StarTech.com 2 Port DVI KVM Switch - USB DVI Dual Link - Hot-key & Audio Support - 2560x1600 @ 60Hz KVM Switch - KVM Video Switch (SV231DVIUAHR)

Update: Adding 2 stars after I solved my problem. With my old KVM switch, I needed to use an inline DVI to DVI adapter because the pin outs were incompatible. I think it's either a DVI-I to DVI-D, or a single-link to dual-link adapter. Honestly it's been so long that I don't remember what this thing is doing. I didn't need it on this new KVM switch (the one this review is for). But on a hunch I tried it. With the adapter in place, my computer no longer "forgets" that it had a monitor attached. I don't have to reconfigure the monitor layout when switching computers anymore and so I'm adding 2 more stars. Original Review: In most ways this switch is good, but in one important way it is deficient and it makes it extremely annoying to use. I have a three monitor setup, only one of which is switched by this switch. When I switch away from my main computer to the secondary, and then switch back, it's as if I unplugged the monitor and then plugged it back in. That forces me to have to re-adjust the monitor layout every single time I switch back to my main computer. The switch it's replacing didn't do that. It also takes longer to switch between computers, which may be why it's having this issue. It is a nuisance that it takes a second to switch. The old one was faster. I'm pretty annoyed by this switch right now. If you don't have other monitors on either computer it's probably fine. But I paid more to get a product that is worse for my needs. Good things about this switch: All the cables come out of the back which is a much better design physically. It uses standard cables. Bad: It doesn't come with any cables.

ho ricevuto un primo KVM e dopo aver connesso tutto non riuscivo a passare al 2 PC. Scaricato istruzioni lette, rilette alla fine l'ho impacchettato e rimandato indietro senza alcuna spesa. Dopo una settimana circa ho ricevuto il sostiituto. Ho ricollegato tutto ma, come immaginavo la mia storica tastiera IBM anni 70 (bellissima) non funzionava. Ho provato allora con commerciale "V7 standard Full-Size Space Saving Spill Resistant USB Keyboard for Windows Desktop PC (KC0A1-4N6P)" ma windows e nemmeno al boot della macchina veniva riconosciuta (ovviamente se collegata allo switch). Alla fine ho provato una piccola tastiera che uso con il televisore, una Logitech Touch K400 Plus Wireless con Touch-Pad Integrato e funzionava perfettamente (praticamente all'opposto di quanto scritto sul manuale). Ho quindi acquistato a 16,00€ una keyb Microsoft Wired 600 (massimo dello standard) e tutto ha funzionato perfettamente. Il KVM è in metallo, molto robusto e stabile (un altro che usavo precedentemente era talmente leggero che restava sospeso secondo come si assestavano i cavi dei collegamenti), lo switch è preciso e non ho più avuto problemi.

2 points to note with this product - firstly, the cables really do need to be DVI even if just the 'single channel' type. I couldn't get any display output at all using DVI-VGA adaptors and vga cables, so your monitor really does need to have a DVI socket. Secondly, those USB sockets are close together so if you need to use a larger than usual USB plug / device such as an audio device, a thumb drive or an ISP stick then maybe you'll need to do as I did and sit a USB hub on top (I used a Pluggable - very good). The device does work well, a simple touch of the button switches both the video and anything connected to the usb's ... providing you connect a USB A to B cable for each computer, as well as any computer-based audio you might have. Solid steel box and some rubber feet to stick on if needed, I took off a star because it is a bit expensive.

