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Multi-screen HDMI and DisplayPort combination KVM switch / dual monitors

Discussion in 'KVM' started by Anthony Farina, May 26, 2019.

  1. Anthony Farina

    Anthony Farina New member

    I'm looking for a KVM switch that can work with my laptop and desktop. My laptop is a Lenovo with an HDMI out. My desktop PC is DisplayPort out. I have dual monitors which are DisplayPort as well. Please let me know a solution. Thank you.
     
  2. KVMGalore Expert

    KVMGalore Expert Staff Member

    Hello Anthony,

    Thank you for reaching out on our HelpCenter. There are two issues to deal with for this setup:

    1) Dual monitors. We are assuming you want to set up your KVM console to include two monitors (for extended desktop). Both your computers must have dual video outputs (each) to accomplish this and we don't know whether that's the case (learn more about Multiscreen KVM switches).
    If each of your two computers has dual-video outputs then you are good to go. Otherwise you'll need to setup a 2nd video head per computer. An easy way to do so without replacing your video card is by deploying a USB video adapter.

    2) HDMI/DisplayPort mix. KVM switches tend to support only one video interface across the board. Being that only your laptop is HDMI, it would make sense to use an HDMI to DisplayPort Converter to connect your laptop to a KVM switch supporting DisplayPort (along with your DisplayPort desktop and monitors).

    Now that all your devices are DisplayPort, you can go with anyone of these 2-port dual-video DisplayPort KVM switches.

    Hope this helps!
    We welcome your questions - please come back and ask us anything, anytime, or just offer your feedback.

    Important note: To continue this discussion - please respond via KVMGalore HelpCenter thread, NOT via e-mail.
     
  3. Anthony Farina

    Anthony Farina New member

    Hello,

    Thanks for the response, and taking my follow up phone call. I have further clarifications and questions, see below:

    1) Dual monitors.
    That is correct, I want to set up my KVM console to include two monitors for extended desktop. My computer has two DisplayPort outputs but my laptop only has on video out port which is the HDMI port. Will the USB video adapter work on my laptop? My laptop is a Lenovo Flex 14, here are the specs (https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/laptop...series/Lenovo-IdeaPad-FLEX-14IWL/p/81SQ000AUS) and the ports are listed below:

    Ports/Slots
    • 2 x USB 3.1** (1 x always on)
    • USB-C
    • Card reader
    • HDMI
    • Audio jack

    Or, is it possible to daisy chain the DisplayPort monitors and only use the one video out port on the laptop with an HDMI to DisplayPort Converter?


    Thanks,
    Anthony
     
  4. KVMGalore Expert

    KVMGalore Expert Staff Member

    Absolutely. You could connect a USB video adapter either to your USB 3.1 (USB Type-A) port or USB-C port (use KVMGfilter to bring up adapters based on the type of their USB connection.

    Hope this helps!

    Important note: To continue this discussion - please respond via KVMGalore HelpCenter thread, NOT via e-mail.
     
  5. Anthony Farina

    Anthony Farina New member

    One additional question does the 4K Dual-View DisplayPort KVMP from IOGEAR require software to be installed in order to use it? And if so is it on both machines or one?

    Thanks
     
  6. KVMGalore Expert

    KVMGalore Expert Staff Member

    No software is required.

    Hope this helps!

    Important note: To continue this discussion - please respond via KVMGalore HelpCenter thread, NOT via e-mail.
     

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