KVM Switches - do they degrade visual quality?

[MichaelD]

I will be needing a KVM switch soon. I want to be able to view two different boxes off the same monitor. I don't want to lose any visual quality from my main box, though. Do those KVM switches mess up the visual quality? Line loss type deal...?

 

[CrackRabbit]

The KVM Switches we use where i work do lose some visual quality, and the picture also seems to shake, but they are also run over cat 5 from the back of the computer to the monitor & keyboard. Im not sure if this quality loss is in all KVM switches or just the ones we use...


CrackRabbit

 

[spanky]

good kvm's should not affect visual quality. i have a 2 port dlink kvm... i couldn't tell the difference between the monitor being plugged directly into my video card or my kvm.

 

[stonecold3169]

At university here they use KVM switches, and they degrade quality in an odd way. On trinitron monitors they make them appear as though they have collapsed around the support lines. If you plug the monitor into the comp direct, this doesn;t happen. If you've ever seen a bad trinitron you'll know what I mean.

 

[MichaelD]

<< If you've ever seen a bad trinitron you'll know what I mean. >>



Darn; I do know exactly what you mean. Well, I guess I have to find a reaaaaaaallly cheap 15" monitor for my server/FTP box then. The two monitors I have are both pretty decent and I do not want to risk damaging either.

I'd buy one used off the net, but the cost of shipping it would offset any kind of "hot deal" I could find. Hmm, got an idea for another thread. Thanks much guys. Appreciate your time.

 

[clumsum]

MichaelD,

Check out the KVM Switch review at: TomsHardware

I use a D-link 2-Port KVM switch ..... (with no noticible video loss) ...... and I would not go back to the 2-Monitor setup I used to have ........ way too much clutter on my desk top!

Best KVM switch to me ..... lools like the Belkin Omni-View with the USB and Audio ....... !

 

[ElFenix]

every added connection is going to degrade quality of an analog signal, its just a fact of life.

 

[Thor86]

What's the point of a 2 port KVM? Obviously it is not stackable. Yes, most KVM's you will lose video quality.

 

[MichaelD]

Thanks for the linky, clumsum.

I've neither the money, nor the space for another monitor. Two is enough.

 

[clumsum]

ElFenix,

I don't doubt the truth in your statement, but if it's not a noticable loss ............. it should not really be a problem.

The best setup is to use good (short as possible) cables ............... mine were $12. each!

 

[amdskip]

Belkin Omni-View with the USB and Audio

2 port works great, I don't notice any degradation as I use belkin's expensive cables (ouch!) and couldn't be happier.

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: amdskip
Belkin Omni-View with the USB and Audio

2 port works great, I don't notice any degradation as I use belkin's expensive cables (ouch!) and couldn't be happier.

Cool. I'll look into that. Still cheaper than buying another 17-inch monitor.

 

[kgraeme]

Yes they will degrade, but if you get a good one and use really good cables, then you probably won't notice it.

Some features to consider:

USB or PS2 or both?
Most are just PS2. USB is becoming available. I have used a Belkin SOHO series KVM that supports both USB and PS2. It was okay except for the fact that it only allowed PS2 keyboard/mouse to be hooked up, then with each computer you decided whether you wanted to connect it with PS2 or USB. It worked okay for my USB-only Macs, but I did notice that the mouse seemed to have a slight stuttering tracking.

USB device sharing/switching?
My new IOGear Miniview III KVM allows me to have usb devices, say a scanner, that any device on the switch can access.

Keyboard hot-key switching?
This doesn't seem like a big deal, but I like it. Switching with a hot-key is just cool.

On-screen display?
This puts a readout overlay on the screen to identify what computer you just switched to. Some KVM let you set it to go away or be always on. Always on is nice when you are running it for a server room setup.

Beep.
Both my Belkin and IOGear beep when I switch computers, the IOGear is quieter though. It would be nice to be able to turn off the beeping.

Cables.
The IOGear came with 4 bonded video/usb cables.