Does a DVI KVM Solution Exist? 103
clichekiller asks: "I'm looking for a way to share my Apple 23" LCD between my Dual-G4 and my Athlon PC. I know that I'll need to upgrade my PC video card to one that has a DVI connector on it, but I haven't found a DVI Switch yet. Is there a simple way to share an LCD between two computers? Has anyone managed this between a Mac and a PC? I'd really like to ditch my behemoth 70 lbs. 19" monitor."
Did you even.... (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Did you even.... (Score:1)
clichekiller certainly hasn't killed any cliches with that fine investigative effort.
Pointless slashdot stories Unite!
Re:Did you even.... (Score:4, Funny)
Re:Did you even.... (Score:4, Insightful)
ARe the mods really so lazy and uninterested in slashdot they just approve anything?
Geez. My respect for slashdot mods just went WAY down.
Next Ask Slashdot (Score:2)
What's next? "Dear Slashdot. I'd like to find a place with news for nerds. A place where 'computer people' talk about stuff that matters. Can you help me?"
Re:Next Ask Slashdot (Score:2)
I find it hilarious that... (Score:2, Funny)
Re:I find it hilarious that... (Score:5, Informative)
Re:I find it hilarious that... (Score:2)
Re:I find it hilarious that... (Score:1)
So, 1600x1200 on that LCD would look just peachy in comparison to 1280x1024 on the monitor he dislikes.
That being said, the editors don't have the time or energy to memorize the specs of every electronics product every manufacturer sells. On that note... How far is it from tip to grip on the Hakko 900S soldering handle?
Re:I find it hilarious that... (Score:2, Informative)
Yes I'm looking to run at the native resolution, if possible. I keep my PC around to play games on so VNC or other networking solutions won't work.
As far as googling, I did that and only came up with some switches that wouldn't support my resolution. Again I should have been more specific.
I was hoping I wasn't the only person out there who wanted to do this and was looking for some input from others wh
Re:I find it hilarious that... (Score:5, Funny)
Shhh! This type of attitude is unacceptable! If you show any kind of weakness or hesitation, they'll tear you to shreds!
Re:I find it hilarious that... (Score:1)
Ha! Thanks for the laugh. Now if only I wasn't at work at the time.
My intent in that statement was that I ignored the derisive nature of the comments and took out of them the constructive bits.
Re:I find it hilarious that... (Score:1)
http://www.kvms.com/nav/item.asp?item=7071 [kvms.com]
What's this? Why it's a 2-Port DVI USB KVM Switch that lists support for 1920x1200 resolution in the specs. Thanks, Google!
Re:I find it hilarious that... (Score:1)
That being said I do not know what res he runs on his 19" moniter now, or what it is capable of. However, given that he can afford the 23" Apple LCD, I would imagine it can do at least 1600x1200, and also that he has a video card which can run the same.
Re:I find it hilarious that... (Score:2)
Good news and bad news (Score:5, Informative)
Re:Good news and bad news (Score:2)
Re:Good news and bad news (Score:5, Informative)
welcome datacomp (Score:3, Funny)
And just what is wrong with welcome datacomp ads built into consumer devices?
Re:welcome datacomp (Score:2)
And just what is wrong with welcome datacomp ads built into consumer devices?
If you don't see the problem with a device you paid money to get spamming you with ads, I don't think I can explain it.
Re:Good news and bad news (Score:2)
Way more featureful and easier to set up than any Linksys. And it actually works, unlike every Netgear WiFi product I've ever tried to use.
Re:Good news and bad news (Score:1)
Re:Good news and bad news (Score:3, Informative)
So, instead I'm now using a plain ARP/Datacon one (which is a distributor brand), available trough their website in CH,DE,AT.
But if you are somewhere else in Europe : good luck !
Re:Good news and bad news (Score:2)
Re:Good news and bad news (Score:1)
Seriously, take everything they say with a grain of salt, they're of little help with genuine problems. I stay away from anything belkin i can't easily return to the store.
