Monitor Switch (1 Viewer)

[Ken Holmes]

Is there a device out there where I can connect 2 computers to 1 monitor and switch between the 2?

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,
Ken H

 

[Ken Holmes]

Is there a device out there where I can connect 2 computers to 1 monitor and switch between the 2?

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,
Ken H

 

[Walter Kittel]

You want a KVM switch. You can check pricewatch, newegg, or simply google for KVM switch and get a variety of types by various manufacturers. I use an Iogear Miniview 2 port KVM that switches video, mouse ( PS2 - not serial ) and keyboard ( PS2 ) and it works great. Pressing the scroll lock key switches between systems ( if they are both powered up of course. ) Purchased mine from Newegg and have been very happy with it.

Newegg
pricewatch
KVMS

- Walter.

 

[Walter Kittel]

You want a KVM switch. You can check pricewatch, newegg, or simply google for KVM switch and get a variety of types by various manufacturers. I use an Iogear Miniview 2 port KVM that switches video, mouse ( PS2 - not serial ) and keyboard ( PS2 ) and it works great. Pressing the scroll lock key switches between systems ( if they are both powered up of course. ) Purchased mine from Newegg and have been very happy with it.

Newegg
pricewatch
KVMS

- Walter.

 

[SethH]

Walter's right. You want a KVM. Just as a note: if you buy used (or maybe even new) make sure it comes with the appropriate cables. The cables are funny and will cost an extra $20+ if they aren't included.

 

[SethH]

Walter's right. You want a KVM. Just as a note: if you buy used (or maybe even new) make sure it comes with the appropriate cables. The cables are funny and will cost an extra $20+ if they aren't included.

 

[Ken Holmes]

Thanks for the help. I'm still debating if this would be a good solution or even a plausible solution for 2 computers (1 mac and 1 pc) to one monitor. These computers are used for grapgic artist purposes and I've read something about video degredation quality issues when using one of theses switches. I just hate to have to spend the $ for another monitor for the new mac that is going to cost an arm and a leg.

 

[Ken Holmes]

Thanks for the help. I'm still debating if this would be a good solution or even a plausible solution for 2 computers (1 mac and 1 pc) to one monitor. These computers are used for grapgic artist purposes and I've read something about video degredation quality issues when using one of theses switches. I just hate to have to spend the $ for another monitor for the new mac that is going to cost an arm and a leg.

 

[Ken Chan]

If you buy a decent powered KVM, the quality is fine up to a particular resolution, like maybe 1600x1200. Check the specs. Simple switches with no power are definitely bad. I've had no problems with a Belkin Omniview, but now that I think about it, I'm not sure I've driven it quite that high.

 

[Ken Chan]

If you buy a decent powered KVM, the quality is fine up to a particular resolution, like maybe 1600x1200. Check the specs. Simple switches with no power are definitely bad. I've had no problems with a Belkin Omniview, but now that I think about it, I'm not sure I've driven it quite that high.

 

[SethH]

Definitely read the specs. They should all say what resolution they are good for. A quick question though . . . isn't a Mac's monitor connection different from a PC? I would think this could cause a problem (unless both are DVI).

 

[SethH]

Definitely read the specs. They should all say what resolution they are good for. A quick question though . . . isn't a Mac's monitor connection different from a PC? I would think this could cause a problem (unless both are DVI).

 

[Ken Holmes]

Yeah, I'm not sure about the mac connection that is why I don't know if this would work, anyone with a mac have a clue if this the connection for a monitor different than a pc?

 

[Ken Holmes]

Yeah, I'm not sure about the mac connection that is why I don't know if this would work, anyone with a mac have a clue if this the connection for a monitor different than a pc?

 

[Ken.Nischan]

I bought a Linksys 8 port KVM but idiotically did not check the type of cables it uses.. once I got it in the mail I found out it didn't use a "regular" KVM style cable but rather a DB25->KVM. The Linksys DB25 cables are $20 a pop too. Ugh.

 

[Ken.Nischan]

I bought a Linksys 8 port KVM but idiotically did not check the type of cables it uses.. once I got it in the mail I found out it didn't use a "regular" KVM style cable but rather a DB25->KVM. The Linksys DB25 cables are $20 a pop too. Ugh.

 

[Ken Chan]

Depends on the Mac. It could be VGA, DVI, or ADC. DVI should convert to VGA no problem. A really old Mac would have DB15 (right) instead of HDB15 (left) for VGA:
There are also ADC (right) to DVI (left) converters:

 

[Ken Chan]

Depends on the Mac. It could be VGA, DVI, or ADC. DVI should convert to VGA no problem. A really old Mac would have DB15 (right) instead of HDB15 (left) for VGA:
There are also ADC (right) to DVI (left) converters:

 

[Ken Holmes]

The mac will be new likely a G5. Would I need to buy one of these adaptors? The monitor I'm wanting to share is a CRT (no DVI).

 

[Ken Holmes]

The mac will be new likely a G5. Would I need to buy one of these adaptors? The monitor I'm wanting to share is a CRT (no DVI).