Price : Too low to display
ATEN’s CS682 DVI-D KVM represents the ultimate in cable KVMs, with innovative features such as Video DynaSync to ensure your monitor’s optimum video setting when booting or switching computers, and mouse scroll wheel switching so you can switch computes with a single click. As an added convenience the mouse port may be used as a peripheral port to share devices such as printers, scanners, and external USB hard drivers. In addition to the mouse wheel switching, the CS682 has two other methods for switching computers: Hotkey directly from the keyboard, and a remote push button. The CS682 is a DVI-D KVM so it must be connected to a digital source and monitor. Its maximum resolution is 1920 x 1200 @ 60 Hz and is HDCP and EDID compliant. The unit has a three-year warranty and its firmware is upgradeable to protect your investment against obsolescence. Package Content: 1 x CS682 2-port USB 2.0 DVI KVMPTM Switch, 1 x Remote Port Selector, 1 x User Manual, 1 x Quick Start Guide
This review is from : ATEN 2-Port DVI USB Cable Built-in KVM with Audio and Video DynaSync CS682 (Black)
Excellent KVM . I can't believe there is no review for this thing! It has got to be the best and easiest KVM I've ever used. I really wanted a DVI style since all connections were DVI and I didn't want a converter. My main concerns after reading reviews on other sites or for other KVMs here was-
1. DVI Signal quality and "sparkle" everyone talked about.
2. My Logitech Anywhere Wireless Mouse not working since everyone talks about Logitech not working or approving KVM usage.
DVI quality is excellent. I can't even tell I'm going through a KVM. Switches modes and keeps in sync very nice. Very cool that the device just uses USB Power and even detects the first machine to power on and switches to it.
Multiple programming options available using a double tap of Scroll Lock or Ctrl Keys (Selectable as to which to use). You can switch devices with external switch, keyboard, or mouse (Double clicking middle mouse button...also can be disabled). You can select devices not to cycle, put in auto cycle mode with specified sec intervals, etc. It has a function it calls emulation mode too which from the sounds of it makes the PC/OS think keyboard and mouse are connected when they aren't the active unit to prevent keyboard not found messages and such.
When I first plugged in my Wireless mouse it didn't work and I thought, shoot, now I have to use corded. So I plugged in corded to one PC and wireless to the other and used two mice. Then decided to make use of that USB to switch my scanner between the PCs instead. Scanner didn't work either though, and when I turned it on and it initialized it made my keyboard lights blink like crazy. So, I thought, ok...something is still making it link as a mouse and something the scanner is sending probably looks like a middle mouse double click or something. I turned off the mouse emulation then it worked fine. Then I thought...wait a min, maybe the mouse emulation stuff is confusing Windows when the wireless mouse is connected too and not keeping things in sync. Plugged my mouse back in and it worked fine! I turned off the mouse device switching too since some apps and games use clicking the middle mouse button.
Working great for a week now and mouse re-attaches to wireless quick when switching PCs too. Remote switch also has lights like the main part of the unit to indicate which PC is active. Sound and Mic switching is also cool...there is even enough length of line to use 5.1 speaker connections on one PC and switch the front stereo between the two. Very nice design...future models could only improve by more speaker inputs.
If anyone for some reason has poor DVI it most likely is poor grade card/monitor/cable, or length of cable. Dells and some other brands are usually bad for low video output that can't power projectors or go long distance too. Device even can output all settings to see what options are set. (Feeds to keyboard, so just open Notepad and press the key combo to output)
Excellent KVM . I can't believe there is no review for this thing! It has got to be the best and easiest KVM I've ever used. I really wanted a DVI style since all connections were DVI and I didn't want a converter. My main concerns after reading reviews on other sites or for other KVMs here was-
1. DVI Signal quality and "sparkle" everyone talked about.
2. My Logitech Anywhere Wireless Mouse not working since everyone talks about Logitech not working or approving KVM usage.
