KVM Switch
 

I have a personal computer and a laptop for work. Will the video quality degrade in any way if I hook them both to a KVM switch?

Last I remember, modern KVM's, like the 100-150 dollar ones don't. I got a 20 dollar one off Ebay, and I didn't notice any real video loss.

It depends on the cable quality and the shielding in the unit. LIke Fallon, I picked up a $26 unit off of eBay that works great. The secret is getting one with good cables.

I use two KVM Switches and do not suffer any video quality degredation in any way. I have WinXP / Linux (RH & Turbo Linux) / Tru64 all ok.

Well while we are on the subject, can anyone recomend one that is good and cheap?

My luck with KVMs has been awful. Have bought two already - and neither one has worked. $100 later, I've resigned myself to having three keyboard/mouse combos - and just switch the monitor manually.

I use a Belkin 2x Video/Audio/USB type KVM, and its actually quite nice (aside from the annoying "feature" that it needs a keyboard to be connected, or it beeps like mad..).

Just get a set of decent shielded cables, at the minimum length you can work with, and you should be fine. There is always some degradation of image, but chances are you won't even notice it, unless you've got 10 foot or longer cables, or something equally silly. I repeat - keep those cables SHORT.

read the KVM specs for the box you want, its mainly about resolution and size, the higher the res the more likely noise,

They are normally spec'd upto a certain res, after that noise and ghosting.


I like the belkins as well, just stay away from the mechnical switch $14 types unless you run at 320x200

belkin has always had good kvm'm

I've got an ATEN 2-port that's not bad. Should be able to find it on eBay.

Stay away from Manual switch boxes, don't get the cheapest (no-name brand), and get the shortest length needed good to high quality shielded cable.