Gefen 2x2 DVI Switcher does not work with 30" and 23" displays

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Gefen 2x2 DVI Switcher does not work with 30" and 23" displays

I am using two G5s (one Intel and one PowerPC) and 2 Cinema HD displays (30" and 23") with a Gefen 2x2 DVI Switcher. The displays look fine when not connected through the DVI switcher, and connected to either computer alone, but there is clearly a sync problem with the 30" display when the computer is connected via the DVI switcher. When connected through the switcher, the 23" display is fine, but the 30" display exhibits vertical lines and a scrolling horizontal line. If I use (2) 23" ACDs there is no problem when connected through the DVI switcher. The video card is a dual link ATI Radeon 4870.

Any experience with this?

Posted on May 13, 2009 12:12 AM

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Answer 1

May 13, 2009 12:30 AM in response to PennyR

The 30" needs dual-link DVI. Is the Gefen DVI switcher dual-link?

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Answer 2

PennyR Author

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May 14, 2009 5:48 PM in response to Malcolm Rayfield

Thanks for the response. I think "no" is the short answer, insofar as it seems the (maximum) output resolution has to be the same on both displays in order for the Gefen to work. Gefen support simply said that they have heard this problem before with regard to the 30" ACD. Not much help there. I don't know what other people are using in this same situation (multiple computers sharing a single keyboard and 2 or more DVI monitors). Are you aware of any "dual-link" DVI switchers on the market? Thanks again for your response.

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Answer 3

May 14, 2009 9:50 PM in response to PennyR

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Answer 4

PennyR Author

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May 15, 2009 4:04 PM in response to Malcolm Rayfield

Thanks Malcolm. That link got me back to Gefen where they do in fact have a dual link DVI switcher/splitter for 2 dual link monitors and 2 computers. We ordered one. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Thanks again for your help.
-Penny

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Answer 5

May 21, 2009 4:02 PM in response to PennyR

Penny - did your Gefen switch work?

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Answer 6

May 21, 2009 4:07 PM in response to PennyR

I have two Mac Pro 8 core 2.93 Nehalem boxes both with ATI Radeon 4870's
I want to use both my 30" Cinema displays as extended desktops for both computers via a KVM- Dual Link switch is a must. Malcom or Penny .. or anyone- do you have a solution? I see the Gefen 2x2 is mentioned but not confirmed-

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Answer 7

Jun 1, 2009 8:26 PM in response to PennyR

Using two Mac Pro's (2009 8 core Nehalem Procs, 16GB Ram) Each Mac pro had an ATI Radeon 4870 - Needed a KVM to run dual view 30" ACDs , single mous, kbd and audio- The only soliution I found that REALLY works is the IOGEAR 1644 - 4 port KVMP Dual view, Dual DVI-D - o real probles. It just works. Yeah, I have two extra ports but so what. The BMF wotks. Audio is touchy, has a humm non one computer. Soemtimes one moitor foes blank. Switching to port selection without a computer hooked up and then back seems to corroect the problem. Hot heys don;'t seem top work but front buttons on KVM unit work great. Pricey, but IT WORKS. Kudos IOGEAR. NOTE: Bkleack Box promised up and down that their unit would work- It didn't but they've got the BEST customer Service- too it back, no questions, refunded all.

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