RNA Series - Hardware

The RNA Encoder is an input device that receives video and audio from a host server and encodes the data for transmit across a network.  The RNA encoder can process multiple simultaneous video inputs. Each input channel is encoded and streamed through a standard IP network in any combinations of native uncompressed, reduced, or compressed H264 (RNA-DVI only) for end-point distribution.

The RNA encoder may be enabled to provide remote control to one or more connected.  To facilitate remote control, the encoder acts as a USB composite device emulating standard USB-HID keyboard, mouse, trackball, and touchscreen.  HID events are encoded at the remote workstation and conveyed back through the network to the server for execution via the encoder USB emulator.

The RNA encoder does not interact or interfere with the host server in anyway.  The host server interprets the RNA video connection as if it were directly connected to a display and all remote USB HID events are interpreted exactly as if the keyboard and mouse were directly attached. No RNA software drivers or special applications needed by the host system eliminating driver maintenance concerns and reducing security risks.

The decoder is an end-point client that subscribes to one or more streams of encoded video and audio from the network and decodes them for output to displays and speakers.  Conversely, the decoder captures local USB-HID events and encodes them for transmission over the network back to the encoder for host server execution.  The decoder also captures local user audio (e.g. microphone) and encodes it to the network for playback at the server host or other end-point.

The decoder can subscribe to multiple simultaneous video streams from the network and decode them for output to one or more displays.

Layouts and Compositions
The RNA decoder is capable of sophisticated video processing and can create composite images from multiple servers per video channel. Depending model, as many as four physical displays (quad-head workstations) are supported. Compositions on multi-head workstations are permitted subject to available network bandwidth. Supported compositions include full screen, picture in picture, and quad-view.  Pre-defined layouts can be switched on the fly by the operator to optimize situational awareness

HMI and Remote Server Control
The USB mouse or pointing device is able to move seamlessly between server compositions on a single screen or across multiple screens driven by the RNA decoder.  Configuration parameters define whether the remote operator has the rights to take control of any server or view it only.  Focus control can be achieved by pointer hover or click on the server of interest.  Arbitration between multiple users negotiating for control of the same server are configurable.

Frozen Image Detection
The RNA decoder is continuously monitoring the incoming video stream and will alert the operator if the stream stops.  In situations where the image is fairly static, it can sometimes be difficult to detect if there is a problem with the picture.  The frozen image warning will let the operator know that the data on the screen may be stale or invalid.

An RNA CODEC is a device that combines the functions of the RNA encoder and an RNA decoder into a single appliance.  This configuration provides unique fail-safe benefits for a mission critical environment.

On the encoder side, the unit is connected to the server and streams KVM data as described above.  Similarly on the decoder side, the unit is connected to the displays, HMI devices, and audio equipment in the same way.  The decoder operates as a remote client workstation and can subscribe to any available and authorized streams for viewing or control.  In addition, the RNA can view and control the locally connected server simultaneously. The CODEC is equipped two bi-directional audio channels to support both server audio and speakers as well as user audio for headsets and microphones.

Safe-Pass-Through (SPT)
In the event of a network failure, the RNA-CODEC will maintain connection and control of the local server as a failover. Under SPT failover, the local server encoder streaming will stop and the decoder will be unable to subscribe to any remote servers, however the workstation operator will maintain full local server control.