Recommendations for DVI KVM Switches?

I wish to share the same USB wireless keyboard/mouse, and monitor between my Macbook and PC.
Has anyone tried this with a DVI KVM switch, and can you recommend which one to use? They're a little pricey, so I'd like to get comments from actual users if possible...
Thanks
MacBook, Black, 2GB RAM Mac OS X (10.4.7)

I've gone thru several between work (2 offices) and home and after using different models and having them die or exhibit difficulties with new larger monitors, I've been happy with the Belkin KVMs that I've had for the last couple years. But I foresee a possible problem with the wireless part. I think you'd better put out a call for reports on success/foibles using a KVM and wireless mouse/keyboard. What I'm not sure about is how the computer will react to losing contact with wireless and then getting it back again.

Similar Messages

DVI KVM switch to use with iMac and Cinema Display

I currently have a 20" iMac that I use with a 20" Cinema Display. I'd like to share the Cinema display between the iMac and a Dell computer. Assuming this can be done, are there any recommendations for a DVI-KVM switch? Most important is no loss in video quality when the Cinema display is used with the iMac. The Dell is seldom used and even a straight DVI switch without mouse and keyboard sharing would be OK.
 20" Intel iMac + Cinema Display + Sony HDR-HC7 HD camera Mac OS X (10.4.8) All tools, no talent!

I am also trying to link a Mac Mini and a HP PC with an nVidia FX5500 graphics card via a KVM switch. The mini works fine but the PC does not sync up and the screen is blank and the little white light on the lower right is blinking.
Any news on your question would be appreciated
mac mini Intel dual core Mac OS X (10.4.6)

DVI KVM Switch Suggestions

Hi I would like to use a DVI KVM switch because having problems with the VGA ones... does anyone recommend a brand/model that works with the mini and a PC?

I had two things I wanted to achieve with a KVM, and they tax most KVM switches. The one I have now works great. The one I am happy with is this one from Addlogix:
http://www.neutronexpress.com/prod.cfm/322180/ADDLOGIX/KVM-201DVU It is old other places but when last I looked it was cheapest here, at ~ $190, including cables.
What it does that is "above and beyond":
1. It is DVI, rather than USB. My PC and monitor were already DVI. It works great, and up to 1900x1200 or so. Not all DVI KVM switches actually work well.
2. It works great with my wireless Logitech MX mouse/keyboard combo, which doesn't play well with most/many KVMs.

DVI KVM Switch??

Hi,
I have a G5 running tiger (soon to be running leopard hopefully) with a DVI cinema display.
I have a PC that I use for testing my work on the Web. I was able to switch back and forth easily with a Belkin KVM switch back when I was using a VGA monitor. But I can't seem to find a KVM switch that works with my current setup.
Any suggestions?
Cheers!

Would this model work for me?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ATEN-2-port-USB-DVI-KVM-Switch-w-USB-HUB-CS-1762-New_W0QQite mZ200007236312QQcmdZViewItem

A discussion of DVI KVM Switches

Hi Gang
I have an APPLE Cinema Display 20" LCD A1081 MONITOR with two Power Mac G5's.
I researched DVI KVM switches, and tried out an Iogear Model GCS1762;
http://www.iogear.com/product/GCS1762/
With DVI, (as opposed to VGA), there is a neccessity for a 'hand shake' between computers, as it tries to figure out what to do. The Iogear doesn't connect instantly, consequently producing glitches, lines, video noise for a few seconds before it clears up when toggling back n forth.
Gefen on the other hand, apparently realizing this issue came out with something called a DVI detective; http://www.gefen.com/kvm/dproduct.jsp?prod_id=4714
They also make a (probably better) switch;
http://www.gefen.com/kvm/dproduct.jsp?prod_id=5040
Has anyone had any experience with either of these?
Thanx
Mike

I've gone thru several between work (2 offices) and home and after using different models and having them die or exhibit difficulties with new larger monitors, I've been happy with the Belkin KVMs that I've had for the last couple years. But I foresee a possible problem with the wireless part. I think you'd better put out a call for reports on success/foibles using a KVM and wireless mouse/keyboard. What I'm not sure about is how the computer will react to losing contact with wireless and then getting it back again.

Can anyone recommend a good KVM switch for a PC/Mac pair?

