Two monitors, two computers

[jlukas]

Hello,

I have two computers, each with a single DVI output. I have two identical monitors, each with a single DVI input. What I want is a device that allows me to switch which computer is hooked up to which monitor with a simple button push.

I'm currently considering a dual-head KVM with two DVI splitters, but I heard that splitters usually don't work well when only one connection is enabled.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what hardware to get?

 

[PhilFrisbie]

DVI switch boxes are expensive, especially if you want to be able to playback Blu-Ray movies. Why do you want to be able to swap monitors?

 

[jlukas]

I have one computer for playing games and watching movies/TV, and another for everything else (chat, email, web browsing, software development, etc). I often switch between which computer I am using, but I like to keep an eye on both of them at the same time. Combining the computers isn't possible.

It would be nice if my setup allowed me to switch back and forth with as little friction as possible. Sharing a mouse/keyboard would be nice, but isn't required. Spending a little money isn't an issue ($300-400).

 

[ssddx]

there are programs available that will let you share one keyboard and mouse between both computers. i've read about it in a post about that here in the forums.

as far as swapping the two monitors.... it looks like instead of needing to swap one source between two monitors you need to just flip flip the two. perhaps there is a device out there which does this but i've never had to look for one myself.

 

[jlukas]

I have in the past tried such software solutions, with disappointing results.

I have been looking for exactly such a device, with no success. I've also investigated combinations of devices, but I couldn't find anything that seemed like it would work.

 

[ssddx]

http://www.google.com/#sclient=psy-ab&hl=en&source=hp&q=dvi+2x2+switch&pbx=1&oq=dvi+2x2+switch&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=11141l14938l2l15110l16l9l1l0l0l0l578l578l5-1l2l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=b25b4e8e47e56dfc&biw=1009&bih=449

cant click on them but what you want is a two input, two output dvi switch. you want one that is able to "flip flop" the sources.

all i can say is that you've got to look around and use google.

as far as controlling two pcs with one mouse and keyboard.....the last post i seen on the matter appeared to have good results. if i remember correctly holding down a few buttons on the keyboard switched the feed to the other pc.