KVM poor video quality

[bigpoppapumpg]

I just set up a fairly expensive Belkin 8 port kvm switch at work. When i fired it up, I noticed that the video had degraded somewhat. The monitor looked much brighter and washed out, slightly fuzzy and the text was not as clear.

Almost like when you go from 100hz to 60hz refresh rate you notice a difference, this defintely looks worse. I'm using a 21" dell trinitron at work with modest resolution 1024x768x32 @85hz due to my not so great eyes. What could be causing this?

 

[Keysplayr]

KEYword, "Belkin". Low quality. Overpriced. I would return it and get another brand such as IOGEAR. Have had much success and zero problems. Very good video quality. Runs 2048x1536 without degradation.

 

[bigpoppapumpg]

ok but this is a work model from the pro series that retials for over $300. The least you'd expect is to have good video quality right?

What about using a KVM switch could degrade the signal? oh i'm using expensive high quality cables also so its not that.

 

[Keysplayr]

Absolutely! When you pay a lot of money for something, you expect it to perform. I have used belkin products in the past only to return them or throw them in the garbage. Hell, I have even had problems with a simple USB cable made by belkin. I am only giving you advice on my experience. The IOMEGA i told you about retails for about 145 to 160 dollars (8 ports) and its quality is up there with the best. And if your using belking KVM cables, that will only amplify your problem. Stay away from belking altogether. Just my suggestions. Good Luck.

 

[Slapstick]

From past experience with several KVM?s from Belkin, Dlink and Linksys, (yep they're the cheap ones) it may not be the KVM but your monitor. I know when I reboot a PC that isn?t the current one displayed the monitor defaults to 60hz even though Windows is set for 85hz , (same thing happens when I first hook up a PC to the KVM).

You might want to check your monitors OSD to see what it?s running at. If that?s the problem try switching to that PC and setting Windows to run at 60hz, (accept that setting) then set it again to run at 85hz. Works every time for me to get back to the right refresh rate.

 

[bigpoppapumpg]

are you saying that if this is my problem, each and every time i switch between pc's I will have to adjust the refresh rate in windows?

 

[Slapstick]

No just when you reboot and only if the PC you rebooted isn't the current one displayed on the KVM. It's strange behavior and the only thing I can think of that causes it is the overscan protection of the monitor.

 

[AWhackWhiteBoy]

Originally posted by: keysplayr2003
KEYword, "Belkin". Low quality. Overpriced. I would return it and get another brand such as IOGEAR. Have had much success and zero problems. Very good video quality. Runs 2048x1536 without degradation.

Low quality and over priced? I own many Belkin products, one of them being a 4 port KVM switch and gold series cables for it that i've been using for 3 years now without a single problem. What kind of problems did you have? Belkin KVMs are top knotch in the business and i'd recommend them any day over IOGear.

 

[AWhackWhiteBoy]

How many feet long are the cables? What cables did you buy?

 

[Keysplayr]

Originally posted by: AWhackWhiteBoy
How many feet long are the cables? What cables did you buy?

You must be a whack white boy or something. I have tried Belking 4 port, 2 port, pro versions, routers, hubs and you name it. They all are cheap pieces of garbage built with lowest bidder parts and get charged an arm and a leg for it. All of the KVM's has video degradation at certain resolutions (anything over 800x600) and lost their keyboard/mouse emulation over and over again constantly needing to recycle power and rebooting computers to re-establish keyboard/mouse functionality. In fact, I think even the average computer user knows that belkin is garbage. And you say your in the business?
Do a simple google search for KVM reviews and you will seldom find a kind word towards a belkin product.

 

[Keysplayr]

Originally posted by: AWhackWhiteBoy

Originally posted by: keysplayr2003
KEYword, "Belkin". Low quality. Overpriced. I would return it and get another brand such as IOGEAR. Have had much success and zero problems. Very good video quality. Runs 2048x1536 without degradation.

Low quality and over priced? I own many Belkin products, one of them being a 4 port KVM switch and gold series cables for it that i've been using for 3 years now without a single problem. What kind of problems did you have? Belkin KVMs are top knotch in the business and i'd recommend them any day over IOGear.

Let me correct that statement. VERY LOW quality and EXTREMELY overpriced. You show me an 8 port belkin KVM for 149.00 and that works flawlessly. From my experience, I wont even buy a USB cable from that company.

 

[AWhackWhiteBoy]

i've used 2port, 4port,and 8port belkin KVM switches,some rack mountable enterprise versions,some home versions. none had any effect on video quality on my 21" Sun CRT@1280x1024.

If i did a simple google search i'd probably find lots of people complaining about their PCs mouse not working and it going crazy. Upon further examination most are linux newbies that don't realize you need to reinitialize the PS2 protocol by switching consoles after switching between computers on most KVMs. Or i could find people using cheap low grade cables extending the distance between their graphics card and monitor by over 10 feet with no proper sheilding or loose fitting connectors. people love to just blame a product just so they don't have to bother figuring out a real solution.

A KVM by nature just add more margin for error on every front when dealing with a computer. this makes it a prime target for whining.

as for belkins overall quality, i've used endless belkin cables,never a hint of a problem, WAPs, Routers, PCMCIA wireless cards, USB cards, hell even USB gamepads. i've never had a single complaint against Belkin products at all. seems like you have an untold agenda against them.

 

[Agamar]

I have about 15 belkin 2 and 4 port KVMs at work. Most have worked flawlessly. I think I have replaced 2 of them because of grim buildup on the button caused it not to switch.

 

[Keysplayr]

Ok guys, you win. You win. I have an agenda against Belkin. You caught me.

Now really how ridiculous does that sound? Agenda? Against Belkin? When your finally take your tongue out of your KVM's PS/2 port, let me know. There are all kinds in here. Even whack white boys. PUN INTENDED>

 

[AWhackWhiteBoy]

You post no content, just stupid remarks and "such and such sucks". Maybe if you actually had something to contribute to this thread you wouldn't have to resort to personal attacks.