Belkin OmniView SOHO DVI/USB KVM Switch Review
June 15, 2004
Well, there’s a mouthful of acronyms for you. For those unfamiliar, a KVM switch is a device to switch a Keyboard, Video monitor, and Mouse between several computers. DVI in this case stands for “Digital Visual Interface”, a standard for connecting computers to (mostly) LCD monitors, and of course USB is Universal Serial Bus and SOHO stands for “Small Office - Home Office”.
Regular readers may recall that a short time back I ended up replacing a dying old Viewsonic 19” CRT with the excellent Princeton VL1916 19” LCD monitor. Well, of course one thing leads to another, and I decided that it’d be convenient to be able to use this with both my desktop and my PowerBook.
I’ve used KVM switches in the past, but those were the dark days of the technology—not-too-bright mainly mechanical switches, usually with a lot of quality loss on the VGA signal. They were annoying, but handy under certain circumstances.
Times have changed…
Both my desktop and the PowerBook have the option of putting out a DVI signal, and I’ve now got a monitor that will take DVI input. Why this is important requires a little explanation…
VGA signals are analog signals. In simple terms, your video card converts the digital image produced by your computer into a series of voltages for Red, Green and Blue. This signal is then converted by the CRT into the image. The VGA signal is susceptible to noise and interference just like any analog signal.
LCDs, on the other hand, are inherently digital. If you hand a VGA signal to an LCD monitor, it has to convert the analog signal (back) into a digital image. With DVI, your video card sends a digital signal direct to the LCD monitor, skipping the conversion to analog and back to digital, and giving you a “truer” picture without the “interpretation” of all that conversion.
Also important, it means that the signal between the two is digital, and not susceptible to the same kind of interference as analog.
Consider an analog cordless phone versus a digital cordless phone—with the analog phone, you get all of the “radio” noise—static, hissing, etc. With digital, it mostly either works 100%, or (with the exception of some artifacts at the very fringe) it totally fails. This is because digital signals can be error corrected.
What all of this means is that a DVI KVM switch, unlike it’s VGA brethren, should put out an image pretty much identical to what you’d get without it.
So, I decided to give one a try. I also wanted to use USB for keyboard and mouse, since both the Mac and the PC support them. This narrowed down the playing field considerably. The few KVMs that support DVI and USB are fairly expensive, in the $200 - $400 range. The Belkin two-port switch (model F1DD102U), however is routinely available via mail order suppliers for $150 - $175.
Note: Bear in mind that there are some hidden costs to a KVM switch—you also have to factor in the cost of DVI and USB cables to the switch, and any additional cables you need to hook up the monitor, keyboard and mouse. Belkin also offers a cable pack for this purpose, but it’s considerably more expensive than purchasing quality cables separately.
The unit itself is nice, albeit a little “exotic shaped”. The back cover lifts off to reveal the connector bay, and serves to force the cables into a nice bundle when it’s in place.
The switch takes DVI, USB (1 or 2), and stereo audio connections from each machine, and has a single DVI output, Keyboard USB connector, Mouse USB connector, “Other” switched USB connector, and stereo audio out. The “other” connector is a nice touch that allows you to switch additional USB devices, such as printers, etc.
Setup is easy; run your cables, plug them in and go. There is no software to install (the unit comes with a special serial cable to re-flash the ROM, but my unit came with the current release).
Switching between the computers can be done by pressing the switch on the unit corresponding to the machine you want to use, or by pressing the scroll lock key twice, and hitting the up or down arrows. Switching is NOT instantaneous—the screen blacks for several seconds when you switch.
Video quality is as good as I expected—I see no difference between using the KVM or not. I’m a trifle disappointed that the unit is not transparent to the USB keyboard, however. Since I wanted both PC and Mac functionality on the keyboard, I’d gone with a Logitech keyboard that supported both. Unfortunately, none of the “specialty” functions on the keyboard are supported—in fact, Logitech’s driver can’t find a Logitech keyboard on either machine. I presume this is due to the unit filtering the keyboard output looking for the scroll-lock switch sequence.
This is a particular pain with the Mac, since the keyboard maps Command to the “windows” key and Options to the Alt key—ass-backwards from what I want, something the Logitech driver could have corrected. The solution to this is the excellent little freeware uControl pref panel, which can swap these keys on a keyboard by keyboard basis (meaning the notebook’s keyboard stays correct). It can also be used to disable the Caps Lock, a Good Thing™.
The only other problem I’ve found is that once in a blue moon, when I switch to the PC it doesn’t find all of its USB devices—most notably, the mouse. This would appear to be due to the real aggressive power management settings I’m using, and at the moment, I’m just tolerating it. Often it will pick the mouse back up in a few seconds. If not, hey, it’s Windows—it’s probably overdue for a reboot anyway…
One thing I’ve not mentioned is the audio switching, mostly because I haven’t tried it—I have both machines tied into my speakers, meaning that I can start a playlist on iTunes on the PowerBook, and switch over to the Windows box and still listen. I can only assume that the audio switching works as advertised, but I can’t say anything regarding how it affects sound quality, if it does at all. If you’re picky about sound quality, then you probably are outputting 5.1 audio, in which case switching two channels isn’t going to work well for you anyway.
All in all, the unit functions very well; if you’re in the market for a DVI/USB KVM switch, I’d have to say that this unit is well worth your time to give it a try.
| 2.8 |
Chuck Lawson · Filed Under
I’ve got the same model KVM. To get your keyboard’s speciality functions to work, plug it into one of the “extra” USB ports instead. That will bypass the filtering. I had this exact problem with my Microsoft natural multimedia keyboard.
Brian, thanks for the tip!
I suspected it might, but I’d need to re-run some cables to try it… I assume that you also lose the keyboard switching via scroll-lock when you do this?
Which wouldn’t be a big deal…
Hmmm….
- Chuck
Just a follow-up…
Moving the keyboard to the “switched USB” port does indeed work, but it does have an issue (at least on the rom revision I have)—if there is no keyboard plugged into the keyboard port, the switch “chirps” continuously and the device switch buttons on the front won’t work.
I eventually plugged an old, worn-out keyboard (I go through about 3 - 4 keyboards a year) into the keyboard port, and stashed it behind the monitor. The “real” keyboard is attached to a USB 2.0 hub attached to the “switched USB” port.
This works properly—the Logitech drivers on both the PC and the Mac recognize the keyboard, and all of the enhanced keys work.
I do admit to being driven nuts for a few minutes by having the Option and Command keys in the wrong place again on the Mac once I did this. I finally figured out that Logitech Control Center was reversing them to the desired order, and uControl was reversing them back. Duh… I removed the Command - Option swap from uControl, and all is right with the world now…
Brian, thanks again for the tip!
