Belkin Flip DVI-D KVM Switch with Remote F1DG102D by Belkin Components
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List Price: Category: CE See more digital camera details and other models |
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Digital camera reviews of Belkin Flip DVI-D KVM Switch with Remote F1DG102D
Digital camera Review: Very nice KVM, and works with advanced mice/keyboards
Summary: 5 Stars
This is my third KVM in a hunt for a unit that would work with a Logitech G15 gaming keyboard and Razer Copperhead gaming mouse. The issue with both of these devices is that they both draw some power, and in the case of the mouse - a good bit of USB bandwidth. For whatever reason, most KVM units on the market do not seem to like them. Most only work with fairly generic USB mice/keyboards. The Flip DVI is the first KVM I've used that works reliably with both. So if you're hunting for a unit that works with more exotic hardware, this is definitely worth consideration.
Aside from that issue, these seems to be your basic, attractively designed, well functioning KVM (with audio) that does what it's supposed to do. I like the small remote unit -- much handier than bulkier units, and the small color coded LED light tells you which computer you're using.
You can also download software that allows you to use keyboard commands to switch, as well as listen to music coming from one computer while using the other. I've works as advertised. I tend to prefer the remote, but if you're a keyboard junky, or you want to use these advanced features, it seems to work well.
I haven't had the unit long enough to comment on reliability/durability, but so far I'm impressed with what I've seen, and it does exactly what I need it to do. I've used a lot of Belkin gear over the years, and I'm typically impressed with what they put out.
Digital camera Review: Video noise
Summary: 2 Stars
I am having the same issue as several of the reviewers. This product works well for two or three days at a time and then will start producing video noise. I have it connecting a Windows machine and a macbook and when it gets into this state, it is always on the macbook, not the Windows machine. I need to switch back and forth between machines until it corrects itself. It may act up again within minutes or it may be fixed for a few days. Very frustrating.
Another issue I have is when switching, the USB mouse and keyboard seem to take about 30 seconds to activate. Not sure if this is a problem with the kvm switch though.
Digital camera Review: Works OK, with a few caveats
Summary: 3 Stars
What's good about this product is that it does a fine job of video and keyboard switching. However, the praise stops there.
Occasionally the unit will stop accepting switch requests from either the remote or the software controller. The only way to reset it is to power cycle it by unplugging. This can be a pain if you install it in inaccessible location.
My other complaint is that compatibility with Logitech pointing devices is spotty (I use a Wireless Trackman). Sometimes when I switch, the trackball will stop responding, and I will have to switch over and back again to get it to respond on the desired computer.
You won't want to use this switch for audio, either, as it adds a significant amount of noise. However, I've found that to by typical for most KVM switches, so I don't use them for that purpose.
Digital camera Review: Works beautifully with Mac Pro
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this after trying an Iogear GCS932u which didn't work with my Mac Pro. This Belkin was $30 more expensive and requires an [included] power supply, but works very well. I'm running at 1920x1200 from both my Mac Pro and my laptop, and the laptop is running through an HDMI -> DVI adapter; everything works great, and there is no visible video degradation. The cables are nicely designed, and they thoughtfully include an extension audio cable in case the video plug and audio port are on opposite sides of your laptop. I wasn't able to make the hotkey support work from the Mac, but this may be related to my use of a Logitech wireless keyboard/mouse combo; I can still switch from the software or using the included switch, and from the Windows side it all works. All of the special keys on the mouse and keyboard work perfectly as well (some KVM's tend to interfere with special keyboard and/or mouse mapping). Support for only switching video is a nice touch as well in case you want to listen to audio from the computer you aren't actively controlling. Definitely recommended.Digital camera Review: Works for me
Summary: 4 Stars
It took a little while but I got it working. A few comments may help others.
The description is vague, even on the Belkin web site. The base unit is roughly 5 inches by 4.5 inches by 1 inch. However, space is also needed for the connecting cables and connectors. One of the two cables coming out the back of the base is about 2 feet long; the second is about 6 feet long. Both terminate in DVI male connectors. Coming out the back of each of those two DVI connectors are two wires each about a foot long. One has a standard USB connector, the other a standard audio plug. Both plug into ports on the back of the computer. If you are switching from a PS/2 mouse and keyboard to USB versions, you need to make sure that the BIOS accepts a USB mouse and keyboard and that they are "enabled" in the BIOS setup utility. Switching from one computer to the other takes about 5 seconds. The remote goes "THUNK" when pressed, the base unit responds with "tick." I had a problem with "jumpy" cursors when using a previous analog KVM switch; this is not a problem with the new digtal switch. Also, faint shadows that echoed icons and other images (probably due to reflections in the analog cable connecting the computer and the monitor) have disappeared. A new problem was that the display would occasionally blank out for a second or two when connected to one of my computers (with an ATI video card and a linux OS). When I switched from the open-source "radeon" driver to the proprietary "fglrx" driver, that problem went away. Finally, the XP "new hardware wizard" had to run to get XP to recognize the new hardware. I haven't had the unit long enough to comment on its reliability.