Dual KVM switches

[jonasa]

Have anyone had any experience with using a KVM switch to control a dual screen setup with two or more PC's connected... I'm currently looking at either a dual monitor switch from ATEN or one from BELKIN (Omniview Soho)... read some negative comments on the BELKIN, though - and don't know how this affects the overall quality of the picture...

Maybe its better bying some more screens and ask for some more deskspace... hm unlikely

Anyone?

[Preisler]

I have a Belkin OmniView PRO 4-Port KVM and I am using it for a small renderfarm (4 machines). It´s easy to use and it jumps fast fra node to node. Though it works perfectly for my use I would never (read ever) use it on my main workstation because the video signal is not near good enough. I tried it once with my Lacie 22" monitor but the signal was full of tiny small flickering, like it was on 40-50 hertz all the time even with different resolution setup.

So try it before you buy it!

Preisler

[schroeder]

Not sure if it'll do what you're after, but I've been happily using Synergy for the last 6-8 months. Occasionally it hiccups, but it's been fantastic as a software-based KVM.

http://synergy2.sourceforge.net/

[Da_elf]

neither of those posts seem to discuss the topic at hand. a KVM for dual monitors. im also interested to hear peoples advice on this. id hate to buy another switch just to use for my 2nd monitor

[jonasa]

Shroeder, I looked at Synergy... but seems its only a KM solutions not a KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) - at least thats what it says in their FAQ section.

I could also use a VNC software solution... but not sure I can get the speed and quality needed for workstation use.

The problem has arisen after I started using XP64 on my new workstation - since some applications still are a bit flaky in 64bit I often have to rely on my old workstation for some work. And would like to keep using my Dual monitor setup for this, and hotswapping the monitor, mouse & keyboard cables is wearing me out.

There are a couple of hardware solutions out there:

http://www.iogear.com/main.php?loc=product&Item=GCS1742
- not sure this is available in the UK

http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?...424&doy=search
- Supposedly good quality, but is it good enough for workstation use?

http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProdu...duct_Id=262690
- Read some negative comments on this one - particularly on picture quality

Any thought?

[Da_elf]

for me ive got a system dedicated to 3d workstation and one dedicated to audio and im trying to get a dual monitor kvm as well so i can just use both monitors for both systems

it hasnt gotten a review yet but here is one
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817802077

seems most kvm companies never bothered putting much thought into dual monitor solutions

[glyph]

I use an old Dakota kvm to switch between pc 1 and 2 connected to 20" monitor -
(it works fine - seems sharp to me)
second monitor is a 20" crt with a built in selector switch on the front (for dual inputs)

that give lots of flexibility so I can choose to switch one screen or both -
it would be the same with two separate 2way kvms

some days I only use one pc and one monitor - others 2 pcs and 2 monitors

--edit: I dont switch the mouse and kb so have two of each - that's not such a good idea when you're really busy and trying to do two things at once and keep hitting the wrong keyboard - can be upsetting if you hit the delete key for instance