DVI Switchbox 2 Computers 3 Monitors

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qiten
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DVI Switchbox 2 Computers 3 Monitors

Post by qiten »

Hi All,

I hope someone can point me in the right direction. My desired setup is as seen in the image below. The component I need is the Switchbox. Basically two sets of 3 inputs that can be switched to 3 outputs to the monitors. Am I looking for something that is so unique it doesn't exist? Maybe I can build something...I'm handy with soldering iron...I've scouring the web looking at every KVM I can find and nothing lines up...I really don't care if I have to use two sets of keyboards and mice...it's really the monitors I really need to switch...

I will use Eyefinity on the desktop and the TH2GO on the laptop...

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suiken_2mieu
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Probably 3 DVI switch boxes

Post by suiken_2mieu »

Probably 3 DVI switch boxes with A and B should work fine.
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Skid
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Yer you won't find a switch

Post by Skid »

Yer you won't find a switch that'll have 3 outputs, you'll only find ones that do 1 output and a number of inputs, so you'll need 3x 2 DVI in to 1 DVI out.
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Delphium
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Actually you can find tripple

Post by Delphium »

Actually you can find tripple head KVM's but they are not cheap.
Example.. http://www.amazon.co.uk/AV4PRO-PORT-USB-DVI-SWITCH/dp/B004WGY8ZG - 4x3 input with 1x3 output.

More examples:-
http://www.kvmgalore.com/shopping/group.php?group_id=40
http://uk.startech.com/Server-Management/KVM-Switches/2-Port-Quad-Monitor-Dual-Link-DVI-USB-KVM-Switch-with-Audio-and-Hub~SV231QDVIUA

The bonus with using a KVM is of cause less hassle of switching around keyboard and mouse, some of these also support audio and will switch that per pc too.


Alternatively you should look at a matrix switcher from Kramer, Procon, DataPath or Extron but again wont be cheap.
A matrix switcher does not handle the keyboard and mouse side of things, sometimes they support audio with the video, sometimes not depending on the product.

Matrix switchers can take any input and route it to any output, or multiple outputs. As such a matrix switcher will give you greater flexability in where you can route your signals too, for example you could keep 2 screens form pc 1 and the 3rd screen from pc2, whereas instead of an all or nothing like the KVM's.

Addtionaly most matrix switchers allow you to control them via an RS232 communications port/protocol, meaning you can setup some software and hotkeys to switch to desired presets in the switcher.
Most KVM's have a built in control as the keyboard passes through them already thus no need for an RS232 com port.
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suiken_2mieu
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Those are very cool.

Post by suiken_2mieu »

Those are very cool.
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Lev_Astov
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Did you ever decide what to

Post by Lev_Astov »

Did you ever decide what to do, Qiten? I've had similar questions, but the setup is quite different so I'll be posting them in a new thread.

From my research, the easiest thing for you to do would be get three 2X1 switches. Either of these will do:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10102&cs_id=1010203&p_id=4074&seq=1&format=2
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10110&cs_id=1011001&p_id=8150&seq=1&format=2
One is an expensive DVI switch, the other is a cheap HDMI switch which will need adapters for your. Your choice, but the adapters will probably be cheaper in the end if you stick with monoprice.

Alternatively, if you don't have the monitors yet, just get three identical monitors with 2 inputs each, then just switch inputs on all three to switch between computers. You probably won't be able to do that with a remote control, though, unless you get TV/monitors.
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stickygreen
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Just look for a Matrix, it's

Post by stickygreen »

Just look for a Matrix, it's a pretty common piece of pro video gear, they come in VGA, DVI, HDMI, BNC, whatever flavour you may want, and they come with all sorts of input/output number combo's, the one I'd be looking for if I were you would be an 8:4 DVI matrix, 8 inputs, 4 outputs, get a good quality brand like Kramer, or Extron, Geffen is OK to, you'll get good deals on used kit from Ebay if you know what to look for.
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