DVI/USB KVM Switch Issues
April 2, 2005
Our story thus far… About a year ago, I purchased a Belkin DVI/USB KVM switch. It worked alright, and a few months later I posted a brief review of it..
(A brief aside—what’s a DVI-USB KVM switch? A KVM switch is a device to switch a single Keyboard, Monitor (the V is for video) and Mouse between multiple computers. DVI is a standard for digital interfaces to (usually) LCD monitors, a more accurate (hopefully) alternative to analog VGA. Mice and Keyboards used to use their own interface, but now are often USB based. So a DVI-USB KVM switch is meant to switch a DVI-based monitor (usually LCD), and a USB keyboard and mouse between multiple computers)
It turns out that I’m about the only one who seems to have had any luck with the Belkin unit. Since last summer, the post has received nearly a hundred comments discussing the multiple problems people have had with these units, some competing units, and problems with those.
It seems that making a good working DVI switch is a lot more problematic than making a VGA unit. This is reflected in the price, too—low-end VGA KVMs (even USB versions) can be had for around $20 - $30; the DVI units start at about $175 and go up—sometimes way up.
I’m starting this new post for two reasons.
First, there is a lot of good discussion going on on the old one, but it’s getting very long (and probably slow to load for those on slow connections)—I wanted to add a new post and continue the discussion with it.
Second, my luck with the Belkin unit (maybe I got one of the few that ever sorta worked right?) ran out yesterday. It lost it’s little mind, doesn’t switch, and just beeps continuously. Since I use the unit to switch between my Powerbook (my normal working machine) and a desktop PC I use mostly to check that web sites work properly in Internet Explorer and to process a little video, I’m rather stuck for being able to use the PC at the moment.
Obviously, I won’t be getting another of these units (in fact, I don’t think they’re available right now), so my choice is between one of the three or four competitors that everyone has identified and…
Doing without. It’s pretty clear that the state of the art in DVI KVMs has a ways to go. Not only that, but a reasonably well-functioning 17” DVI LCD monitor can be had for right in the same price range as a new switch. If I can find the desk space, I could add one of those for the PC, keep using my 19” LCD for the Mac, and pick up one of the $20 - $30 VGA KVMs to switch my keyboard and mouse back and forth (leaving both monitors running all the time).
I could go that route, give the KVM switch manufacturers a little time to get their act together, and look at going back to a fully switched system down the line somewhere (I can always find someplace to put a 17” LCD.)
Has anyone gone this route yet? Any issues with using a VGA KVM without the monitor?
Alternatively, does anyone have anything really nice to say about any of the competing units? There has been some back and forth on several, but no really glowing reports that I recall…
| 2.8 |
Chuck Lawson · Filed Under
Not specifically a DVI KVM issue, but I tried and returned the IOGear ADC Switch. Same issues as reported on the DVI switches, noise on the display.
I have a early 22 inch ADC Cinema Display and I wanted to switch between my main desktop G4 and a new Mac mini. The ADC switch was connected to two different ADC-DVI converters that both work fine without the switch but with the switch, the mini displayed a lot of noise on the display.
It was definitely a compatibility issue with the IOGear ADC switch and the mini since the ADC-DVI converters are from different manufacturers (Dr. Bott and Gefen) and the mini works with both when not attached to the switch. The switch worked fine on my G4 but not on the mini with the noise problem following the mini when moving each computer to the other port. It also wasn’t the cables which were high quality and again worked on the G4 on either port and with either cable but not on the mini.
My conclusion is that digital interfaces are hard to do right for a switch and still keep the price low and that high-priced digital display switches probably don’t sell.
Anyway, I’m looking forward to someone recommending a DVI/USB KVM but I’m not holding my breath.
I just finished reading the whole comments section from the previous post. There is a ATEN 4 port DVI-USB switch that looks perfect. Has anyone used this with a Mac mini? It looks like it is being distributed in the US by IOGEAR. It is apparently in stock here:
http://www.neutronexpress.com/prod.cfm/333828/IO_GEAR/_ATEN/CS1764
I would just buy it and try it but NeutronExpress return policy seems fairly draconian and I would like a little bit of assurance that it will be compatible if that is possible.
Thanks
Jim Bailey
Jim,
I’m looking forward to someone recommending a good one too.
I can’t do without being able to get to the PC much longer, so I finally broke down and ordered a cheap 17” LCD (Acer has a DVI model in the $220 range).
I can find space for another monitor easier than I can find space for another keyboard and mouse, so I also ordered a USB 2.0 Two Computer / 4 Peripheral sharing switch that switches manually.
Hopefully going to a pushbutton switch will avoid all of the odd stuff that seems to accompany keyboard switches, and also hopefully it will make the PC quit bitching about a USB 1 switch like it does when hooked to the Belkin.
So now I can relax and watch the goings-on.
Hopefully someone will come out with an actual working product one of these days soon, and I can repurpose the 17” to get rid of the last CRT in my office (on my workbench used for building and testing servers).
- Chuck
Just read a review of the ATEN 2 port DVI KVM on Macintouch here:
http://www.macintouch.com/switches03.html#apr07
Another report that says that USB is problematic and that there is noise on the display. The review says that the Gefen 2 port DVI KVM worked without noise but still had USB problems and the price is outrageous so that isn’t an option for me.