- Chuck
I had bought the 4-port USB KVM a few weeks ago and so far I strongly wish I had not.
I am using my Mac Pro keyboard (or at least trying to) but while connected to the Mac the Shift key often gets stuck in uppercase, arrow & del keys WILL repeat if tapped more frequently than once every two seconds (giving a string of 4444, 6666, 8888 or 2222 as if I were using the keypad). The Eject and Volume keys now are useless. The repeats do not occur when it is switched to the PC, but it takes from ten to a hundred seconds for it to finally realize you are trying to type in the login password field. After the PC finally gets it, it works okay. Except… you still have to have a PS/2 keyboard plugged into the PC or it doesn’t eventually see the USB keyboard and thus will not boot.
Belkin’s tech support replied to these issues by telling me to use a PS/2 keyboard (Huh? with a USB switch???) and to plug the USB keyboard into the Device 1 port - as was mentioned by Brian - and to install the “no keyboard present firmware” to stop it from beeping. Problem is, there is no firmware with that description on their site…
Still awaiting a reply from them on my replies.
Thanks for the information, NotarySojac…
I haven’t tried a Mac keyboard with it (I’m using a Logitech at the moment), and haven’t run into this—I appreciate the head’s up.
I’d like to get my hands on the “no keyboard present” firmware myself—I currently have an old keyboard plugged into the keyboard port and stashed behind my monitor to prevent the beeping.
Please let us know if they actually direct you to where it can be downloaded!
Just a quick question, I currently have a 2 port ps/2 switch, and am shopping for a 4 port possibly USB.
I have a USB keyboard and mouse, if I get a full usb switch does the the keyboard and mouse get booted off the hub each time you switch computers?
With my PS/2 switch it does not notice the the keyboard and mouse missing when on the second computer and the system works instantly when I switch.
Thanks.
Actually, when I switch away from my Windows box, you can hear it make the “device disconnect” sound as it loses the keyboard and mouse, and the “device connect” sound when I switch back, so I’d say yes, it does seem to know they’re gone (unlike the old PS2 style switches, which put a “dummy load” on the keyboard and mouse ports).
The up-side is that USB keyboards and mice are supposed to be hot pluggable, so Windows deals with it a bit more gracefully than it did when one would disconnect the old PS2 style components.
I can’t say I’ve noticed a problem with the disconnect/reconnect, but then again, there might be some programs out there that expect them to always be connected. It does appear to be instantaneous—everything’s live as soon as I hit the switch.
For whatever it’s worth, the Mac doesn’t seem to mind them coming and going, either.
- Chuck
Hello,
I also own this KVM and I’m not sure how I feel about it. After a LONG correspondence with Belkin, I finally got my hands on the “no-chirp” keyboard firmware. This was necessary because my Logitech Cordless MX Duo uses only one USB connector, and since they filter the keyboard USB input, in order to use the mouse, everything has to be plugged into the Device USB port instead. I will be glad to share the firmware with anyone who wants it.
However, I experience some awful DVI flickering when using the KVM, so I may have it replaced. It has been one giant headache getting this thing to work - literally MONTHS. Bleh. If no one at Belkin is listening to you, try these people directly:
“Gwen Johnson” <GwenJ@[NO SPAM]!belkin.com>
“Khalid Asher” <KhalidA@[NO SPAM]!belkin.com>
Take care,
John
Is it possible to get the “no chirp” firmaware from you? I’m hiiting the same problem and that damn chirp is driving me nuts… No luck on the Belkin site….
Diane
I’ve returned one unit because it caused the screen to randomly flash on and off, especially while viewing PDF files (go figure.) The new one does the same thing. One PC has a Radeon 9800 Pro 256 and the other a Radeon 9800XT 256. Belkin says they can’t predict what will happen when you use a wireless keyboard/mouse (I use a typical MS wirlesss combo.) I fixed all of my keyboard/mouse problems by uninstalling the MS keyboard and mouse software and drivers. All the keyboard combinations now work, but the screen flashing is unpredictable and quite annoying. Anyone with similar problems?
Hi Glen–
I have experienced the same problem with video flickering. See my above post. I have a Matrox G550 Dual-DVI card and the flickering only happens to the monitor connected to the KVM. I have had it sent in for replacement so hopefully the new one will not have this problem! And FYI I am also using a Logitech Cordless Duo MX combination wireless keyboard/mouse. Just confirming that it’s not just you that has had problems with this KVM model. Unfortunately there aren’t many similarly priced, similarly featured models!
Take care,
John
I too am having the reported keyboard problems. I bought a new MS Digital Media Pro USB keyboard to go with my new KVM switch, and was really disapointed to find out that all the extra buttons and features would be obselete
As well, the keyboard only works on ONE of my computers and NOT the other ( 2 port kvm )
Shows up in Device manager as ‘unknown device’??
Have tried plugging it into the hub and it’s recognised straight away, but have the annoying beep beep syndrome.
Can someone please post a link to the earlier firmware?
Thanks
To add insult to injury,,,,, today the KVM decides to work even less than it was ,,, it’s now decided not to switch over at all, not recognising the keyboard at all, and flashing the no.2 light continiously, ….. oddly now when the keyboard is removed it does not BEEP BEEP any more….ah if only that was a good thing, but i think not.
BTW, removing the power supply has minimal effect, as does removing the USB leads, it still seems to derive power from the DVI leads, and only when they are disconnected does the light go out?????? Weird indeed! Can anyone help before i have to talk to support on this?
Mark
I bought this switch to connect a Dell PC and G5 (ATI 128MB) to the new 20” Mac LCD. The PC works fine, but the Mac screen is full of artifacts rendering it unusable. Anyone had trouble with this?
I also purchased this switch recently to use with an new 20” Mac LCD. I’m not a big fan of Belkin, but this is nuts. I had a bad feeling about purchasing it in the first place, and I wasn’t disappointed. The DVI connector of the monitor doesn’t fit in the housing of the device, but no biggy, a little cutting and I made room. Next I noticed the power connector covers up one of the extra USB ports, annoying but I probably wouldn’t need it. I perservered and hooked it up, plugging up the keyboard and mouse seperately, even though I am using an Apple keyboard, and then the insessent beeping started… with the keyboard plugged in. I now have a white noise generator that delivers an unviewable image. I had been using a starcom vga/usb switch that worked great, now I’m out $200 with a carved up beep machine.
If anybody has any good ideas how to make this work, please tell Belkin.
