KVM and image quality

in my usage of kvm i had noticed absolutely no image degregation, it looks exaclty like if there was no kvm.

i use a belkin (sorry dont know the specifics) its a ps2 kvm then i use a ps2 to usb converter so the mouse and the keyboard go into one usb.

My first kvm swith was not very good, the image was not as sharp as without the switch. I also experienced interference from the computer that was not currently in use (a PC), when the screen saver kicked in a slight disturbance could be seen. The switch was probably not of highest quality, it didn't even have a brand printed on it. This type of problems may be reduced by using high quality shielded cables, according to the guy in the store.

After my anonymous switch started misbehaving I got a replacement, a different model. This one is working perfectly fine and I don't experience any image degradation or interference.

Hi Ray,

We just got a Belkin Flip, (same footing as the Mini, USB only) and it works great. Very pleased with it. The image is clear, keyboard & mouse are on one USB port and an HP printer is on the other. It also has a sound jack that can switch with video or can remain on on computer or the other. Independent switch of video and audio. You have three possible methods of switching keystroke, mouse click, and/or touch pad on the Flip. FYI it is being used with a Mini and an IBM notebook with XP, (Work supplied).

Highly recommend it.

Take care,
Lee

If it is DVI, it shouldn't, for the same reason you don't get degradation on a satellite TV picture, for example, until it goes away entirely. That is digital for you. Either the bits are there, or they aren't.

If using SVGA (analog) connection, then it could. Thru signal attenuation. Like long cable runs and too many splitters on your TV cable would.

Also check specs on the KVM - most list the max rez/refresh they can support.

Hey RaySkater, I've been using the Iogear USB KVM switch with audio. It cost around $89CAD last year and it works great. I use both platforms, and had a keyboard, mouse and lcd monitor already when I bought the Mac Mini. I think you will be very happy with it.

I've got a Belkin KVM that has 2 USB ports, 1 SVGA port, and both an audio in and audio output port.

It works great. But, there are very noticeable wavy lines on the screen if you look at a flat gray screen (like during startup).

You can see the lines if you look closely while at the desktop. But, it is much harder to see then. It is very noticeable during the startup process though.

I believe this is due to signal degradation from the longer cable.

It's not bad enough to annoy me. But, it does stress the eyes a bit (like a very low refresh rate does).

Overall, I don't notice it visually. But, I feel it in my eyes.

apple is selling the new belkin flip kvm for mac mini on their apple store site.

it looks like a simplified solution for any Mac or PC use regardless of Mac mini.

$85 is good deal too./

The Iogear has no issues with display or anything else. It works very well, it's small and have not had any issues at all. I believe it's designed and built very well to do the task. All USB too, no PS2 ports like some cheaper versions being sold around. Good luck and hope all this information helps you.

IOGear makes a KVM specifically for the Mac mini, with no output degradation. We tried the Belkin, actually we tried three of them because they all locked up and stopped working.