Howdy,

I've been having some difficulty solving a problem, and have decided to ask advice here. Here's the layout:

I have a mac mini connected to a 20 inch dell monitor that I use for surfing. Whenever I want to use the mini as a media server for my TV (40 inch Samsung LCD), I unplug the DVI to the monitor, and plug in a DVI to the TV. This works just fine, but its a bit of a hassle. I'd rather not plunk down $300 for a wireless solution, in part because the computer is right next to the TV anyways, running a 6 foot cable is easy and cheap.

I tried buying a DVI splitter from Monoprice, but that solution had several glitches that made it unworkable. Are there any reverse KVM switches out there? Seems like a simple idea, but I haven't been able to find one. Any other solutions would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Target

I tried buying a DVI splitter from Monoprice, but that solution had several glitches that made it unworkable. Are there any reverse KVM switches out there? Seems like a simple idea, but I haven't been able to find one. Any other solutions would be appreciated.

Thanks,

TargetWhat was the problem with the DVI splitter? Was it something specific to the monoprice splitter or would it affect all DVI splitters?

I would have thought that a DVI splitter would the the perfect device for what you want to do, no?

ft

I'm going to try it again tonight and document here exactly what happens. I think the problem boils down to the monitors being at different resolutions. When both are off the first one to come on sets the standard. Thus, if I turn the Dell on, the resolution is set at 1600x1050. When I turn the TV on, the picture is letter boxed in side of it. Turning the Dell off doesn't help, it stays set improperly until I turn it off, unplug, and replug. Very annoying. When I start with the TV, the problem is even worse. The Dell comes on, and the screen goes blank because it can't handle 1900x1080. Again, I have to turn both off and unplug and replug to get the Dell to work. The actual splitter works just fine, but there are too many of what I assume must be software glitches.

In a perfect world, when only one monitor was on, it would set the resolution to its setting, and thus I would just have to avoid having the Dell on, and the TV set to HDMI 3 which wouldn't be hard at all. As it stands, the only way to change resolutions is to unplug and replug leaving me with the same problem as last time.

On a side note, the splitter doesn't work with my DVI cable (The splitter is DVI-A and my TV uses DVI-I or some similar type problem, not exactly sure if I'm using the right letters, but they don't fit). Thus, I have to use my DVI to HDMI cable. I'm not sure if this is the problem. Would it change things if I bought a proper DVI to DVI cable?

Target

I'm going to try it again tonight and document here exactly what happens. I think the problem boils down to the monitors being at different resolutions.


What you want is a 'distribution amp' like this (http://www.digitalconnection.com/products/video/1392.asp) at Digital Connection, or this one (http://www.gefen.com/kvm/product.jsp?prod_id=3033) from Gefen. You will need to get DVI-HDMI cables for the Audio Authority one, but, it should work.

On a side note, the splitter doesn't work with my DVI cable (The splitter is DVI-A and my TV uses DVI-I or some similar type problem, not exactly sure if I'm using the right letters, but they don't fit). Thus, I have to use my DVI to HDMI cable. I'm not sure if this is the problem. Would it change things if I bought a proper DVI to DVI cable?

Target

DVI-A means it really just VGA using the DVI connector (http://www.interfacebus.com/Design_Connector_Digital_Visual_Interface_DVI_Bus.html) with the four (analog) pins on the side--DVI-I cables also use those pins. A 'regular' DVI-D cable does not have the pins, but, the DVI-I (or -A) cable wouldn't fit in a '-D' version, so you'll need to check which you really have. Since you have the DVI-HDMI cable, the above may be a better option.

I am completely baffled. Thinking of the electronics behind it, this device is like a train track switcher. It simply needs to switch the signal from device one to device two at the flip of the switch. That costs $300!!! I can't believe that there's no simpler device that does what I want. For $300 I could build a mechanical arm that unplugs one monitor for me, and plugs the other in on command! I am not ranting at you, and I thank you for the advice, but there must be a more cost effective solution. At $300, I'll get an ATV and be able to do everything at once.

