Two Computers - One Keyboard

Barry W. Hull wrote on 2/15/2013, 5:59 AM

I am purchasing another computer which will be used exclusively for Vegas. I am familiar with Remote Desktop Connection, have used it often, but only with a laptop connecting into my main business machine when I travel, never used it with Vegas. I would like to avoid two keyboards and four monitors, but wondering if "remoting" into a machine for Vegas is an acceptable experience.

The remote login always seems to look slightly "different", not sure if it will work well with editing videos. My office space would be rather awkward and crowded with two complete systems, so hoping to combine keyboards and monitors. I think I would prefer to remote into the Vegas machine since I will use that machine much less often, the majority of my day I am not using Vegas.

Maybe rather than "remoting" into my second machine there is a switch that simply alternates a keyboard, monitors, mouse, ShuttlePro, etc., between two machines.

Anyone with experience on this?

Comments

Former user wrote on 2/15/2013, 6:43 AM

Get a KVM switch. I use two computers but only one set of monitors, keyboards and mouse.

They make them for either PS2 or USB.

Dave T2

megabit wrote on 2/15/2013, 6:45 AM

Yes - try to google QSynergy by Volker Lanz (freeware open source); works like a charm.

Piotr

Barry W. Hull wrote on 2/15/2013, 7:46 AM

Thank goodness, will give it a try, thanks. I've been fretting about this.

megabit wrote on 2/15/2013, 8:17 AM

Which one - you got two candidates?

:)

Also remember that "remoting" doesn't allow to use certain HW aspects of the remote machine (GPU acceleration being just one of them). With software keyboard/mouse "switch", you can use all hardware with its all potential.

Piotr

Barry W. Hull wrote on 2/15/2013, 8:25 AM

Funny.

It looks like a switch is the best way to go, rather than remote. I will want GPU acceleration, the new machine will have the NVidia Quadro K5000, so I'm looking forward to that, we'll see.

Now to decide, a quick search reveals this is a crowded market place. Any specific switch suggestions? I have dual monitors, 1920X1200, mouse, ShuttlePRO, speakers, and I would like it all available for both systems.

i am erikd wrote on 2/15/2013, 8:34 AM

I want to mention InputDirector here. I've used Synergy but I was much happier with InputDirector... way less buggy.

Erik

Barry W. Hull wrote on 2/15/2013, 8:49 AM

Piotr,

Just to be clear, a "switch" doesn't necessarily have to be hardware, you consider Synergy to be a software "switch", as opposed to a software "remote"?

Therefore, even using software, I would have all features of both machines available?

Thanks

Barry W. Hull wrote on 2/15/2013, 8:50 AM

Bottom line, I need something stable, simple, reliable, that operates both machines. I'm tired of spending time trying to work out buggy software.

megabit wrote on 2/15/2013, 8:57 AM

Yes Barry - that's what I mean.

But do try out Erik's suggestion too - perhaps it's even better?

Piotr

Tom Pauncz wrote on 2/15/2013, 8:58 AM

Barry,
I have been using KVM switches for at least a decade. My go-to ones have been branded STARVIEW.
Tom

larry-peter wrote on 2/15/2013, 9:32 AM

When I had a smaller studio, I ran my NLE and DAW systems from a hardware KVM for several years. I don't have any knowledge about current software solutions, but the one I ran was quite simple and never gave me any issues - a dual keystroke to switch the keyboard, mouse and monitor from one system to the other.

Barry W. Hull wrote on 2/15/2013, 9:34 AM

Thanks for those suggestions.

My dad was fond to say, until he got a computer and got organized he used to have a little free time. Buggy software drives me insane, one box for Vegas and nothing else, hope it works.

john_dennis wrote on 2/15/2013, 10:28 AM

Don't forget the audio.

Tom Pauncz wrote on 2/15/2013, 11:55 AM

Barry,
The STARVIEW switch I mentioned above is a:
2 Port Dual DVI USB KVM Switch with Audio.

The USB portion acts as a hub ...

Tom

rraud wrote on 2/15/2013, 1:59 PM

Same as Tom, "I have been using KVM switches for at least a decade" (and then some)
I have one keyboard, mouse and (main) monitor. I don't recall at the moment who manufactured it, but it can be toggled by an on-board push button or three keystrokes in rapid succession. F10> F10> Alt.. It's second nature at this point

JackW wrote on 2/15/2013, 2:10 PM

Been using a KVM switch for many years in two editing bays. Works perfectly and the switching is almost instantaneous.

Jack

farss wrote on 2/15/2013, 2:31 PM

"I have

Good luck.

A company by the name of Aten might be your best chance:
http://www.aten.com/

They have a switch that can handle two DVI ports from two computers that they claim will handle 1920x1080 at upto 120Hz inc 3D.

USB devices generally are in constant two way conversation with the computer.
A KVM hardware switch has to emulate the device when it is being used by the other computer. Keyboard and mice use a well known protocol. ShuttlePro could be a serious issue, check this out with the Shuttle people.
The Aten switch I did find that'll do dual DVI doesn't do much else but they make a lot of boxes and I didn't look through their whole catalog. You might get lucky but proceed with caution as these boxes are not cheap once you get into the fancy ones.
As you'll soon realise you need to get the interfaces from both computers identical e.g. both using USB keyboard or both using PS/2 keyboard.

I'm running this PC through a dual KVM switch that has been 99% flawless but I did need to use a couple of extra converters to get both the old 486 running Win2K and the i5 running Win7 to present the same hardware interfaces.

Bob.

Tom Pauncz wrote on 2/15/2013, 2:47 PM

"I have dual monitors, 1920X1200, mouse, ShuttlePRO, speakers, and I would like it all available for both systems. "

"Good luck."

Bob,
My STARVIEW KVM switch does exactly that. Until I changed back a single monitor, that was my exact setup, including ShuttlePro and speakers.

See my system profile for two systems the KVM is used on.

Tom

farss wrote on 2/15/2013, 2:56 PM

Tom, that looks promising but the model number isn't in your systems specs and Starview make a lot of them.

Bob.

Tom Pauncz wrote on 2/15/2013, 3:00 PM

Bob,
It's the two port switch, model number SV231DVIDDU ...

Tom

edit: not enuff characters to include model# in profile where it's mentioned.

farss wrote on 2/15/2013, 3:08 PM

"It's the two port switch, model number SV231DVIDDU"

Thanks Tom,
that would be the best for the OP.
I just found the SV231DD2DUA. which looks much the same??

Bob.

Tom Pauncz wrote on 2/15/2013, 3:18 PM

Bob,
I think that one is newer than the one I have. The USB ports look slightly different in back, but otherwise the specs seems to be identical.

Have had mine for some years...
Tom

Barry W. Hull wrote on 2/15/2013, 3:20 PM

Thanks Tom,

I stumbled onto a company at www.blackbox.com, gave them a call, very friendly on the phone, seemed very knowledgeable, gave them a full description of my two systems, they recommended the KV9622A. They had a customer return in stock (customer bought wrong part, full warranty) for a great price. I believe it is similar to the one you suggested.

http://www.blackbox.com/Store/Detail.aspx/ServSwitch-DT-Dual-Head-DVI-USB-2-Port/KV9622A

Bob, they specifically said it will work just fine switching back and forth with USB, even the “finickyness” of a hub.

Tom Pauncz wrote on 2/15/2013, 3:27 PM

Barry,
Looks like it'll do the job. Very close to the one I have.

I can switch between computers either by using the buttons on the front or by using a configurable set of key combos - I use Esc+Esc+1 or 2, depending on which system I want to use.

Tom