I want to run my Mac and PC off of the same USB keyboard and mouse and use the same monitor. Naturally, to fix this problem I bought the first KVM switch I could find (how different could they be?) which was a Belkin variety. Worked ok right at first, but by day 2 I was having switching issues - the monitor kept switching between the two endlessly, though the USB seemed to switch ok. The Mac refused to sleep, though. I'm taking the Belkin switch back and trying something new.
Has anyone had any success with a KVM switch? If so, what flavor?
Thanks.

Personally I love my IOGEAR USB KVMP.
I own 2, both of them are 2 port units
Best part of IOGEAR is they come with all cables & power supply.
Worst part is most models dont have Audio support, so every machine needs their own speakers.
The IOGEAR USB KVMP Miniview #GCS102U http://www.iogear.com/main.php?loc=product&Item=GCS102U that I own has ports in front for USB keyboard & USB mouse, in back are 2 USB (A/B) ports with 2 male 15pin VGA ports to connect the 2 computers, also the main monitor port has female 15pin VGA port to connect the Monitor. Cool part is you can use a DVI-VGA adapter without problems which is nice if you LCD or CRT monitor.
2 other USB ports on the back let you share other devices like Printer and Scanner. I am able share my keyboard, trackball, monitor and printer with my newer MDD Dual G4 and an Intel Celeron 2GHz PC I have that runs Linux.
My other KVMP drives 2 other older Macs, a BWG3 and a USB upgraded PM7600.
The front has a button that you push there is less than 2 second delay for monitor and no software needed.
The USB ports are all USB1.1 if I recall so the style is fairly universal if out of date.
they also have a 4port version which I might get http://www.iogear.com/main.php?loc=product&Item=GCS634U
Although I have not used one, http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=255941 I love the look of the new Belkin Flip. Apple sells them on the AppleStore for $80 and are touted for PC & Mac mini, although I dont see why i cant be used for any Mac. Its cool feature is it does offer Audio Support too and far as I know it has its cables too. I think it is USB2.0 since its a new product. http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/6314001/wo/0I7xL JNdSeJb3Do7Faa1XvHguGA/1.0.19.1.0.8.25.7.11.0.3
good luck.

Which DVI KVM Switch is best?

I have a MacBook Pro and G5 that I'd like to connect simultaneously to my 23" Apple Cinema Display (as well as to a single keyboare and mouse). What KVM switch is best to handle this? I'm not so concerned about the price but I don't want any degradation in quality.
I currently have my display set to 1920 x 1200 resolution on my G5 and would like to keep this. I've seen some KVMs that only support up to 1600 x 1200.
Thanks in advance,
Barry

The Gefen KVMs are very good. They also have dual link DVI models just in case you decide to get a 30" or WUXGA display in the future.
I have used IOGEAR and Belkin KVMs in the past too, beyond the 1600x1200 resolution limitation. These KVMs do not electronically buffer the signal or add a video overlay for on screen controls, so any limitation that is put on the resolution of existing DVI KVMs is a manufacturer's recomendation, not based on any technical or design constraint. Most of the time it works, but on some of the chapers units from the likes of Linkskey (not a typo) have enough of a signal drop via the connectors that the display does not work at full 1920x1200.
http://www.gefen.com/kvm/product.jsp?prod_id=3113
http://www.gefen.com/kvm/product.jsp?prod_id=2950

Recommendations for an HDMI switch/hub for Apple TV 2012

This seems to be a sticky issue - and probably made worse by the release of the new Apple TV (March 2012) edition with 1080p.
I want to buy an HDMI switch/hub so I can plug three devices (Laptop/XBox 360/AppleTV) into my one free HDMI port - so I don't have to keep unplugging/re-plugging cables in.
I did some searching, and found a number of highly recommended HDMI switches/hubs including the Portta 3to1 switch (990 4+ star reviews), the Kinivo 5 port switch (267 4.5+ star reviews) and more.
However the naysayers in the reviews frequently comment on incompatibility / 'always on' behavior with Apple TV.
Having looked around the community here - it looks like the MonoPrice 5x1 switch used to be the favorite recommendation - but unless I'm reading the manufacturers specifications wrong - it doesn't support 1080p.
All I want is a decent quality switch that won't keep auto-switching to the wrong device. I'm completely happy (and maybe, if the always on stories are true) if the switch has NO auto-switch capability and just has a remote or physical button.
Thanks
Adam

