Author Topic: 2 Computers on 1 Monitor? (Read 423 times)

funkedup · « **on:** April 30, 2002, 02:57:00 PM »

Is there a product out there to allow this? I'm thinking about building an extra box to be a dedicated gaming server. But this is a low budget project so I don't want to buy an extra monitor. Is there a way to be able to switch which PC's display shows on my monitor without powering down and fiddling with the VGA cable?

Animal · « **Reply #1 on:** April 30, 2002, 03:01:22 PM »

Its called a monitor switch.

Its for people who are too cheap to get two monitors for each computer

funkedup · « **Reply #2 on:** April 30, 2002, 03:29:32 PM »

That would be me.

Skuzzy · « **Reply #3 on:** April 30, 2002, 03:39:29 PM »

Belkin makes a nice 4 port switch for this. I cannot recall the model number, but the general reference to these types of hardware is KVM switch.
You will need some additional cables for the interconnect between the computers and the switch, but they can be found a most electronics stores these days.

I have 3 computers at home tied to one monitor/keyboard/mouse. You can switch between the computers via a button or keyboard command, so you do not have to have physical access to the switch.

Hehe, it aint about being cheap. I have a very expensive 21" NEC FP-1355 at home and I do not have the space for 2 more of the monsters.

funkedup · « **Reply #4 on:** April 30, 2002, 04:30:43 PM »

Thanks guys I will look into that.

sparkzz · « **Reply #5 on:** May 01, 2002, 01:14:57 PM »

Either a monitor switch or the more expensive KVM switch. I upgraded to a KVM awhile back, but I still have a monitor switch laying around. If your interested send me an email.

sparkyzz@earthlink.net

qts · « **Reply #6 on:** May 01, 2002, 03:31:34 PM »

Beware KVM switches: they need to be powered, and they generally do not support high resolutions at high refresh rates. For use in a datacentre, they are wonderful, but for home use give strong consideration to getting yourself a monitor with two inputs.

Skuzzy · « **Reply #7 on:** May 01, 2002, 03:52:52 PM »

Most modern KVM's can handle the high refresh rates. The 4 port Belkin I was talking about can handle frequencies up to 200Hz.

My FP-1355 runs at 120Hz and has no problems, but yes, you need to watch for that. Also watch for KVM's that do not keep the mouse and keyboard alive, or you end up losing contact with the OS (particularly MS OS's).

Here is the info on the Belkin unit.

4 port
Video resolution Support up to 2048x1536x85hz
Requires no external power supply
PS/2 Mouse support

They also make that in a 2 port version

The 4 port version runs about $109.00 (U.S.) and the 2 port is about $89.00. These are the light weight versions.

I prefer the SE versions which costs a bit more and uses an external power supply, but are a bit beefier.

JoyFul · « **Reply #8 on:** May 02, 2002, 01:36:38 PM »

DKVM-4 from D-Link.

-ammo- · « **Reply #9 on:** May 02, 2002, 05:35:58 PM »

We use a CYBEX Switchview at work Funked. It equals to One Keyboard, One mouse, One monitor, and up to 4 computers. Very nice to have around.