After removing all MS kbd/mouse drivers (including registry leftovers) and starting Belkin install, the keyboard commands work. That doesn’t make up for the random screen flashes and distortions. Let’s see, overpriced, cumbersome cables, a cowling that doesn’t fit after cables are seated, yada…. Belkin support told me that no firmware exists for my model, which is the same one they managed to find firmware for for someone else. If I were managing this company these switches would go back to engineering with a bunch of pink slips attached to them. GRRRR
Follow up to my story:
Belkin sent me the firmware and a XP patch to enable the update ( or downdate? ) to work properly with my F1DD102U.
Needless to say it didn’t work, and their solution was to try it on a Win 98/ME system, which i don’t have, but will try it when i can.
I’m still without a functioning KVM switch.
(If anyone would like me to forward the firmware to them to try, mail me, as long as you give me feedback on how it did/didn’t work for you, i’ll be happy to do it)
regards, Mark
Ok just got my Belkin 2 Port KVM today. Along with my 10 foot cable with audio and 6 foot. I am connecting a PC with a Radeon 9600XT video card and my Powerbook with the DVI out. All hooked up to an apple 23 inch monitor and my logitech wireless MX Duo. Read the reviews and found someone had very similar problems. Ok well i hooked it all up. With some cutting of the belkin Unit to fit my apple dvi connector and plugging my wiressless base staion to the extra USB port because when i plug it into my keyboard one my mouse doesnt work. So yes i have that annoying beeping thats driving me insane. And also on my screensaver i noticed some of the random flickering ahh soo annoying.. The next problem is my MAC when i switch to my powerbook. I see all my icons and stuff but the screen has tons of random colors and is waving and flikering all over the place. Everything is blury and such. Anyone with any firmware or some help. Ahh i thought this would be easy. If this can be fixed this will be a nice unit. If not gosh i wasted my money. THanks!!
Cory
Finally got a hold of Belkin. They indicated that they were aware of the Mac LCD issue (a clever slant I thought, implying that it was a monitor problem) and that they were working with Apple to get it fixed. No timetable for this. They’re supposed to notify me when this is fixed. I’ll keep you posted.
Darn! I wish I had read this article and the comments three weeks ago before I ordered the same unit. All the problems that I have experienced are echoed in the other commenters statements. Belkin is riding a thin line on a class action lawsuit over this thing. Hey, go out to all the big on-line stores that carry this item and also permit reviews and give it the score that it deserves. Help warn people away from it.
What’s interesting is that I’ve had very little problems with the thing—I’ve finally discovered a little bit of tearing on the image on the Mac side, but only with one or two desktop images. Unless I’m using those, I’m not having any image problems.
I =do= have the beeping issue with the keyboard on the normal USB rather than the keyboard USB port, but I solved that by tossing an old keyboard on the keyboard port (in addition to the real one) and stashing it behind my desk. I was kind of hoping the firmware would surface to solve this issue.
Last but not least, all of my cables fit, with the hood on. But I did buy different cables than the Belkin cables (which struck me as too expensive). I also wonder if my relative lack of artifacting on the Mac is due to not using the Beklin cables (perhaps the ones I did buy have better shielding?)
What’s clear, though, is that my experiences are the exception, rather than the rule—a whole lot of people appear to be having a whole lot of problems with this thing, and anyone considering it had probably either better avoid it, or be sure they’re purchasing it somewhere where they have good return privileges…
Has anybody tried the Gefen 4×1 DVI/ADC Switcher?
http://www.gefen.com/kvm/product.jsp?prod_id=1465
This looks like a more expensive option, but may be more reliable.
Yes, though, I am a little turned off by the “conveniency” of having the design force the cables into a bundle.
I have, however, heard good things from CompuCable (now Addlogix) kvm switchs.
http://www.compucable.com/peripheral_sharing/embed.asp?stuff=se_adc_body.html
It appears to be a little pricey, ranging from $300 - $340, but the price also includes cables.
_S
Thanks for the comments.
It appears, as my gut had suggested, that going Belkin would be trouble.
I’m purchasing an Addlogix.
_S
This is a great review - probably the best page about this product anywhere on the internet.
People’s comments about the physical design are right on the money. The unit is cramped and will very probably not accomodate the monitor cable you already have. The connector is just too close to the outer edge of the device. If you’re planning on buying 1 extra cable for each computer you want to connect, and using your existing monitor cable to connect the LCD to the switch, you may be in for a rude surprise. It won’t fit!
You should also be very very careful to buy extremely narrow cables! There’s practically no room between the DVI ports on the switch. Even belkin’s cables barely fit.
With Belkin’s cables, there is no way that the cable management lid can possibly go on. The stiff neck bases of the belkin cables extend up higher than the lid itself. There’s no way in hell to put the lid on.
It’s also true that the L-shaped power plug connector completely covers one of the USB ports. Just look at the port diagram and you can see the problem. There’s nowhere else for teh L-shape to go! You may need one of those USB ports for your keyboard (see above comments about filtering) - so watch out.
Belkin’s cable kit turned out to be incompatible with the Apple mini DVI to DVI adapter - too many pins on the cable. DVI-I versus DVI-D or something like that.
Eventually I dealt with that, and I found my mouse to be incredibly slow on the Mac. I opened the System Prefs to change the tracking speed and it seemed to correct itself suddenly. Then it un-corrected itself. I eventually figured out that it only tracked correctly when the System Prefs were open and in the foreground. WTF?
My “Alt” key is mapped nowhere on the Mac. It doesn’t do anything and I’m not sure how to make it do anything.
But the worst part is the display artifacts on the PC side. Awful squiggles in the screen and tons of white dots everywhere. Totally unusable, and resolution/refresh adjustments didn’t help.
Even if none of these other problems had occured, the display artifacts alone are a showstopper.
An absolutely miserable waste of $300, not to mention several hours of tinker time.
I am sorry to hear everyone is having the same problem I have faced. Happy though since eveyone at tech support (Belkin, CDW, and Compusa) tried to make me feel like I was out to lunch. Same problems as Ive read but I have pc only (no MAC) so thats not th issue. Laptop (Sony VGN-S260) with dvi out in port replicator and new HP meida center with Digital HD f2340 monitor. Also Logitech wireless keybourd/mouse. Bought the usb belkin 2 port KVM and chirping keyboard. Tech support suggested I get a new mouse and keyboard!!! Thats the best they got?? Anyway, exchanged for 4 port usb/ps2 and bypassed monitor so I switched manually but this is silly so Ive returned it. Now im looking for a solution and willing to try the more $$ models. Appreciate any successful reports!
