Customer Reviews

StarTech.com 4 Port DVI VGA Dual Monitor KVM Switch USB with Audio & USB 2.0 Hub (SV431DDUSB)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It works as intended using the matching 4-in-1 Startech KVM cables(I bought 2 6' DVI, 1 10' DVI, and 1 10' VGA cable). There was only two problems:

1) My Windows 95 B w/ USB Support computer would halt whenever the KVM was plugged in. I could plug a USB keyboard directly into the tower and the keyboard worked fine. The KVM is working great on Windows 98 SE, Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, and Server 2003 x64 Edition.

2) This KVM does not automatically switch between VGA and DVI sources. If you intend to use both, you either need two monitors or a single monitor with the ability to select between VGA and DVI sources.

Except for those two minor inconveniences, it is proving to be a great KVM.

This KVM initially did not recognize my DVI-D monitor, only my VGA monitor. I went to their website and got the latest firmware. That fixed my DVI-D problem.

My only complaint is that the KVM is not heavy enough. Once you plug in all the cables in the back of it, the weight of the cables pulls on the KVM and it sits up at an angle. Oh well.

As an IT teck this fit the bill for the transisiton from VGA to DVI on most my dell systems. Some times the kva needs to be powerd down and all systems either disconnected or powerd down to unfreeze communicatons if you have more than one system attached. Has worked with every dell from Pent II to current. Get a good auto sensing monitor so you don't have to manualy switch from digital to analog when moving between DVI & VGA computers. Have used ps2 to usb adapter and works good for those old GX 260 boxes.

Sometimes using a KVM diminishes the picture quality on the monitor, but with this KVM I don't see much degradation.

Also, this KVM has a power plug, which helps ensure that USB devices plugged to it get enough juice.

The Starview KVM simplifies your workstation if you have multiple PC's. It has a real solid feel as it is made of metal. It's simple to install and use. I didn't even read the documentation and had it up and running in half an hour.

If you have a PS/2 keyboard, be aware that this KVM doesn't support those old keyboards anymore. You must use a USB keyboard!

It worked well when first installed, but lost contact with computers, unless unplugged and re-powered. Then it quit completely. Maybe I just got a bad one.

The device just arrived. The installation is very easy. My three machines happen to be a PC (win7), a Mac (Leopard), and a Linux (ubuntu). The display and keyboard/mouse work well on all three machines. I haven't be able to try the audio since I don't have enough cables. The package does not contain any cables except the 9V adapter. For it to be fully functional, you will need (X+1) sets of DVI/VGA/USB A-B/Speaker/Microphone cables, where X is the number of machines.

I will update later when I have the Lion system upgrade for the Mac and the cables to test the audio.