KVM switches say 1080p HD support. Does that include ultrawide?

[VitrasSlade]

I'm trying to find a HDMI KVM for my two computers at 2560x1080p. Most say support for 1080p, then list 1920x1080 and 1920x1200 for resolutions. I was suspecting it might only take into account the 16:9 and 16:10 ratios, but not 21:9.

Will I be better off buying an HDMI only switch claiming 4k support, and another switch for my other peripherals? I am finding this quite frustrating. Help is much appreciated.

 

[techgeek]

I would assume when they say 1080p, they are referring to the standard 16:9 monitors. The ultrawide monitors have a lot more pixels and it's doubtful that the KVM can handle the bandwidth necessary to pass those resolutions through.

I can find display port KVM's that do 4K, but no HDMI KVM's that support above 1080p.

 

[VitrasSlade]

I was looking at getting a $75 Startech Displayport switch that supports 2500x1600 (unless it won't drive 2560x1080 somehow). The problem would be that I would need an adapter or special cable to convert Displayport to HDMI for one of the computers.

I found an HDMI switch that claims this:
"Supports display resolutions 4K@30Hz, 1080p@120Hz and 1080p 3D@60Hz"
And here's the amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YNM23S8

 

[techgeek]

While that might answer the display switching, you are still left with not switching your mouse / keyboard.

The video switch certainly has the bandwidth necessary for sending that many pixels through to the display, I'm not sure if the switch intercepts, rebroadcasts the signal or not. If it does, then there maybe an issue if it doesn't recognize that resolution. However it is more likely that it's just a solid state passthrough device that switches the input to the output.

 

[VitrasSlade]

I can't seem to find any Displayport switches that has an audio input/output that can handle my resolution, except the one I mentioned before. Could I use a Displayport to HDMI adapter for one of my computers? Here are links for both:
http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-2-Port-DisplayPort-Switch-SV211DPUA/dp/B00FSARDCA/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1461181497&sr=8-5&keywords=displayport+kvm+audio
http://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-Plated-DisplayPort-Converter/dp/B00JQORLCG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1461181984&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=hdmi+to+displayport+adapter&psc=1

Or would I be better off getting that switch and adding a graphics card to the one computer for an actual DP port? I was planning to get one in the future anyway, so it'd just be sooner than later.

 

[techgeek]

Well if you have the budget to get a graphics card with a Display Port output for the other computer, then that seems to be the simplest solution. Especially if you had planned on doing so in the future. Depending on your usage of this computer, the graphics card doesn't have to be very expensive. Even the low-end graphics cards now come with at least one Display Port out.

 

[VitrasSlade]

It's actually my Linux desktop that I'll be playing games on every now and then, so I was planning to put a GTX 950 for it. I just remembered I have a GTX 960 on hand that I can use for now, so I plugged it in and have it running on that now. All systems go, so I'll order the switch now. Thanks for the help.

 

[techgeek]

No problem. So you had a 960 just lying around?

 

[VitrasSlade]

It was my previous graphics card. I had promised a friend I would sell it to him and help build him a gaming rig, but he keeps spending his money on other stuff... So I might as well put it to use. 😛 And my color coordination obsession keeps me from using it permanently as it is an MSI card, and this is a black and gold computer. I'll be getting a EVGA GTX 950 FTW to match. I'm excited.

 

[techgeek]

My system is color coordinated though not by design, it just worked out that way. However that little magenta FPS overlay in the top left hand corner of my monitor takes precedence over color coordination. If I can improve my systems performance, the graphics card could have a Barney the dinosaur on it and I would still use it. But to each their own I guess.

At least you have it sorted out. Do you have a DP KVM ordered yet?

 

[VitrasSlade]

I don't really need a card that's too beefy for this one, since it'll be casual games (usual pixal-art or 2-D). If I wanted a better card, I'd rather go for a GTX 970. But my other computer I am using as just a gaming rig and it has two 970s. I'm trying to perfect my setup, as I spend a lot of time with it. Very happy that people are actually impressed with me, but that's a whole other story, haha.

Yep, I ordered the one I linked earlier, as it was the only DP switch that had audio ports without being too expensive. It'll be here Tuesday and I will report the results. On a side note, do you by any chance know why KVM switches so expensive?

 

[techgeek]

I can't really give a good answer for that. The electronics and R&D costs shouldn't be too great. My guess would be that they are such a niche product (not many people have use for them outside commercial and industrial use) that they have to price them higher to make up the cost of the cost of manufacturing such low volumes and R&D. However that is a pure guess and not backed by any fact.

 

[VitrasSlade]

I was suspecting the same thing. It's very useful though, so it seems justified with how much it simplifies things... I dunno, mixed feelings here.

I initially had bought a cheaper VGA switch with audio to use for my other peripherals, not my monitor (I have an LG monitor that only has that weird joystick for controls). After getting it I realized how cumbersome and a waste of time it is to switch inputs on my monitor. If I didn't switch between my computers so much, I wouldn't care. Any thoughts of how I can put the switch to use? In the mean time, was thinking of having some kind of test bench, but VGA makes that pretty unlikely.

 

[VitrasSlade]

I got the switch today and it works as expected. Meaning my problem that I had with DP before is present again, which is no display being output on cold boot. The KVM switch works just fine, it's the PC's error on this one, so I will open a new thread. Thanks for the help.

 

[techgeek]

No problem. Could you provide a link to your new thread?

 

[VitrasSlade]

Derp. My bad.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-3043170/displayport-show-cold-boot.html

 

[techgeek]

Thanks, I'm on the case.