DVI quality is excellent. I can't even tell I'm going through a KVM. Switches modes and keeps in sync very nice. Very cool that the device just uses USB Power and even detects the first machine to power on and switches to it.
Multiple programming options available using a double tap of Scroll Lock or Ctrl Keys (Selectable as to which to use). You can switch devices with external switch, keyboard, or mouse (Double clicking middle mouse button...also can be disabled). You can select devices not to cycle, put in auto cycle mode with specified sec intervals, etc. It has a function it calls emulation mode too which from the sounds of it makes the PC/OS think keyboard and mouse are connected when they aren't the active unit to prevent keyboard not found messages and such.
When I first plugged in my Wireless mouse it didn't work and I thought, shoot, now I have to use corded. So I plugged in corded to one PC and wireless to the other and used two mice. Then decided to make use of that USB to switch my scanner between the PCs instead. Scanner didn't work either though, and when I turned it on and it initialized it made my keyboard lights blink like crazy. So, I thought, ok...something is still making it link as a mouse and something the scanner is sending probably looks like a middle mouse double click or something. I turned off the mouse emulation then it worked fine. Then I thought...wait a min, maybe the mouse emulation stuff is confusing Windows when the wireless mouse is connected too and not keeping things in sync. Plugged my mouse back in and it worked fine! I turned off the mouse device switching too since some apps and games use clicking the middle mouse button.
Working great for a week now and mouse re-attaches to wireless quick when switching PCs too. Remote switch also has lights like the main part of the unit to indicate which PC is active. Sound and Mic switching is also cool...there is even enough length of line to use 5.1 speaker connections on one PC and switch the front stereo between the two. Very nice design...future models could only improve by more speaker inputs.
If anyone for some reason has poor DVI it most likely is poor grade card/monitor/cable, or length of cable. Dells and some other brands are usually bad for low video output that can't power projectors or go long distance too. Device even can output all settings to see what options are set. (Feeds to keyboard, so just open Notepad and press the key combo to output)
ATEN 2-Port DVI USB Cable Built-in KVM with Audio and Video DynaSync CS682 (Black) Reviews
Best so far but be careful how to use it! . KVM turned out to be more complex than I thought. Think about it for a second, all it supposes to really do is to switch the signals of the display/keyboard/mouse between machines. The idea is simple, but complexity comes in when many combinations of hardwares are involved.
This particular ATen KVM does a very good job. It really works. Once I got it working, everything switched very smoothly and the quality of the product is very good. But there might be a serious problem with it (EDID corruption) depending your hardware and setup, continue to read if you want to know.
I have a Dell 27 inch LCD that has 2 DVI port and a D-SUB port. I also use Logitech wireless keyboard and mouse (unifying). Everything was working fine without a problem before I got the KVM. The first problem I ran into after connecting them is that the display didn't work. Nothing appeared on the screen and my monitor said there's no connection on DVI port 1. I proceed to try to connect the monitor directly with computer and it's not working. Rebooted the machine many times, and no pictures show up on the monitor with or without the KVM. I thought I some how broke the cable. Switched two other cables and didn't work. Then I tried many combinations of different ports on my video card and different ports on my monitor, eventually I got monitor working when I connected it directly without KVM through the other D-sub and DVI port 2.
While I was testing the connection with my desktop (windows 7), I also tried my Mac Book Pro (2008). The KVM showed image on DVI-2 port but, it works intermittently. Most of the time just shows white noise. So I looked up ATen's web site and noticed that they have a firmware update in 2011 January. I thought, maybe this would help to fix the problem. So I tried to update the KVM (follow the instruction in the manual). That worked fine.
To get my unifying wireless keyboard and mouse working, I had to turn off mouse emulation. But to do that, you have to use a wired keyboard, fortunately I have one at hand. I tried with a Mac keyboard at first, but it didn't work because Mac keyboards don't have Scroll lock key. There is an alternative, which I found out later, using the remote to enable a different key for this purpose, the Control key for example. But I had to get a windows keyboard to do this because I didn't know the other way. After I turned off mouse emulation, my Logitech wireless keyboard and mouse were fully recognized by Windows and Mac. But hot key combos from my keyboard doesn't work for the KVM. I have to connect a wired keyboard for this purpose. Maybe there are alternative solutions which I don't know at this point.
