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?
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
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.
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
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:
- not sure this is available in the UK
http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?ModuleNo=117424&doy=search
- Supposedly good quality, but is it good enough for workstation use?
http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product\_Id=262690
- Read some negative comments on this one - particularly on picture quality
Any thought?
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
seems most kvm companies never bothered putting much thought into dual monitor solutions
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 