USB can be routed independently between any Sender and Receiver unit, allowing end-users to control any of the sources and the displays within their network. Analog audio break-out de-embeds audio from the video and sends it to a separate audio system, enhancing the impact of presentations. Digital Optical Audio from a Display is able to distribute to any Source location with an AV Receiver.

Applications include high performance AV and signage systems in sports bars, clubs, restaurants, board and huddle rooms, command and control centers, museums, airports, classrooms, auditoriums, hotels, and retail establishments.

Video Input Select & Modes: Disable (disables Auto Switch); Auto HPD (auto switches when a new source is connected); Auto Signal Loss (input switch auto toggles when current input signal is lost). The HDMI or USB-C input can also be selected manually.
Audio Input Select: Auto (Line Input has priority when connected); HDMI/USB-C (force HDMI/USB-C input selection); Line In (force Line Input selection). The Line In port on the Sender requires line level audio output, and certain microphones will require a pre-amp connected inline to be compatible.
EDID Management: Internal (default, up to 4K60 2CH); Custom (allows a custom uploaded EDID); External (copies downstream EDID from the routed Receiver to the HDMI input of the Sender).
Unicast and Multicast: In unicast mode a Sender unit can communicate with only one Receiver unit at a time, and the system functions similar to a KVM switcher. In multicast mode a single Sender unit can transmit data to multiple Receiver units, and the system functions similar to an HD KVM matrix.

• Supports USB Roaming utilizing one set of keyboard and mouse to control all PCs
• Support for KVM OSD Hotkey Keyboard Switching
• Smart CEC management and Power Save modes
• When used with DVI-to-HDMI cables (not included), supports the use of DVI sources and DVI displays up to 1080p Full HD and 1920x1200 (WUXGA). Single-Link DVI only; Dual-Link DVI is not supported
• MFU (Mass-Firmware-Update), quick and automated configuration, and enhanced control capabilities and system security when used with the Gefen GF-AVIP-MC Matrix Controller
• Real-time live sub stream support
• Enhanced API for added functionality for IP, RS-232, CEC, and IR Bridging using third-party control systems
• Built-in intuitive web interface, Telnet, and UDP
• Supports 39,900 Senders and a combination of over 65,000 Sender and Receiver units, depending on the network bandwidth and number of ports on your network switch
• Two-port Gigabit Ethernet switch built into the Sender and Receiver units
• Field-updatable firmware via GF-AVIP-MC controller or the built-in web server interface
• Locking power supply connectors
• Sender enclosure is rack-mountable using Gefen's optional 19-inch vertical stack equipment rack

Key Features

• Ultra HD 4K Video Extension: Extends HDMI and USB-C video at resolutions up to 4K 60Hz 4:4:4, ensuring pristine video quality over your IP network.
• Advanced HDR Support: Supports High Dynamic Range formats including HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision for enhanced contrast and a more vibrant viewing experience.
• Flexible Input Options: Features both HDMI and USB-C inputs on the Sender unit, providing versatile connectivity for a range of modern source devices.
• Independent Signal Routing: Video, Audio, RS-232, IR, and USB can be routed independently, creating a true virtual matrix system.
• Built-in Video Wall Controller: A built-in video wall controller accommodates configurations up to 16x16, allowing for dynamic and large-scale display applications.
• Secure Content Distribution: Utilizes AES-256 bit encryption to ensure secure content distribution across the network.
• Power-over-Ethernet (PoE): Conforms to the IEEE 802.3at standard, allowing the Sender and Receiver units to be powered via a PoE-enabled network switch without external power supplies.
• High-Speed USB Extension: Two USB 2.0 ports with data rates up to 480 Mbps and backward compatibility with USB 1.1 for connecting keyboards, mice, and other peripherals.
• Audio De-Embedding & Return Path: An audio de-embedder on the receiver separates analog stereo audio, while a routable optical audio return path (TOSLINK) sends audio from the display back to the source location.

How It Works

The Gefen 4K KVM over IP system operates with two main components: a Sender (Tx) unit and one or more Receiver (Rx) units. First, connect your 4K Ultra HD source, such as a computer or media player, to the HDMI or USB-C input on the Sender unit. The Sender unit is then connected via a CAT-5e or better cable to a managed Gigabit IP switch on your Local Area Network (LAN). A Receiver unit is connected to each display and also to the same network switch. This setup allows signals to be transmitted up to 330 feet (100 meters) between any sender and receiver. By adding multiple Senders and Receivers to the network, you can create a flexible and massively scalable 'virtual matrix,' allowing any connected workstation to control any source on the network.

System Requirements

A managed gigabit switch with Jumbo Frame Support (8k or greater) and IGMP Snooping enabled is required when connecting through a Local Area Network.
A dedicated LAN is highly recommended.
Shielded CAT-5e (or better) cables should not exceed 330 feet (100 meters) between the Sender/Receiver unit and the network switch.
For setup and control, Gefen Syner-G™ Software Suite and the Gefen Matrix Controller (GF-AVIP-MC) are highly recommended.

What's in the Box

1 x Sender unit (GF-HDK18G-VIP-TX)
1 x 12V/3A Power Supply
1 x Gefen IR Emitter
1 x Gefen IR Receiver
4 x Self-Adhesive Rubber Feet
1 x Quick-Start Guide

Specifications