Do DVI Splitters exist?

[senorcarne]

Does anyone know if a DVI splitter exists?

I have one monitor, a Samsung SyncMaster 910t, which comes with a DVI and a VGA port. DVI is for my windows computer which has an 8800 and is strictly gaming, therefore requiring a digital connection. But my Macbook can output to DVI and VGA and since it's a secondary monitor I assumed I wouldn't care - VGA on this monitor is so incredibly bad, everything is blurry and it looks almost disgusting.

Is there a way I can plug two DVI cables into a splitter to plug into one port and control which one I want to use? With the monitor I can push a button ("source") which switches instantly from DVI to VGA - do they make splitters that go instantly from one DVI to the other?

 

[jyi786]

I don't think something like that exists. I may be wrong, but then, why would KVMs exist?

I think your problem would be best served by a KVM. For instance:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817402009

 

[Croak]

You can use something like this along with three of these and you'll be in business.

 

[ToastyX]

DVI splitters do exist, but what you want is a switch, like Croak pointed out. HDMI and DVI carry the same video signal, so HDMI switches will work fine.

 

[RockoW]

Is quality lost with that tool?

 

[BlueMak]

Why would one prefer a splitter from a switch? or the other way around?

 

[RaynQuist]

Is quality lost with that tool?

HDMI can carry DVI signals, so with no conversion there's no quality loss, and it's all digital.

Why would one prefer a splitter from a switch? or the other way around?

Splitter takes 1 input and give 2 outputs. Switch takes 2 inputs and choose 1 for output.

 

[hstuehmeyer2000]

if they make dvi splitters just hope they are not like vga splitters, we have some at work, and they are horrible

 

[senorcarne]

Do they sell DVI switches or I have to buy an HDMI switch?

 

[Roberty]

You would be better off price wise to get an HDMI switch. http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10102&cs_id=1010202&p_id=3408&seq=1&format=1#largeimage

At $100 the one your looking for isn't cheap.

 

[Croak]

The HDMI switch and 3 new cables will only run you about $35 shipped, and it'll be a nice clean install, digital all the way. And you can reuse those cables later to hook up to a TV or newer monitor with HDMI input.

DVI is dying on the display side of things, still has a little life left in video cards, but not for much longer, so consider this a bit of future proofing too.

 

[RB30]

Matrox TRIPLEHEAD2GO Graphics Expansion Module Digital Edition 1XVGA in 1XDVI in 3XDVI-I Out

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=25198&vpn=T2G-D3D-IF&manufacture=Matrox&promoid=1020

 

[RB30]

CE-LINK HDMI Switch 5X1 5IN 1OUT Supports 1080P HDCP Compliant W/ Remote

CDN$54.91

http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=24170AC3575&vpn=HSW0501&manufacture=CE-Link Electronics