Need help picking the right KVM:

[Dracius]

Hello,

I just recently started reading these forums, and I've found them quite helpful in answering a lot of questions I had, as well as providing me with a ton of ideas for my own setups.

This is however my first post here, so I apologize if it's in the wrong section, or has already been covered in another thread. I've been researching this issue a bit, but can't seem to locate the info I need.

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Currently, each of my computers goes to it's own monitor, and has it's own keyboard. What I intend to do, is hook up the LCD TV as a cloned display for each computer, and switch between which computer is active on the TV via a KVM switch. I also intend to use a wireless USB keyboard connected to the KVM switch, that way I can operate both machines wirelessly with the same keyboard.

The result, will be that I can sit on the couch and switch between which computer is on the big screen, and use the wireless keyboard/mouse to control it, while still allowing me to sit at the desk and use my higher performance peripherials (regardless of which one is active on the TV at the time).

The speedbump: I can't seem to find the correct KVM to suit my needs. I need one that will support the resolution I intend to run it at, remember each PC's EDID, support USB and DVI. Audio is a different beast entirely, and I'm aware I may need to look into an entirely seperate solution for swapping my PC's audio. Also, for simplicities sake, I'll be running both @ 1680x1050 on the TV as well as the monitors.

Displays
2x LG 22" LCD's
1x LG 52" LCD TV

Outputs
Comp 1: 8800GT, 1680x1050 (DVI)
Comp 2: 7600GT, 1680x1050 (DVI)

 

[Dracius]

Any KVM guru's out there?

Or anyone who can point me in the right direction at the very least?

 

[cnick79]

My understanding is you want each 22" LCD to have it's own computer and be able to switch the two PCs between the 52" LCD?

Will something like this work for you? You could also use a USB to PS/2 port if you find a KVM you like without a USB input.

 

[Dracius]

Correct.

Each comp will always have an active 22" LCD display. The only thing I'm trying to swap is their 2nd display output, which will just be a cloned display.

The issue I'm concerned with in swapping between USB + PS/2 is that I'll be using a w-less USB dongle for a mouse/keyboard combo. I'm not sure if it'll still work the same way, but then I'm not too proficient in KVM's.

Here's the click->initial list<-click of KVM's I've been comparing.

However, I noticed a lot only support 1600x1200, so what will happen when I try to run 1680x1050 through it. That being the case, here's the list with all those removed.

Looking at this Aten CS1762 currently. Yet for some reason, a lot of sites list the max resolution supported at 1600x1200. Newegg lists it higher however, and has reviews of people claiming to run it at higher than 1600x1200. Aten only lists the CS1772 and CS1782 models, but both list superior resolutions to 1600x1200. Will likely purchase from them directly in favor of the CS1782 model and decent price.

I'm noticing some info stating that you always have to make sure it's set to the correct port when booting on each comp, or the monitor will display at the wrong resolution. Seems to be more an issue with DVI than it is the switch itself however. I also wonder if that issue will even effect me, since it's only the 2ndary display for each monitor, and not the primary.

I still need to research each product seperately, so any information you can provide is greatly appreciated. I also know a lot of people around here dislike newegg, but I'm mainly using it as a quick means of locating the products I want to compare. If anyone has a better resource for KVM switches, that would also be helpful.