Oh well. Still waiting.
if you are going to have two monitors on two computers, you may want to take a look at synergy to share the mouse and keyboard on the two machines without having to do any switching.
I’ve played with Synergy a little, and for some reason it put me off—maybe I should go look for a new version…
I’ve now got the new monitor and USB switch, and everything seems to be working nicely. Both monitors display crisp, bright steady images, and both machines seem to be perfectly happy switching the keyboard and mouse (a Microsoft Wireless combo) back and forth with the USB switch.
About the only thing that puts me off (and which Synergy would have fixed) is after doing so many years of dual-monitor stuff, I keep wanting to run the mouse off the edge of one display and onto the other…
I’ve posted a brief review of the USB switch I went to here for anyone contemplating going to something similar.
Okay,
I’ve been reading *everything* on DVI KVMs on the web.
It looks to me like the new DVI USB KVM (KVMP) from ATEN (CS1762) is actually also IOGEAR’s GCS1762 (not available yet afaik)
I’ve found good australian prices on this and it look fairly robust.
http://www.pluscorp.com.au/Product.asp?CategoryID=275&WebsiteID=2&ProdID=4388
Its supposed to handle 1600×1200
Gefen’s The DVI Switcher apparently handles 1920×1200 and apparently works well, but requires a DVI Detective when connected to a G5, and is double the price. They also have a dual-link solution and dual-view solutions.
Linkskey’s appear to not really beavailable to me in Australia, and I’ve heard that they don’t really support the 20” resolutions, rather being limited to 1200×1024 in reality.
So, I’m planning on getting the ATEN and hoping it works with my new 20” Apple Display, and if it doesn’t returning it and getting the Gefen :-\
Sigh.
Does anyone have any good experiences with 20” displays and DVI KVMs?
Anybody seen this yet? DVI/USB 2.0/KVM + Firewire sharing, up to 1920×1200 res… Seems like the holy grail. Not cheap though, comes in around $315 - $350 US. Just tried to order one of these bad boys, however they are not shipping until mid-May. Guess I’m going to have to wait it out…
http://www.addlogix.com/kvms/embed.asp?stuff=se_kvmdvu_body.html
http://www.kvmswitchesonline.com/kvm-switch/kvm-201dvu-2afc.html
Well I’m not surprised by Chuck’s and everyone’s experience. USB was suppose to be the catch all solution to standardize keyboard and mouse signals. We track the performance and variations due for our KVM Newsletter sent out to large corporate users and there is nothing standard about USB keyboard and mouse signals when it come to KVM.
But you guys are having problems related to USB KVM switches and that’s where the problems come in because the switch needs to emulate I/O device presence. Notably, those products manufacturered in Taiwan. Belkin and Addlogix private label the products. You might be better off going with an ATEN or Gefen solution. At least you’re working directly with the manufacturer who can provide a firmware upgrade to correct any problems. Adder out of the UK (also USA office) has a good product but doesn’t offer USB yet. Gefen’s USB DVI switch supports both the Mac and PC.
The mainstream KVM switch vendors do not offer DVI switches mainly because there is no standard on the video signal. This should all change in the next two years as the DVI industry finally get’s off their duff.
In the end, price does matter! We don’t sell and don’t test these small switches but historically the quality that goes in to a KVM does determines the logevity of the products time in use and your productivity. For any amount of money, putting up with the smallest of quirks is not acceptable.
See
http://www.aten-usa.com
http://www.adder.com
http://www.gefen.com
heard from a contact that apple only uses addlogix brand adc and dvi kvm for their internal use… just thought, i share that lil piece of information..
Damn. Since my Mac Mini’s performance through analog is a little lacking, I pushed up in priority my plan to upgrade from my analog KVM switch to a DVI switch. Also, my new Logitech MX1000 is acting awful funky running through a PS/2 connector. I spent too much money on that mouse to have the scroll wheel non-functional on my Mac, and only a few of the buttons work as intended in XP (even after installing the software).
But all this has convinced me only to purchase a USB peripheral switch. I might as well buy a 2nd monitor, rather than settle for less in an expensive DVI/USB combo switch.
Grrr!
JazzCrazed, that’s where I ended up also. It doesn’t appear to me that the DVI/USB market is quite ready for primetime. When it is, I’ll find another use for the extra monitor…
Well, I’m glad i found this post so I didn’t buy a piece of expensive crap, but I’m so disappointed there isn’t a decent solution yet. I already have a dual screen PC set-up, and wanted to drop in a Mac Mini to use one of the screens occasionally. I really need a DVI/USB KVM, because using Chuck’s solution would mean 3 monitors on my desk!
Oh well, we’ll have to keep waiting it seems
I found a suitable stop-gap… Run my Mac Mini into my Benq LCD’s DVI port, and use the monitor’s RGB for the PC (most DVI panels should also have an analog d-sub connector). I can switch the monitor between inputs via the panel’s OSD. In the meantime, I still use a PS/2 KVM for my keyboard, and I hotplug my USB mouse between the two computers (via a hub connected to each) as needed. Clearly, not the most convenient of solutions, but I can tolerate it fine until better switching technology comes out.
