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Multi-screen KVM selection recommendation request

Discussion in 'KVM' started by JohnH, Nov 8, 2017.

  1. JohnH

    JohnH New member

    I request a recommendation(s) for a KVM switch that would utilize a single USB keyboard, a single USB mouse, and a single set of speakers (connected via an RCA audio input port on the back of the computers) to run an HP Z400 workstation (Windows 10) and a Mac Pro (IOS 10.6.8). Both computers have dual video ports, and I have three monitors (Hyundai B90A, Acer G205HV, and Samsung SyncMaster 225BW). The video connectors to the two computers are one DVI and one VGA connector to each computer. Being able to use monitor A&B, and C; or being able to use monitors A&B; or B&C would be nice but absolutely necessary.
     
    JohnH, Nov 8, 2017
    #1 + Quote Reply
  2. KVMGalore Expert

    KVMGalore Expert Staff Member

    John,

    Being that both your computers only have dual video ports, how do you envision having a console with three (3) monitors?

    Please clarify.
     
    KVMGalore Expert, Nov 9, 2017
    #2 + Quote Reply
  3. JohnH

    JohnH New member

    I was trying to explain it with the monitor A, B, and C example. I would be happy with the PC driving monitors A&B and monitor C staying connected to the Mac. Hitting a switch, I might be able to have monitor A stay connected to the PC and monitor B switch to the Mac so that it then drove monitors B&C. So it would work great with just monitor B being switched. If I went to two monitors, the KVM could switch both monitors between the Mac and the PC.
     
    JohnH, Nov 9, 2017
    #3 + Quote Reply
  4. KVMGalore Expert

    KVMGalore Expert Staff Member

    Got it now.

    Do you envision monitor A&B displaying identical (and duplicate) video from the PC? Or were you looking to setup an extended desktop, in which case the video from PC will use both monitors as if they were one, allowing you to drag the mouse from one screen to the next?
     
    KVMGalore Expert, Nov 9, 2017
    #4 + Quote Reply
  5. JohnH

    JohnH New member

    A: An extended desktop.
     
    JohnH, Nov 11, 2017
    #5 + Quote Reply
  6. KVMGalore Expert

    KVMGalore Expert Staff Member

    This cannot be accomplished when the computers are setup for extended desktop.
    Extended desktop is an OS setting which basically splits the video output into as many video ports (and connected screens) the video card has - two in your case - sending the left-half of the video output to screen #1, and the right-half of the video output to screen #2. Your scenario envisions the video from the computer which doesn't have focus to be be displayed on one screen only, which will result in that screen showing only one half of the video output.

    Recommended solutions:
    a) Use four screens, constantly connected to both computers, along with a KM switch. The two left screens will always show video from PC in extended desktop form, while the two right screens will always show video from Mac in extended desktop form. One keyboard/mouse will be connected to KM switch for switching control from one computer to the other.
    b) Use two screens with a dual-video KVM switch. Switching to PC will result in video from PC showing in extended desktop form, along with keyboard/mouse control of PC. Switching to Mac will result in video from Mac showing in extended desktop form, along with keyboard/mouse control of Mac.

    Hope this helps!
    We welcome your questions - please come back and ask us anything, anytime, or just offer your feedback.
     
    KVMGalore Expert, Nov 11, 2017
    #6 + Quote Reply
  7. JohnH

    JohnH New member

    Thank you very much.
     
    JohnH, Nov 13, 2017
    #7 + Quote Reply
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