Display-switch: Turn a $30 USB switch into a full-featured multi-monitor KVM • Hacker News Board

Re: Display-switch: Turn a $30 USB switch into a full-featured multi-monitor KVM

#141

Post by firecall » Mon, Dec 20, 2021, 12:51 AM UTC

stonewareslord wrote: post #33

firecall wrote: post #28

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I can never get this to work! Installed on macOS 12.1 and Windows 10 or 11, and nothing happens! It sees the client and server just fine. But never moves over! Maybe I should the try the paid Synergy! The Logitech solution has the lag when you bang against the side of the screen, and thats no good! :-)

You have to configure the server by adding the clients screen to the left/right of yours. Also, I always use IP Address of the server on the client.

I'm sure I did that...

I'll give it another go :-)

Re: Display-switch: Turn a $30 USB switch into a full-featured multi-monitor KVM

#142

Post by octagons » Mon, Dec 20, 2021, 2:24 AM UTC

adanto6840 wrote: post #76

octagons wrote: post #41

I have addressed this problem by using a 4x4 USB switcher from Rosewill and an HDMI matrix, such as those used by broadcasting or A/V signage industries. I started with an 8x8 matrix and now have a 16x16. It’s dead simple to give each of the 4 or so computers I have hooked up to them 3 or so monitors, and I can swap any video source to any sink using a web interface. The matrix isn’t cheap (approximately $1200) but a…

Does it support 4k@60? Can you configure EDID handling, or any potential HDCP issues (and stuff like HDR, ethernet-over-HDMI, etc)? Would be curious what make/model of matrix you're using. There's plenty of different hardware out there but not a whole lot of reviews; and my experience with the HDMI interface has, on the whole, not been the best. HDMI is great for consumer stuff, and for plugging in a generic source t…

The 16x16 one I bought does. It supports (some form of) HDMI 2.1. The EDID management for all matrices I’ve tested is a bit odd. Pass through doesn’t always work with most monitors, and you can specify a generic EDID from a preconfigured list, upload your own (only one) EDID file, or select “COPY_FROM_INPUT_1” for any or all outputs. The problem is that sometimes you might want input 1 to go to output 2, despite normally sending it to output 1. I have to manually change the EDID profile.

I can’t say how well a balun/extender setup will work but I believe they make boxes that specifically do that - a combination matrix and extender. I have no issues with HDCP. Happy to answer any other questions.

Search Monoprice for Audio/Video splitters but pay very close attention to the description. Make sure you understand the number of sources and sinks it offers.

Re: Display-switch: Turn a $30 USB switch into a full-featured multi-monitor KVM

#143

Post by inickt » Mon, Dec 20, 2021, 2:25 AM UTC

runjake wrote: post #83

mritun wrote: post #74

PSA: Many 4K Dell monitors (like my Dell UltraSharp U3219Q ) have a built-in KVM switch and they support full DDC commands for switching the input as well (over HDMI, DP and USBC). I can control them from Mac and Linux with hot keys that trigger the appropriate ddc commands.

record scratch Whoah. How do I obtain these ddc commands on macOS?

I use MonitorControl as mentioned but if you want something with a CLI then https://github.com/kfix/ddcctl works

Re: Display-switch: Turn a $30 USB switch into a full-featured multi-monitor KVM

#144

Post by octagons » Mon, Dec 20, 2021, 2:32 AM UTC

ur-whale wrote: post #96

octagons wrote: post #41

I have addressed this problem by using a 4x4 USB switcher from Rosewill and an HDMI matrix, such as those used by broadcasting or A/V signage industries. I started with an 8x8 matrix and now have a 16x16. It’s dead simple to give each of the 4 or so computers I have hooked up to them 3 or so monitors, and I can swap any video source to any sink using a web interface. The matrix isn’t cheap (approximately $1200) but a…

>HDMI matrix Would you care to post the brand and serial for the matrix?

I bought the 8x8 matrix from Monoprice - they have a category for audio/video splitters. They brand it as the “Blackbird” line, but note that they rotate and update the OEM/manufacturer fairly regularly. They’re clearly rebranded OEM units with a very cheap web interface and IR remote.

The 16x16 I bought from a small online company called “HDTV Supply” - model number HDCVT4K1616. They were a pleasure to work with.

(Mods please let me know if there are any issues sharing these vendors.)