Hello everyone,
Isn’t this a great forum where we can all feel we’re not alone in our frustrations with this KVM? Thanks to Chuck for hosting it. I sent the following e-mail to
and
and I urge ALL OF YOU to do the same. If they realize how bad they screwed up, and how pissed we are, then maybe they will do the right thing and make it up to us. Chuck: I hope that it’s okay to send a link to your site to Belkin - I can’t imagine why not. Power to the people!!!!
-
-
Hello,
I would like to direct your attention to the online forum at the link below. It started as a blogger’s review of his Belkin F1DD104U and his experiences. Since then, many, many people have posted their experiences as well - and unfortunately most of the experiences have been negative.
The problems mentioned are undoubtedly well-known to Belkin tech support: “chirping” when no keyboard present, Macintosh DVI problems, firmware upgrades gone wrong, and even DVI flicker on PCs. I feel that Belkin owes all of these people at least an apology, and at best a replacement KVM that does not suffer from all the shortcomings of the F1DD104U.
Personally, after a very lengthy correspondence with Belkin, they suggested I send in my unit as an RMA case. My tech support representatives were helpful but were not able to overcome the inherent limitations of the F1DD104U. I sent the replacement in over a month ago and I still have no replacement.
I encourage both Belkin tech support and Belkin engineering design team to read all the posts at the URL below and then decide on a customer-centric course of action that will make up for the sub-par product that was sent to market. Please forward this to anyone and everyone at Belkin willing to make it happen.
http://www.nonliteral.com/lawson/weblog/articles/belkin_omniview_soho_dvi_usb_kvm_switch_review/
Thank you.
-
-
Okay, I sent a letter too.
I guess Belkin read your letters or this page cuz they pulled the F1DD104U from their website and all the online stores are out of stock. I am very glad everyone posted their experiences about the kvm. I was in the market and was considering buying this product. I will look for another brand.
Thanks
Has anyone to date, recieved or got hold of a firmware update that actually works?
I believe there was some speculation that we would have to wait until Belkin released an update for us, but so far there are NO updates available from the site, except from Belkin support directly(which didn’t work or had a problem with XP)
If anyone has had a successful upgrade, please let us know.
regards
Mark, UK
Me too..
I have two pcs, linux/radeon9200, w2k/radeon 9600. No problems w the linux box except for a few unmapped intl keys (thx for the dual kbd idea). The win box is my problem. After boot it works ok until I switch even once. After that the LCD screen is shown as unplugged. It still works though, flickers at times. But I cannot do the most basic windows operation, i.e. reboot. It will not find the display until the kvm has been powered off - which is possible only by taking down both boxes. My linux is used to booting once or twice a year. Now it is daily. Still the image is so much better… Can a group of customers coax Belkin into producing an update? If not, people should be warned loud and clear.
I’m glad I found this page. I ordered the belkin solution and now am going to return the product based on the comments. I am trying to figure a solution for using a ADC 20” cinema display with a powerbook with DVI and a dell pc with DVI.
So far I have come across Gefen’s ADC switcher at $449 and Dr. Bott’s Moniswitch ADC $299 plus ADC to DVI converter $99. Neither is a cost effective solution compared to belkin’s $200 solution, however, as we all know belkin has its issues.
Does anyone has any experiences with these models?
http://www.gefen.com/kvm/product.jsp?prod_id=1320
http://www.drbott.com/prod/db.lasso?code=1111-MSAD
Just for fun, I sent an e-mail support request to ask if there was some financial remedy for those of us who bought an obviously flawed product other than a class action lawsuit. It’s been a week and no reply. I wonder why……
I bought the F1DD104U (Belkin, 4-port DVI, USB, KVM switch) almost four months ago. I wanted to connedt the switch to my powerbook G4 and to a standard PC with a DVI port. My monitor is an Apple Cinema 21 inches. My keyboard and mouse are logitech wireless.
I cannot use the switch. Everytime I hoked the powerbook to the switch the computer automatically shuts off. Everyime. Also, the USB ports in the Apple Cinema display do not work anymore!
Belkin told that there are problems with the DVI specifications in the macs, but that does not help me much. I hope the solve this problems and exchange the product. Call me a dreamer.
So in October I sent this KVM in for repair at the advice of Belkin tech support. I haven’t heard anything since then, so I called in yesterday to check on the status. I had two different customer support people admit to me that the first batch of these KVMs had severe problems with DVI signals and the remaining supply of that batch was in “quarantine” and not being delivered. They were waiting for another batch, assumably the next revision that doesn’t suffer from the video problem, to arrive in late November/early December before they sent replacements to anyone. In the meantime, I had them ship me a replacement analog KVM free of charge, since I had been waiting so long.
My advice to everyone here: if you’re unhappy with any aspect of this KVM that you bought, call Belkin customer support at (800) 223-5546 and DEMAND a replacement free of charge. They now acknowledge that the first revision was crappy. If they do not agree to send you a free replacement that doesn’t have the video problems, then tell them that you want your money back and will need a check from Belkin for the MSRP of the device. (I used this tactic to get my free replacement KVM). I think I speak for all of us when I say that I hope this second version of the KVM does not suffer from the multitude of problems that plagued the first. Good luck everyone!
-John
If anyone knows of other forums which address this issue, please post their URLs here. Since I am getting no response from Belkin support, I plan to contact the CEO of Belkin, list the forum complaints and how some of us will boycott *any* Belkin products and encourage others to do the same. It’s not like they produce any unique. Most of these CEOs are bright enough to know that word spreads quickly on the tech forums. My request will specify that Belkin not only send one of their new DVI models at no charge to everyone who have had to suffer with the alpha switches, but to provide a significant discount on other Belkin products as well. When all else fails, unite!
Can anyone tell me if -or when - Belkin have cured the problems of their DVI-USB switcher?
Is it now safe to buy one? And does anyone know of another DVI-USB switcher that is reliable and cost the same money
Hi forks, I’ve also suffered from this miserable switcher. Backpanel space is too small to connect standard DVI cables. Moreover, my Fujitsu FKB-8579 keyboard, which works well when directly connected to PC, frequently chatters or drops a lot of keystrokes with this KVM.
While I’m waiting for reply from Belkin for half a month, I’ve seen a new DVI/USB KVM products from Corega:
http://www.corega.co.jp/product/list/changer/pc4uda.htm
Unfortunately it seems to be sold only in Japan now.
I, too, had problems with my Belkin DVI/USB KVM. I have a WinXP box (Dell 8400 w/Radeon X300) and a Linux machine (Dell 8200 w/Radeon 9000) and a Dell 1901FP. I use a Sun Type 6 (UNIX-style) USB keyboard.
