Is there a KVM switch that supports *dual monitors* using DVI or HDMI?

I have been looking for a KVM switch that I could hook up to my laptop docking station so that I could dock my work laptop at home, flip a switch, and have my laptop use my home PC's keyboard, mouse, and two monitors. I can't seem to find one on Amazon or Newegg.

No VGA ports. That's oldschool and I don't want anything to do with it. DVI or HDMI only. Can anyone provide me with a link or two?

Edit: It also most support 1920x1080 digitally (no analog) on both monitors.

oscilatingcretin

Posted 2012-02-05T00:13:00.777

Reputation: 4 093

@HuckleFeb That may be the best idea I've heard in a long time. I was looking at the price of multiple monitor kvms and they're stupid expensive. – Sidney – 2017-04-05T14:06:20.390

Did you ever find anything for this? I am looking for an HDMI dual monitor solution to switch 2 screens between Desktop and Laptop – hellyale – 2019-01-29T18:52:13.693

Find two regular DVI/HDMi switches and then splice the switcher wires together. – Huckle – 2012-02-05T01:06:38.437

check this or this – Raystafarian – 2012-02-05T01:13:46.887

I guess I should have mentioned 1920x1080 resolution. Edit - sorry, I didn't see the second link – oscilatingcretin – 2012-02-05T01:34:13.467

That sucks. The second one only does one analog and one digital per PC which means I would need to replace one of my DVI-Ds with a DVI-I. – oscilatingcretin – 2012-02-05T01:45:08.243

If they exist, they are crazy expensive I'm sure. – surfasb – 2012-02-05T02:04:28.263

Perhaps someone can shed some light on the big technological complexity with a KVM switch that meets my criteria. I can find single-display switches supporting digital video for a decent price, but adding the capability for a second digital video cable is just too much to ask in the the year 2012? – oscilatingcretin – 2012-02-05T03:42:14.157

Not a big enough market. Users just use RDC/VNC or get another screen. – Daniel Beck – 2012-02-07T18:01:54.603

I may have misunderstood the different types of DVI. DVI-A is analog, DVI-D is digital, and DVI-I in integrated. Is the video quality from a DVI-I any less attractive because it supports digital and analog, whereas DVI-D is straight digital? If their digital streams are the same then the second one Raystafarian pointed me to would be good since it has one DVI-D and one DVI-I. – oscilatingcretin – 2012-02-07T18:35:14.410

@oscilatingcretin - Your computer likely only accepts DVI-D what does it matter what DVI-A and DVI-I are? Yes you have a fundamitel missunerstanding. – Ramhound – 2012-03-08T17:44:07.963

Incorrect. My video card actually has two DVI-I ports. – oscilatingcretin – 2012-03-08T18:36:54.010

Answers

I went down this road for a while and then decided to use Remote Desktop which is built into all versions of Windows - it gets better with more controls with Windows 7. Made sure the two devices are on the same high speed switch. No cost no switches, FAST..just as fast as sitting at the keyboard...same keyboard same mouse....AND cut and paste between regular desktop and remote (remember to check the box which says multiple monitors in the configuration of RD....Couldn't believe the answer was right there all the time.

Laptop now sits with top closed and works perfectly.

Bryyan

Posted 2012-02-05T00:13:00.777

Reputation: 71

1Is this fast enough to run high-end games? I'd think that performance might be affected in that scenario. – crush – 2014-09-17T18:49:07.663

2@crush no, this is more of a work solution. – Brian Webster – 2015-09-17T21:14:43.457

Just to note on this - multi-monitor support for RD requires the "ultimate" or "enterprise" edition of Windows 7 (I believe on the host, not the client). The mere "pro" version only seems to allow one monitor. See http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Remote-Desktop-Connection-frequently-asked-questions.

– Flyto – 2013-07-11T08:36:10.047

Actually, only requires Professional. Home can connect to Professional but not the opposite. – nicorellius – 2013-09-08T15:18:00.527

How about this one? ADDERView 4 PRO DVI Multi-Screen

The ADDERView PRO is a professional grade KVMA switch delivering ultimate flexibility for users who wish to share high resolution screens (up to 5MP) and modern USB peripherals between a multiplicity of computers.

Tom Osmond

Posted 2012-02-05T00:13:00.777

Reputation: 61

We use these at work for switching 4 monitors, they work really well – deveneyi – 2012-02-07T12:06:14.433

Tom, where is the price for this? It seems rather elusive. – oscilatingcretin – 2012-02-07T18:36:28.293

3These things typically are like Ferraris, if you have to ask... Contact their local VAR while sitting down. – Fiasco Labs – 2012-03-08T17:34:56.707

@oscilatingcretin - You want a KVM that supports HDMI you are going to pay for that functionality. You don't expand on the reason a VGA connection is bad. – Ramhound – 2012-03-08T17:44:19.040

Did I not say DVI or HDMI in my question?. Furthermore, how do you know I am not willing to pay it? Lastly, I do not want VGA because I want to still use my main PC for gaming, so I am only willing to go digital, not analog. The dual-monitor KVM switches I've looked at don't support using different types of cables. They're either all analog or all digital, so I need all digital. – oscilatingcretin – 2012-03-08T18:32:20.570

Tom, where is the price for this? It seems rather elusive Companies like this sell through VAR partners. They list on the website how to get in touch. VAR resellers typically deal with companies, though a few are willing to do one-offs to us for pleb use. – Fiasco Labs – 2012-03-08T19:22:01.993

I just started using this from iogear at work to share two monitors, keyboard/mouse between two computers. While the product is a bit pricey, it is definitely worth it. I think you can get it on newegg for about $300.00.

I think you may find this product will do everything you need it to do.

http://www.iogear.com/product/GCS1642/

Mike

Posted 2012-02-05T00:13:00.777

Reputation: 51

This (and other IOGEAR products on that site) seem to be what you are after...

Cameron Scott

Posted 2012-02-05T00:13:00.777

Reputation: 1

1"simple method for sharing one dual-link DVI monitor" – oscilatingcretin – 2012-03-08T16:45:09.797

I typed in https://www.google.com/search?complete=0&q=dual+monitor+kvm, clicked the second shopping result, clicked Amazon and landed on http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Port-Switch-Audio-SV231DD2DUA/dp/B002VY8T2Y " switching both machines across two high resolution DVI monitors" "Combined or independent switching of audio and/or USB hub ports"

chx

Posted 2012-02-05T00:13:00.777

Reputation: 3 069

I prefer to use Multi-Monitor KVM switch with USB DDM technology which provide better in USB HID (keyboard, mouse , touch screen ....etc) device sharing and faster switching time with almost no latency.

ConnectPRO multi-header KVM switches included UDD-14A+ for 4 systems and UDD-12A+ for 2 systems.

Rex Wu

Posted 2012-02-05T00:13:00.777

Reputation: 121

-1

i use two iogear switches between two monitors and two computers. just have to press both switches at the same time to switch to both monitors. also use the #1 cable from each switch to the other computer as the switch is powered off the keyboard cable.

Ken Gettys

Posted 2012-02-05T00:13:00.777

Reputation: 1