After I made the firmware update, the KVM worked well with my windows 7 desktop and my Mac Book Pro. Another thing I had to turn on was the Video DynaSync feature. This is pretty much required for the boot time message to show up on the monitor. What surprised to me is that this feature is disabled by default. Remember I said earlier my DVI-1 port stopped working after the initial try and I had to use my DVI-2 port to get everything working after the firmware update. What I found out later and suspect what happened is that somehow the EDID on the DVI-1 port got corrupted. Windows will detect my Dell monitor as Generic non-PnP monitor. And it wouldn't allow me to set the highest resolution of 1900x1200. Using DVI-2 port, Windows see my monitor the proper way (Dell 27in). For more advanced users, google search "EDID" and "EDID corruption". I can't blame the KVM for corrupting my EDID, because I don't know how it happened, but I do know that before using this KVM it was working. But it appears that disconnect and reconnect your DVI cable could also cause this problem as mentioned many places on the web. There are solutions to fix the EDID corruption, which I will attempt.
Overall I really like the product. If it wasn't for the hour and half I spent trying to figure out what's wrong with my DVI connection, I'd probably give it 5 stars. A few things to keep in mind:
- Read the manual carefully
- Make sure you update the KVM with latest firmware before using
- Make sure you have a wired keyboard near by
Best so far but be careful how to use it! . KVM turned out to be more complex than I thought. Think about it for a second, all it supposes to really do is to switch the signals of the display/keyboard/mouse between machines. The idea is simple, but complexity comes in when many combinations of hardwares are involved.
This particular ATen KVM does a very good job. It really works. Once I got it working, everything switched very smoothly and the quality of the product is very good. But there might be a serious problem with it (EDID corruption) depending your hardware and setup, continue to read if you want to know.
I have a Dell 27 inch LCD that has 2 DVI port and a D-SUB port. I also use Logitech wireless keyboard and mouse (unifying). Everything was working fine without a problem before I got the KVM. The first problem I ran into after connecting them is that the display didn't work. Nothing appeared on the screen and my monitor said there's no connection on DVI port 1. I proceed to try to connect the monitor directly with computer and it's not working. Rebooted the machine many times, and no pictures show up on the monitor with or without the KVM. I thought I some how broke the cable. Switched two other cables and didn't work. Then I tried many combinations of different ports on my video card and different ports on my monitor, eventually I got monitor working when I connected it directly without KVM through the other D-sub and DVI port 2.
While I was testing the connection with my desktop (windows 7), I also tried my Mac Book Pro (2008). The KVM showed image on DVI-2 port but, it works intermittently. Most of the time just shows white noise. So I looked up ATen's web site and noticed that they have a firmware update in 2011 January. I thought, maybe this would help to fix the problem. So I tried to update the KVM (follow the instruction in the manual). That worked fine.
To get my unifying wireless keyboard and mouse working, I had to turn off mouse emulation. But to do that, you have to use a wired keyboard, fortunately I have one at hand. I tried with a Mac keyboard at first, but it didn't work because Mac keyboards don't have Scroll lock key. There is an alternative, which I found out later, using the remote to enable a different key for this purpose, the Control key for example. But I had to get a windows keyboard to do this because I didn't know the other way. After I turned off mouse emulation, my Logitech wireless keyboard and mouse were fully recognized by Windows and Mac. But hot key combos from my keyboard doesn't work for the KVM. I have to connect a wired keyboard for this purpose. Maybe there are alternative solutions which I don't know at this point.