Thanks for the quick response Jon. Hmm. Your right, I tracked down the newest version of the device on monoprice.com and it does support 1080p and 3D. I read several reviews that suggested otherwise - but must have been referring to an old model. (One was on cnet.com) There were other people in the community talking about 1080p issues as well. Looks like the new model is called MonoPrice 5x1 Enhanced.
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10110&cs_id=1011002 &p_id=8463&seq=1&format=2#description
I'll order one and see how it goes.
Thanks
Adam

MacBook Pro 15" won't see DVI display behind KVM switch

I have a Gefen single-link DVI switch connected to a 24-inch Dell display. My MacBook Pro will detect the display if I connect it directly to the MacBook Pro's Mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter, but if the KVM switch comes in Detect Displays finds nothing.
Is anyone else able to get their MacBook Pro involved with a KVM switch?

Turns out the cable I was using had pin 16 pulled out on it (for most of our systems using DVI KVM switches this was a good idea). I connected a full DVI cable and then MacBook Pro saw the display.
Then came the problem that when switching AWAY from the MacBook Pro the MBP would act like the display was disconnected, reconfiguring itself to go back to its built-in display only. So then I connected a Gefen DVI Detective between the MBP and the switch and then the MBP would behave as desired, still "seeing" the display even while I was switched away from it.

KVM switch one Cinema hd display (dvi) with macpro (dvi) and macbook pro (mini displayport)

I want to use a KVM switch to share one display with two computers.
Computer one is: MacPro 1,1 dual core 2.66 Ghz with two DVI ports.
Computer two is: MacBook Pro 4 core 2.66 GHz with one Mini Displayport.
Display is: Cinema HD Display with DVI connector.
To do that KVM switches only use (at least that is waht I found) one system either DVI or Mini Displayports
http://www.gefen.com/kvm/dproduct.jsp?prod_id=3113
DVI --> KVM SWITCH<-- DVI
                     V
               DVI (monitor)
http://www.atlona.com/Atlona-2x1-Mini-DisplayPort-KVM-Switch.html
Mini Displayport (Macpro) --> KVM SWITCH <-- Mini Displayport (Macbookpro)
                                                         V
                                                 DVI (monitor)
However what I want is:
DVI (Macpro) --> KVM SWITHCH<-- Mini Displayport (Macbookpro)
                                       V
                              DVI(monitor)
I couldn't find an existing KVM switcher that does this.
Then there is the following solution
DVI (Macpro) --> KVM SWITCH <-- ADAPTER (Mini Displayport to DVI) <-- Mini Displayport (Macbookpro)
                                    V
                            DVI(monitor)
The question is: Will this work?
I've been told that adapter behind adapter never works. Hope someone can help with this before spending money on nothing.
Thanx David

Maybe you're right just try and see if I can return the stuff if it's not working.
I won't be using a higher resolution then 1920 x 1200 however I still would buy the adapter
Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB571Z/A?fnode=MTY1NDA3Ng
for connecting macbookpro to KVM DVI switch.
However if there's still someone with experiencing the exact same thing I would be much obliged.

ANY DVI KVM Recommendations?

I'm looking at the Gefen 2x1 DVI KVM Switch:
http://www.kvm-switches-online.com/ext-dvikvm-241.html
It seems that it has a good reputation so far.
Can using a KVM damage your display?

While I don't know when you received technical support from Gefen, I just had a call with them last week which was satisfactory.
I had purchased some DVI Detectives (to prevent the PowerBook from going to sleep when KVM switching to another computer) which came with single-link DVI patch cables. I called them and let them know that obviously I can't use those with my Dual Link KVM I bought from them, and they that day sent out replacement Dual Link DVI patch cables (and I returned the old ones).
I'd say that's good service.
Cheers,
Doug

DVI / VA Switches and Splitters

Hello.
Can anyone recommend an DVI / AV switch to split a source taken from a PM G5 and a standard AV signal (such as Sky Box / VHS Player etc.). The DVI / AV switch also has to support audio not just on the AV channel but the DVI channel in order to switch audio and visuals (if possible).
If such switches exists could anyone recommend one for this purpose.
The plan is then to send the switched signal to a splitter to distribute it to multiple displays, probably an AV splitter to send to 4 or 5 sources such as a projector and plasma TVs.
Alternatively i was going to use a DVI splitter to route the signals to various plasma / cinema displays and to a DVI projector.
Can anyone offer some advice? Thanks.