Re:Good news and bad news (Score:5, Informative)
The keyboard is also virtualized, and the virtual keyboard has very course control over keyboard repeat settings. If you've become used to specific timings, you'll deal with some frustration.
The mouse is virtualized as well. If you have a fancy mouse with tilt and a bunch of extra buttons, some of those features will be lost. It pretty much emulates a three button mouse with a scroll wheel and internet forward/back buttons. I read some forum problems where others' Logitech mice didn't work at all, but I didn't face any mouse problems myself.
Lastly, if you're using the 2.6 kernel, you definitely need to jump into the documentation and make sure you're using the new USB devices. If you're running the old keyboard-specific USB driver instead of the generic HID driver, keyboard detection will be erratic with most KVM switches.
Re:Good news and bad news (Score:2)
As far as keyboards go I'm already using a Microsoft Natural for my PC and the standard keyboard that came with my mac. I can switch to the PC keyboard for both, but if its virtualized will Microsoft's Intellitouch recognize the keyboard on the Mac so I can map the appropriate keys.
The more I read the more I come to realize that it will probably be cheaper, and easier, to just by a smaller LCD monitor for my PC.
You would
Re:Good news and bad news (Score:1)
Thanks for the compliment. Getting into an argument would serve no purpose other then to clutter the thread.
Here is EXACTLY what you are looking for. (Score:3, Informative)
There is an easy solution and I have it for you.
What you need is the CompuCable Hybrid ADC/DVI KVM switch. [compucable.com]
It has an ADC-out port that goes to your Cinema display -- mine is the 22". There is an ADC-in port that comes from the video card on the G4. You plug your USB keyboard and mouse into the back of the Cinema display. Mouse and keyboard signals are passed over ADC to the Mac.
There i
Re:Good news and bad news (Score:2)
Have you tried disabling the monitor's power button, [macosxhints.com] just for shits and giggles?
~Philly
Re:Good news and bad news (Score:2)
Wow. I read the instructions. Is that an actual intutive set of steps, or is it a "Up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A, B, A, Select, Start" kind of easter-eggy thing? Sucks if they actually HID the "enable touch switch" checkbox like that. Makes you wonder how many other useful things they've hidden!
Re:Good news and bad news (Score:2)
He finally, after several tech, support calls found this out:
There's a particular pin you need to actually remove from the cable with a needlenose pliers, and then the Mac will no longer shut itself off. I can't remember exactly what pin it was, but I hope that could at least give you enough to start with.
Re:spendy (Score:3, Informative)
Roundabout (Score:1)
This is probably a lot easier to set up than what I'm trying to do. I've got a 17" crt and a 17" lcd plugged into a dual head geforce fx. I'm trying to configure X so that I can get one window manager on the left and another window manager on the right. Then I want to use x2x or something to move the mo
Re:Roundabout (Score:1)
I have a very happy 2560x960 X/KDE setup accross two monitors using a FX5700
www.nvidia.com follow the download links
Re:Roundabout (Score:3, Informative)
He said he wants *two* window managers. I take that to mean two different window managers running and controlling each screen. I'm not sure why anyone would want to do that, but whatever floats their boat. NVidia's stuff works fine on the other hand except for the occassional flickering I get from the DVI output (connected via a DVI-VGA adapter which I've replaced.. still flicke
Re:Roundabout (Score:1)
in the X config file..
Option "HWCursor" "0"
Option "SWCursor" "1"
but some (read 1 so far) have reported that they then get redraw artifacts in openGL apps.
Re: (Score:1)
It's not that difficult... (Score:1)
VNC (Score:1)
Of course this solution depends greatly on the intended use, as it is not entirely suited to hardcore gaming, etc.
Re:VNC (Score:5, Informative)
There's also a ZERO percent chance that a third party can access the machine remotely. Even with the best security practices and software, if you're connected to a network there's still a chance of a break-in.
