Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen (SRF) posted: 11/03/2021
New broadcast center integrates virtual machines using IHSE KVM
Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen (SRF; Swiss Radio and Television ) is the largest broadcaster in German-speaking Switzerland. The public broadcasting organization operates four main studios; two located in Zurich and others in Basel and Bern.
The Challenge
The new SRF broadcasting center News and Sports Center at the Leutschenbach location in Zurich planned to build a new control center to access a variety of computers and virtual machines. A requirement specification was produced that included a central KVM matrix switch with redundant equipment for fail-safe operation, maximum flexibility and scalability.
The new six-story building was designed to incorporate 200 workstations connected to the KVM distribution system enabling instant and switchable connection to over 300 computer and server sources.
For video editing applications, it is essential that editors access content on their screens with no delay. It was therefore critical that the chosen KVM solution must exhibit extremely low transmission and switching latency.
A particular challenge was the required integration of virtual machines within the KVM switching system so that users can select and operate virtual processors in an identical
manner to physical computers. In addition, administrators should be able to access the system from any location over a remote internet connection whilst maintaining the
highest security standards.
The Solution
Due to a convincing offering and previous successful experience with IHSE KVM systems at another SRF broadcasting complex, the solution chosen was a 576-port Draco tera enterprise KVM matrix switch. The switching system connects the computers in the secured Media Data Center (MDC) with all the user workstations spread throughout the studio production rooms. Fiber optic cables throughout the building provide interconnection between the computers in the MDC and the workstations through the KVM switching matrix.
The Draco tera enterprise supports HD and 4K image resolutions used within the SRF broadcast complex across different video and data formats including HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, digital audio and USB.
Users throughout the building are able to access the devices they need without delay. It is immaterial whether these are physical computers or virtual clients. Seamless integration into the KVM workflow via Draco SIRA CPU devices means all sources may be selected in the same way with the same instant access.
Thanks to the simple and flexible configuration of the system, all application requirements can be covered with just one central matrix. - Sandro Niederhauser, Technical Support
Access rights are individually assigned and managed so that users are only able to access sources that are relevant to their work. This maintains security of data throughout the system and increases the efficiency of operation.
Workstations with multi-monitor arrangements, as commonly encountered in control rooms, are operated using a single keyboard and mouse set. Switching to a currently active monitor is made easily, and without delay, by simply moving the mouse cursor over the edge of the screen to the next screen.
In order to provide system administrators with the ability to access the KVM system from any location, several Draco SIRA CON units were also provided. Users may access the KVM matrix remotely, including from their home office, using a standard internet browser or software client.
The Draco SIRA CON maintains full security and prevents outside access or manipulation attempts via the IP network through the incorporation of several embedded security levels.
The core properties of a KVM system are reliability, flexibility and operation without restriction. The IHSE system enables us to fully implement our media data center concept for the broadcast production environment. - Andreas Lattmann, CTO SRF
The Benefit
In operation, each user has access to all necessary sources and data from their own workstation without having to change their working position. The KVM system separates users from noisy and heat-producing computers and servers. Hardware, in turn, exhibits extended service lives through location in the access-restricted and air-conditioned media data center where they are protected from unauthorized access and harmful environmental factors.
The use of virtual machines saves costs: less hardware is required to satisfy several virtual sessions on a single server. Their integration into the KVM environment enables homogeneous, practical and efficient work practices.
The Draco tera KVM system delivers a highly stable work process. Its integrated redundancy capability ensures continuous operation in the event of partial system failure accident. Even in the event of a matrix fault computers can still be accessed via direct connections with workstations
over redundant KVM links. This solution delivers a considerable cost saving with a high level of reliability.
As early as 2011, SRF played a pioneering role in convert into a complete digital infrastructure and deployed one of the first Draco tera enterprise KVM matrices. SRF is again pioneering the application of the most advanced technologies with the integration of virtual machines into a KVM infrastructure via Draco SIRA CPU and with secure IP connection via Draco SIRA CON.
The IHSE KVM solution is state of the art and meets the requirements of the project. Cooperation with the IHSE support team has always been professional and effective. - Martin Sauter, Project Manager
Most recent headlines
24/12/2025
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Whatsapp
Pinterest
Flipboard...
24/12/2025
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Whatsapp
Pinterest
Flipboard...
24/12/2025
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Whatsapp
Pinterest
Flipboard...
24/12/2025
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Whatsapp
Pinterest
Flipboard...
24/12/2025
Scripps Research study links sleep variability with sleep apnea and hypertension How consumers' digital activity trackers could enable personalized health s...
23/12/2025
How guilas Cibae as Dominican Winter League Games Are Locally Produced for Glob...
23/12/2025
BitFire's Jim Akimchuk on Supplying Scalability and Customization in the Clo...
23/12/2025
CAMB.AI Enables European Athletics to Offer Multi-Language SupportPlan is to eventually offer translation into all languages spoken in EuropeBy Ken Kerschbaumer...
