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Review on StarTech.com 4 Port USB DVI KVM Switch with DDM Fast Switching Technology and Cables - Enhanced Four Port DVI USB KVM Switch - Dynamic DDM KVM Switch (SV431DVIUDDM) by Ronald Dimatulac

Revainrating 2 out of 5

Good monitor switch. Deserves five stars from this seasoned KVM user.

I use this switch to control a third monitor that works in conjunction with the excellent IO Gear Switch. I was skeptical of StarTech because I had their dual DVI switch, which had much more generalized audio glitches than IOGEAR's professional switch (even though the IO Gear cost over $120). Anyway, for a single monitor switcher I think this does a great job. As with most switches, be careful with the mouse, most complex mice have problems, but I can offer advice as I own many computers and use many KVMs (IOGEAR/ATEN/STARTECH): the included USB hub often comes with it your out problems. complicated mouse, it's not just a port mouse. The same applies to IOGear and ATEN. Hubs tend to work with a super wireless mouse while the mouse port pukes on it. Also, I can add up to 4 USB hub devices per machine through a USB hub, which is a nice feature. I love this switch and the price is right. The accompanying FCC guidelines (and knowledge gleaned from previous use) will cause some interference at our audio ports UNLESS you plug them into a different CIRCUIT (i.e., fused-controlled outlet or switch) than your KVM . There's no getting around it, and all the KVMs I own have this bug, so you can't kick them out over it. BTW: changing the scheme for KVM helps, but not everyone can do it. In my computer room I have 3 circuits so I could and can, although I use IO Gear for the speakers on the 3 monitors I use (IOGEAR controls 2 monitors, keyboard and mouse and Starview controls I think it could one control other sounds if I wanted to, and I have some in a USB hub). They generously offer 4 USB hub ports, but don't make anything like a hub. Things like webcams, extra mice or wireless keyboards/mice, memory cards, and the like work well. You have up to four ports. For exactly that kind of money you can't beat that level of quality in KVM (trust me I know I have 3 KVMs!) and another one I don't use because I hate it (it's a different Starview model , ironically, but not this one) Bought Starview with this one because I couldn't resist the price and I'm happy with it. Thank you to them and I think you will like it too.

Pros
  • Integrated 2-port USB 2.0 hub
Cons
  • Something else