AV & Presentation

Wireless Presentation Gateway Addresses BYOD

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 11/18/20

AV company Key Digital has launched a new 4K wireless presentation gateway for bring-your-own-device environments. The new KD-BYOD4K allows the teacher or instructor to broadcast content to and from computers, whether they're operating on Windows, Mac, iOS or Android. Chromebook currently isn't supported.

Among the features:

• With the gateway, displays can be shared or "cast" from up to four participating devices in multi-presenter model; the device images are auto-sized to the display;

• Mouse forwarding allows up to four users to connect a mouse or interactive display to the unit to point and click on the shared devices;

• Screen overlay tools provide whiteboard and annotation capabilities for collaboration work;

• Screen captures can be downloaded via QR codes or in the web browser; and

• For distance learning and video conferencing with dual display setups the unit offers an extended monitor setting.

The person running the unit can start and stop device sharing via a browser-based interface.

The unit includes its own access point with two network ports, enabling it to be plugged into the public and private WiFi simultaneously. For casting from Windows and Mac computers or Android devices, the company's KDPlay software is required, which can be loaded from its website or via a flash drive that comes with the unit for auto-launch. Casting from iOS devices requires AirPlay.

"Our engineers took to heart every nuance necessary to make a more successful content sharing system at a better price-point," said Scott Craig, the company's national sales manager for northern United States, in a press release. "One of the main points of praise has been its smooth and superior handling of video and streaming, a stark contrast to other BYO devices on the market. We believe that every educator in the world deserves our easy-to-use KD-BYOD4K and its powerful annotation tools."

The suggested retail price is $1,050. The device comes with a three-year warranty and is sold through distributors and system integrators.