Why are DVI KVM switches so expensive?

[Niku]

What is the real reason KVM switches with DVI cost $150? I am pretty sure its just Unobtainium and Überium that makes them expensive, like monster cables. For $10.66 taxed, i just bought a Trendnet KVM from radio shack. Why should i pony up that much money for some thing that smells like it should cost a quarter of the price?

 

[mmntech]

Monoprice baby.

$32.54 for a two port
http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10110&cs_id=1011004&p_id=4069&seq=1&format=2

$62.12 for a four port
http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10110&cs_id=1011004&p_id=4070&seq=1&format=2

HDMI switches will also work if you have the converter cables. Those aren't expensive.

 

[mmntech]

oops, double post.

 

[Niku]

Does that also control USB? for some reason, a decent KVM switch that controls Keyboard Video and Mouse is always like $150.

 

[0roo0roo]

niche market= rape j00!

 

[Niku]

niche market= rape j00!

Eloquent as always.

 

[Fayd]

Monoprice baby.

$32.54 for a two port
http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10110&cs_id=1011004&p_id=4069&seq=1&format=2

$62.12 for a four port
http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10110&cs_id=1011004&p_id=4070&seq=1&format=2

HDMI switches will also work if you have the converter cables. Those aren't expensive.

uh, dude, all you recommended there is a DVI switch.

he asked for a DVI KVM switch. (IE, include mouse/keyboard abilities)

besides, HDMI switches are 15 bucks.


to the OP: i would think the difference in price would have to do with the confusion of adding USB to the mix. as to why that makes such a HUGE difference in price, i'd guess... like 0roo said, niche market.

besides, can't you just remote desktop into the second machine?

 

[Niku]

I am not sure that a network resource would serve my purpose.

I will probably resort to just using dual inputs on my TV. The KVM could just be used on the inputs.

 

[PsiStar]

Remote Desktop comes with Windows ... so, you haven't tried it yet?:\

 

[Niku]

Remote desktop will not help in my situation. I am focused on a switch option because i am trying to avoid alt tabbing out of games to surf the web for related information, or to stream a TV show in the back ground while i play.

 

[Blain]

Doesn't the Trendnet KVM you bought work properly?

 

[Zap]

Remote desktop will not help in my situation. I am focused on a switch option because i am trying to avoid alt tabbing out of games to surf the web for related information, or to stream a TV show in the back ground while i play.

Have you tried running the game as a window and not fullscreen? I do that with WoW and even WolfET (back when I played it a lot). You get instant ALT-TAB this way, faster than a KVM would switch.

 

[AlgaeEater]

What is the real reason KVM switches with DVI cost $150? I am pretty sure its just Unobtainium and Überium that makes them expensive, like monster cables. For $10.66 taxed, i just bought a Trendnet KVM from radio shack. Why should i pony up that much money for some thing that smells like it should cost a quarter of the price?

Yeah I'm in the same boat and I just use adapters like they're going out of style. Making matters worse, even if you are able to find a reasonably priced KVM switch with DVI + USB, it most likely won't be able to power an illuminated keyboard or mouse. If you need audio support too, good luck.

So I'm using a standard PS2 - VGA KVM switch right now with VGA-DVI adapters and PS2-USB adapters. It's an ugly mess, but it works.

I've come to the point where I don't even mind spending a lot, but there isn't really updated KVM switch released within the last couple of years that has DVI-USB-Audio and supports high draw wired keyboards and mice.

 

[Niku]

I do not like windowed mode.

Doesn't the Trendnet KVM you bought work properly?

Works great. takes about 1 second to switch to a new display. i use them at work all the time. But its VGA. I have DVI and HDMI. So i will have to just use the KVM for inputs, then bypass it for video and use it only for USB. The TV has 3 DVI ports. I wanted to avoid two actions, but its better then using windowed mode or alt tabbing.