Trouble Sourcing a Suitable DVI KVM switch 1

[user127]

Hi All,

I'm having real problems trying to share a 20" Apple cinema monitor between a Mac Mini and a WinXPsp2 PC. Most of the KVM switches I've found are VGA with PS2 connections. Even the DVI KVM switches themselves don't seem to support high enough resolutions (1680 x 1050 required - at least, may want to get bigger monitor in the future). The few products I've found with DVI and a suitable resolution (Adder for example) still have ps2 and not USB - and to compound matters there seems to be no support whatsoever for my Apple bluetooth keyboard. I could possible live with PS2, but am unsure if there are any adapters I could get that would work with my Apple keyboard (which I prefer to the bog standard PC keyboard if the truth be known).

My primary issue is the monitor - the DVI ports will wear out in no time at this rate with the amount of manual plugging and unplugging I'm doing. I would settle for a DVI channel switch device and manually switch the keyboard and mouse, but I can't find any simple switches of this sort either;( ...or even another DVI cable as a go-between so that I don't have to fumble round the back of the computers (can't find a gender changer or F-M DVI-I either).

I'm getting desperate to be honest - does anyone know of any solutions (other than to retreat into the forest and live in a tent far away from computers and technology)?

Thanks for your help in advance.

PixelSmith

 

[edfair]

You are actually relearning the "bleeding edge of technology" issue. Until the need increases no manufacturer will expend the effort to develop a product and work to create a retail path.
And even if the need increases there may not be enough demand to make it economically viable.
You may have to build it yourself.

Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.

 

[user127]

Thanks edfair - I think you're right about the bleeding edge technology bit - all these new solutions out there tantalizing but less than straight forward to adopt in many respects. I'm determined in this case to get my way somehow though!

Does anyone know of any decent e-tailors that offer a comprehensive range of DVI products for primarily computer setups? I've found the DVI components out there to be spread pretty thinnly up to now - I wonder if anyone has any decent links I could follow?

Lastly, OOI: are there any information resources that anyone knows of that give the low-down on tinkering and modding DVI technology - I'll have a go at making my own source channel switch if necessary.

Thanks for your help

 

[Frank4d]

Take a look at the DVI switchers from Gefen.

http://www.gefen.com/kvm/cav-digitalswitchers.jsp

This is the manufacturers website and you can also find their products at PcMall.com and cdw.com. I am currently using their DVI 4 to 1 switches, DVI 1 to 4 distribution amps, and DVI to VGA converters.

 

[user127]

Thanks m8 - this is just what I've been looking for! I've seen Gefen before when looking for a TV card but I'd never have thought of looking there on this occasion - many thanks for your help, I'll unpack the backpack and tent and not make that trip to the Himalayas to live a simple life after all.

Thanks!