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Devices designed to establish dedicated paths from a computer to other computers and/or peripheral devices such as keyboards, video displays, and mice. Also known as KVM switches, these devices provide communication channels between them and may consist of simple mechanical, multi-pole switches that use rotatory knobs to perform switching or they may have electronic, computerized switches which use dedicated software. The characteristics of the switches should be compatible with the operative systems of the computers/peripherals under control, including appropriate signal (e.g., audio and video bandwidth) and mechanical (e.g., type of connectors and pin disposition) characteristics. There are a variety of switches, according to the characteristics of the devices to be connected (e.g., cable, wireless) and/or the systems where they work (e.g., home, small facilities, big companies, or governmental use). Some switches are dedicated to permitting switching of several heads per computer which are intended for high-definition video broadcasting and medical imaging.
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