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Multi-screen KVM with 1 PC, one Mac Mini and two monitors

Discussion in 'KVM' started by Ron A., Feb 14, 2025.

  1. Ron A.

    Ron A. Guest

    Hello all.
    I have a late 2012 Mac Mini and a similar vintage PC. Monitors are a 27" Apple LED Cinema Display and an even older Apple 20" Cinema Display.

    The PC has DisplayPort outputs, the Mac Mini has Mini-DisplayPort and HDMI.

    The 20" display has a DVI input, the 27" has a Mini-DisplayPort input.

    Directly attached (no KVM) using a DisplayPort to Mini-DisplayPort adapter the 27" displays fine from the PC and fine without adapter from the Mac Mini.

    Same for the 20" from the PC using a DisplayPort to DVI adapter and same for the Mac Mini using a Mini-DisplayPort to DVI adapter.

    However, when connecting thru the dual computer/dual monitor KVM, the PC using the DisplayPort cables and the Mac Mini mini using a Mini-DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable, only the 20" display works and is switchable between both computers, but never the 27", it acts like it is dead, neither computer will it display.

    I do know that the HDMI to DisplayPort adapter I bought for the 2nd connection from the Mac Mini is not working, as it is going the wrong way for uni-directional, so I get why it will not drive the 27", but I also get nothing from the PC to the 27", even though that adapter works fine directly.

    Any suggestions as to how to make this work without tossing the whole setup would be appreciated!
     
    Ron A., Feb 14, 2025
    #1 + Quote Reply
  2. KVMGalore Expert

    KVMGalore Expert Staff Member

    Hello Ron,

    Thank you for reaching out on our HelpCenter.

    We cannot address your setup because we do not know what KVM-switch model you are using - did you purchase it from KVMGalore?

    Assuming you are using a KVM switch that has DisplayPort connections to the computers and to the monitors, you may be experiencing a loss of EDID (which is typical behavior for a DisplayPort KVM switch when it is attached to the computers using adapters, although having the 27" monitor showing no video at all is indeed weird).

    You may want to look at SM-EDPN-2D, which is the only model currently offered (as far as we are aware) that eliminates the EDID issue we mentioned earlier.

    Unlike traditional DisplayPort KVM switches, SM-EDPN-2D is designed to overcome the inherent DisplayPort loss of emulated picture when switching from one connected computer to another (leading to a disorganized desktop video upon switching). SM-EDPN-2D's built-in EDID Aux emulation offers full EDID video emulation that ensures visual workspaces and screen resolutions are remembered every time you switch between computers.

    SM-EDPN-2D's built-in EDID Aux emulation offers:
    • Consistent screen resolutions: With EDID (Aux) Emulation, your screen resolutions stay static, providing a stable visual experience when switching between connected computers
    • Persistent icon and window positions: Switch between connected computers without the chaos - icons and window positions remain undisturbed, ensuring a smooth transition between tasks
    • Multi-video-head stability: In multi-head setups, monitor positions stay intact, maintaining the organization you've carefully set up within your operating system

    Hope this helps!
    We welcome your questions - please come back and ask us anything, anytime. You may also give us a call at 1-800-636-3434 for further clarifications on this thread.

    Important note: To continue this discussion - please respond via KVMGalore HelpCenter thread, NOT via e-mail.
     
    KVMGalore Expert, Feb 15, 2025 at 12:10 AM
    #2 + Quote Reply
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