The KVM would not tolerate Windows rebooting…upon reboot the display would never come back. The only workaround was to disconnect both DVI and USB cables, along with the power cable, from the KVM switch.
Occasionally I would lose the mouse on Windows, but this seemed to get a lot better after SP2 was installed.
Perhaps the biggest annoyance was the keyboard response time. With the Belkin the keyboard slowed down dramatically, and occasionally it would act as if a key was “stuck” and repeat indefinitely.
Frustrated, I bought an Addlogix (formerly Compucable) “Bi-System DVI Sharing Box” (http://www.compucable.com/peripheral_sharing/embed.asp?stuff=se_adc_body.html) and it works great. The keyboard is back to normal, video and USB switching is faster than with the Belkin, and when I have to reboot Windows, the display actually comes back!
I thought I would miss the keyboard switching (Scroll Lock twice…), but this has not been a problem for me. I intend to remote mount the switch from the Addlogix KVM eventually.
I have recently purchased the 2 port version of this switch (F1DD102U) from Newegg.
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=17-107-321
I wanted to use it to switch between my Dell 20” flat panel and my MDD G4 PowerMac. Unfortunately there were strange horizontal artifacts on the Mac when running at 1600×1200 (1280×1024 is OK.) Initially I thought that the PC was fine at that resolution but I notice now that there are issues there as well but they are not as pronounced. I bought a Belkin-brand DVI cable for the monitor thinking that that might help out a bit but it made the problem worse. (It was also longer than the cable I was using so maybe that is not a shocker.)
I have requested an RMA from Newegg but after reading this post methinks that a replacement box might not fix the issue. Has anyone received a replacement that fixes the DVI issues or is anyone aware of whether or not Belkin has an ‘upgrade’ to fix the problem?
Just in time,
just about to order two of belkin’s 2-port dvi switches and came across this site - It is hard to know if the above writers are in the minority of undoubted genuine complainants or are the actual majority - so I am defintely holding my order until we get some news from Belkin on the issues raised - a new updated switch or at least some means to re-dress the problems. Anyone know what the latest score is ?
Dave,
I think you can safely assume that this is a widespread problem. My last contact with Belkin support told me I had two choices; update the firmware to use the switch for DVI only and use two keyboards and mice or send the switch back for a refund.
I don’t think that this switch is even listed in Belkin’s current product line on their site. Good choice…
Although some of this thread deals with slightly unusual configurations (Mac/PC, wireless keyboard/mouse combos, etc.) it is pretty clear that this switch is more trouble than it is worth.
Other Choices ??
thanks Glen for comments. Undoubtedly belkin do make good products generally - shame about this one - I think the only other DVI switch manufacturers are more than double Belkin’s prices so maybe I can wait a while. i would use the switch only for dvi anyway and could run my usb keys and mice bypassing the switch entirely so maybe it just might be ok - but will hold back for awhile i think!!!!
cheers - Dave in Oxford, UK
I got the F1DD104U (Belkin, 4-port DVI, USB, KVM switch) as well. It took months to arrive and on
arrival had a plastic lip which prevented connecting to the console. The two adapters they sent on request (after much delay) didn’t fit - not broken, but perfectly manufactured to the wrong shape. Their own DVI cables wouldn’t fit the adapters. I’m going to return it.
I can’t find another manufacturer of the same thing in anything like their price range. Strange. It seems like a mainstream need.
After reading this board I guess I lucked out, because I never got as far as hooking up my Macs. Maybe it would have damaged them.
A few colleagues of mine have the beeping keyboard issue. I’m doing ok with an old 2-port Belkin VGA/PS2 switch. With another 4-port Belkin one, I could never get a decent picture. That’s what I get for buying from the used heap I guess.
I am glad to come across this web side even after a year of agonizing experience to get this KVM switch working properly. I have all those misbehaviors and above all those, it just stopped working a week ago, about a year of usage. Keyboard port didn’t respond at all. Switching button doesn’t work. It looks like it decides itself connecting a certain port at a given day.
If you have not been using this less than a year, pls be aware.
I bought this switch for my two pcs, one for dual booting (XP & linux) and the other for dedicated Windows. Belkin clearly specified it supported Linux but no no no… Rebooting windows while linux machine on, or booting linux first disables the other port, at least monitor doesn’t switch.
Isn’t this enough reason for legal actions?
I have finally dumped the KVM, and will never again buy anything from Belkin. They did not even answer my very polite help requests.
I can’t even use the cables. KVMs for DVI are coming from several other vendors.
I have just noticed that the Belkin site contains a patch for the no keyboard syndrome. has anyone tried this and does it cure any video problems as well as the no keyboard beep ? ?
http://www.belkin.com/support/download/download.asp?download=F1DD102U&lang=1&mode=
regards & Xmas Cheer
Alas, no changes in the video problems with the no keyboard firmware. Imagine taking your car in for squeaky brakes. The mechanic returns it to you with the brakes removed and tells you it’s fixed.
Cheers.
Will not be able to return the Belkin DVI switch - we got it through a reseller, whose return time frame has apparently expired. That being because it took Belkin months to respond to my issue (cables not fitting because of wrong shape). Belkin insists there is no technical issue.
Cannot speak to keyboard issue because didn’t get that far because… couldn’t connect the monitor ;|
BTW one’s e-mail is perfectly visible on the web page
Thanks to this article and the discussion that has followed, I steered away from the Belkin for my DVI KVM needs and purchased an Addlogix “Bi-System DVI Sharing Box” which clearly claims to be multi-platform. I have a DP 450 Mac G4 running OS 9.2.2 with a newly-installed DVI graphics card (ATI Radeon 9000 Pro) and a gig of RAM, and a new Dell Optiplex GX280 running WinXP with the DVI factory install option and a gig of RAM.
The monitor I have chosen is a Dell 1905FP 19” LCD. I hooked the monitor up to the Windows box when it arrived—no problems. I then hooked the monitor up to the Mac—no problems. When the switch finally arrived, I powered everything down and hooked up all the components. The Addlogix box comes with 2 DVI cables, 2 USB cables, 2 audio cables, and a power supply.
When I power everything up, I apparently get no signal from the Mac to the monitor, as the monitor’s status light stays yellow. And on the PC side, the image will appear for a fraction of a second, then go black for an increasingly large amount of time as I let this go.
So I shut both systems down, and try a monitor check with no computer attached. Fine. Then repeat the individual connections (no switch), and the monitor/computer combinations are just fine again. Also tried both computers with analog connections to a CRT monitor, and they are fine as well, but I don’t have an analog KVM switch to test.