After I made the firmware update, the KVM worked well with my windows 7 desktop and my Mac Book Pro. Another thing I had to turn on was the Video DynaSync feature. This is pretty much required for the boot time message to show up on the monitor. What surprised to me is that this feature is disabled by default. Remember I said earlier my DVI-1 port stopped working after the initial try and I had to use my DVI-2 port to get everything working after the firmware update. What I found out later and suspect what happened is that somehow the EDID on the DVI-1 port got corrupted. Windows will detect my Dell monitor as Generic non-PnP monitor. And it wouldn't allow me to set the highest resolution of 1900x1200. Using DVI-2 port, Windows see my monitor the proper way (Dell 27in). For more advanced users, google search "EDID" and "EDID corruption". I can't blame the KVM for corrupting my EDID, because I don't know how it happened, but I do know that before using this KVM it was working. But it appears that disconnect and reconnect your DVI cable could also cause this problem as mentioned many places on the web. There are solutions to fix the EDID corruption, which I will attempt.
Overall I really like the product. If it wasn't for the hour and half I spent trying to figure out what's wrong with my DVI connection, I'd probably give it 5 stars. A few things to keep in mind:
- Read the manual carefully
- Make sure you update the KVM with latest firmware before using
- Make sure you have a wired keyboard near by
ATEN 2-Port DVI USB Cable Built-in KVM with Audio and Video DynaSync CS682 (Black) Opinions
Nice polished product . I was pretty surprised that the cost of KVM switches that included DVI and USB terminations was so high. The price of a KVM using VGA and PS2 terminations if far cheaper. I looked around a fair amount trying to find the golden combination of low price and high quality. Alas... it was not to be found.
I then settled back to paying much more than I wanted to... and in researching the offerings at the higher price, the products from ATEN kept coming up as good quality and reliable. This product meets those qualities with ease.
It was a piece of cake for me to plug the two computers and be up and running quickly. I was very pleased with the quality of the cables (there are cheap, hard to bend cables and then there are good sturdy and flexible cables, the ATEN has high quality/flexible cables). I was also pleased with the length of the cables... they are plenty long enough to connect the two computers together to the common desktop.
Lastly, the corded little remote button that you put on the desktop is nice. It works with ease, looks nice, and makes it very clear which computer is active (left right light for computer 1 & 2). If one computer powers down while working, the switch automatically switches to the other computer running. It is little, simple touches like this that make all the difference between an ok/acceptable product and a nice polished product that is a joy to use.
Pros:
- Corded remote button looks nice and is easy to use
- Cables are long and of good quality
- One of few products to provide DVI, keyboard, mouse, AND audio playback & recording for microphone
- Well thought out functionality of product as a whole (little touches like how system handles a PC shutting down, ability to control the device with keyboard commands)
Cons:
- Price, price, price
Overall... Highly recommended.
Nice polished product . I was pretty surprised that the cost of KVM switches that included DVI and USB terminations was so high. The price of a KVM using VGA and PS2 terminations if far cheaper. I looked around a fair amount trying to find the golden combination of low price and high quality. Alas... it was not to be found.
I then settled back to paying much more than I wanted to... and in researching the offerings at the higher price, the products from ATEN kept coming up as good quality and reliable. This product meets those qualities with ease.
It was a piece of cake for me to plug the two computers and be up and running quickly. I was very pleased with the quality of the cables (there are cheap, hard to bend cables and then there are good sturdy and flexible cables, the ATEN has high quality/flexible cables). I was also pleased with the length of the cables... they are plenty long enough to connect the two computers together to the common desktop.
Lastly, the corded little remote button that you put on the desktop is nice. It works with ease, looks nice, and makes it very clear which computer is active (left right light for computer 1 & 2). If one computer powers down while working, the switch automatically switches to the other computer running. It is little, simple touches like this that make all the difference between an ok/acceptable product and a nice polished product that is a joy to use.
Pros:
- Corded remote button looks nice and is easy to use
- Cables are long and of good quality
- One of few products to provide DVI, keyboard, mouse, AND audio playback & recording for microphone
- Well thought out functionality of product as a whole (little touches like how system handles a PC shutting down, ability to control the device with keyboard commands)
Cons:
- Price, price, price
Overall... Highly recommended.
