VGA swtich setup

Wee · 21 May 2008 at 17:24

So I've recently picked up a 360 and the VGA adapter for my Macbook, with the goal of running them and my PC through my main monitor. I hear the best way to do this is to use a 4-way VGA switch. I've looked around, and they seem to be really cheap. But before I go ahead and pick one up, I have a couple of questions regarding the setup.

Firstly ... is it even possible? If I get the 4-way VGA switch and plug my PC, Macbook and 360 into the back of it (as well as the monitor), I should be able to easily switch between them, right?

Secondly, does the switch degrade the quality of any of the picture? So will the PC, for instance, be the same picture quality as it is now after it's connected to the switch? I can't help but think it will loose some quality. If so, can this be combatted with buying some better quality VGA cables?

Has anyone got something similiar going on? Appreciate any feedback.

Cheers.

Tomsk · 21 May 2008 at 18:05

Any link/images/spec of the item you're considering (bear in mind competitor rules)?

You might want to consider a KVM - http://www.overclockers.co.uk/search_results.php?sortby=&groupid=&search=kvm

Wee · 21 May 2008 at 19:29

The switch is from a competitor, so won't post a link. But here's a picture of it.

There wasn't any specs on the item page, either.

Tomsk · 21 May 2008 at 21:38

NO!

They are rubbish. There's little or no shielding between the VGA ports.

Get a KVM instead.

Wee · 21 May 2008 at 21:48

Ah, maybe that's why it's so cheap!

So how exactly does the KVM lead work? How do you switch between all the attached devices?

dbeckett · 22 May 2008 at 16:35

Wee said:
Ah, maybe that's why it's so cheap!

So how exactly does the KVM lead work? How do you switch between all the attached devices?

KVM- stands for keyboard video mouse

Basically your monitor,keyboard and mouse plug into this device and when you press a button on your keyboard (e.g. scroll lock twice) the kvm will recognise this and divert the keyboard and mouse signals to the next computer, and will send the output from the next computer to the monitor, although having a mouse in and a keyboard in is optional i think, although im not sure how youd change the signal to the next pc without a keyboard, might be a button some?

Tomsk · 22 May 2008 at 16:41

The ones that OcUK sell are operated by a switch (cable or wireless). Since they only connect two devices, pressing the switch toggles between them. They can usually also be operated be a series of key presses on the keyboard. KVM's are available for more than 2 devices.
http://www.belkin.com/flip/

Wee · 22 May 2008 at 17:04

Looks like KVM is the way to go, although I don't need the mouse/keyboard support. I see Belkin doesn't do one that supports more than two devices. Any recommendations on a company that does?

What about loss of picture quality with a KVM?

Wee · 22 May 2008 at 17:11

Ah, just didn't look hard enough. Belkin do do a series of KVM do-hickey's with 4-ports. Spotted a Belkin OmniView E-Series going very cheap on a well known auction site. You reckon that'll do the trick?

Tomsk · 23 May 2008 at 11:27

E-series is fine. I used to have one.