nestork wrote:
So, further to my previous post about extending the life of a PS/2 KVM
switch, I have spent the day trying to learn about 4 port USB KVM
switches.

One question I have is that some switches have VGA ports. Other
switches advertise themselves as "DVI" switches and still others as HDMI
switches.

I understand that VGA is an analog signal, but in order to enjoy High
Definition videos on my monitor, I have to go with a digital signal
which is either DVI or HDMI.

Are there such things as DVI and HDMI monitors? Will a DVI KVM switch
provide as good picture quality on a DVI montior as a HDMI KVM switch
would provide on an HDMI monitor when watching a High Definition video?

I have a VGA CRT monitor now. If I buy either a DVI or HDMI KVM switch,
do I also need to buy a new DVI or HDMI monitor?

I understand that HDMI is "High Definition". Is DVI also a high
definition video signal and if I buy a DVI KVM switch can I use it with
a HDMI monitor? I expect that for typing in a word processor or using a
spread sheet, I wouldn't see any difference between VGA, DVI and HDMI,
but I'm thinking that if I watch high definition movies I will, and I
want that option to be open to me.

I don't know if I'm confused or what, but some one told me about
"DVI-I", which apparantly can be used with any monitor because it
supports both VGA and DVI, and I was told that if I have a DVI KVM
switch I can use a DVI to HDMI cable to connect it to a HDMI monitor.
If I did that, would the picture be as clear and crips as if I had a
HDMI KVM switch and HDMI monitor?

Finally, this KVM switch advertises itself as a DVI KVM switch:

'StarTech 2 Port USB DVI KVM Switch Kit w/ Cables USB 2.0 Hub & Audio at
Memory Express' (http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX21199)

But in the specifications on that web page, it says that it supports
both analog and digital resolutions. It says:

Designed for high-resolution applications: 1920 x 1200 digital
resolution and 2048 x 1536 analog resolution
HDCP Compliant


Does that mean that I can use any monitor with it? I'm hoping I can use
this KVM switch with my existing VGA CRT monitor, and then just buy a
DVI to HDMI cable in the future when I upgrade to an HDMI monitor?

Any and all help sorting through this jungle of technical acronyms will
be appreciated.




Hi,
DVI is HD video connector only. HDMI is HD video and carries digital
audio as well. Plus it can carry Ethernet cable signal, USB interface,
etc. You can buy DVIHDMI convertor plug. DVI gave a way to HDMI when
Sony invented it.