Hey guys wondering if I can get a recap of what you’ve all found. However seems like issues revolve mixing PC and mac, DVI and ADC. I have only PCs. no mac. I guess all DVI, right?
I also have a 20” Dell LCD monitor, Logitech Elite with those special keys in USB, and the Logitech MX518.
Obviously I want to use the driver for the mouse and the special keys in USB. I run at 1600×1200.
Would I be able to get away with say the ATEN unit or the linkskey unit? I got used to using the USB hub on my first KVM switch and using buttons to switch, so I figure if I absolutely had to, I could do without the key-combo switching.
SO I got this bit of info from Linkskey:
“Andy:
I recently received a test result from a customer on our 2-port version and
I will like
to share with you. Which is the LDV-202ausk.
Raymond,
So far the findings have been remarkably good. I’m not sure if you are
versed in our DVI Apple Cinema Displays. Apple displays have built in USB2
and Firewire400 hubs. While your switch isn’t useful for the firewire
portion, it’s perfect for the integrated USB2.
The switch also seems to fully support all of the media keys on the Apple
keyboard. These include Mute, Volume adjustment, and Eject for the optical
drive. One other happy fact was that, while you market your switch as
supporting 1600×1200, it was capable of driving our display at the max and
native widescreen resolution of 1680×1050. =)
I’ve also tested sleep/wake, something frequently used on a Mac, with no
issues. Finally, as an iPod test engineer, I of course wanted the ability to
connect the iPod to the Displays hub and utilize it for synching and
charging. This appears to work as expect, but of course you have to dismount
the iPod before actually switching. (expected)
The two issues I encountered:
1) I was unable to utilize the keyboard connected through the Display. This
is an aspect of iPod testing I’ll have to work around. Perhaps connecting a
second keyboard would work…
2) This one is only visually troublesome. If you reboot the other machine
connected to the switch, the video is greatly disturbed. I’ve seen multiple
stacked images, I’ve seen the image melt, as well as what looks like
horizontal/vertical sync issues. To me this suggests some kind of feedback
sent back across through the switch, and that the switch isn’t isolating the
DVI port well. Perhaps your engineers could look into this?
I’ve tested a number of other DVI switches, and I have to say yours is by
and far the best on the market. I would love to see your product sold on the
Apple Store. In my position, I do not have any influence in this manner, but
if you desire, I could try to put you in touch with the right people here. I
would also give an honest testimonial on Linkskey’s behalf. It’s likely
Apple would request a unit for further tests, something customary I
understand, but in my opinion, we should be selling your product for use
with Apple DVI systems. Not a single other DVI switch is capable, right out
of the box, of utilizing our Cinema Displays. Our connector is slightly too
large and usually requires an adaptor, or some modification to the cables
supplied by the switch manufacturer.
Thank you for your time, we should be ordering a few more for the rest of
the test team. (This unit was actually for personal use, but our future
purchases are being based on my evaluation.)
Paul Pichardo
iPod Division
Apple Computer Inc.
On Feb 24, 2005, at 11:34 AM, Raymond Leung wrote:
Mr. Paul Pichardo:
Thank you for your interest in our kvm switch.
We have not tested any of our Kvm switch with Apple equipment
at all. You may want to order one online and take advanges of our (no
restocking fee )
30-days return policy to find what you need . Here is the linkage :
http://store.yahoo.com/networkingoutlet/ldli2dviusbk.html
It will be great if you can share your findings with us afterward.
Sincerely,
Raymond Leung”
So it at least SEEMS promising. They are coming out with a 4-port version in about June.
I’ve had a real fun time trying to find a DVI KVM. Tried about a year ago and gave up completely. I have a Dell 2100FP. I tried a Belkin, and struck out. I moved onto a StarTech that claimed it supported 1600×1200, WRONG. After 3 months of fighting, they refunded full retail price and changed the specs on their webpage.
Right now I have one computer connected directly to the DVI input on the monitor. I have the keyboard and mouse going through an old VGA KVM. I have my other two computers connected to the KVM via VGA and to the monitor with the VGA input. Unfortunatly my issue is that when I switch between the VGA and DVI if the DVI is set to 1600×1200 (native resolution for the monitor) the screen goes blank, like it’s not getting a signal.
Spent 6 hours on the phone with Dell tech support (2 hours was due to language barier, “Bob” barely spoke English, and didn’t understand it any better). All said and done, I was told that the Dell monitors are not meant to be hooked up to multiple inputs at the same time… “You’re kidding… Right?!” THEN he wants to refer me to “Advanced Configuration and Support” which of course is a pay per use service of Dell.
SOOOO… Not only do I need to find a 4-port DVI KVM switch that supports 1600×1200, but I have to HOPE that it won’t cause my monitor to blank out everytime I switch (which was an issue on both the Belkin and the StarTech. Ended up replacing both KVMs AND the monitor to ensure none were damaged).
Right now I’m eyeing the Addlogic and Aten boxes. Will probably try them in a month or so. I look forward to any other reviews.
Sean,
Shame to hear that it doesn’t work properly on your panel. My Benq handles switching between DVI and d-sub just fine at its native res (and non-native res, I’d presume).