Target

PS Thank you for the DVI-A/I description. I have a variety of cables back home including DVI-A, DVI-D, and DVI-D-HDMI. I need to look at what I have.

I am completely baffled. Thinking of the electronics behind it, this device is like a train track switcher. It simply needs to switch the signal from device one to device two at the flip of the switch. That costs $300!!! I can't believe that there's no simpler device that does what I want. For $300 I could build a mechanical arm that unplugs one monitor for me, and plugs the other in on command!

LOL !!

I completely agree!! I'm in a similar situation. I've got a G5 which has a dual DVI output (I believe it's a ATI 9600), one connector is always hooked up to the 23" screen, the other I keep plugging back and forth between a crappy 17" LCD I use for work (when I'm really grateful for the dual monitor setup) and my HT projector when I use the G5 as media server. I've considered buying a DVI splitter, but was scared away by the cost and the potential incompatibilities.
I keep postponing the decision and keep praying for an updated Mac Mini which would solve many problems at once..
Regards,

analogue900, since you have a G5, why not just add another video card?

analogue900, since you have a G5, why not just add another video card?

Yeah, I thought about this for a long time. Following problems that I'm unsure about:
- the only PCI card I believe available is the ATI 9200 which I believe is not quartz extreme (or whatever the exact name is) compatible (there might be a hack, but I'm not sure - sounds a bit adventurous). Would such a card be good enough for HTPC? I'm using eyeTV to play 1920x1080 HD.
- the card is a dead investment once I have to replace the G5 (OK, it's like 100 bucks...)

My main reason is that I actually would prefer to have a mini for the HTPC since the G5 is this power-gobbling monster (300 watts). And since the machine does not consistently go to sleep after a scheduled recording it quite often keeps running entire nights... thus, I thought I save the 100 bucks towards a new mini...
Best,

Are there any other solutions for this? Its really bothering me.

Target

What about something like this?:

http://www.kvm-switches-online.com/st122dvi.html

I've seen stuff like this, but again, its a $200 fix for what should be a $10 problem. I just don't get it.

Target

I've seen stuff like this, but again, its a $200 fix for what should be a $10 problem. I just don't get it.

Target

Did you look at this:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10110&cs_id=1011001&p_id=2786&style=&seq=1&format=3#specification

It's a HDMI switcher. You'd need 3 DVI-HDMI cables of course, maybe that would work.

EDIT: never mind, it's the wrong one... but there must be something like this with 1 in and two outs.

EDIT (#2): I read through all the reviews of this thing and it turns out it can actually be operated in reverse! There's 2 diodes in there which you might have to shortcut - if you read the reviews you'll see... so, this should work if you're willing to buy 3 HDI-DVI cables.

Very interesting. This may be the solution I've been looking for! And it isn't even $200.

Target

Did you look at this:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10110&cs_id=1011001&p_id=2786&style=&seq=1&format=3#specification

EDIT (#2): I read through all the reviews of this thing and it turns out it can actually be operated in reverse! There's 2 diodes in there which you might have to shortcut - if you read the reviews you'll see... so, this should work if you're willing to buy 3 HDI-DVI cables.

This is what I was looking for in the other switchers, but, couldn't find it in my quick search. And, since you're using a computer you shouldn't need to worry about HDCP errors. Good luck.

Hmmm, interesting read... I am using a Mini as a Media Center for my Home Theater. Mostly used as a Music Server. Right now I am running my Mini through my Pioneer reciever using DVI to HDMI cable right to my receiver and it works great, but I would love to run this also to another monitor so I don' have to use my 92" FP everytime I want to listen to music... Any suggestions, I do have an extra monitor laying around that is VGA, but I am tempted to buy another Gateway Monitor that has 2 Componet inputs 1 S video and DVI and VGA... Or I think my receiver will output the signal from my Mini via one of the outputs on this receiver that has everything...