VNC has it's uses, but a direct connection is preferable if the physical machine is right next to you. The advantage of a KVM switch increases with the number of machines, too!
=Smidge=
VNC not a great solution (Score:2)
I had one niche industry program run more than 50% slower - not doubt it was badly or something, but a KVM wouldn't cause such foolishness.
Jonathan
Re:VNC not a great solution (Score:1)
Even when it's the only thing running, it's pretty sluggish. I tried using it to display a 2GHz Windows box on my 3GHz Linux box over gigabit ethernet, and even at near-zero CPU load on both boxes, it was still painful. You type things in Visual Studio and they take half a second to appear on the client machine.
Re:VNC not a great solution (Score:1)
Maybe it's got to do with .NET drawing all of its own widgets and everything instead of using the system defaults, which are easier to hook.
Possible too that it would have worked better if I didn't use it maximized.
Re:VNC not a great solution (Score:3, Insightful)
While still not being an ideal solution, Ultr@VNC [sourceforge.net] should solve the resource usage problem as it ships with a ring 0 based display driver removing the requirement to continuously poll for modified screen contents as it gets notified when a portion of the screen changes.
Re:VNC not a great solution (Score:2)
But thanks.
Jonathan
Dr. Bott (Score:5, Informative)
Re:Dr. Bott (Score:1)
Re:Dr. Bott (Score:1)
I'm switching to a notebook for my second system, so I don't need it anymore. I'd gladly work out a deal with you if you're interested. (You don't have an email address listed here, or I'd have written directly.)
checked made4mac on apple.com? (Score:1)
For more choices, go here [apple.com] and search "kvm adc" or "kvm dvi"
RAM Electronics (Score:4, Informative)
Expensive, however....
-psy
Re:RAM Electronics (Score:2)
Re:RAM Electronics (Score:2)
I've looked at switching DVI myself with FPGAs and it's not easy.
Here's some (Score:3, Informative)
Don't bother with KVMs.. (Score:2, Informative)
Much easier than KVM-switches.. really
Re:Don't bother with KVMs.. (Score:2)
Re:Don't bother with KVMs.. (Score:1)
Some Suggestions may be missing the point... (Score:5, Insightful)
Well, I might as well post a comment at the root level, as aposed to replying to other peoples comments.
1> this person has a $2000 dollar APPLE High Definition LCD Screen. The NATIVE resolution is 1920x1200. It goes without saying that his PeeCee probably has a graphic card capable of the resolution, if not I'm sure he has enough money to get one (they start at about $100).
2> for all you Google searchers... There are no KVM switches on your search that support anything higher than 1600x1200. I'm sure if he wanted to downgrade to that resolution, he would have never asked this question.
3> for the Suggestions involving VNC, or Remote Desktop, they are good suggestions however they have been found to be a known security issue. UNLESS you run your own home network behind a firewall these should NEVER be used. If you use them without blocking internet connectivity to those ports, you will have every script kiddy in the known universe tapdancing all over your precious machine. IF you are behind a firewall they would be OK provided you secure the LAN and "trust" all the other machines on that LAN.
With all that being said, I have looked into the issue also, I own a Dual 2Gig G5 with a 23" also, along with an alienware and laptop, the VNC/RemoteDesktop works for everything except when I want to play FPS games (or other high refresh rate applications) on the Alienware.
Bob
Re:Some Suggestions may be missing the point... (Score:4, Insightful)
1) If you use a Windows PC and it's connected to the internet it should be behind a firewall. Period, end of discussion.
2) You can safely tunnel a VNC connection through SSH to connect over the internet.
Actually.... (Score:2, Interesting)
Given this, there is a good chance DVI switchers actually CAN support 1920x1200 even though they "officially" can't claim they do.
Re:Actually.... (Score:2, Interesting)
Re:Actually.... (Score:1)
Get a dual input monitor (Score:2)
You can get USB switches for under $10 shipped, and between the two you have a lossless display switch.