Can you tolerate the analog connector? If so, an analog KVM would probably be the best way to go. They’re cheaper, and definitely more reliable.
Although DVI is noticeably sharper, I can tolerate analog for my PC (my Mac Mini is another story).
Funny thing is, from what I hear, the BenQ and the Dell are the same monitor (well one of the BenQ anyway). The BenQ that is the same has NO issues, but I’ve heard similar stories from other Dell owners now.
Analog connector is OK for the one computer, but not my other. If I knew it was going to be a problem, I would have gotten a cheaper monitor that only supported 1280×1024.
Hey, a possibly dumb question. Most the DVI KVMs I’ve seen are USB. So how exactly do you hook up a wireless mouse/keyboard combo since nearly every one I’ve seen is USB/PS2. The Bluetooth model I had would NOT work with the USB KVM. Also, I didn’t have a keyboard when the machine booted. So no CMOS, and it made it difficult to choose between Windows and Linux when the loader came up. I noticed it near the end of my “journey” and it was kind of the last straw, so I didn’t try much to get it to work. I did know that a PS2 -> USB connector to try to get the Bluetooth combo to work, did not in fact work.
Dell usually uses panels manufactured by Samsung; I believe BenQ in-houses theirs with a company called AU-Optronics (which falls under the BenQ Group umbrella). I don’t know what signal processors are used (which are also an extremely important component to the displays).
Back when I used a USB KVM, I hooked up my A4Tech wireless combo via a PS/2->USB adapter. It worked relatively well. However, as you’ve illustrated, USB controllers don’t gain control until the OS has booted with the appropriate drivers. Some motherboards have a BIOS setting to detect USB components on boot; however, my MSI NEO2-FIR board does not (at least, in the BIOS version I’m using, which is dated for last winter). Needless to say, I did not boot into my Mepis Linux partition very often while I used that KVM (I have since switched to a PS/2 KVM, of which I only use the “K” part).
My old R/F wireless combo worked fine, though. Even though yours are bluetooth, if it terminates the signal to a PS/2, this should work OK via a PS/2->USB adapter. What KVM are you using?
I had a Logitech Bluetooth Mouse/Keyboard Combo, and I tried it with both the Belkin and the StarTech KVM. They both had the same problem. Right now I can’t honestly remember which would work and which wouldn’t. I THINK they keyboard would work after booted into the OS, but no Mouse. I hooked they received directly into the computer to make sure it wasn’t faulty… Worked fine… I tried a USB->PS2 adapter to get it to work with my VGA PS2 KVM, but it doesn’t want to work either. Ended up giving the keyboard set to my wife, and I just bought a really cheap keyboard and wired mouse to use in the meantime. I’m about to move, so I figure it’ll be a good time to reinvest into this stuff again at that time.
Actually newer Dell LCD monitors use LG-Philips screens.
These are highly regarded to be among the best LCD screens you can buy. Make Dell LCD monitors quite attractive items.
Andy: That, plus the cost that typically undercuts most manufacturers by a good bit!
Sean: When you tried your Bluetooth combo directly into your rig, did you do it via the USB->PS/2 adapter? If that still failed, then I guess there’s no hope for it (maybe the adapter’s faulty, but that’s reaching).
Does your BIOS support USB keyboards? I’ll have to look into this some more, because I’m sure it’s a more common setting than I think it is (in this day and age of USB peripherals).
Right now, I’m sharing my Logitech Elite keyboard via USB->PS/2 into a Belkin KVM, as well, and most all the functions seem to work fine. Although I lost some of the multimedia buttons in Windows. No biggie.
My MX1000 mouse I just hotplug into whatever computer I happen to be using (I have hubs from both sitting on my desk, so this isn’t as hassling as you might expect).
I’ve been seeking to upgrade to a basic USB peripheral switch (no video), so making sure my BIOS supports it on boot would be prudent to know beforehand!
Instead of futzing with a KVM switch, just use KMremoteControl, software that let’s you use one system’s keyboard/mouse to operate all the PCs & Macs on your desk. This is especially appropriate given the availability of cheap LCD monitors, these days.
Bryan, I’m still a little hesitant to add another panel to my desk, though I like the idea of controlling my desktop via laptop - and admittedly seamless control of two desktops with two monitors from one set of controls using just software is pretty convenient (wouldn’t be the first I’ve heard of it).
However, I’m using Tiger, and 10.4 is auspiciously missing from your page. I happened to lose a lot of software support in the ugprade from Panther, so I can’t say I’d be surprised if you don’t support it. But it’s something that’d limit my options.
And that said, cheap USB peripheral switches that work right out of the box with any OS that supports USB controllers start to look all the better.
I would avoid the aten and the IOGEAR units if you have the 2001FP. THey don’t support 1600×1200 with 20”.
I would wait for the Addlogix or even the Linkskey units (4 port). THey seem more promising.
When I hooked my Bluetooth stuff directly to my computer I used the USB and PS2 connectors, I didn’t use an adapter. It worked fine.
I actually use VNC and RealVNC to control my machines with my laptop, but it doesn’t do much good when I’m trying to play games, or edit video, that’s when I need the KVM.
