LCD/TFT Monitor - Two Connectors - Two PC's?

[Rob Jones]

Hi, I have a question regarding LCD/TFT monitors as I will be buying one
just after Christmas and was hoping some of the more experienced users who
post in here could help/advise as I have had problems finding a good NG
about the above subject.

My question is simple, many LCD/TFT monitors now come equipped with both
analogue and DVI Digital connectors at the back. Is it possible to run one
digital cable to my main PC that has a digital connector to the GXCard and
connect the other analogue connector to a back up PC so by having the
monitor severing two PC's?

Is this possible and do you have a switch that lets you flip from Digital
to analogue so you can view either one or other of the PC's or would you
have to unplug one connector for the other to work? Or is this not advised
and not possible?


Thanks if you can help.

 

[Todd H.]

Hi, I have a question regarding LCD/TFT monitors as I will be buying one
just after Christmas and was hoping some of the more experienced users who
post in here could help/advise as I have had problems finding a good NG
about the above subject.

My question is simple, many LCD/TFT monitors now come equipped with both
analogue and DVI Digital connectors at the back. Is it possible to run one
digital cable to my main PC that has a digital connector to the GXCard and
connect the other analogue connector to a back up PC so by having the
monitor severing two PC's?

Yes...provided the monitor is like my NEC one that provides a means of
switching between the analog dSUB and DVI inputs to select which input
it listens to. Consult the owners manual of your target monitor to
verify that there are buttons to manually switch between the two.

Is this possible and do you have a switch that lets you flip from
Digital to analogue so you can view either one or other of the PC's
or would you have to unplug one connector for the other to work? Or
is this not advised and not possible?

It's better to have a KVM switch to do what you want....Because even
though you might be able share one monitor between two pc's this way,
you'd still have 2 keyboards and 2 mice to deal with.

 

[Rob Jones]

Yes...provided the monitor is like my NEC one that provides a means of
switching between the analog dSUB and DVI inputs to select which input
it listens to. Consult the owners manual of your target monitor to
verify that there are buttons to manually switch between the two.

Hi Todd, thanks for the reply, as I have yet to buy a monitor and am still
looking, I would have to read the on-line system specs that many
manufacturers supply (Usually via PDF Format). In which case, is there a
common system spec function to look out for that best describes the
function you have just posted about?

It's better to have a KVM switch to do what you want....Because even
though you might be able share one monitor between two pc's this way,
you'd still have 2 keyboards and 2 mice to deal with.

I'm not worried about monitor and mouse as I will be converting to cord
less any way. The back up pc is really just for file downloads and
occasional use so the KB+Mouse will be kept under the unit until needed.
As well as that, the KVM switch would only pipe analogue wouldn't it? Or
can you buy Digital switches now?

 

[DaveW]

NOT advised unless the monitor includes an Input 1/Input 2 switch, which
most don't.

 

[Todd H.]

Hi Todd, thanks for the reply, as I have yet to buy a monitor and am still
looking, I would have to read the on-line system specs that many
manufacturers supply (Usually via PDF Format). In which case, is there a
common system spec function to look out for that best describes the
function you have just posted about?

Dunno. My NEC LCD 1760NX has it and tomshardware.com liked it quite a
bit.

http://www4.tomshardware.com/display/20030221/hitachi-04.html

My only complaint about it is that it seems to be pickier about KVM
cables than my CRT monitor at the same resolution. If you don't use a
KVM, you dont care. If you do use a KVM and buy a DVI model, you
don't care. If you use an analog KVM, I'll save you some time and say
"buy high-quality KVM cables featuring coaxial cable on the RGB leads
such as Belkin pro series cables."

I'm not worried about monitor and mouse as I will be converting to
cord less any way. The back up pc is really just for file downloads
and occasional use so the KB+Mouse will be kept under the unit until
needed. As well as that, the KVM switch would only pipe analogue
wouldn't it? Or can you buy Digital switches now?

Once you go KVM, there's no goin back.

And it looks like they're out there--here's Belkin with a 2port
DVI/USB KVM switch for $165:
http://www.pcmall.com/pcmall/shop/detail.asp?dpno=157574

Not sure how PS/2 to USB conversion works though. If you're in the
market for a new mouse, the MS Optical mice are another "once you try
it you won't go back" proposition. I think I've cleaned my last mouse
ball/roller.