Re: Display-switch: Turn a $30 USB switch into a full-featured multi-monitor KVM

#145

Post by octagons » Mon, Dec 20, 2021, 2:33 AM UTC

octagons wrote: post #142

adanto6840 wrote: post #76

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Does it support 4k@60? Can you configure EDID handling, or any potential HDCP issues (and stuff like HDR, ethernet-over-HDMI, etc)? Would be curious what make/model of matrix you're using. There's plenty of different hardware out there but not a whole lot of reviews; and my experience with the HDMI interface has, on the whole, not been the best. HDMI is great for consumer stuff, and for plugging in a generic source t…

The 16x16 one I bought does. It supports (some form of) HDMI 2.1. The EDID management for all matrices I’ve tested is a bit odd. Pass through doesn’t always work with most monitors, and you can specify a generic EDID from a preconfigured list, upload your own (only one) EDID file, or select “COPY_FROM_INPUT_1” for any or all outputs. The problem is that sometimes you might want input 1 to go to output 2, despite norm…

Also note my response to the other question.

Re: Display-switch: Turn a $30 USB switch into a full-featured multi-monitor KVM

#146

Post by octagons » Mon, Dec 20, 2021, 2:38 AM UTC

adanto6840 wrote: post #76

octagons wrote: post #41

I have addressed this problem by using a 4x4 USB switcher from Rosewill and an HDMI matrix, such as those used by broadcasting or A/V signage industries. I started with an 8x8 matrix and now have a 16x16. It’s dead simple to give each of the 4 or so computers I have hooked up to them 3 or so monitors, and I can swap any video source to any sink using a web interface. The matrix isn’t cheap (approximately $1200) but a…

Does it support 4k@60? Can you configure EDID handling, or any potential HDCP issues (and stuff like HDR, ethernet-over-HDMI, etc)? Would be curious what make/model of matrix you're using. There's plenty of different hardware out there but not a whole lot of reviews; and my experience with the HDMI interface has, on the whole, not been the best. HDMI is great for consumer stuff, and for plugging in a generic source t…

Also please let me know if you find or know of a better USB switcher! I want one that supports 4 inputs but can handle more than 4 outputs to switch between. 6 or 8 would be great. It’s very handy because I frequently have client laptops or I’m working on another computer or RPi, so a spare USB input that I could leave on my desk would be great.

Re: Display-switch: Turn a $30 USB switch into a full-featured multi-monitor KVM

#147

Post by fatboy93 » Mon, Dec 20, 2021, 3:57 AM UTC

cowtongue wrote: post #69

An alternative approach that I've taken is to have the HDMIs from my work desktop plugged into a capture card on my main Windows desktop. I then use the preview from OBS to see the display and also hear the audio. Still need a separate keyboard + mouse, but I like being able to move/minimize my work OBS window off to the side when I'm not actively working. I also use this setup with gaming consoles so that I don't ha…

If you're doing this, why not use barrier or something like that? Iirc, it does have audio forwarding as well?

Re: Display-switch: Turn a $30 USB switch into a full-featured multi-monitor KVM

#148

Post by fiddyschmitt » Mon, Dec 20, 2021, 11:40 AM UTC

ranger_danger wrote: post #132

fiddyschmitt wrote: post #37

If you'd like to use a GUI, I wrote SimpleKVM: https://github.com/fiddyschmitt/SimpleKVM The GUI makes things (hopefully) a little easier to set up. It was inspired by Haimgel's project. It's nice to be able to run the monitor at native resolution and refresh rate, without paying hundreds for a KVM.

Fair warning to others, this project has no license, is Windows only and also requires an external closed-source/proprietary binary that is included in the repo.

Thanks ranger, I had completely forgotten about ControlMyMonitor.exe. That's how the program originally switched inputs, but was since replaced by win32 calls in MonitorController.cs.

I've removed that external dependency and published a new release.

Yes Windows only; I'll add mac & linux when I get a bit more time.

Cheers, Fidel

Re: Display-switch: Turn a $30 USB switch into a full-featured multi-monitor KVM

#149

Post by einr » Mon, Dec 20, 2021, 12:32 PM UTC

joombaga wrote: post #122

Damogran6 wrote: post #103

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Or their dryers...or their dishwashers...I hear their phones are okay...It sucks when a multinational conglomerate has a sketchy quality issue.

Their laser printers are great in my experience.

They really were. No-nonsense drivers, just worked. About the only Samsung product I could truly recommend.

Unfortunately, HP bought their printer business in 2017. My ML1640 is still truckin' along just fine, however...

Re: Display-switch: Turn a $30 USB switch into a full-featured multi-monitor KVM

#150

Post by thefunnyman » Mon, Dec 20, 2021, 9:08 PM UTC

Can anyone recommend hardware for this? I have a cheap powered USB switch from Amazon I was using but it’s been giving me stuttering issues with my mouse which is a nonstarter for use with a gaming desktop. I’ve also had to unplug and reply my usb DAC each time I switch to get it to work properly.