Andy, thanks for the heads up on the IOGear and Aten, I’ll keep my eyes on Linksys and Addlogix for when I try to upgrade.
Right now my biggest problem is that if I boot up my Linux machine, and use the KVM (ANY OF THEM, have the same probs with all of them, even the analog one I’m currently using). Anyway, if I switch from the Linux to another machine and back, the mouse goes NUTS. It’s like it is clicking the buttons all the time. I’m not touching the buttons, only moving it around. I’d REALLY like to know what the heck is going on. I’m not a Linux guru, I’m trying to learn it, but since I can’t really use the machine with my setup, it makes it very difficult to learn.
Wow, never heard of that happening before. Using USB or PS/2 peripherals? Seems most likely that the peripherals you’re using are causing the conflict.
My analog Belkin KVM, and a Zonet USB KVM before it, worked fine with whether I was in XP or Linux, switching back and forth from Mac, using either an A4Tech wireless combo or a Logitech Elite KB and Logitech MX1000 mouse.
I swear I’m cursed. I used an old Logitech wireless keyboard/mouse combo forever with my old Belkin analog. Works great for Win, but freaks when I switch to a linux machine. Tried a wired set as well, same thing. Tried 3 diff mice. Every attempt in the last 5 years to learn linux I have lost horribly for one reason or another.
I’ve seen that before on my windows boxes. It just happens spontaneously sometimes… have to restart.
As far as I can tell its from using crappy PS/2 based scroll wheel mice.
I’ve experienced it with multiple mice on multiple machines.
I think the PS/2 protocol just gets confused sometimes… and away you go. I guess your machine is getting confused when you switch.
I’ve been trying to locate a Linkskey 202AUSK USB DVI KVM supplier in Australia.
No success.
Linkskey.com directed my to http://ts.nu who would ship to Australia,
http://www.ts.nu/Networking/kvm_details_16.html
They also have some interesting info re using the kvm with macs and with wide-aspect 20” LCDs
http://www.ts.nu/Networking/nlkv202ausk.html
But since then I think I’ve managed to track down the original Taiwanese manufacturer
http://www.uniclass.com.tw/eng/products/DVI_USB/DVI-202AU.htm
And, you can find hundreds of suppliers of this product in Australia…
http://www.staticice.com.au/cgi-bin/search.cgi?q=uniclass+dvi+usb+kvm
I plan to place an order and see what happens
Here’s hoping
Well, after some help from some friends, I managed to track down the underlying issue with my screen switching problem. The video cards I had were not sending a constant signal to the monitor with the refresh and res information. So when I switched to one computer, and back again, it didn’t know what to display. I updated the ATI cards to the latest drivers and it fixed the issue in Windows. The updated drivers did not fix the issue for Linux though. To get it to display I had to update the drivers, and when I switch back to Linux, I go to the console (CTRL-ALT-F1), and the display will show the console screen fine. Then I went back into X (CTRL-F7) and it displays fine.
Problem actually has to do with the video cards AND the monitor both. Oh well, it’s not perfect, but I can certainly live with it.
So I talked to the Linkskey people some more and some good news:
The key repeat behavior works properly with keyboards connected to the keyboard USB port. A lot of usb ports and screwy key repeat behavior.
Is there anyone with said KVM switch (Linkskey LDV-202AUSK)??
Do the multmedia keys on your keyboard work if it’s plugged in via the keyboard port? If so which keyboard do you own?
Wow I really mucked that last message up.
“The key repeat behavior works properly with keyboards connected to the keyboard USB port. A lot of usb ports and screwy key repeat behavior.”
Should have been:
The key repeat behavior works properly with keyboards connected to the keyboard USB port. A lot of other USB KVM switches exhibit screwy key repeat behavior.
Again still interested if anyone actually owns this KVM switch.
I am driving an Apple Cinema HD 23-inch LCD Display with a PC utilizing an ATI Radeon 9800 via its DVI-I port. I hope to shre the monitor with two PC’s.
Does anyone know if there is a DVI KVM that will work at the 1920 x 1200 resolution. I am confused if this monitor requires an ADC or DVI KVM?
Re: Andy Choi Said,
Re: Linkskey:
Just bought one of these… DVI so far works, but no combination of my Apple USB KB/Mouse are seen by my G5 or mini when connected through the switch… Will prob use a BT KB/Mouse w/ one and USB w/ the other, but this is not worth the $$$ I spent… shrug… Disappointed.. Will prob move to timbuktu when I have the cash for it, toss this thing in the junk bin…
Success at 1920×1200 DVI with the new addlogix!
Just installed the addlogix PowerReach DVI 2G. I’m now sharing my Dell 2405FPW between a G5 and a PC.
My hardware (sorry - it’s pretty high end but want to be accurate for everyone):
PowerMac G5 2.3GHz (ATI Radeon 9650)
Alienware Aurora ALX 2.61GHz (NVidia GeForce 6800 SLI)
Dell 2405 FPW monitor
Apple USB Keyboard
Logitech Marble Mouse USB
Had one blip with the Logitech going through the “mouse” USB port on the KVM. I was getting some random scrolling behavior when moving the trackball. I switched the Logitech to the third USB port on the KVM (intended for other USB peripherals) and it seems to be working normally now.
