Key Digital has updated its control options, applying its user-focused philosophy to its Control Systems & Selection Guide to simplify the process of choosing the control methodologies best suited to a given location.

The Key Digital iOS KD-App is quite often all the control that’s needed to unlock the full potential of Key Digital hardware systems, and the best part is that it’s free.

Key Digital’s vice president of product education and experience, Jonathon Ferry, says: “With KD-App, App Ready, IP-enabled Key Digital products, including AV over IP network systems, Unified Communication and Collaboration Solutions, Switchers and Digital Video Processing Solutions, are automatically detected when on a shared local area network.”

Network scan and detect populates a pre-built GUI with Key Digital hardware and connected source and display/projector controls where applicable. The GUI provides immediate control of source selection, destination mapping and sophisticated multi-view and video wall display mode selection. Custom presets can be easily created for rapid system re-configuration to commonly used setups.

Key Digital offers a second iOS app, Compass Control Pro, which instantly integrates with third-party components from Compass Alliance Partners to create a plug-and-play system for fully unified control of disparate devices within an entire AV system and beyond.

“There are more than 120 partner brands in the Compass Alliance with compatible products ranging from AV gear, including cameras and cable boxes, to ancillary products like lighting, power management, HVAC, security and even automated window shades,” says Jonathon.

“Compass Control lets you replace all the remotes and traditional control interfaces previously necessary to control an entire venue or facility with one full programmable app and give your end users a custom-tailored graphical interface.”

A single Compass Control license is required per iOS device, available for single devices or in four, six or eight-device bundles as a one-time, transferable purchase.

The third primary option in Key Digital’s control arsenal provides a fixed location, programmable button solution. Key Digital’s KD-WP8-2 8 Button Programmable Wall Plate Control Keypad delivers control of any IR, RS-232, or TCP/IP IP controllable device and third-Party Systems via Open API for easy two-way integration with professional control systems and Key Digital’s Compass Control Pro app.

Key Digital vice president of sales, DeWayne Rains, says: “With no-code programming, buttons can be set up for the user that let them choose a function or setup with the touch of a button to trigger a background salvo of commands for source selection and configuration parameter management. The KD-WP8-2 delivers complete simplicity for the operator and the installer, with amazing sophistication – and it’s cost-effective.”

The KD-WP8-2 fits into a single-gang wall box and is PoE powered. The wall plate control is easily programmed via a web GUI to send commands directly to networked IP controlled-devices, or via RS-232 and IR via the built-in control port. The KD-WP8-2 may also be integrated with Key Digital Master Controllers to control additional devices via IR, RS-232 and voltage relay support.

KD-WP8-2 button events may be configured for press, release, toggle, or press and hold action as desired to initiate individual commands or command strings. Along with selectable blue or red backlighting, the KD-WP8-2 comes with multiple transparent icon sheets that are simply inserted beneath detachable transparent button caps for a modern and professional appearance customised to an installation. The keypad also supports key combo lock & unlock and virtual keypad operation. Project setup files may be exported and imported.