I "upgraded" from a previous StarTech KVM switch, because this new model supports "DDM". I don't know much about DDM, except it apparently should cure the compatibility problems that prevented me from using a cordless keyboard and mouse. I've ended up with the same configuration as before... wired Microsoft keyboard, cordless Logitech mouse. The cordless Microsoft ergonomic keyboard is back in my spare room as, once again, it doesn't play nicely with the KVM. Maybe the keyboard just isn't fast enough for my tying anyway. It seems if you want to use any KVM switch, there's a risk of finding some problems like this. The Starttech has additional USB ports on the front, useful for temporarily connecting extra peripherals perhaps, but no good for permanent use unless you like seeing cables all over your desk. Talking of cables; it's difficult to position the KVM so that the cables don't tip the unit backwards, leaving an annoying gap at the front. I tried connecting my Logitech USB speakers (pure USB, for both power and audio), but could not get them working through the KVM. Ditto for the webcam. So my dream of switching keyboard, mouse, screen, speakers and webcam over at the push of a button remains just as unattainable as ever. Worst of all, on my old computer, and the new one that now replaces is, I can't get the KVM to sync with my monitor correctly. Switch the monitor off, and then on again, and the flicks on, then screen image disappears for too long. If I'm lucky, it eventually comes back - but now all my windows have lost their position (Windows 7). If I'm unlucky, Windows 7 crashes. Obviously there must be a bug in Windows or the Intel display drivers for that to happen... but the KVM is obviously not very "transparent", because bypassing the KVM makes the problem disappear completely. Fortunately my monitor has two DVI inputs, so now the KVM is being used as an extremely expensive 2-way USB switch for keyboard and mouse. Finally, it's a shame Startech don't have an HDMI KVM switch with DDM; this omission from their range led me to fiddling around with bulky, almost obselete DVI cables that snag a lot if you swap them around; something I've been doing a lot owing to the above problem. Very disappointing, but still giving 2 stars because for some user's set-ups, this could still prove an effective piece of kit and there are sadly few competitors.

120HZ! FOR REAL!: I was looking for a 2 port KVM that was DL-DVI compatible. At the time I couldn't afford a 1440P monitor but wanted to make sure I could use one some day. I ended up getting a 120Hz 1080P monitor (VG278H) instead. Only after it came did I realize that the specs for this KVM didn't say it supported 120hz. Guess what? It works anyway! [Note: 120hz at 1080p requires DL-DVI] I'm very happy with this thing. As far as keyboard emulation, I did what other posters here suggested and just used the built-in 2 port switchable hub for my keyboard and mouse. A WORD ON CABLES: One possible flaw: initially I was using a mix of DVI cables. Certain cables are just too wide due to the plastic around the plugs. You can jam it in anyway but that's probably a bad move. I swapped to "Nippon Labs Premium 10' Dual-Link Model DVI 10 DD" which I got for $10 each. I call this a "possible" flaw as if it allowed for wider cables they'd have to expand the box size, and I call the smaller size of the 2 port a real plus. That'd be like saying you're happy the world is round but sad that it isn't flat. KEYBOARD EMULATION VS "AUXILLARY" USB PORTS: The thing comes with 4 USB outputs: emulated keyboard, emulated mouse, and a 2 port hub that has to be detected by your OS each time you switch. This is basically the only way they could do this (not a design flaw, just the way things are). People on the reviews here said they had problem with the emulated keyboard port and suggested using the Aux ports, so I did not even attempt to use it for 99.9% of my tasks (please refer to their reviews). The only problem is that if you switch into, say, the windows installation process or if you're switching to a sleeping computer, the keyboard hooked to the "auxillary" usb port may not get detected (it's about 50/50 on my machines). It's as if I just plugged the keyboard into the computer (which is exactly as one might expect). I have a spare keyboard I keep hidden away for when I need it. SIDE NOTE ABOUT CONSTRUCTION: Also (not a big selling point but it's cool), this thing is easy to open. Since I'm not using the hot keys for switching between computers, I soldered in an external button-switch I keep hidden under my desk to toggle between computers. The insides are really well put-together by the way. It's easy to disassemble and put back. Best part: No "warrantee void" sticker keeping the thing closed! SUMMARY: I have to give this thing 5 stars: Robust construction, has features that aren't documented (120 hz!!! OMGGGG), works pretty much as you'd expect. I defer to others about the USB keyboard emulation problems. For me, this thing did all I expected and more.