SIEGEN, Germany - Guntermann & Drunck (G&D) and VuWall have introduced the CommandKeyboard-Advanced, an operator control unit designed to execute configured control functions without requiring a network connection or active software on a connected host system.

The sister companies said the device is intended for control-room environments where operators must manage multiple systems while maintaining access to essential functions during network interruptions or in applications where network separation is required.

The CommandKeyboard-Advanced combines a keyboard interface, local configuration storage, and an integrated touchscreen display in a single operator device. The unit incorporates a System-on-Chip (SoC) running an embedded Linux operating system, along with a 1,920 × 291-pixel touch display that provides direct access to configured functions without requiring a separate computing unit.

In modern control rooms, operators often manage multiple systems, including IT infrastructure, communications platforms, video surveillance systems and visualization systems, from a single workstation. Tasks such as selecting sources, changing display layouts or issuing system commands can require interaction with multiple software interfaces.

The CommandKeyboard-Advanced is designed to move some control functions closer to the operator workstation by storing configurations locally on the device. In HID Offline Mode, users can configure keys with hotkeys, macros, and control sequences stored in onboard memory. This allows those functions to be executed without network connectivity or software running on the connected system.

The device also supports Webpage Mode, allowing operators to access web-based interfaces through the integrated touchscreen. When connected to a VuWall TRx Server, the CommandKeyboard-Advanced can provide access to video wall management functions, including source selection, destination control, scripts and video wall previews through VuWall Dynamic Control.

The companies said the device can integrate into existing KVM and IT infrastructures, with configuration updates available without interrupting ongoing operations.

More information is available at www.vuwall.com and www.gdsys.com.