On the test bench: The ePaper display Atlona AT-VKP-8E

The handy AT-VKP-8E keypad with ePaper display is new to the Atlona product range. Freely configurable, it allows easy media control in small and medium-sized rooms. In the practical test, PROFESSIONAL SYSTEM examines the range of functions in interaction with the AT-OME-CS31 series of combined switcher/mixer amplifier/USB hubs.

At first glance, the keypad appears very clear and attractive: eight keys with LEDs frame a modern ePaper display measuring 2.7 inches, which simply and minimalistically displays text and configured icons for media control. There is another LED “band” under the lower edge of the display that can be used to display a volume, for example. Of course, the control is not limited to eight functions using eight buttons: by switching pages, up to ten individually configured pages can be used.

In the practical test, the ATVKP-8E-EU keypad (size version for Europe) was used together with the AT-OME-CS31-HDBT (version with one HDBaseT and two HDMI inputs). The device is also available in a version with three HDMI inputs. All versions have an HDMI output, e.g. B. for a central display in a meeting room.

Our test setup

The keypad can be either wall or table mounted. Alternatively, it can be used flexibly as a tabletop device with its own housing. The latter was used in the test. A single cable is used for power supply and control via network cable with power supply via PoE (Power over Ethernet). A switch with PoE supply is therefore integrated into the test setup. As an additional option, the keypad offers a serial connection (Phoenix), e.g. B. for control via RS232.

The appropriate “partner” for the keypad is also a new product from Atlona, ​​which is designed for conferencing and collaboration use, e.g. B. is designed in classrooms or small and medium-sized meeting rooms. The AT-OME-CS31-HDBT also has an HDBaseT input (RJ45) and two additional HDMI inputs. The sink is connected via HDMI.

All HDMI ports on the device can be screwed securely. The device is also connected to the network switcher, but has an independent power connection using its own power supply.

The HDBaseT input is specified to support extension of video up to 4K/60 4:2:0, as well as embedded audio, control, Ethernet and USB over distances of up to 100 meters (330 feet). The HDMI inputs support 4K HDR and 4K/60 4:4:4. The extension is useful for applications where a source is in a remote location, such as: B. at a teacher’s lectern in the room or when the switcher is mounted next to a projector. For USB routing, the system features a four-port USB hub for connecting cameras, speakerphones, interactive displays and other devices, as well as the ability to switch between remote and local host devices.

For audio mixing and amplification, three line inputs are available for connecting a variety of audio devices. The integrated mixer supports individual level adjustments of the line inputs, de-embedded HDMI audio and USB audio. The integrated amplifier delivers either two channels of 25 watts or a single channel of 50 watts into 4 or 8 ohms.

“Ducking” lowers the level of program audio sources when a signal, e.g. B. a teacher microphone is present at the balanced line input. The “PA mute” prioritizes announcements over the public address system, e.g. B. in a school or when a contact closure is recognized by a third-party system. All audio signals from the switch are routed via the line output, for example to connect a hearing aid system.

With these features, the AT-OME-CS31 is not only ideal for meeting rooms, but especially for classrooms, not least because of its audio options with ducking and PA muting.

Keypad configuration via “Atrona Cloud”

To configure the keypad, Atlona set up access to the Atlona Cloud for the test environment. This was used in the test under MS Windows and Google Chrome. It is worth mentioning that the text is output in automatic translation, but this can be prevented in Google Chrome. This allows confusing translations or names to be suppressed. After logging into the cloud, the keypad found in the network is displayed under “Configure”. The IP address of the keypad assigned in the system can also be displayed on the device itself.

To display the settings and configurations of the keypad, the two bottom buttons (4 + 8) must be pressed simultaneously for a few seconds. The display then changes. The IP address is shown in the middle at the top of the display. The eight keys are numbered in columns in the two columns, each with four keys. So in the left column the keys 1 – 4 and in the right column the keys 5 – 8, from top to bottom.

Key 4 with the crossed-out cloud symbol for “Local Mode” deserves special attention. Here the configuration is not done via the cloud, but locally via the network. This procedure is also described later here. To exit the settings page on the display, press button 1 with the “Close” function.

Templates for the devices intended to control the devices can be loaded via the cloud interface under “Settings”/“Templates”. AT-OME-CS31-SA-HDBT is selected in the test environment. The selected Atlona switcher is displayed under “Storage devices”. Here the IP address is edited in the address field. The switcher also displays status information via the HDMI output: product name, IP address, MAC address and the active signal input. If necessary, authentication using a certificate can also be defined.

Configuration of the function keys

Back under “Configure” in the Atlona Cloud, the selected template can now be loaded directly into the keypad, if necessary previously assigned individually with other or additional functions. Working with templates can significantly simplify the individual configuration effort. Each button can be given an individual name and function, depending on the desired media control in the room and its technology. These devices are selected from the product/device list and then linked to a suitable control function.

For direct functions, functions can be bundled onto individual keys via “Macros” and can therefore be carried out with a single keystroke. In macros it is also possible to work with logical links that are simply selected from a list.

If devices are to be controlled for which there is no driver, the control is carried out e.g. B. via devices with their own defined serial protocol, e.g. B. using a “Generic RS232” device. Once the configuration is complete, it is transferred from the Atlona Cloud to the keypad and can be used directly. This is done using the “Apply” button under “Configure”.

Konfiguration via „Local Mode“

Access via the Atlona Cloud is very practical to use. Remote access enables significant flexibility in monitoring and service. However, since not all installations require Internet access for the equipment according to IT guidelines, Atlona has provided alternative access via the so-called “local mode”. With this access, configuration and maintenance is carried out exclusively via the intranet. As usual, the configuration for the keypad and the control is created in the Atlona Cloud. After completion, the program is downloaded to the computer integrated in the network via “Export” under “Settings”.

In order to be able to transfer the data to the keypad, the keypad must be set to local mode. To do this, the two lowest buttons (4 + 8) must be pressed at the same time. When you switch to your own service page, the keypad not only shows its IP address, but also enables local mode to be called up using the bottom button on the left side (4). Now the IP address with the addition “/local” (in our test setup:) can be edited in the browser on the configuration computer and the connection for a local mode session can be started. The keypad shows the correct link in this mode at the top of the ePaper display. The session is limited to 20 minutes in the browser for security reasons, but can always be extended with a mouse click.

Among the various “options” listed, the program can be copied from the local computer to the keypad using “Upload Config” and used directly after leaving local mode on the keypad using the bottom left button (4). In local mode, the program stored in the keypad can be copied via download via “Download Config”.

Test conclusion

With the AT-OME-CS31 switcher, which is available in various versions, signal management in small or medium-sized conference rooms can be easily handled and automated. The handy and intuitive keypad is a very good and customizable input interface without having to invest in a media control touchscreen for the room. The user interface is clearly structured and can make the media control of the room very easy to operate and automate.

The simple b/w display with ePaper technology is a very good choice: If the room is not in use and the control has switched off the media technology, the ePaper display does not show an information-free display area, but rather shows the current options permanently and without electricity for control. As described, the configuration of the keypad is easy to carry out and can be adapted to the respective room situation. The Atlona Cloud offers the necessary overview, regardless of how many rooms are controlled and monitored.