I purchased the KVM here:
http://www.kvmswitchesonline.com/kvm-switch/kvm-201dvu-2afc.html
I have no affiliation with any companies mentioned.
I’ll report back if I have any problems going forward.
With all the problems with the switches, why not go the software route. I have used a program called VNC (Virtual Network Computer) Which has software for many different devices. It is open source and there are many distributions, one for example is http://www.redstonesoftware.com/vnc.html It is constantly being worked on and improved.
That is what I have decided to do with may mac and PC.
I got the LDV-204AUSK:
So far so good.
The video is churning at 1600×1200 on a 20″ Dell LCD. I can’t tell a difference compared to video coming from the KVM or directly from the monitor. That’s as high as my monitor goes so that’s what I’m reporting.
Dual Link DVI-D (x3) and one Dual Link DVI-I for my video cards. I have a Logitech Elite and a Logitech MX518. The keyboard’s multimedia controls work for the keys I use and the mouse resolution changer works along with the 5 buttons I use. The key repeat behavior works and now after so much time I got hot keys again!
Couple caveats:
1) The biggest. This KVM switch came with 4x DVI-I cables, not DVI-D. DVI-D has LESS pins (missing four i believe) than DVI-I and the ‘D’ is digitally only while the ‘I’ is analog or digital. If you have a DVI-D port on your video card, DVI-I cables won’t fit. Not too big of a deal. Just snagged 3 Dual Link DVI-D cables from eBay for $25 (a little over $8 a cable). And good ones too, not the shady ones.
2) The mouse is isn’t recognized by the Logitech drivers and it is limited to 5 buttons. However again the MX518 resolution changer works (essentially two dedicated buttons) and I never used 4 buttons on my old mouse (just 3)… The only time I’ll use 5 is with games, and I highly EVER doubt I’ll use the 6th (that’s just ridiculous).
3) The keyboard isn’t recognized by the drivers eithers. So you will be limited for some multimedia crazy keyboards. But every multimedia key I used worked. So I believe if it works in Windows without drivers hooked directly, it will work with the KVM.
All in all, I think I’ll keep the KVM switch I bought. A little pricey with the added cables, but not incredibly bad. There are some downsides but they are rather minor and at least for me, something I’ll probably never notice.
You guys have keep in mind that if you are going KVM, you’re going to be making tradeoffs. It’s never going to work 100%. There’s going to be a few small quirks. At least for my use the Linkskey works fine.
Mac: *shrugs* I don’t know because I don’t use macs. I used to though. From that experience, Mac keyboards are different enough to cause extra issues. I believe the multimedia keys I use work because they are fairly standard across keyboards originally built for Windows-based machines. The keyboard is emulated so I figured the engineers tried to account for as many standardized keys as they could. Except USB keyboards aren’t standardized. Blame that on whoever you like.
Final word about wireless Keyboard-mice combos. Don’t expect much luck out of them with KVM switches. I think a lot them require drivers and that’s going to be a serious show stopper in terms of KVM usage.
Does that Addlogix emulate the keyboard? Try installing the drivers in Windows (if you run it) and see if the drivers picks up the keyboard.
Device emulation is the biggest draw back to KVMs right now and it seems like you can’t get around that.
***WARNING ABOUT THE LDV-204AUSK:
As far as I can tell the first 3 ports work ok..
The 4th port has mad issues with video degradation and noise.
My synopsis, don’t get this unit, it’s bad.
SO the 4-port ATEN along with the IOGEARs aren’t going to work with DVi @1600×1200 on a 20″ LCD (Dell 2001FP).
Man, am I SOL?
First of all, thanks to all of the above for your posts! This link has been great!
A buddy has a 20″ LCD he got open-box through work. He loves the display and wanted to use it with a G4 cube and his PC, but when he told me what DVI KVM’s cost… I couldn’t believe it! He JUST bought a DVI video card for his G4 last week, recieved it Friday, and I think installed it yesterday. Haven’t determined what KVM switch he has, but I doubt he needs 1900×1200.
Meanwhile, I bought the Dell 2405FPW about a week ago. With the online coupon making it 35% off, it just seemed like the RIGHT time to buy. And though I love my Sony 17″ Widescreen LCD, I think I’ll be able to ADJUST to the Dell.
I’m actually building a new PC as well, so I”ll have the SERIOUS PC POWER I’ve been craving from a new rig. Just so you understand the specs: AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ Dual Core CPU, 2×1GB Crucial PC3200 DDR RAM, DFI LanParty SLi-DR MB, 250GB Seagate SATA HD, Enermax 600w SLi-Ready PS, and BFG 7800GTX video card (maybe another one down the road).
Obviously with the Dell display coming, I’m going to have to get used to using higher resolutions. But I also want to be able to use the display with more than one computer. The Addlogix mentioned above sounds great, but I can’t imagine needing the Firewire support on my KVM. So I did a little searching and found the KVM-201DVU-2AC is nearly identical but no firewire, and takes several $$$ off the price!
http://www.kvm-switches-online.com/kvm-201dvu-2ac.html
Sounds like this is the best I can expect from a KVM switch under $300 anytime soon, and at least it has everything I need in one box. (Having the cables included is always a nice touch.) Though at 5′, they didn’t really provide much range did they?
