Slashdot Mirror
Ask Slashdot: Advanced KVM Switch?
jez9999 writes: I have a rather advanced use-case for my home work area that I need a KVM-type device for, and I was wondering whether such a thing even existed. I want a 3-PC setup; 2 desktops (PC1 and PC2) and 1 laptop going through a dock (DOCK1). I want to connect 2 monitors (SCREEN1 and SCREEN2), 1 mouse, and 1 keyboard (INPUTS). So far it's relatively straightforward, as I could just switch everything between the 3 devices.
But here's the kicker; I'd like at least 4 modes of operation: one mode to output PC1 video to both screens (dual-screen) and redirect INPUTS to it, one mode to output PC2 video to both screens (dual-screen) and redirect INPUTS to it, one mode to output PC1 video to SCREEN1, extend DOCK1 video to SCREEN2, and redirect INPUTS to DOCK1, and one mode to output PC1 video to SCREEN1, extend DOCK1 video to SCREEN2, and redirect INPUTS to PC1.
Basically with the latter two modes I'd like to be able to switch between inputting to PC1 & DOCK1, whilst continuing to be able to monitor each by outputting each one's video to one of the 2 monitors. However, I also want to be able to go dual-screen with and control PC1 & PC2.
In terms of ports I'd like to use HDMI (or possibly DVI-D) and USB for peripherals; not VGA or PS/2.
Is there any KVM switch out there able to do this kind of thing? I guess I'm probably looking for some kind of programmable KVM which allows me to specify, for each 'mode of operation', which inputs are routed to which outputs. Failing that, is there some other way I can get the setup I want (or something close)?
But here's the kicker; I'd like at least 4 modes of operation: one mode to output PC1 video to both screens (dual-screen) and redirect INPUTS to it, one mode to output PC2 video to both screens (dual-screen) and redirect INPUTS to it, one mode to output PC1 video to SCREEN1, extend DOCK1 video to SCREEN2, and redirect INPUTS to DOCK1, and one mode to output PC1 video to SCREEN1, extend DOCK1 video to SCREEN2, and redirect INPUTS to PC1.
Basically with the latter two modes I'd like to be able to switch between inputting to PC1 & DOCK1, whilst continuing to be able to monitor each by outputting each one's video to one of the 2 monitors. However, I also want to be able to go dual-screen with and control PC1 & PC2.
In terms of ports I'd like to use HDMI (or possibly DVI-D) and USB for peripherals; not VGA or PS/2.
Is there any KVM switch out there able to do this kind of thing? I guess I'm probably looking for some kind of programmable KVM which allows me to specify, for each 'mode of operation', which inputs are routed to which outputs. Failing that, is there some other way I can get the setup I want (or something close)?
What you want is called a matrix KVM switch. They exist, but they're quite expensive, do some Googling on matrix KVM switch and you'll see the options.
IMO, I'd forego the expensive matrix KVM's as well as the loggy VNC-like solutions.
Many monitors support multiple inputs. If yours doesn't, get some that do.
Use the monitors input switching for video input changes. That takes care of video (I'm pretty sure 3 inputs each is more than feasible).
For the keyboard and mouse, use any of the existing hardware solutions for those (there are old manual switches that work with PS-2 and AT stuff that are dirt cheap, and would do the job, for example). Alternatively, use something like synergy (http://synergy-project.org/)
I do something similar to what your looking for with a combination of Synergy (http://synergy-project.org/), which uses your network to send the keyboard/mouse inputs to the correct computer based on your mouse position), and multiple inputs on my monitors. In other words: PC1 would be your base computer, and would have the keyboard/mouse you want to use with everything attached. PC1 would be attached to the primary port of both monitors (HDMI, for instance) PC2 would also have a keyboard/mouse, but they wouldn't be used. It would be hooked up to the secondary port of both monitors (maybe displayport) DOCK1 will obviously have the laptops built-in keyboard/mouse, but that wouldn't be used. It would be hooked up to the third port of both monitors (maybe DVI or RGB) In this setup, you'll need to manually change the monitor inputs, and synergy will direct the keyboard/mouse to the correct places. As far as I know, your only other option would be the matrix KVM (as mentioned above a few times)
fsh
If I had to take a stab at this I'd say:
* Pull down pants
* Whip out the old cabbage and shove it up my ass
* Masturbate furiously over the wolfs head
* Take a shit in the boat