I apologize for taking up space on a board that’s supposed to be about Belkin, but the posters on this board seem to be the best KVM resource I can find, and I was hoping someone recognized something in my description that they have either encountered and solved, or could steer me in the right direction. Thanks in advance.
Happy Holidays to you all.
-Brad
I just wanted to post a quick comment as a warning to those considering purchasing a Belkin KVM. I have had 3 different models (2port, 4port, 8port) and they have all ended up in the trash within 6 months. I recently purchased the 8 port thinking that I just had bad luck with the other 2 but with 2 days port 1 video was exhibiting a strong yellow hue and the mouse refused to work for any port (a common problem with belkins)
This is an expensive lesson. If only Belkin had the attention to detail to their KVM’s as they do to their IPOD accessories, there would be no problem. They know that if they so much as drop the ball a little while manufacturing these accessories, Apple would very quickly kill the deal with Belkin to avoid tarnishing the squeaky clean IPOD image.
Regarding the last few comments - although I am a non-technical guy - having spoken to Lindy electronics who also manufacture one 4 port switch, the making of DVD switch boxes is inherently difficult and not cheap. I have waited a couple of years for a sub $200 (£125) DVI switcher and thought my luck was in when Belkin brought out there effort.
There is no doubt that Belkin DO make really good products APART from this one and its a great shame and discredit to this company that they cannot acknowledge a faulty product and refund those who wish a refund their money. Here in the UK - you have the Trade description ACT to support you ( not sure of USA).
Apart from the technical issues, producing a design where cables cannot be located properly is downright stupidity - there must be some sought of pre product testing - how on earth can that be missed? Belkin should withdraw the product and design a better one - and it it DOES cost some more then, as long as it works, I for one, would be willing to pay.
I have looked at the Adderview and Lindy models and they are much more expensive - perhaps they do work well as I have seen no posts anywhere to the contrary.
Come on Belkin - you are a big enough company to do the right thing.
cheers - Dave Rose in Oxford, UK
I bought the belkin 2 port switch from a user on ebay before christmas. I was aware i might have some problems with compatibility with my logitech mx700 wireless keyboard and mouse. While i have not tried the solution mentioned by others yet, my keyboard worked (minus the special keys) fine in my pc in CPU1, but the pc in CPU2 didnt work and had no keyboard registered. When I swapped ports and plugged my second pc into CPU1 it worked fine. So, which ever keyboard was plugged into CPU2 did not work. Another problem was the which ever PC was plugged into CPU2, did not drive the monitor and I have a blank screen. I have tested the cables (no fault), the drivers are fine and everything is installed as should be. Still no switch from CPU1 to CPU2 even though windows XP and the desktop screen loads up with no probs. I guess there is a problem with my second port on the main unit, but judging from everyone’s comments above I don’t hold out for much hope from Belkin technical support. As it is I have been trying to reach them in the UK for 3 days solid. I only got throuhg once to be told they would phone me back, which they never did. I also had to “adapt” my DVI monitor cable so it would fit the console port. I did manage to just about force the cover on the unit to contain the wires. However, like others have mentioned I can also see a problem coming with the power unit connection covering over one of the USB adaptor slots. All in all a bad design, badly executed, that doesn’t work on any front, with no technical support. As you can tell I am highly impressed with Belkin and have written to them a letter of complaint. Am waiting a response.
Justin,
Don’t wait too long. It seems that Belkin’s plan is to ignore support requests and hope this issue will just go away. At the same time, I’m finding a number of vendors that are continuing to sell this device. I’ve been sending e-mails to the support department of any vendor I find that is still selling this device. I include a link to this thread and recommend sending all remaining units in their inventory back to Belkin.
Glen
as a follow-up to my previous comments about “more successful” DVI switchers than the Belkin ones, I mentioned Lindy and Adder - but I came across one contender who DOES make a cheaper switch - Dr Bott’s Moniswitch DVI - available only as a 4-port, I believe, but priced in the UK at around £130+ Its been out sometime now and looks rather clunky but I have seen several favourable comments and more importantly no real complaints so I may try to locate one for a trial. It supposedly works only to !5’ TFT but several people have reported 17-18” TFT’s work fine. Lets see - anyone any experience with it????
cheers - Dave in Oxford, UK
According to this article:
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&ncid=1211&e=5&u=/nm/20050103/tc_nm/column_pluggedin_dc&sid=95573372
Brian Van Harlingen is listed as the senior technology manager at Belkin. If anybody can get a hold of him, maybe we’ll get somewhere. The only phone number I can find is (800) 223-5546; maybe that could get us somewhere.
Also Belkin has a customer feedback web page set up at http://www.belkin.com/contactus/customerfeedback.htm. They say to send your feedback to
. If everyone on here takes a minute to send them feedback on this product, they’ll take notice. No sales department wants a bunch of angry customers. Let’s not forget we’re all in this together! Cheers,
John
Some additional points of contact:
Address:
501 W. Walnut St.
Compton, CA 90220
Phone:
310-898-1100
President and CEO: Chet Pipkin
VP, Product Management and Marketing: Eric Tong
VP, Sales: Mark Reynoso
Melody Chalaban, Public Relations Manager
(310) 604-2347 direct
(310) 898-1107 fax
Another point of contact
Cindy Anderson, Sr. Marcom Manager
310-604-2417
I just sent emails to Melody, public relations manager and Cindy and am going to send more to CEO/VPs.
I too purchased and returned the four port model in November. I had originally requested a replacement but found this thread before receiving it, and so cancelled the order completely. I too found: noisy images at 1600×1200 on three of the four ports; A poor cable fit (not impossible but very tight). incompatibilty with a (non bluetooth) wireless keyboard and mouse set; fimware upload softwre that works with nothing but Win 98; and eventually a total inability to switch to any port other than port one.
As I had to wait some weeks for the first unit to arrive I had hoped they were new, upgraded stock - evidently not.
I understand ATEN are introducing a KVM model at a reasonable price:
http://www.aten.com/02-p-item.php?id=599
In the UK £150 and £190 for the 2 and 4 port models.
I have had a USB/DSUB ATEN KVM for years - it is both well made and reliable so I hope this DVI model will be up to the same standards.
