KVM messes up monitors?

[LxMxFxD]

Hi,

I'm getting a right edge of icons/pics/etc shadow reflection on my monitor after I hooked up this 4 port KVM by hawking technology. Here is a product link:

http://www.hawkingtech.com/products/cs154f.htm

I'm getting this white-ish shadow AFTER I put my monitor directly back onto my video card. Any one know if this switch or if any of them can damage video cards and/or monitors? And if so, what should I do, what can I do if its the video cards or monitor?

BTW, The ghosting is happening on both computers that I have which were momentarily hooked up to the switch.

Thanks,

Lx

 

[Gosharkss]

Extension cables, switchboxes and KVM switches are notorious for causing ghosting or streaking on the screen. This is almost always due to an impedance mismatch at the cable connection to the extension cable or switchbox. This type of problem always gets worse as you increase resolution or refresh rates.

Other likely sources are:

Video line filtering on your video card
Poor video amp response in the monitor
Video cable

 

[AreEss64]

Another problem, which plagues Belkin's (crappy) KVM's is their limited ability to pass on refresh. I'd kill for a fix that doesn't involve buying a Cybex. I have CHRONIC ghosting on my Philips Brilliance 201P (yes, I have a 201P) at 1920x1440x85Hz. The cause is the Belkin dropping my refresh from 85Hz to a pathetic 65Hz. If your monitor is equipped with RGBS input, sometimes low-impedance professional MiniDB15 to RGBS cables help. Unfortunately the Hawking doesn't list "real" specs such as impedance, etcetera. I would also use your monitors reset-to-default button and readjust your settings, starting with Moire and sync settings. It's entirely possible that the KVM confused your video card and it's displaying slightly differently now. Hope this helps, and good luck.

(..while I wish for an affordable 4 port that doesn't mangle 85Hz..)

 

[Agamar]

Yep, KVM switches can do some very strange things to both monitors and mice. I have a few machines that have mice that simply refuse to work thru the KVM.. Go figure.