Avocent Vertiv Cybex SC840-001Secure Desktop KVM,Single Head Monitor,4 Port,Dual-Link,Secure Desktop KVM Switch,Common Access Card (CAC),Dedicated Peripheral Port (DPP),True Image Reproduction,Black

Simulates a monitor on unused inputs for seamless switching with computers running presentation software where screen syncing is important.

The key with this unit is connectivity, and it is built to ensure an absence of crosstalk among input devices as well as to maintain the overall security of the network. Within that context we have a four-port DVI-I KVM switch that, in brief, allows you to have a single output monitor and four input sources. So let's say you have four computers, each with DVI-I outputs, and a single monitor, with its own DVI-I input. You'd hook up your four computer DVI-I ports to Ports one through four on the KVM switch, then attach a single keyboard and a single mouse, and finally run USB lines between the KVM and each of the computers.Plug in the KVM and the unit lights up with a blue LED bar across the top and clear indicator lights demonstrating a variety of keyboard issues (caps lock, num lock) as well as which computer source you've chosen to pass through to the monitor. Which leads to a question - how do I turn off all the lights? Some of my work is in a dim setting where the bright lighting of the KVM is something I'd rather not have. This question led me to the manual site to which I was directed by the very brief instructional sheet included with the KVM. The manual there, though, is not significantly longer, and doesn't address this issue at all, leading me to believe there's no way to modify the LED indicator brightness.The KVM works precisely as designed, the only difficulty coming in that I had to switch over from my bluetooth mouse/keyboard combination to a wired one. That is, there's no way with this device to connect a single bluetooth mouse and single bluetooth keyboard so that they can be used with the chosen computer source.Note that each of the KVM switches is designed for only a single input/output source type, so this one, the SC840, works with DVI-I, and there are others for HDMI and DisplayPort. Of course, if you have one computer from one year, another computer bought a few years ago, and yet another which is a different brand, you may have one with an HDMI output, one with DVI-I, and one with DP. What I'd love to see is a unit that has a choice of inputs and a single output for the single monitor type that you have, or even with multiple possible outputs so that you can change monitors without being constricted to the type of output the KVM has. I'd also very much like to see an improved manual that really goes into detail as to the connections and pathways , including what's possible and what's not, along with some methodology of making adjustments so that problems which arise such as the one I describe in the previous paragraph can be easily corrected.For those looking for a specific solution for a routine configuration of standard PCs or Macs and a standard monitor all with DVI-I connectivity, and with a need for strong security, this is your solution. It is extremely well constructed and shows no evidence of causing any degradation of the signal path for high end video throughput.

This product did very well. I didn't have to do anything but plug the cables in and it worked with the monitor and all the computers. I've used a lot of other more expensive KVM devices and would often have connection issues.***Update***unfortunately, the unit stopped working after 40 days. Won't connect to any computer on any of the 4 ports. I'll update after I get a hold of the manufacturer's tech support.***Update #2***Never was able to get a hold of any tech support. The unit started working again without doing any tech support analysis. Just watching and waiting to see if I have any more problems. Looks like the unit has been relabeled under various company names. Mine says "Emerson", now it's listed as "Vertiv"

This is far and away something that is way beyond your typical KVM switch. I have purchased those before and all they don’t handle 4k video, have no security built in but for simply switching their price can’t be beat. You can get them for simply switching between two computers with a single monitor on up. These are totally in a different category. The Emerson KVM’s are built like a tank, and are shipped in a box that comes wrapped really well.The Emerson KVM switches come in different configurations depending on which monitor plugs you use; HDMI, or DVI, or Display port. Also some of the models come with a special input for face recognition, and fingerprint recognition devices. However you can use adapter cables for different types of monitor inputs on each one. For example if you are using a Display port based video card you can get a Display port to HDMI adapter. Another example would be a DVI to HDMI adapter. They are inexpensive. So that would enable you to make any one of these models adaptable to different configurations. Some of these KVM switches also support dual monitors both for output and input. So you can plug in up to 4 computer systems with dual monitors, and output to a dual monitor setup. An example of that is the SV340H-001 based on HDMI.The Cybex Secure 4 port DVI is built for a single monitor setup and also has the configurable dedicated peripheral port (DPP). This enables you to use authentication devices such as smartcard & biometric readers. That feature is available on the SC840-001 as I mentioned with the single monitor instead of dual monitors. If you want to use dual monitors and have your system based on HDMI while still maintaining the Cybex Secure KVM 4 port as well as the DPP authentication devices such as the Smart Card, and Biometric readers then the SC945H-001 handles that.In addition to the monitor inputs there are inputs for keyboards and mouse, as well as a headphone jack so you can monitor more than just the screen. The really big thing about this as well is that it handles 4K video, something a cheapy KVM switch cannot handle. However 4K is limited to 30 but it is UHD at 3840x2160 @ 30.So if you have need for using different computers, or have a client base that often brings in their computer, and need to easily access both, these Emerson Network Power KVM’s will streamline your work surface not having to have more than one or two monitors. With the latest national information assurance partnership protection that means when you can be more secure hooking up a peripheral sharing device. You will be surprised at how heavy the box is for a device this size. It is built like a tank and should give you many years of good service.