You might think that power wouldn’t be a factor for a simple switch, but KVM switches require it. Most will draw power from the connected PCs to make splitting, switching, and managing devices possible, but some models also include an internal power supply to keep everything separated from your PCs. Can be powered by PoE -the only difference betwieen the XDIP and XDIP-POE models is that the XDIP comes with a PSU and cable Do you need to perform maintenance of IT devices, run GUI applications, troubleshoot and remotely reboot hardware?

POH (Power over HDBaseT) – supplies power from Transmitter to Receiver over a long distance via one Cat 5e/6/6a cable You’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. These extenders will suit a wide range of applications in the AV industry, digital signage and at home. FeaturesDisplayPort KVM switches are specially useful for peripheral sharing when users need to share more USB peripherals among all computers. Like this, it's possible to use one set of keyboard, mouse and monitor to work on one computer while USB peripherals are connected to other computers. This helps to access high-performance graphical workstations and critical video processors from secure and temperature controlled equipment rooms while maintaining the same user desktop experience for editors, 3D artists and control room operators. Unidirectional data paths: Optical data diodes prevent peripherals from being used to breach systems The VE882 accepts an audio-video stream from a local source and serializes the data to pass it over a single 3.125 Gbps optical link (for resolutions up to 1080p@60Hz at 24-bits). The VE882 can also extend the IR remote control and transfer RS-232 (up to 115kbps) in both directions, allows you to connect serial devices such as touch screens and barcode scanners. 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? Consumer Electronic Control (CEC) allows interconnected HDMI devices to communicate and respond to a single remote control There are many things to look for in a KVM switch such as single- or dual-head support. Main benefits of this technology include:

The Technology I Use

The VE849T Multicast HDMI Wireless Transmitter allows you to position HDMI displays up to 30m away from HDMI sources when used in unison with up to 4 VE849R receivers. That being said, the term KVM is a bit misleading, and while original KVM switches only handled those three, modern switches will often handle more, including things like audio and USB ports. There are even KVM switches that switch between only one input, such as this Gana 3-port HDMI switch, although these are usually referred to simply by the data that they handle, such as an audio switch or a keyboard switch.

The VE829 5x2 HDMI Wireless Extender is able to send full uncompressed HD 1080p, while connecting up to 5 source devices and allowing users to switch and independently select any source to display on two HDTVs. Its wireless matrix feature is the biggest breakthrough in Audio / Video solutions to date. This means you can watch cable TV in one location (transmitter side) and, at the same time, independently select a Blu-ray movie to watch in another location (receiver side). The VE829 is capable of streaming Full HD 1080p with support for 3D content and digital audio up to 30m* away, within the home or any desired setup. This two-PC-capable KVM switch uses HDMI for the connection to the primary monitor's input, as well as to the outputs from your connected systems. (Credit: Kyle Cobian) This sleek little device is incredibly high quality for being so inexpensive. It includes some neat quality-of-life features, such as LED indicators, and easily adapts when managing different operating systems. 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 Superior video quality HDTV resolutions of 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p (1920 x 1080), VGA, SVGA, XGA, SXGA, UXGA and WUXGA (1920 x 1200)

My Experience

If you're looking for a four-PC-capable KVM switch and choosing between this one and the Tcnewcl, the biggest difference is that this one has four USB ports for peripherals instead of the Tcnewcl's three. That's a lot of additional value for only a few extra dollars. Smooth motion video: stream HD video up to 1920 x 1200 at up to 30 frames per second with 24 bits per pixel colour depth Dedicated processors with emulators for every port: Isolated port paths for video, audio, and peripherals prevent data leaks between computers The first step to finding the right KVM switch is taking inventory of what you'll use it with: specifically, the number of computers, monitors, and additional peripherals, such as a keyboard and mouse. You may also want to hook up a direct-connected printer, webcam, speakers, or external microphone (for all the streamers and podcasters out there).Most mainstream KVM switches support between two to four computers, one to three monitors, and two to four peripherals. If you’re looking for something that keeps things simple (including the display quality), the UGREEN is one of the cheapest options out there. Thankfully, the low price point doesn’t translate to shotty quality — it simply prioritizes basic functionality over crisp 4K output, remote switching, and robust compatibility.

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 wireless 2-port HDMI switch to connect and consolidate remote devices (such as Blu-ray and media players), giving you a complete wireless home cinema. Slide the DCC switch to the s position to allow the KVM switch to receive RS-232 commands via an RJ-45-to-DB-9 cable. Please refer to the CS1842/CS1844 user manual. The VE812R HDMI Over Single Cat 5 Receiver supports HDBaseT technology that uses a single Cat 5e cable to extend signals up to 100 m.The VE812R 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. Extends HDMI signals to one local and two remote displays up to 100 m over a single Cat 5e/6/6a or ATEN 2L-2910 Cat 6 cableThe maximum distance is dependent on the resolution and the full 150m can be achieved with 1080p HDMI signals. This maximum distance reduces to 70m for 4k UHD HDMI signals. VGA KVM extenders are ideal for an affordable smooth real time switching experience and are capable of switching up to 1920x1200 VGA signals. These switches support dual, triple, or quad VGA video connectors, providing you with easy access to video heads on each channel. For a smart-looking, neat and tidy work environment, ATEN’s patented all-in-one design Cable KVM Switches eliminate the bother of connecting multiple cables by consolidating keyboard, video and mouse cables into one, and building that cable right into switch. KVM matrix switches allow multiple operators to access one to many shared computers, facilitating cross-functional data access for faster decision making and information sharing 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.