Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: JB42 on January 24, 2003, 12:54:04 PM

Title: Anyone using a KMV switch?
Post by: JB42 on January 24, 2003, 12:54:04 PM

Does anyone use a KMV switch and does it affect your resolution?

Title: Anyone using a KMV switch?
Post by: FOGOLD on January 25, 2003, 07:21:30 AM

I have been using one for over a year now and its not problem at all. I have the desktop resolution and colour depth set to the same on both machines because I've read that having them different can shorten the life of your monitor. I have a fairly cheap one and it doesn't give any grief. Only thing is if the other PC is off, switch first and WAIT till the monitor goes into powersave before booting or it won't detect  the mouse properly.

I run a work machine on Win 95 as a server and my powerhouse super games machine- on XP - through the same Keyboard Video Mouse.

I believe the Belkin ones are very good.

Good luck

Title: Anyone using a KMV switch?
Post by: FOGOLD on January 25, 2003, 07:22:32 AM

And ,no. You can set the resolution to whatever the video card will support. Some people claim there is an image degradation but I havn't noticed.;)

Title: Anyone using a KMV switch?
Post by: JB73 on January 25, 2003, 02:07:41 PM

thanks for the reply ........

i actually had JB42 post this for me cause i couldnt get to the BBS @ work (blocked site)

i read that some people had "fuzzy" images from them.

does it affect framrates @ all?

also which 1 do you actually use?

i was looking @ the D-link or the netgear with the bilt in cables (both around $40)

Title: Anyone using a KMV switch?
Post by: bloom25 on January 25, 2003, 04:36:54 PM

A KVM (keyboard video monitor) switch won't affect frame rates at all.  Some do have a maximum resolution that they can support though...

Video quality will be reduced a little bit, but that's actually because of the extended cable length and additional connector loss.  If you use good triple shielded montor cables and keep the lengths short you probably won't notice the difference.

There are manual and electronic KVMs.  The manuals are just a rotary switch and are usually much cheaper than electronic KVMs.  They generally work ok, but do have a big fault in that they disconnect the keyboard and mouse from the system when that computer is not connected.  This will cause problems if you boot that computer if it is not selected (it won't detect the KB or mouse).  The electronic ones generally do not have this problem.  

Belkin does make electronic KVM switches.  Expect to pay about $65 for a two port switch and $85 for a 4 port.  The cables you will need will easily match that as well.  For a 2 port setup you will probably spend around $100.

Title: Anyone using a KMV switch?
Post by: Skuzzy on January 25, 2003, 06:25:25 PM

Belkins OmniPro KVM switches are pretty good.  The other thing a cheap KVM will do is limit your monitor's refresh rate.

Title: Anyone using a KMV switch?
Post by: qts on January 26, 2003, 03:39:59 AM

Be very careful about KVMs if you run at a high resolution. Make sure the bandwidth of the device will support your chosen resolution and refresh. The new Belkins go up to 1600x1200@100Hz. But they cost.

Title: Anyone using a KMV switch?
Post by: JB73 on January 26, 2003, 02:29:55 PM

Quote

Originally posted by qts
The new Belkins go up to 1600x1200@100Hz. But they cost.

@ newegg the belkin was 2048x1536@85Hz through a 400MHz  and it is $85

also TY for al the responses ...

i dont have an UBER video card (Geforce MX440 64mb) and a viewsonic 17" moniter (not flat screen or even flat front)
i usually only get 65hz FH refresh but 85hz VH refresh. so i dont think i will be on the losing end from what you all told me.

again <> all and TY