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)?

Comments

Me too

[Tailhook]

I've looked at some expensive KVMs, software control of display inputs and other stuff. Bottom line is no, there isn't a good solution of this. There are a bunch of limited, glitch-prone things you can do, but what you're thinking of doesn't exist yet.

My expectations for such a system are as follows; connect an number or computers (3-4 minimum) in arbitrary ways to a number of displays (4, minimum) and a set of input devices, without a.) lag b.) glitches c.) limitations on resolution, refresh, etc. Lag can be no more than a few imperceptible microseconds. Glitches include input devices not being recognized, causing hosts to have driver conniptions when switching, displays not getting signals, and other typical KVM behavior. All of this must happen using a single button press to switch among programmable configurations, and configuration done with a high quality native GUI on whatever platforms I happen to be running. Oh, and audio.

Modern displays usually have multiple inputs, and some of them even have non-shit firmware that switches between inputs quickly and without a bunch of mode-setting drama. The problem is there isn't a good, universal way to control this from software. There are some creepy, half-supported utilities floating around in freeware/shareware land that work with some displays. Barring that the current state-of-the-art is wearing out the input select button on a display you may not be able to reach...........

I wouldn't hold your breath either. Its going to take a few more years before it dawns on manufacturers that the desktop market hasn't actually died. Right now they're in table/laptop/phone mode and — aside from g-sync and other gamer stuff — there isn't much innovation going on with desktop hardware.

If you're willing to be very selective about your hardware and spend some money, particularly on your displays, you can almost get there. You'll need an active USB KVM system like ConnectPro, displays with a generous number of software controllable inputs, and you'll need to be to be prepared to deal with all the sundry glitches your creation with make you suffer.