If you are frustrated as much as I am, I recommend buying Addlogix (formerly Compucable) “Bi-System DVI Sharing Box†(http://www.compucable.com/peripheral_sharing/embed.asp?stuff=se_adc_body.html). I bought it and it works as it is supposed to. I have linux machine and xp, had all kinds of problems with Belkin but so far no problem whatsoever with Addlogix. I use wireless keyboard&mouse and they are actually recognized immediately. My logitech wireless keyboard has goody buttons like volume up, down and mute, which doesn’t work properly with Belkin. Now it works wonderfully with Addlogix. I’d say switching delay was unnoticable too. Finally Belkin was tossed out of my desk..
If you want to buy Addlogix unit, see
http://www.neutronexpress.com/lcat.cfm/1444/KVM Switch
http://www.macmall.com/macmall/search/search~id~150076480~search~Switch Boxes.asp
I have not purchased anything yet, but I found this page to be quite informative. I was considering Belkin(the Apple site even has a Belkin they are selling for use with the Mac Mini!), but no longer. I just found the following:
http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/KVM_switch_Gefen_USBswitcher.html
Sounds interesting, and I may get one. I would really prefer a 4 port model…not sure if they make one, but I will certainly be looking into it!
I wish I’d had found this page .. well .. earlier than I did, so I could coordinate correspondence to Belkin with you all. Sadly, I bought my Belkin KVM over 12 months ago, so I would most likely not have been saved.
I can echo the worst of what others have said. This switch is basically a beeping paperweight next to my monitor, although I have a spare mouse plugged into the keyboard port (it really doesn’t care, and the mouse takes up less space behind the monitor). I just discovered about the firmware update while reading this page, and, excitedly, downloaded it and then realized I’ve misplaced the stupid, proprietary firmware flash cable. Will the bad decisions on Belkin’s part ever end? This is basically the most concentrated hunk of poor-design on the planet. There has been a foul, fume-like odor in my apartment the last few days, which I’ve been blaming on extensive painting and remodeling being done downstairs, but I now think it might be a stupidity leak emanating from my KVM switch.
The computer switching process for me involves hitting a button on the switch to swap the keyboard, then reaching behind my LCD to unplug the DVI cable from one computer, and then plug the DVI cable from the other computer back into the monitor–this is to avoid the jumpy video distortion that I find intolerable.
It has been very long, and my only prior communication with Belkin–which was on the phone–has been denial on their part. Still, I hate to be sitting on a $200 piece of garbage.
New Information,
I receieved this reply to my email to last week of interest to all belken DVI switch owners -
“Thanks for your inquiry.
Unfortunately, we do not have any technical knowledge of the Dr Bott’s KVM
products as we do not resell them.
The second point regarding Belkin’s DVI switches. Belkin have recalled all their
DVI KVM products due to technical issues and will not be re-releasing them until
mid March of this year.
We are in the process of testing the Aten DVI KVMs and , if we are happy with
the quality, will be taking them on in the very near future. The Aten will
certainly fit well with your budget and they are very good manufacturer.
Please do not hesitate to contact me for further information.
Regards Waheeb.
Also the New Product range from Gefen (probably the first DVI switch box on the market looks very good and now at a much cheaper price - see the site here - (their HDTV switcher also looks good for computer dvi switching -
http://www.gefen.com/kvm/product.jsp?prod_id=1819 and
http://www.gefen.com/kvm/product.jsp?prod_id=2548
anyone have any experience with these new products yet??
Dave in oxford, UK
I received an Aten KVM two days ago. There is a lot of flicker in character mode during boot, dunnowhy, but after that the picture is very good. One remaining problem is that my X11 server loses the mouse when I switch to another computer. I’ll test Aten’s support on that one. Otherwise, good quality. I’ll never touch any Belkin stuff again.
joa where did you get the ATEN KVM, and how much did it cost?
I ordered it from Germany. It was 220 euro complete with four cable sets, freight and German VAT (12%?). The two-port version was cheaper, perhaps 40 euro. The Aten web site is well equipped for feedback. I’m waiting for an answer.
Wow, never even thought of reading reviews on this, thought it was a sure bet. Should have. Would have… if I knew:
I have a mac mini which I just bought, and a PC with a Radeon 9800 Pro. I also have a Dell LCD 1800FP, and after plugging everything into the Belkin I booted the mini. The boot screen came up and the color was a bit messed up, but I let it keep booting. Then all of a sudden the monitor shut off. Now it doesn’t turn on anymore. I unplugged the computers from the switch and plugged in the monitor separately to each computer. Neither brought the screen up. I’m totally at a lose of words at what has happened. I can’t get my $500 LCD working and all because of this switch.
Once again, my first experience with the SOHO and a 19″Envision LDC (DVI) resulted in damage to the LCD, which I returned with an RMA (that was a great LDC btw.) I switched to my Zenith 17” LCD but as soon as I noticed the problems experienced with the Envision I unplugged the Zenith to save it. I returned the SOHO for a replacement. When I tried to turn on the computer with the RMA SOHO, I could tell the SOHO was going to damage the Envision. End of story. Lots of letters, no suggestion that Belkin would return my money as opposed to a replacement.
I’m thinking, maybe I should create a big paperweight out of it. ‘Spose Belkin will kick in the lucite?
Well, it hasn’t been pulled off of all the shelves. I managed to find a few at Fry’s Electronics. I also saw a few units being sold at CompUSA. I bought one from Frys. And now, I’m having all the problems you have listed above.
I wish to got I had found this page before I plunked down my money. I’m taking the switch back to Fry’s tomorrow and returning it for a refund. Thank God for Fry’s liberal return policies. Now, I have to look for a REAL KVM Switch that actually works instead of chirping at me.
Great resource for the (unexpectedly) complicated topic of DVI/USB KVMs. I have been looking for what I thought would be relatively simple: a 4-port DVI/USB KVM (USB 2.0 a plus but not a must). I got the Belkin Soho, it was junk as has been discussed to death. My research for a replacement has led me to the following:
The Genfen 4×1 DVI/ADC Switcher, as mentioned previously. Expensive ($849) but would probably do the job well: http://www.gefen.com/kvm/product.jsp?prod_id=1465
The Dr. Bott MoniSwitch DVI. Cheap ($199) but product description is aimed at Macs and is not clear on general monitor compatibility: http://www.drbott.com/. Can’t post full link because content filters think it contains a swear.
The Aten CS-1764. Looks good, can’t find a price? http://www.aten.com/02-p-item.php?id=648
The Uniclass DVI-204AU. Have not seen this one mentioned *anywhere* besides the manufacturer site, but it looks ideal. Is the only one of the bunch that explicitly has USB 2.0. My worries are if it would have the same keyboard requirements/filtering problems. Also can’t find a price: http://www.uniclass.com.tw/eng/products/DVI_USB/DVI-204AU.htm
A combination of a “dumb” DVI switchbox and USB switchbox. Cheap, but not ideal: http://www.cablewholesale.com/specs/40kd-04000.htm and http://www.mcpb.com/html/swb.4wusb2.a4b.1.html
Anyone have any experience with any of these? I may end of testing one or more, if so I’ll try to post back.
