Kvm switch just for display

[zedekk]

would a kvm switch like this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817107249 allow me to use it as a vga selector, without having a connection from the keyboard and mouse from each pc.

I would want to control each pc with its own keyboard and mouse, but be able to switch which pc i am viewing. Can a kvm switch be used this way without major problems. So its basically being used as a video input selector and ignoring its keyboard mouse control functions.

Thanks for any help!! ^^

 

[Harvey]

If all you want to do is switch between monitors, first, you want to distinguish between passive and active, powered devices. A passive device merely switches the monitor connected to the input between two output plugs. An actively buffered device has circuitry that buffers (re-amplifies) the input signal sent to the selected output. Passive systems can have enough internal capacitance that it could degrade the video signal.

The reviews on the product at your link aren't very encouraging. You may be able to do better for less money with one of these units on monoprice.com priced between $16.15 and $30.60.

The differences between the four units are:

1. The latter two include audio switching, along with the video.

2. The more expensive of each type (with and without audio) have greater bandwidth (400 MHz vs. 300 MHz).

Note that the bandwidth of the TrendNet unit on Newegg is only 200 MHz, and it's priced at $148.99.

If your monitors and vid card support DVI, you may also want to look at this powered DVI switch.

Hope that helps.

 

[Harvey]

Oops! Just realized that the units I linked to do the inverse of what you want. They allow switching one source between two monitors, not the other way around. Sorry if I mis-directed you.

Here's some info that may help you find the right part for your needs.