23/12/2025
Analysis: As sports media values trend negative, scarcity and quality are king By Callum McCarthy, Editor-at-Large
Monday, December 22, 2025 - 14:08
Print ...
23/12/2025
ESPN, Disney, and NBA Return to the Animated Altcast Fray With Second Edition of...
23/12/2025
End the Year on a High Note and Donate to the Sports Broadcasting Fund Today! By Ken Kerschbaumer, Editorial Director
Tuesday, December 23, 2025 - 12:25 pm
...
23/12/2025
The year is winding down, the weather outside is frightful, and it's the perfect time to escape into a story that warms the heart. For listeners looking for...
23/12/2025
A Zeus motor is hot fire tested at L3Harris' Camden, Arkansas, solid rocket ...
23/12/2025
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Whatsapp
Pinterest
Flipboard...
23/12/2025
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Whatsapp
Pinterest
Flipboard...
23/12/2025
Lightware will exhibit several major product innovations at ISE 2026, including the new USB-C BOOSTER-V1, Google Meet. integration for various Taurus UCX models...
23/12/2025
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Whatsapp
Pinterest
Flipboard...
23/12/2025
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Whatsapp
Pinterest
Flipboard...
23/12/2025
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Whatsapp
Pinterest
Flipboard...
23/12/2025
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Whatsapp
Pinterest
Flipboard...
23/12/2025
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Whatsapp
Pinterest
Flipboard...
23/12/2025
Taking the Stage at Carnegie Hall-On a Global Scale Boston Conservatory Orchestra students reflect on their epic concert marking the 80th session of the UN Gene...
23/12/2025
Experience the power of WO Automation for Radio's newest service, the System Effectiveness Review. Designed to help you achieve more, a System Effectiveness...
23/12/2025
23 Dec 2025
VEON's Beeline Kazakhstan and Rakuten Symphony Collaborate to A...
23/12/2025
Back to All News
How Steamy Can It Get? Single's Inferno' Season 5 Pre...
23/12/2025
Back to All News
33 Million Global Viewers on Netflix Watched Jake Paul vs. Ant...
23/12/2025
New technique lights up where drugs go in the body, cell by cell Scripps Research scientists developed a technique that maps drug binding in individual cells th...
22/12/2025
SVG New Sponsor Spotlight: Presidio's Neerav Shah on the Role of Its Captiva...
22/12/2025
Hitting the bullseye: Sky Sports readies itself for the biggest PDC World Darts ...
22/12/2025
Unique skillset: Bringing new directors to the world of darts at The Worlds with...
22/12/2025
Gravity Media prepares for a flight of fancy with the PDC World Darts Championsh...
22/12/2025
One hundred and eighty: Gravity Media on hitting the production bullseye at the ...
22/12/2025
The Famous Group's Jon Slusser on Fascinating Fans Through Immersive Content...
22/12/2025
ESPN's Meg Aronowitz on Continuing High-Quality Broadcasts of Collegiate Spo...
22/12/2025
ESPN Takes Data-Driven Storytelling to New Heights with MNF Playbook with Next ...
22/12/2025
For a decade, popular German podcast Fest & Flauschig has hosted an annual Chris...
22/12/2025
Paramount Scores Largest Share Increase Among Distributors as Paramount and CBS...
22/12/2025
New multi-year deal integrates Roku's data to fuel Nielsen's measurement suite
Roku gains access to Nielsen's streaming ratings, showing The Roku C...
22/12/2025
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Whatsapp
Pinterest
Flipboard...
22/12/2025
Berklee Wrapped 2025: Our Top News and Stories A look back at a year highlighted by faculty milestones, major film and television projects, Bob Dylan's ho...
22/12/2025
The works of Plato state that when humans have an experience, some level of change occurs in their brain, which is powered by memory - specifically long-term me...
22/12/2025
Partnership integrates complementary satellite data and AI analytics to enhance security, infrastructure, and environmental monitoring solutions for global cust...
22/12/2025
Workflows allow you to create a sequence of planned events which may be added to your template(s) or inserted directly into your sequential or background playli...
22/12/2025
Monday 22 December 2025
Sky extends PGA TOUR partnership until 2029, as Sky Spo...
22/12/2025
Back to All News
Global Anime Hits and New Releases Take Center Stage at Jump Festa 2026
Entertainment
22 December 2025
GlobalJapan
Link copied to clipboar...
22/12/2025
Siobh n McSweeney, Rory McIlroy, Elon Musk, Catherine Connolly, Jim Gavin, Ivan Yates and Traitor Paudie Moloney lead new characters for Callan Kicks the Year 2...
22/12/2025
Winner announced in the picturesque surroundings of Wicklow's Avondale Tower and Treetop Walk
Andrew Trimble wins the show in his first series as coach
Th...
22/12/2025
The 2025 winners have been announced today, Sunday 21 December, for Ireland's largest choral competition Choirs for Christmas hosted by RT lyric fm.
Ove...
21/12/2025
Back to All News
Legoshi and Haru's Story Reaches Its Finale: BEASTARS Fin...
Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen (SRF) posted: 11/03/2021 
