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Multi-screen 3 laptops, different video outputs, extended display multi monitor KVM solution required

Discussion in 'KVM' started by akathenotorious, Mar 17, 2020.

  1. akathenotorious

    akathenotorious Guest

    Hi

    I want a KVM that will switch the video/mouse/keyboard input between three laptops and two monitors. I want extended display to work. The three laptops have the video outputs listed below. Please can you advise of the hardware/cabling/splitters required to achieve this.

    laptop #1 (very old but running a legacy program I need): 1 x VGA
    laptop #2: 1 x HDMI
    laptop #3: 1 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort

    Many thanks
    Sean
     
    akathenotorious, Mar 17, 2020
    #1 + Quote Reply
  2. KVMGalore Expert

    KVMGalore Expert Staff Member

    Hello Sean,

    Thank you for reaching out on our HelpCenter. There are a number of issues that need to be addressed in order to accomplish your desired application:

    1) Dual-video head KVM switch. Since two of your laptops have HDMI video, your best bet (in terms of minimum conversions/adapters) is to go with a KVM switch supporting HDMI such as these.

    2) Extended desktop capabilities over two monitors. To accomplish this, each of your laptops must have two video outputs. It appears that laptop #1 and #2 have only one video output. You will need to create the 2nd video output by deploying an HDMI USB video adapter for these two laptops. Make sure the USB video adapter you choose is compatible with the USB version supported by your laptop, and that the adapter's docking port is compatible with the USB connector on your laptops.

    3) VGA to HDMI conversion. On laptop #1 you will need to convert the analog VGA video to digital HDMI video by using a VGA to HDMI converter such as CVH-01, VC182, VC180, VGA & Audio to HDMI Scaler/Converter, KD-VCS500.

    4) A DisplayPort to HDMI adapter will be needed to connect your DisplayPort video output on laptop #3 to the KVM switch.

    Doing this, you will end up with each of your laptops having 2x HDMI outputs ready to get connected to your KVM switch via the following connections:

    Laptop #1: 1x VGA to HDMI converter; 1x HDMI USB video adapter.
    Laptop #2: 1x native HDMI connector; 1x HDMI USB video adapter.
    Laptop #3: 1x native HDMI connector; 1x DisplayPort to HDMI adapter.

    You will likely need HDMI male-male cables along with USB Type-A to Type-B cables to connect to the KVM switch.

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

    Important note: To continue this discussion - please respond via KVMGalore HelpCenter thread, NOT via e-mail.
     
    KVMGalore Expert, Mar 17, 2020
    #2 + Quote Reply
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