Whenever you’re working with PC peripherals and management, you’ll need to know what operating systems are viable. Depending on how you’re switching, you may need just one, but other circumstances could require three to four. Be sure you know what you need ahead of time and confirm that it’s compatible with the switch before purchasing.

Do you need to prevent data transmission from being buffered and leaked from one classification level to another? What makes this switch stand out is its robust compatibility. It works with every OS you can think of — including Windows, Linux, Oracle Solaris — as well as most other USB-enabled systems. Your USB system is also expandable through the use of a USB hub, meaning that you can apply the same level of control to more than two devices. The VE803 is equipped with USB connectors which allow you to extend any USB device between the units. The USB feature also provides support for touch panel control, allowing you to control the local HDMI source device from the remote display, or control the remote display through the local unit. Most of us begrudgingly accept that switching between or among several computers requires some amount of cable swapping, moving devices around, or other general awkwardness. But with a KVM switch (the KVM short for “keyboard, video, mouse”), you can leave those bothers behind and save time, space, and money. Not to mention, a whole lot of hassle.

Video DynaSync™– an exclusive ATEN technology that optimizes display resolution, speeds up switching between systems, and ensures that windows opened on an extended desktop will not revert to their default configurations on the main display when switching between ports Our testing gear comprised a Viotek GNV27DB curved gaming monitor, two Windows 10-based desktop mini-PCs we recently reviewed (the Geekom IT8, and the Beelink GK Mini), and a standard wired gaming keyboard and mouse from Logitech. In turn, we set up each KVM device and switched between or among PCs 10 times, using a stopwatch to measure the switchover time and then averaging the results. To test the audio and video quality, we played a 4K HD movie (our old testing stalwart, Tears of Steel) on each PC through each KVM switch in turn to our Viotek monitor. We also watched the same video with the PCs direct-connected to the monitor to see if any perceptible difference.

The VE812T HDMI Over Single Cat 5 Transmitter supports HDBaseT technology that uses a single Cat 5e cable to extend signals up to 100 m.The VE812T not only supports HDMI (3D, Deep Color ) but also Ultra HD (4k) and is HDCP compatible. Furthermore remote EDID pass-through ensures optimum video quality for your HDMI display. The ATEN CS22H Cable KVM Switch can instantly access two computers with a USB and HDMI console while offering superior video quality up to 4K DCI (4096 x 2160 @ 60Hz), bringing users maximum convenience and optimum visuals.Dedicated processors with emulators for every port: Isolated port paths for video, audio, and peripherals prevent data leaks between computers The AdderLink XDIP nodes can be configured as a simple extender, distributed KVM switch or KVM Matrix with the latest firmware allowing each Receiver to connect to a maximum number of 16 transmitter units and each Transmitter unit can now be connected to 256 receiver units. XDIP runs on a standard IP network and enables users to extend and manage their computers with ultra-low latency, HD video and stereo audio. If this kind of teleportation magic sounds like something your home setup needs, here’s a guide to finding the right KVM switch for you. KVMs are venerable tech, but once you start shopping, you'll see a fair bit of nuance around them. We're here to help. A part of your digital signage architecture, for example when broadcasting promotional videos wirelessly across a show room, boutique or car dealership. Each here works with one monitor (see below for some dual-monitor suggestions) and allows you to switch among two or four PCs using one set of peripherals. They all use HDMI cables (instead of VGA or DisplayPort, although you can definitely find KVM switches that use those). Most newer computers and monitors connect via HDMI for superior sound and image quality. For the least hassle, you'll want to choose a KVM that works natively with the video outputs of all connected PCs (assuming they all support one in common!) to avoid having to deal with clumsy adapters.

The VE1812 supports RS-232 and IR signaling pass-through, allowing you to control the HDMI source device from the receiver unit (VE1812R) while also accessing the HDMI display device from the transmitter unit (VE1812T). The IR signals can also be extended in both directions. SY-HDBT-70SP-SET: SY Electronics Ultra Slim Pro HDBaseT 70M Extender Set - Scaling, Test Pattern, Audio de-embed, EDID, HDCP, Diagnostic ToolsYou’ve likely seen a consistent trend on this list. The best KVM switches keep things simple and don’t make you work to make multiple connections happen. For those just needing to connect two PCs, the Rosewill RKV-2UC is the best plug-and-play option available for an incredibly low price. Once you've assessed ports and peripherals, consider your home setup. Where will you put the KVM box? How long do the cables need to be to keep your space de-cluttered? Will you be able to press a button on the KVM to switch PCs, or do you need a remote? If you need a remote, do you want a wireless one, or will a wired unit do (connected to the KVM switch by a cable)? To help walk you through it, we tested six basic KVMs for ease of use and setup. There are many tasks which can only be completed or completed far more easily, using a certain type of computer. An example would be a piece of software designed specifically for Mac OS. Furthermore, it is common for users to have a laptop or notebook for mobile use, and a PC for home use. By investing in a KVM switch, users can switch between two different types of device.

USB Ports for Peripherals: Four (reserve two for keyboard and monitor; the others for items like a USB headset) The VE802 HDMI HDBaseT-Lite Extender extends an HDBaseT signal up to 70m from the HDBaseT source using one Cat 5e/6/6a cable. VE802 supports RS-232 and IR signaling passthrough, allowing you to control the HDMI source device from the remote unit (VE802R) while also granting access to the HDMI display device from the local unit (VE802T). IR signals can also be extended in both directions. The VE802 features Power over HDBaseT (POH) which can send power over Cat 5e/6/6a cable without an additional power supply. The VE802 is HDMI (3D, Deep Color,4k) and HDCP compatible. Unfortunately, the general practicality of KVM switches means that there are way too many options that, at least on the surface, function very similarly. This makes it incredibly challenging (if not time-consuming) to find the right KVM switch for your needs. We here at High Ground understand that struggle and have done the research to help you find the best KVM switches available. Zoom Out: Comparison Table of the Best KVM Switches Digital audioSupports eight channels of HDMI audio. Mix-n-match The whole AdderLink DV family of extenders share a common advantage of cross connection. The HDMI transmitters (ALDV100T) of the family can seamlessly be connected to the DVI-D receivers (ALDV120R) and vice versa Combined with KVM extenders, KVM switches provide access to multiple remote servers/ PCs from a single peripheral interface whilst the critical computing hardware is secured in a temperature controlled environment away from the user workstation. Operators enjoy the same desktop experience but with less noise, heat and clutter.

A KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) switch allows you to control multiple computers or servers and any associated peripherals using a single keyboard, monitor, and mouse. It’s a massive time saver for both professionals and gamers that utilize different PCs and other devices under different circumstances. In many ways, it works a lot like an HDMI switch, just with the core purpose of PC management. Desktop KVM switches usually provide switching capabilities of between 2 to 8 source PCs to one or even two (i.e. dual-head) monitor(s). There are KVM switches for almost all types of display connectors including legacy analog VGA, digital interfaces like DVI, DisplayPort and HDMI. Desktop KVM Switches also provid connectvity for HID such as keyboards an mice over USB 1/2/3 or legacy PS/2. Some of them also provide capabilities of switching between analog and digital (embedded) audio in/out. Since they are usually not big in size, they can be put on a desktop or even moounted behind a screen (vesa mounting) or underneath a table. KVM Matrix Switches (Connectivity over CATx, Fibre or an IP network) Connect and transmit wireless video content from your Blu-ray DVD player, media players, or other HDMI device wirelessly