I’ll have to think about this and decide if it’s worth the money, but at least I THINK I have found something that will work.
Well, the Belkin DVI/USB switches are still on sale at various places including Amazon, and still claiming unfortunate victims (ie, me). I am not so amazed this piece of crap was made in the first place, I am amazed it is still on sale. I think the one I was shipped “new” was a returned product. These boxes are appearing cheap on Ebay etc, God help the buyers.
A new data point, I think:
Tech support: “The Belkin KVM supports any standard keyboard”
Me: “Does it work with the Belkin standard keyboard?”
TS : “Ah, no, it doesn’t. But any other standard keyboard should work”.
Yeah, right. Belkin’s own keyboards won’t work, and they won’t tell you any one that will.
So I decided to take the IOGEAR GCS1764 a run for the money.
So far I’m surprised. The BIGGEST SURPRISE: The GCS1764 does NOT emulate the keyboard and mouse. which means I can install logitech software and it installs the drivers and shows up as a logitech device. I couldn’t do that before.
At least on 1600×1200, there is no distortion in any device.
In terms of the USB, there are kinks in only 1 machine. I’m pretty sure because the BIOS settings are wrong. The others are fine. 3 of them.
I won’t say this is my final word, but if you got a 1600×1200 LCD and all PCs with USB, this seems to be fine.
Just make sure you enable DOS USB support in your BIOS (also called legacy)On startup, plug the USB keyboard into the back and login. then go the device manager check in the power management, this device can turn on the computer in power management, and uncheck the same for each root hub. If you don’t do this, it’s going to mess with the USB. Then unplug the USB keyboard back into the USB keyboard slot on the front and on the next boot up, your keyboard should work fine. Seems like you only ahve to do this the first time.
I’ll keep on using and see if there are any quirks, but so far it’s fine!
I’m in the same boat as many here. I have a Dell 2405fpw and an Iiyama 17″. I want to switch 4 DVI pCs on the Dell, requiring 1920×1200 capability.
Sofar I’v heard a lot of horror stories about Belkin, and to lesser extent Aten, Uniclass,… but the reports that some of these switches can actually blow DVI ports on monitors or worse makes me quite nervous.
I’ve seen good reviews and comments on Adderview’s switch, and DrBotts although some people have USB issues with this one. Adder confimer that their latest hardware revision is 1920×1200 compatible, but it’s hard to verify the revision number when you’re buying online…
Now I’ve stumbled on this Lindy switch. Does anyone have any information - good or bad - on this one? http://www.lindy.com/int/productfolder/03/32/32343/index.php
Neko
Yeah the ATEN switch has got some seriously flaky ports. One of my computers keyboard and mouse flip out when attached to the KVM switch.
What more strange, is if I stick the keyboard and mouse to the USB hub in the back, I still have the same problem. And then the other 3 computers act all weird!! what the hell?? Plus I got fed up after waiting on hold for an hour Friday for tech support before just hanging up. It’s going back the buy.com. Good thing they don’t charge restocking fees and pay for return shipping..
I’m going to pass on the Adderview because from I can see, it doesn’t have USB. DrBotts? doesn’t seem to have USB or audio.
I’ll have to wait and see what addlogix and Avocent do. Looks like avocent is really close to releasing a 4-port DVI KVM USB switch. However I’m somewhat weary. To be frank, while Avocents 4-port USB VGA KVM switch was one of the first out there, it sucked. Addlogix doesn’t have one out yet.
Figured out what’s wrong with the USB on the ATEN units.
There are known problems with the ATEN KVM switch and nVidia motherboards….
Right it’s going right back. The avocent looks like a clone of the Linkskey:
http://www.avocent.com/web/en.nsf/Content/SwitchViewDVI-4port
curious if anyone uses an Apple Cinema Display. I have a 20″ ACD with a powermac g5 and a PC Radeon 9700 pro. Belkin emailed me recently confirming that apple cinema displays currently have compatability issues and that in a month it should be fixed. Perhaps in a month the Belkin will be fixed? Who knows. I really want to use a KVM switch for DVI and USB but it sounds way tooo risky.
btw - can anyone give me a recommendation for a simple USB switch? That way I can use my mac keyboard and usb mouse on my PC when I need and get two monitors instead
> can anyone give me a recommendation for a simple USB switch?
Chris,
I’ve been quite pleased with this one.
Andy,
Thanks for your informative posts…. I’m a little confused about the way you are recommending to disable the power management feature for the IOGear (I have the GSC1762). I have a mac and a PC. If I boot in the PC, everything works fine. I can then switch to the Mac. Only problem there is that the mac believes there are 2 monitors (my ACD and a VGA monitor which I assume is IOGear emulation). I can work on my mac, but this other monitor showing up on my desktop is annoying. If I then switch over to the PC again, I get a black screen. Nothing there. I am thinking that perhaps it has gone to sleep, and can’t figure out a way of waking it up again…
any ideas?
T.
