
( Brand: Soundview ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: SV-FA-1701-USB ), ( Rack Unit Width: 17.42 ), ( Type: 17 Display/keyboard 1-port Kvm ), ( Unit Type: Unit ), ( Mount Type: Rackmount ), ( Rack Depth: 19.68 ), ( Item Height: 1.75 ), ( Rack Unit Height: 1 U ), ( Country Of Origin: Taiwan )
The **SoundView SV-FA-1701 USB 1U Rackmount Fold-Away Display/Keyboard KVM Switch** is a sleek, space-efficient solution designed to optimize workspace organization in data centers, server rooms, or IT environments where vertical real estate is at a premium. This compact yet robust 1U rackmount unit combines a high-resolution 17-inch display and a built-in keyboard into a single, fold-away unit, eliminating the need for separate monitors and keyboards while maintaining full functionality. The integrated design ensures a seamless user experience, allowing administrators to manage multiple devices through a single, streamlined interface without sacrificing performance or clarity. With a single USB port, this KVM switch simplifies connectivity by consolidating input and output signals, reducing cable clutter and minimizing potential points of failure. The fold-away mechanism is both durable and user-friendly, allowing the display and keyboard to be neatly tucked away when not in use, thereby maximizing rack space efficiency. Ideal for environments where accessibility and organization are critical, this unit supports standard USB connectivity, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of servers, workstations, and peripherals. Whether deployed in a high-density server farm or a compact IT closet, the SoundView SV-FA-1701 delivers a practical balance of functionality, space savings, and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for IT professionals seeking to streamline their infrastructure.
**Pros and Cons of buying a SoundView SV-FA-1701 USB 1U Rackmount Foldaway Display/Keyboard with KVM**
### **Pros**
1. **Space Efficiency** The foldaway design allows the display and keyboard to be tucked away when not in use, saving valuable rack space in data centers or server rooms. This is particularly useful in environments where maximizing vertical space is critical.
2. **Single-Port KVM Functionality** The built-in KVM switch simplifies management by allowing control of multiple devices (e.g., servers, workstations) through a single USB connection. This reduces cable clutter and streamlines operations, especially in environments with multiple rack-mounted systems.
3. **USB Connectivity** The USB interface ensures compatibility with modern devices, including USB 2.0/3.0 peripherals, making it easier to integrate with existing infrastructure without requiring additional adapters.
4. **1U Form Factor** The compact 1U height fits standard rack enclosures, making it ideal for environments where rack space is limited. This is a common requirement in server rooms, colocation facilities, or IT closets.
5. **Durability and Build Quality** SoundView products are generally known for their rugged construction, which can withstand the demands of a data center environment, including temperature fluctuations and occasional physical stress.
6. **Cost-Effective for Basic Needs** For users who require a simple, no-frills KVM solution without advanced features (e.g., multi-port switching, advanced security), this unit offers a budget-friendly option compared to more complex or branded alternatives.
7. **Easy Installation** The foldaway design and straightforward mounting make installation quick and hassle-free, reducing downtime during setup.
8. **Compatibility with Rack-Mounted Systems** The unit is designed to work seamlessly with rack-mounted servers, workstations, or other IT equipment, making it a practical choice for IT administrators.
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### **Cons**
1. **Limited Ports** The single-port design restricts the number of devices that can be managed simultaneously. Users with more than one or two devices may need additional KVM switches or a multi-port solution, which could increase complexity and cost.
2. **No Advanced Features** Unlike higher-end KVM switches, this unit lacks features such as:- **Multi-port switching** (e.g., managing 4, 8, or more devices).
- **Advanced security** (e.g., password protection, USB isolation, or encryption).
- **Audio support** (if audio input/output is required for certain applications).
- **Network management capabilities** (e.g., IP-based KVM over IP).
- **Hot-swappable ports** (though this is less common in basic KVM units).
3. **Potential Latency** While generally negligible for most use cases, USB-based KVM switches may introduce slight latency compared to dedicated KVM-over-IP or network-based solutions, which could be a concern for high-performance or real-time applications.
4. **Limited Scalability** If your needs grow (e.g., adding more devices or requiring remote access), you may need to invest in additional hardware, such as a multi-port KVM switch or a KVM-over-IP solution, which could become costly over time.
5. **Brand-Specific Support** SoundView is a lesser-known brand compared to established names like Avocent, APC, or StarTech. This may result in:- **Limited availability of spare parts or replacements**.
- **Fewer user communities or forums** for troubleshooting.
- **Potential compatibility issues** with non-standard devices.
6. **No Built-in Monitoring or Logging** Unlike some enterprise-grade KVM solutions, this unit does not offer features such as activity logging, session recording, or remote monitoring, which could be valuable for security or auditing purposes.
7. **USB Version Limitations** While USB 2.0/3.0 compatibility is generally sufficient for most tasks, users with high-speed peripherals (e.g., external SSDs, high-resolution displays) may encounter performance bottlenecks if the unit does not support USB 3.1 or higher.
8. **No Touchscreen or Advanced Input Options** The keyboard is a basic input device, and there is no touchscreen or alternative input methods, which may limit usability for certain applications.
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### **Conclusion**
The **SoundView SV-FA-1701 USB 1U Rackmount Foldaway Display/Keyboard with KVM** is a practical and space-saving solution for users with **basic KVM needs** in a **rack-mounted environment**. It excels in scenarios where:
- **Minimalist KVM management** is required (e.g., controlling 1-2 devices).
- **Space efficiency** is a priority (e.g., data centers, server rooms).
- **Budget constraints** limit the ability to invest in more advanced or branded solutions.
- **USB compatibility** is sufficient for the intended use case.
However, it is **not ideal** for users who require:- **Multi-device management** (more than 2-3 devices).
- **Advanced security, logging, or remote access features**.
- **High-performance or real-time applications** where latency is a concern.
- **Long-term scalability** without additional hardware investments.
If your requirements align closely with the unit s capabilities, it offers a **cost-effective and reliable** option. For more demanding or complex environments, investing in a **multi-port KVM switch, KVM-over-IP solution, or a branded enterprise-grade unit** may be worth the additional cost.
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### **Recommendation**
**Buy the SoundView SV-FA-1701 if:**- You need a **simple, foldaway KVM solution** for 1-2 rack-mounted devices.
- **Space savings** is a priority in your setup.
- You are working within a **tight budget** and do not require advanced features.
- Your devices are **USB-compatible** and do not require high-speed or specialized peripherals.
**Avoid or consider alternatives if:**- You manage **more than 2-3 devices** and need a multi-port switch.
- You require **remote access, advanced security, or logging features**.
- You anticipate **future growth** in your KVM needs and want a scalable solution.
- You prefer **branded, well-supported KVM switches** with better long-term availability.
For users who fall into the latter category, alternatives such as **Avocent, APC, or StarTech multi-port KVM switches** (or KVM-over-IP solutions like those from **StarTech, Digi, or HP**) may offer better long-term value.
The Smk920 - SV-FA-1701-USB 1U is a versatile rackmount display/keyboard unit with 17 screen and foldaway design for easy storage. Ports-Sub 15 pin single-port KVM. Display: 17 5:4 Display at 1280 x 1024 Resolution, Brightness: 300 nits, Contrast Ratio: 500:1, Viewing Angle: 170 160 V, Color: 16.2M Colors, Back light MTBF: 50,000 Hours under 25 5 C. It also features a built-in 1-port KVM switch for convenient control of multiple devices.