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746 Review
57 Karma

Review on πŸ–₯️ StarTech.com Dual Monitor DVI KVM Switch with Audio, USB 2.0 Hub - 2-Port - 1920 x 1200 Resolution - SV231DD2DUA by Chris Hazzard

Revainrating 4 out of 5

Works but is finicky, needs service

The last thing you want to do with this switch after it's working is change something in the system. I mean, you don't want to switch monitors and you don't want to turn off any of the computers. If you change the configuration in any way, you need to do a hard reset. Somehow these guys failed to reset the switch; instead, here is the reboot procedure: 1. Turn off all computers and displays2. Disconnect everything from the KVM (video cable, power and USB)3. Connect the DC power adapter to the KVM switch, by default it connects to port 14. Connect the video cables to the console monitor(s)5. Turn on the monitor(s) and wait 15 seconds6. Connect your keyboard and mouse to the provided keyboard and mouse connectors7. Connect video and USB cables to KVM and PC18. Make sure PC1 is selected and turn on PC9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 for the remaining PC. With that in mind, you may find that maintaining your setup with this device, like I did, takes time. I'd recommend finding another switch or using the displayport converted to any connection as disconnecting and reconnecting DVI is a pain and cumbersome. At the very least, make sure you label your cables so you don't have to rummage through your inevitable rat's nest trying to figure out which cable goes where.

Pros
  • Positive only
Cons
  • Waiting too long