Hi,
Surprised the comments are still active, this must be the biggest dvi-kvm resource on the net by now
Anyway, has anyone tried the new gefen 2 port dvi kvm ?
http://www.gefen.com/kvm/product.jsp?prod_id=3113
F.
Hi Frido;
Actually, this is the second installment of the thread — I opened this one up when this one went over 100 responses…
Pretty soon we’re going to need a book or something…
- Chuck
Ok, I’m joining the conversation… I’m surprised teh Gefen unit Frido mentioned is actually cheaper than the competition! The company has a pretty good reputation.
I’m trying to share one of the infamous Dell 2405FPW (1920×1200) screens between my PC and a MacMini. I’d *really* like a four-port unit, but not if it means sacrificing quality.
Given what everyone has said here so far, I’m leaning towards the Addlogix and the new Gefen.
Neko: The Lindy switch looks to be the same as the Adder one. I’m guessing they’re Adder’s OEM. Keep in mind that this one has no USB switching (only PS/2).
Anyone know anything about these Purelink DVI switches sold by Pacific Custom Cable? I am still addicted to my IBM M1 clicky keyboard, so I will only surrender my PS/2 port when it’s pried from my grimy RSI-afflicted fingers. I plan to use a DVI switch (KVM or simple switch) for video, and use an old Linksys switch for keyboard and mouse. Little extra work, but I’m fine with it.
Our web site, http://www.homePCnework.com, is currently looking at some of the “new” DVI KVM switches. As others report here, we’ve had significant trouble with the ATEN CS-1764. We believe it may be a fundamental issue with the nForce chipsets (as others said here). Also, very noisy video despite ATEN assuring me it would work at 1600×1200 on a 20-inch screen (indeed, noise is only on some; not all machines).
We’ve just received the Avocent SwitchViewDVI for review and it looks great. No video noise, keyboard/mouse work great. We did have to plug the Logitech mouse into the USB port (versus the mouse port) to get it recognized, but seems to work fine now. We’ll post a full review/comparison within the next few weeks.
Hi all,
Can’t believe I stumbled onto this thread!
I’m having problems getting the Iogear GCS1764 to work with a ViewSonic VX910 19″ LCD monitor. Everything is plugged in correctly and I can always switch to the second port one time without a problem. However, when I try to switch back to the first port,, I get a couple beeps (the kind Windows plays when new hardware is detected) and then the monitor displays the “No Signal” message. The same thing happens with subsequent port switches.
No luck with Iogear tech support so I thought I’d try here.
Any suggestions? I can provide more details if needed.
Let me guess… You’ve got an ATI video card? I’ve been having the same problem on three different Linux systems, and one Window 2000 server system. NVIDIA video cards don’t seem to have any problem. One guy above suggested using the Ctl-Alt-F1 / Ctl-Alt-F7 in Linux and this does seem to get the display working again, but it also crashed my Liunx system after a few flips back and forth. Not sure what the problem is with the ATI video cards, but again as the fellow above pointed out, getting the latest Windows ATI drivers seems to fix the problem (I personally haven’t tried that). Wonder if the latest Linux ATI drivers would help… Hum…
Matt
Well, here’s a solution to the DVI vs. ATI switching problem. Use the Vesa driver under Linux instead of the ATI driver. This assumes that performance isn’t a big deal for you. The latest Linux driver I could find on the ATI web site was 8.16.20 for i386 and this version has the problem. I switch Xorg over to the built-in Vesa driver (might have to move all of the /usr/X11R6/lib/modules/drivers/*.o and /usr/X11R6/lib/modules/drivers/*.so files into a different directory and just put the vesa_drv.o file in the /usr/X11R6/lib/modules/driver/ directory, then run “Xorg -configure” and go find the xorg.conf.new file it makes and put it in /etc/X11. You’ll also likely have to add mouse configuration back into the file and I added the following:
Section “InputDevice”
Identifier “Mouse0″
Driver “mouse”
Option “Protocol” “IMPS/2″
Option “Device” “/dev/input/mice”
Option “ZAxisMapping” “4 5″
EndSection
This is for Redhat WS Version 4.
Matt Dralle
S Church:
“We’ve just received the Avocent SwitchViewDVI for review and it looks great. No video noise, keyboard/mouse work great. We did have to plug the Logitech mouse into the USB port (versus the mouse port)”
Did you try the 4-port Avocent unit? How about all 4 ports? Apparently this is the same unit Linkskey uses. I didn’t really have problems with their USB, but more so with the video on port 4.
I think I’ll give Avocent a shot when Buy.com has their 4-port model in stock. They have a very NICE return policy (it doesn’t cost you anything within like 30 days, if you get free shipping to start)
I had issues with the IOGEAR and an ATI Radeon 9000 Mobility. The resolution would change to 1024×768 everytime i cycled a switch from/to the laptop. But other than that, no issues with a 20″ LCD (Dell 2001FP) and 1600×1200..
Okay, my last post was on June 10th, when I said I would order the Uniclass KVM, which is the same as the Linkskey KVM (but the actual manufacturer)
Anyway, I did, and It took me a month and a bit to actually get one, but its taken me a full TWO MONTHS to actually get the cables which were supposed to come with the KVM!!!
Anyway, aside from t