Unable to use KVM switch on MBP

Question

Level 1

3 points

Unable to use KVM switch on MBP

Hi there!

So I recently purchased a brand new Macbook Pro (it is very beautiful) with the intention of using it as a workstation for Graphic Design. Until now I have always done my work with a Windows PC and am not interested in making a complete transition. I only want to use my Mac for work purposes.

I bought the Single-Link DVI adapter alongside my Macbook Pro and a pretty rad 2 port DVI KVM switch. I have a 22" Samsung SyncMaster T220HD. I've got everything working on my windows PC, but absolutely cannot get it working on my Macbook. If I plug directly into the monitor things work fine on my Mac, I can use Extended desktop or Mirror mode no problem. The keyboard and mouse work through the KVM switch but the video does not.

I have spent much time troubleshooting this issue. I am using two Single-Link DVI-D cables to go from my Mac to the KVM, then from the KVM to the Monitor. The KVM switch is to be powered by USB, which I have on connected to my Macbook as well as the Windows desktop. The KVM is hot-swappable. I have tried switching the ports and using just the Mac without the PC plugged in, but I can never get any video through the KVM.

My KVM switch has the option for a 5v power adapter, which I have gone ahead and purchased one online but am waiting for it to arrive. When I get it I will try it out and see if it resolves the situation.... but not confident it will make a difference.

I really need this to work as I can't do the Design work that I do on such a small display. My monitor does not require the more expensive Dual-Link DVI adapter that apple offers. I have also tried using a Dual-Link DVI-D cable just to see if it would make a difference.

My PC has a dual-boot and my KVM works in both Windows XP x64 and Windows Vista 32bit. What more can I do to troubleshoot this issue? My KVM states it is compatible with the MAC OS. Below is a link to both my KVM switch and my Monitor.

http://www.connectland.com.hk/ (unable to link directly to product page)
http://www.samsung.com/ca/consumer/detail/detail.do?group=computersaccessories&t ype=monitors&subtype=lcd&model_cd=LS22TDNSUV/ZA

Thanks for any help I can get!

P.S. When using a windows keyboard on your mac, is there anyway to copy and paste without the apple key???

A1286, Mac OS X (10.5.8), i use to work for applecare :)

Posted on Aug 8, 2009 9:27 AM

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Answer 1

scothFLY Author

Level 1

3 points

Aug 11, 2009 12:54 PM in response to scothFLY

any takers?

I've tried it with the DC power supply and it still doesn't work. Nothing at all.

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.

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Answer 2

scothFLY Author

Level 1

3 points

Sep 3, 2009 12:23 PM in response to scothFLY

once again any help would be GREATLY APPRECIATED

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Answer 3

Sep 5, 2009 5:15 PM in response to scothFLY

I don't have a solution, but I wanted to let you know that I have a very similar problem that I haven't been able to resolve. Anybody out there know a solution? I'll keep looking and post back here if I find anything.

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Answer 4

Sep 7, 2009 5:26 PM in response to s888marks

My situation is as follows: I have a desktop Mac and a 2007 MacBook Pro. I connect them to my external monitor using a DVI KVM switch, an Iogear GCS 1762. This setup works fine. I have a new MacBook Pro that I am trying to use in the same configuration, with the addition of a Mini Displayport to DVI adaptor. This does not work, although it does work if the monitor is connected directly to the MBP/adaptor, bypassing the KVM switch.

According to these articles:

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1757795&tstart=0&messageID=898 7323#8987323

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=9970269&#9970269

any KVM switch must be HDCP compliant, otherwise it will not work with the mini-DisplayPort to DVI adaptor. Apparently this particular Iogear switch isn't compliant. This is quite irritating, as it's a fairly new piece of equpment, it's moderately expensive (> $100), and I'm not even trying to play movies through it -- just the regular Mac desktop.

(sigh) I guess I'll just switch cables for a while until I break down and buy a more expensive switch.

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Answer 5

RobH78

Level 1

0 points

Sep 8, 2009 7:16 PM in response to s888marks

s888marks wrote:
My situation is as follows: I have a desktop Mac and a 2007 MacBook Pro. I connect them to my external monitor using a DVI KVM switch, an Iogear GCS 1762.

I have a GCS1764. Do you get any video at all? I do but there is so much noise in the picture that I fear it might damage my MBP, diaplay, or eyes (in reverse order!) What monitor are you using?

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Answer 6

Oct 1, 2009 12:22 PM in response to RobH78

I also have a GCS1764 and after chatting with iogear support for well over an hour I feel that this is a done deal. The GCS1764 is not and will never be HDCP compliant. There will not be a firmware upgrade for it, and there never has been so why have the port?

According to the rep at iogear the ONLY switch that will work is the GCS1204.

It was my understanding that the HDCP (assuming that is causing the problem) should only be an issue if there is a copy protected video being watched. I have an appointment with the "genius" bar people this evening but somehow I feel like it will be me asking questions that they don't have answers for.

IMHO I think apple is more to blame for this than iogear, and I am not happy with my "upgrade"...

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Answer 7

direwolf8

Level 4

1,286 points

Oct 1, 2009 2:05 PM in response to scothFLY

There is almost no information about this product in the link you supplied. If it's not Macintosh aware there's a very good chance it won't work. There is no problem using a MacBook Pro with a KVM switch, and there are a few in the $ 100 range that will work, but we generally use commercial grade KVM's that are designed to work with both Mac and PC.

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