Ben,
hello- did you look at the Gefen site in detail as they have a new range of DVI switchers and there 4:1 HDTV dvi switcher at $324 (without cables) or $349 with looks good - it will switch computers with dvi outputs as well as HDTV’s and it looks (and gefen confirmed that to me in email) exactly the same as there 4:1 DVI switcher - same product just re-labelled. see-
http://www.gefen.com/kvm/product.jsp?prod_id=2547
http://www.gefen.com/kvm/product.jsp?prod_id=1990
I have orderd a couple of their 2:1 switchers so will report what they are like when they get to me. Gefen have been a long time in this market - previously with higher price products and they must have the edge tech. wise on their competitors, also Adderview are up there too.
The Dr Bott has a good reputation but is a bit old-hat now and the new Aten product looks good - dont know about the other ones you mention.
let us know how you get on.
Dave in oxford, UK
i too am a fellow belkin f1dd102U sufferer. My PC works perfectly with it, but my brand new mac mini keeps having strange artifacts and occassionally turns off the display… all this at 1600×1200 on my Dell 20” LCD… i am so dissapointed… this is also my 2nd unit from Belkin, as the firmware update apparently fried my first one (no beep firmware is ABSOLUTELY necessary if you want to use the wireless keyboards from Microsoft).
I am close to finding another option, but before i go spend another $150… anyone tried/tested this from newegg yet?
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=17-107-220&depa=0
Found this thread:
http://episteme.arstechnica.com/eve/ubb.x/a/tpc/f/24609792/m/195001329631
At least one person has had good luck with the Linkskey. Thinking about trying one myself and junking the Belkin!
Follow up to my earlier post - I noticed that the Mac doesn’t flicker or have strange artifacts when the PC is running in DOS… does this mean that the belkin just can’t deal with 2 1600×1200 signals at once? the mystery deepens…
Thanks for the link M8, i’m tempted, but i wonder if all these DVI/KVMs were just tested with 2 PCs, and never in a Mac and PC config. I did note that linkskey’s website did tout multi-platform support (mac and PC) so maybe they did test it…
anyone else vouch for linkskey before i plonk down 150$?
I bought the Linkskey to use with my Mac Mini and my HP PC. At first all seemed good, then I tried to switch between the 2 of them, the mouse and keyboard cut out on both. Inexplicibly this problem went away after multiple plugging and unplugging of the cables, but then the video stopped working with the Mac Mini. After 3 hours or screwing around with it, it’s going back. Back to the drawing board….
Thanks mike for being the linkskey guinea pig
I’m starting to think that this is a Mac Mini issue, since there has been interesting discussions about DVI video cut out issues at Apple’s support site (http://discussions.info.apple.com/webx?14@698.vM6VaXVfPLP.0@.68a43e3b) based on some of the discussions there, i decided to go try a recommended remedy… basically, download and install SwitchResX (http://www.madrau.com/html/SRX/indexSRX.html) and set the scan res to <60Hz. I did that, set up 3 possible ranges, 57, 58 and 59 Hz (the default apple one is 60Hz). 58, and 59 actually worked really well, no blank screens, and artifacts, but the flurry screensaver still had some odd lines… 57Hz on the other hand was PERFECT. Now there is no more artifacts, no screen cut outs (while my PC is also on)!!! guess it has to do with either the Belkin box not being able to handle 2 60Hz signals or some other reason i’m technically handicapped to comprehend 
Anyway, it’s been running like this @ 57Hz for hours with no problems… i’ll keep this on and see if it lasts… folks who have a similar setup should try this… Mike… before you return the linkskey, you may want to try this as well..
Good luck!
sigh… i jinxed myself by posting
after the first few hours of trouble free video, it acted up again… i tried 56Hz and got a black screen, luckily i found that hitting shift on a boot up allowed me to get into safe boot to reset the display… i’m pretty bummed… setting the Hz to 61 and 62 also didn’t help, it just made the situation worse. I called Belkin support, and they insisted that it’s interference with the Cable that is affecting me, and will send out another set of cables… bleh… i’m so dissapointed… and is starting to wonder if Apple is also at fault… note that the PC seems to work well, it’s just the #@%@%@# mac mini.
The Linksey arrived today and it is working great so far. No artifacts either on my PC or the Mac (non-MINI, it’s a MDD G4) running at 1600×1200. Anybody want to buy a slightly used Belkin piece of <bleep>?
This could be a repeat post, I’m not sure if my first one made it.
I was considering buying the Belkin DVI KVM after not suceeding with Linkskey and CablestoGo
models. I tried the Linkskey USB and P/S2 models. Neither would pass the DVI from my ASUS
Extreme AX700PRO/TVD card. They would pass the video from my older Radeon 7000-based card
ina Pentium II syste (440BX MB) Also the USB model did not like my Viewsonic USB keyboard,
however a generic USB keyboard from Dell did work with the Pentium II system only. The
CablestoGo Port Authority 2 P/S2 DVI KVM turned out to be the same electronics as the
Linkskey model, in a different package.
I did find one that works. I bought the Addlogix (Compucable) KVM-201DVU (labeled as Bi-
System DVI Sharing Box). I’d seen it while searching the Web then saw the favorable
comments here. So far no video degradation from either of my graphics cards. My Viewsonic
keyboard works fine. Its not a sophisticated system, no hotkey switching from the keyboard,
you have to press the button on the box. The only frustration is the Windows
connect/disconnect bleeps everytime you switch systems. I’ve disables those sounds in
Windows. http://www.neutronexpress has a reasonable price for the Addlogix KVM. I did have to wait
a little until they were in stock again, must be a hot item. Hope this helps someone.
I think we’re making progress with Belkin. Out of frustration I shipped my SOHO switch to the CEO of Belkin and wrote a letter explaining the issues that we have faced.
Today, I received a telephone call from the CEO. We talked about how a group of users just wanted a DVI KVM switch to work, so we can get on with our ergonomic needs. He said he was unaware of how serious this matter has become. He will be assigning a tech to work with me to get the switch to work.
Thus, I would appreciate a list of all of you who have had a bad experience with the switch. Please send your e-mail addresses to
and I will keep you posted on our progress. Hopefully we will come to an expedient solution to our problems. I am happy to serve as a liason with Belkin, so don’t h