I've gone thru several between work (2 offices) and home and after using different models and having them die or exhibit difficulties with new larger monitors, I've been happy with the Belkin KVMs that I've had for the last couple years. But I foresee a possible problem with the wireless part. I think you'd better put out a call for reports on success/foibles using a KVM and wireless mouse/keyboard. What I'm not sure about is how the computer will react to losing contact with wireless and then getting it back again.

Mac mini with KVM switch

I'm thinking of getting a Mac mini, but I need my Windows PC for some apps that aren't available on Mac and some other stuff. I can't afford to get a large monitor for a Mini if I get one, but my current PC has a big flat panel display.I noticed the KVM cable way of moving your stuff (a cale taht lets peripherals like monitors, keyboard and mice be connected to two computers so you don't need a separate one for eache computer), and was wondering if that's a possible way of using both without buying monitors, etc. for the Mini.
Is anyone doing this, and if so, what do you think of using the Mini this way? Does it work well, and what are the pros and cons of doing this?
Thanks,
Ilya Smirnov

My experience with my Belkin KVM is also good, with the exception of one thing. I can't switch back to the Mini once I've switched to the PC. I have to unplug the PS2/USB adapter from the Mini and THEN do Scroll Lock-Scroll Lock 2. The KVM then switches, and I can plug back in. Everything works fine after that. It gets cumbersome though if you want to switch seamlessly between the two.
I only use the KVM for the KM part these days since my monitor (Samsung 930b 19" LCD) is able to switch between DVI and VGA by itself. And since I'm using the Windows box mostly for gaming these days, I use the DVI with the PC and the VGA with the Mac. The KVM was able to handle it without any distortion when I ran VGA on both of them. To the best of my knowledge, there isn't a cost-effective DVI KVM switch out there yet. I could be wrong.

DVI video switch

Hi all -
Big fan, long time reader, first time poster =] I started out with a Motorola (comcast) HD dual tuner cable box with a Sony Grand Wega KF-60WE610 for my TV. This rear-projection LCD has a single DVI input as its HDTV input (Video 7). When I got my mac mini, I thought the DVI out to S-Video adapter would be ok to use for display purposes . . . however, when I hook the mac mini directly into the DVI input of the TV, the difference is incredible! So I have been looking at DVI KVM switches, however, I don't need the K or the M seeing as how I have the Bluetooth Keyboard and mouse. So all I really need is a DVI switch. I saw Gefen has one: http://www.gefen.com/kvm/product.jsp?prod_id=1819. It has 2 DVI inputs and 1 DVI out. This sounds like what I need . . . this seems like a common problem with the mac mini hooked up to a HDTV as the display . . . is this the common solution? Is there a better way around this problem? Is there a better 2/1 DVI switch available? I have read alot about the DVI KVM switches, however everyone seems to ***** about the K or the M in the KVM switching capabilities . . . any input would be greatly apprecieated.
Thanks!
Mac Mini Mac OS X (10.4.4)

I have the exact same issue. I tried buying a new receiver as a component to add to the setup in my den with the TV. Many new receivers now feature HDMI switching. But I ended up returning the receiver and learned the lesson that these first generation HDMI receivers are not quite ready for prime time. It wouldn't pass the DVI signal from the mini to my TV, even though a direct connection between the mini and the TV works fine.
Personally, I am just going to wait for a better generation of HDMI switching receivers, even if I have to wait until gen 3 (2008?). But if you want the have switching today, someone else on this forum pointed out that monoprice has some cost effective 2- and 4-port switches. I have no idea how well they work, so you might want to find out what their return policy is should you buy one and it not work out.
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?cid=101&cp_id=10106&cs_id=1010602&pid=2721&seq=1&format=2

KVM switchs, any problems with MSI boards???

Hi Everybody!!
X-Abit fan here, I have a 2 port Belkin DVI KVM switch. I had trouble with Asus and kvm's so I'm asking ahead of time. I built a couple of MSI boxes in the P3 days and had good experience. I'm glad to here Quality is back as a priority at MSI. Congrats on the #1 spot on Tomshardware 965P round up.
Hope the forums here as lively as the Abit one is.
Thanks for the help??

some KVM switch has incompatibility issue with some boards. What you have is just by luck they both work together!

Recommendations for DVI KVM Switches?

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