StarTech 4 Port USB DVI KVM Switch with DDM Fast Switching Technology and Cables

2019-11-04T19:00:00

I have been using this for almost 2 years now. For the most part it, it does what it needs to - switching between my work laptop on a docking station and my personal PC. I'm a software engineer so having multiple screens certainly helps with my productivity, but there are a couple of tradeoffs I have noticed: 1) Every now and then, I hear the 'chirp' it makes when switching PC's and my monitors will go dark as if there is no signal and then it will come back up. Minor annoyance because it doesn't happen all that often, but enough to make me wish I didn't spend what I did for this kind of performance. 2) Using a Logitech MK550 wireless keyboard/mouse combo, the basic keyboard and mouse features work, but all the Logitech "extras", like quick keys, app switcher, additional mouse buttons do not work when the "Unifying Receiver" dongle is plugged into the KVM. Those features work when plugged directly into the PC I am working on. Why can't the USB bus can't register the hardware for what it is? That's beyond me, I'm a software guy, not a hardware guy. Not a huge selection out there that can run 3 monitors, so I'm not in a position to switch, but this KVM does the basics and I avoid having to set up 2 different workstations.

CodeMonkey

Originally posted at

2016-09-18T20:00:00

I have found this solution to be particularly effective. I would suggest that for pre sales engineers, this product is a MUST! I do think you should sell this in bundles though. Have a set of DVI-D cables as optional add on with three output options (DVI-D on the box end, and 3 alternate opposite ends. One DVI-D, one HDMI, and one Display Port). This would be logical because any video card that can support all three devices actually splits up the video output in this manner, and you would save days of frustration as people try to get those wonky little adapters to deal with the varying outputs of video cards. STRONG advise if you are a customer. BUY this product, but BUY the cables you need, don't rely on the ones you have in the bottom drawer, unless you already happen to own the mix of devices you require as noted above.

ThunderHawk

Originally posted at

2014-03-08T19:00:00

I've been using this for a couple months to switch my triple-head display between my personal desktop and my work laptop. Overall the system (mostly) works and the video quality is excellent. Unfortunately it's been just flaky enough that I am looking for an alternative solution. Two issues in particular have annoyed me: 1) One monitor has enough noise on it that even when both connected machines are in standby it wakes up the monitor every 15 - 20 seconds. I have to turn the monitor off or the LED backlight kicks on and off. 2) USB output occasionally locks up. I can still switch via the keyboard, so the swicthbox and keyboard are communicating, but neither connect systems sees any of the USB devices connected through the switch. Power cycle of the switch seems to resolve this problem. I'm an IT architect with 30+ years experience, and I know my way around a PC. I've diagnosed and tested enough to be certain that it's the swicth that is at fault, not the computer, monitors or peripherals connected to it. "A" on concept, "C" on execution, "D" on reliability.

Proadmin

Originally posted at