1. You are viewing our forum as a guest. For full access please Register. WindowsBBS.com is completely free, paid for by advertisers and donations.

One monitor, two computers

Discussion in 'PC Hardware' started by broni, 2007/09/27.

  1. 2007/09/27
    broni

    broni Moderator Malware Analyst Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2002/08/01
    Messages:
    21,701
    Likes Received:
    116
    My LCD monitor has two jacks, one regular, and DVI.
    So far, I've been using KVM switch to connect my Vista, and Win 2000 computers to regular monitor jack.
    I want to buy DVI cable to have my Vista connected through it to a monitor.
    My Win 2K computer doesn't have DVI jack, so I was wondering, if I can use regular monitor jack to connect Win 2K to the same monitor, without any conflict.
    If possible, how would I switch my monitor screen from one computer to another?
     
    broni,
    #1
  2. 2007/09/29
    mattman

    mattman Inactive Alumni

    Joined:
    2002/06/10
    Messages:
    8,198
    Likes Received:
    63
    Hi Broni, I have a large CRT monitor which I use as a high definition TV screen (dual monitors), BUT, it has a switch for DVI or VGA input.

    You will need to read the manual for the monitor carefully (you can post the model here and someone can check it...answers not guaranteed :D )

    If you connect the monitor via DVI, it may automatically disable the VGA input. The answer should be in the monitor's manual.

    Matt
     
    mattman,
    #2


  3. to hide this advert.

  4. 2007/09/29
    broni

    broni Moderator Malware Analyst Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2002/08/01
    Messages:
    21,701
    Likes Received:
    116
    Actually, I found its manual on-line (the one, which came with monitor is just one page translated to 101 languages...LOL), HERE, and on page 14 it describes:
    It doesn't say, though, if one computer can be connected to DVI, and another one to D-SUB.
     
    broni,
    #3
  5. 2007/09/30
    mattman

    mattman Inactive Alumni

    Joined:
    2002/06/10
    Messages:
    8,198
    Likes Received:
    63
    I can't see anything in the manual that seems to say not to. Check again yourself.

    "...more than one computer..." seems to be what you are trying to do.

    The connections are signal inputs, it is not as though they are "controlling" the monitor.

    I would expect it should be fine, but then again, I have only set up LCDs and left them to run.

    Check around the Viewsonic website if you are still concerned (FAQs). Try it and see, I will leave that to you.

    Matt
     
    mattman,
    #4
  6. 2007/09/30
    broni

    broni Moderator Malware Analyst Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2002/08/01
    Messages:
    21,701
    Likes Received:
    116
    Thanks, Mattman.
    I'll definitely post back, as soon as I got that DVI cable (<====lazy, lazy, lazy...LOL)
     
    broni,
    #5
  7. 2007/10/02
    Chiles4

    Chiles4 Inactive

    Joined:
    2002/01/09
    Messages:
    654
    Likes Received:
    1
    Broni, based on that statement you found in your manual, I'd say that it is advocating exactly what you want to do....two inputs, two computers and a switch to toggle inputs.

    BTW, I've heard of people doing exactly what you want to do. I never played with it because I use a KVM and honestly, I don't even know how to toggle the input on my Viewsonic VP930b.
     
    Chiles4,
    #6
  8. 2007/10/02
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

    Joined:
    2002/05/10
    Messages:
    28,896
    Likes Received:
    389
    FYI - a time ago when I was using a 22" Iiyama CRT Vision Master Pro 513 this had 2 D-sub connectors and a button on the front bezel to change between the two inputs. Had XP on one computer, Vista beta on the other, both plugged into the monitor - worked perfectly :)
     
    PeteC,
    #7
  9. 2007/10/02
    broni

    broni Moderator Malware Analyst Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2002/08/01
    Messages:
    21,701
    Likes Received:
    116
    Just an update.
    Finally, I bough DVI cable today, and everything works perfectly.
    My Win 2K is on analog cable, and my Vista on DVI (btw. there is a picture quality difference after getting DVI).
    Now, I setup my monitor in such a way, that it takes a push of a button on my monitor to switch between both computers.
    I'm happy.
    Thanks, guys :D
     
    broni,
    #8
  10. 2007/10/03
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

    Joined:
    2002/05/10
    Messages:
    28,896
    Likes Received:
    389
    Just love Happy Campers :)
     
    PeteC,
    #9
  11. 2007/10/03
    IvanH

    IvanH Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    2006/12/05
    Messages:
    565
    Likes Received:
    19
    I just put up a 22" Asus MW221u LCD. It connects to my old desktop running Windows XP from the VGA socket. The other socket on the Asus LCD is a DVI socket which is being used by my notebook as a 2nd display.

    If the desktop is off, the LCD is automatically used as a 2nd display, but when the desktop is on, I need to push the menu button on the LCD to toggle between two computers. But they work fine. I don't need the KVM.
     
    IvanH,
    #10
  12. 2007/10/03
    broni

    broni Moderator Malware Analyst Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2002/08/01
    Messages:
    21,701
    Likes Received:
    116
    That reminded me a second issue.
    When I put Win 2K through VGA cable, and Vista through DVI, I can, as I said to switch display between computers by pushing LCD's button, but what about keyboard, and a mouse.
    I used to use KVM for monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Now, when I disconnected video cable from KVM switch, I left keyboard, and mouse running through KVM to both computers. But...
    For some reason KVM switch doesn't work anymore, just for mouse, and keyboard. Pushing toggle key on my keyboard, does nothing. Keyboard, and mouse will work only with Vista, but not with 2K.
    I had to connect separate keyboard, and mouse, just for 2K.
    It's not a big deal, just curiosity, why would that be. Do ALL THREE devices have to be connected to KVM in order to make it work?
    How do you guys, have it set up?
     
    broni,
    #11
  13. 2007/10/04
    mattman

    mattman Inactive Alumni

    Joined:
    2002/06/10
    Messages:
    8,198
    Likes Received:
    63
    What I expect is that you should leave the VGA cable connected to the KVM switch. This should work for Win 2k. When you change the KVM over to the Vista computer (DVI), the screen will go blank, that's when you will need to change the monitor setting.

    Let us know how that goes or maybe one of the others has a suggestion.

    Matt
     
    mattman,
    #12
  14. 2007/10/04
    broni

    broni Moderator Malware Analyst Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2002/08/01
    Messages:
    21,701
    Likes Received:
    116
    Ha...that's pretty clever suggestion. I'll give it a shot tomorrow.
     
    broni,
    #13
  15. 2007/10/04
    IvanH

    IvanH Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    2006/12/05
    Messages:
    565
    Likes Received:
    19
    The KVM matter doesn't bother me.

    I use the notebook keyboard and a bluetooth mouse for the notebook on Vista Premium and a wireless keyboard an RF wireless mouse for my desktop on XP Pro.
     
    IvanH,
    #14

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...