Multiple Computers on one Mouse & Keyboard?

Jerry K wrote on 11/9/2010, 1:01 PM

I have two computers. The first one has Windows XP Professional 32 bit with Sony Vegas Pro-9 32 bit plus many other 32 bit programs.

I just purchased a new computer with Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit and installed Sony Vegas Pro-10 64 bit.

I want to be able to switch back and forth between the two computers using one mouse, one keyboard, two monitors and one sound system.

Could some one recommend a switch box for this type of setup? I will only be using one computer at a time but I do use both monitors for editing. Monitor # 1 has DVI inputs and monitor # 2 has HDMI inputs.

JK

Comments

Former user wrote on 11/9/2010, 1:08 PM

Keyboard and mouse are easy, you just need a KVM switch.

The DVI and HDMI are a bit more difficult. DVI and HDMI switchers are very expensive. A good place to search to start is Amazon.com.

Dave T2

PeterDuke wrote on 11/9/2010, 1:38 PM

If the computers have their own monitors then that is fine. Just switch the keyboard and mouse with a KVM switch and leave the V ports unused. Dead easy.

UlfLaursen wrote on 11/9/2010, 9:29 PM

Hi

I use a KVM setup with 3 computers on a dual-monitor system. It's not DVI, but reggular DB15.

I use this one from Iogear:

http://www.iogear.com/product/GCS1744/

I have seen some DVI switches too, but do not remember where.

/Ulf

John_Cline wrote on 11/9/2010, 10:43 PM

I use this one from Newegg, it is a 4-port dual-monitor DVI (or HDMI with adapters) KVM switch.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817107254&cm_re=dvi_switch_dual-_-17-107-254-_-Product

Or this 2-port dual monitor KVM switch with 7.1 analog audio:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817402022&cm_re=dvi_switch_dual-_-17-402-022-_-Product

Steve Mann wrote on 11/9/2010, 10:50 PM

Here's a software solution. It's not exactly what you're looking for but it's worth checking out:
http://www.stardock.com/products/multiplicity/

From their website:
"If you've ever used a multiple monitor equipped PC, then you can imagine how Multiplicity works. Each monitor is connected to its own PC. When the user moves the mouse over to a given monitor, the user is then controlling that PC.

It's ideal for power users, engineers, graphics designers, gamers, or anyone else who has ever seen the benefit of multiple monitors but wants the full power of multiple computers working seamlessly together. Multiplicity Pro even lets you copy and paste folders/files between machines. "

Downunder wrote on 11/9/2010, 11:42 PM

Hi
I have been using one of these Rextrons with DVI, USB, audio in/outputs with great effect and reliability and at a very good price too. I have 3 computers with 2 monitors and use the 4 port version (1 spare for future use). The 2 port would suit your needs.

http://www.rextron.com/products/kvm_switch/dvi_standard_usb/dvi_standard_usb-dag-12_14.html

Downunder

JJKizak wrote on 11/10/2010, 4:54 AM

I use a "Linskey" 4 dual DVI port with USB and 7.1 sound KVM switch. I t will not however pass 1920 x 1080P or I.
JJK

TheHappyFriar wrote on 11/10/2010, 6:30 AM

I think my local radioshack has a HDMI switcher for under $20 right now.

Jerry K wrote on 11/10/2010, 1:49 PM

I want a thank every one for all the good information. I did some more research on what I might need for this project.

First off the two monitors I have the preview one is a 19" TV/monitor that has 2 HDMI inputs so I do not need a switch box being I could just switch back and forth from video one to video two.

My main monitor only has one DVI input and my keyboard and mouse both have USB plugs.

I found this unit on Newegg that might fit the bill. StarTech SV211KDVI 2 Port Compact USB DVI KVM with Cables and Audio Switching.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817707142&nm_mc=OTC-Froogle&cm_mmc=OTC-Froogle-_-KVM+(Keyboard+-+Video+-+Mouse)+Switches-_-STARTECH-_-17707142

I will do some more research to see what else is available. If any one has any feedback on this unit please let me know what you think.

Thanks again. JK

Editguy43 wrote on 11/10/2010, 2:51 PM

I use this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817707035&cm_re=sv231usb-_-17-707-035-_-Product and it has worked great, mind you I do not use the video ports my 2 monitors have dual inputs. but the switch itself is great and it has an extra USB port for another device. I have my shuttle PRO hooked to that port.

The only thing that I do not like about it is the lights on the front are a little to bright for me ( i cover them with some construction paper and all is well)
I have never had any trouble with it.

Paul B (my 2c)

Angels wrote on 11/10/2010, 7:11 PM

I use one 30" monitor with multiple inputs and this piece of freeware: Synergy+ (Google it).

I've been using it on 3 computers, 2 PC's and a Mac. The mouse and keyboard are active whichever machine the mouse is on and the keyboard follows. You use the Scroll key on the keyboard to lock them to the current machine so you don't stray over to the computer you're not working on. You configure the setup on the host machine (the one the KB and mouse are connected to) and run the other computers as clients.

Since my monitor has multiple inputs, I just switch the source on the monitor and use Synergy+ to navigate to whichever I'm on. It also offers some simple text cut/paste functionality which comes in handy. I've been using it for 4-5 years now and it's mostly hassle free once set up. The original author of Synergy seems to have given up on it, so some programmers took up the challenge and formed the Synergy+ project which is in active development covering XP, W7, OS X and Linux.