If you go the KVM route with DVI, you're limited to lower datarate DVI modes. No 1600x1200 or Apple Cinema display support that I'm aware of. If you go the KVM route w
Re:Get a dual input monitor (Score:3, Insightful)
A dual-input Cinema would be... wonderful.
Re:Get a dual input monitor (Score:2)
Re:Get a dual input monitor (Score:2)
Re:Get a dual input monitor (Score:2)
Re:Get a dual input monitor (Score:1)
I bet Samsung has a downloadable manual, or that you can mail their tech support and ask.
Re:Get a dual input monitor (Score:1)
One such solution (Score:2)
If you use 3 DVI->CRT Converters and a CRT switch, you should be able to retain the DVI connectivity. It should look a little like this:
System 1*---&|CRT Switch|&----*System 2
&
|
*
Monitor
& = DVI->CRT Adapter
- | = DVI Cable
Switch = CRT Switch
* = DVI In/Out
I'm pretty sure it works - in theory. I claim no responsibility if this fries your mon
Re:One such solution (Score:1)
Re:One such solution (Score:3, Funny)
RTFG (Score:1)
Re:RTFG? No... STFW (Score:2)
Search the fine web...
I think there's a T-shirt with this on it too.
You can't criticize the submitter (Score:2)
KVMs from Gefen (Score:1)
Works well. You just need an ADC to DVI converter (which I picked up at the Apple Store). I used this setup to share my 22" cinema display between my PC and my G4.
I do this - Gefen KVM (Score:5, Informative)
Works great, they support ADC by providing ADC-to-DVI cables and the main box is DVI/USB/audio.
I have one major complaint - the switch they provides (ie, the UI) is via an IR remote control. Unfortunately it's hideously simple - my TiVo remote is constantly swtiching the KVM if I don't block it. And that's the only UI to the KVM. Otherwise, it's great.
Re:I do this - Gefen KVM (Score:2)
While this is being discussed... (Score:2)
Analog (no DVI), minimum 4 sytems, maximum 8 systems. USB, dual-user, dual-head, and rackmountable features are a plus.
Exceptional video quality, though, is an absolute must. Minimum 1600x1200x85Hz in *perfect* video quality.
I have a nice Aten, but even with high-dollar cabling, I still get a lot of ghosting and blurring at 1600x1200x85hz. Besides, it's only a 2-system KVM, and I need a few more ports.
Thanks for a
KVMs may require unacceptable compromises (Score:3, Informative)
I bought and tried a few on my P4, G4, and G5- based setup. Ended up returning *all* of them.
The biggest issues I encountered, in no particular order:
1) degraded video quality. some cables / switches were better than others, but all of them caused some degredation past about 1024x768.
2) virtualization of mouse and keyboard devices. stops any special buttons or keys from working. on most KVMs, this means that your apple media keys might not work and some unusual mice (my kensington optical trackball) may not work at all. This alone was a deal-breaker for me since i use those extra buttons for expose and other functions
3) pc-centric nature of most kvm's. most of them assume you are connecting PCs. KVM hardware may not work or may have issues with non-PC OS' or hardware. The KVMs i tried usually worked ok, but a few presented virtual devices that were not recognized by my Macs or Linux.
Good luck!
Diego
Re:KVMs may require unacceptable compromises (Score:2)
acd23 uses ADC and needs adapter for DVI (Score:2)
convert to vga (Score:1)
How about Synergy Cliff (Score:1, Interesting)
ADC KVM (Score:2)
Upgrading my work rig, I needed to KVM back and forth with the old one. So I got this puppy:
http://store.yahoo.com/kvm-switch/adcdvi-adc-ab . ht ml
You hook your PeeCee into it plus the two monitors. It does the DVI to ADC conversion for you... don't need apples dingleb
Re:Maybe ask Google before Slashdot? (Score:2)
Care to revise your statement?