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Gefen 4x1 DVI/ADC Switcher

If you have multiple computers, chances are you use a KVM Switch so that you don't have to have multiple keyboards, monitors, and mice on your desk at once. With a KVM you can have one of each but switch between using multiple computers. Gefen has a broad line-up of KVM switching products. Today we take a look at their 4x1 DVI/ADC Switcher.

Company:

Gefen Inc., www.gefen.com

Price:

$849.00 US at Gefen.com

Ratings

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Usability:
Support:
Average Rating:

Getting Started

If you are like me, you are running multiple computers. At home I am running a PC for my kids and wife to use that I also surf the net on, a gaming PC that is strictly for gaming, and a development PC. I also have my multimedia server. Normally I use a 2 port KVM for the main family PC and my development PC as I rarely have time to game unless I'm attending a LAN and I remote into the server when I need to connect. For home users there weren't many options but an analog 2 port KVM. As time has gone on and more and more people are running multiple computers (PC and MAC even,) needs have changed. Many KVM switches are available in 2 and 4 port configurations for home users. Some even include audio and USB in addition to the standard PS2 and VGA connections. With digital diplays becoming more prevalent even for home users, the traditional KVM has kept us limited to an analog video signal. Digital KVM switches have been on the market for some time, but price has kept most home users away.

With many users not wanting to sacrifice the digital video signals provided by their high end video cards and DVI capable displays, some are willing to spend the money. The 4x1 DVI/ADC Switcher from Gefen isn't cheap, but definitely worth every penny to keep your digital signal integrity. It enables you to switch easily and reliably between any combination of four DVI (digital visual interface) and/or ADC (Apple display connector) computers using one DVI or ADC display. You control each computer using one USB keyboard/mouse connection. The 4x1 DVI/ADC Switcher also offers an additional DVI output, so you could conceivably work on one of four computers using two displays at the same time. Audio is switched for each computer as well, allowing for the creation of multimedia desktop environments, and you can even choose between a Macintosh or PC keyboard/video/mouse combination.

Impressively, Gefen ships a complete set of DVI, USB, and audio cables (4 each) as well as power supply and DVI to ADC conversion cables if you are using MAC computers. This switch is also rackmountable and ships with rackmount ears so when you are ready, you can mount it in your server rack without having to make an additional hardware purchase.

Rarely will I make mention of the box and packaging a product will ship with. Before even unpacking this Switcher I was impressed with the care the Switcher and included cables were carefully packaged with. Most companies do what is necessary to safely package their products for storage and shipping and some even add a little extra marketing touch to boxes. But Gefen carefully packages every piece of content they ship to you. The care and pride they take in their products is instantly noticeable when setting up the 4x1 DVI/ADC Switcher. You will notice the quality in the product casing and cables. Will this also translate into quality functionality and use? Let's take a look.

Click on picture to enlarge image

Usability

How does the Gefen 4x1 DVI/ADC Switcher work? Simply plug your display, keyboard/mouse and audio peripherals directly into the 4x1 DVI/ADC Switcher's outputs and connect the supplied cables to the four computers you want to control. You then select the computer you want to work on using the remote that comes with the unit. Switching between computers is seamless and fast. This model doesn't have a button on the front to switch between computers so you have to use the remote. The IR remote our model shipped with worked flawlessly each time we switched to a different computer.

It is important to note that this KVM does not have PS2 ports for a mouse and keyboard. The keyboard and mouse will use the two USB 1.1 connections. Most new keyboards and mice are available in USB format so you shouldn't have a problem here. I'm not aware of any models that require USB 2.0 to operate correctly. Even the new Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard only requires USB 1.1. But just to be safe make sure you verify the specs for your keyboard and mouse.

You should be able to use all DVI displays on the market plus Apple's entire line of flat panel displays. When the 4x1 DVI/ADC Switcher is used for high-definition home theater applications, it offers HDCP (high definition content protection) compliance, enabling protected content to be viewed at high definition resolutions.

Package Includes:

• the 4x1 DVI/ADC Switcher
• Four 6 ’ DVI cable (m-m)
• Four 6 ’ USB cable (A-B)
• Four 6 ’ audio cable
• 24V power supply
• RMT-4IR
• Rack Ears

Features:

• Switches easily between any four DVI or ADC computers with USB 1.1 and audio support
• Output to either DVI or Apple flat panel display
• Maintains highest resolution single link video
• Saves space on your desktop
• Use either PC or Mac USB 1.1 keyboard/mouse
• Discrete IR remote (included)
• Contact closure remote control option (RMT-4)
• Supports VESA standard and HDTV resolutions
• Supports DDWG standards for DVI monitors
• Installs in minutes
• Includes rack ears

Specifications:

• Video Amplifier Bandwidth: 1.65 Gbps
• Input Video Signal: 1.2 volts p-p
• Input DDC Signal: 5 volts p-p (TTL)
• Single Link Range: 1080p/1920 x 1200
• ADC Output Connector: JAE 31 pin
• DVI Connector: DVI-I 29 pin female (digital only)
• USB Input Connection: type "B"
• USB Output Connection: type "A"
• Power Supply: 24V AC
• Power Consumption: 60 watts (max)
• Dimensions: 17"W x 1.75"H x 4.375"D
• Rackmountable: 1 Rack space
• Shipping Weight: 12 lbs.

Pros:

• Sturdy
• Includes Cables
• Clean switching between machines

Cons:

• Price

Adding It All Up

Gefen takes great care and pride in the products they build. The 4x1 DVI/ADC Switcher is no exception. The high price might scare some of you away. But if you are looking for a product to give you superb digital video switching between multiple PCs, Gefen will have a product for you. Maybe you don't need a 4 port option such as the 4x1 DVI/ADC Switcher. So make sure you check out their 2 port options as well. The 4x1 DVI/ADC Switcher gives you the ability to connect up to 4 computers and use only one keyboard, mouse, and display. Hook up your 19" DVI LCD or your 30" Apple Cinema HD Display. Either way you will be happy with the results.

Because of the tremendous quality and seamless functionality, we are awarding the Gefen 4x1 DVI/ADC Switcher the UpgradAdvisor.com Recommended Upgrade Seal of Approval!!!

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