PERFECT FOR SECOND MONITOR . I have a multi-monitor setup (as an engineer, I need lots of screen space for documents, email, vpn sessions, etc.) on several different computers. I use a different KVM for my main keyboard, video, mouse switching. I use this ATEN CS682 2-Port DVI KVM only for switching the second monitor (no mouse or keyboard). The remote switch was very important to me. It sits under my monitor and a quick press is all it takes to change from one computer to the other. I am impressed by how fast it switches---actually way too impressed---now I'm going to have to upgrade my main KVM, and that means upgrading my incredibly loud mechanical switch keyboard to an expensive USB version---Argh!
Several people have commented about the DVI sparkle. Strangely, I have this on one of my computers but not the other, and I think it's a video card problem rather than a KVM, cable, monitor problem because I can move the sparkles by moving the window they are in. Either way, they don't bother me because I'm using this for engineering work rather than watching movies or playing games. I'm just saying!
Note: there are 2 different kinds of DVI-D: single-link and dual-link. This DVI-D single-link is good for up to WUXGA 1920?1200. The DVI-D dual-link is required for higher resolutions such as the Dell or Apple 30" 2560?1600 monsters. Someday I will be rich enough to have multiple 30" monitors, but until then, this DVI-D single-link KVM is perfect for me.
Several people have commented about the DVI sparkle. Strangely, I have this on one of my computers but not the other, and I think it's a video card problem rather than a KVM, cable, monitor problem because I can move the sparkles by moving the window they are in. Either way, they don't bother me because I'm using this for engineering work rather than watching movies or playing games. I'm just saying!
Note: there are 2 different kinds of DVI-D: single-link and dual-link. This DVI-D single-link is good for up to WUXGA 1920?1200. The DVI-D dual-link is required for higher resolutions such as the Dell or Apple 30" 2560?1600 monsters. Someday I will be rich enough to have multiple 30" monitors, but until then, this DVI-D single-link KVM is perfect for me.
Expensive but worth it if you absolutely need a switch . I run a data-mining workstation and a database server from my desk, so having a reliable, high-quality KVM switch is essential. (I already have 3 screens, with no room for a fourth unless I start stacking them - which would require yet more hardware and mounts.) I did a lot of research, visiting my local big box stores (Best Buy and Micro Center) and looking online. It became pretty clear that Aten provided a high quality, reliable product. I had tried a switch from another vendor and it was a total flop. It took me a few days to bite the bullet and buy the Aten simply because of the price. BUT, I have to say I'm very very happy. The connections work without a problem. I have the unit hooked to a Quadro FX400X2 (4 output ports) and a USB keyboard and mouse. Simple, easy, no-hassle setup. Switches at the touch of the button. High-quality connectors and cabling. The switch itself disappears and lets me focus on the job at hand. The cables aren't very long so you will need to make sure your machines are near each other or have extensions. I would NOT recommend this if you don't absolutely need a KVM switch - the price is too high. Otherwise, 5 stars.
Problems with mouse . The monitor, keyboard, and audio sharing work as advertised. However, when I attached my Evoluent Vertical Mouse (the best ergonomic mouse I've seen), neither the mouse pointer nor the ability to use the wheel hot keys work. For me that's a deal-breaker, since I need the mouse for carpal tunnel reasons.
Cons Review
DOA . I was excited to find a product that would help me use an older Windows XP computer (I keep it around to use some older porgrams) and my Windows 7 machine. After installing the device I restarted both computers and I couldn't get a picture for either computer. I looked on line and per the FAQ I updated the video drivers. I even found another computer to try it on and I couldn't get a picture. The USB and audio switch also didn't work. I returned it for a full refund (thanks Amazon). Hope you have better luck.
Feature ATEN 2-Port DVI USB Cable Built-in KVM with Audio and Video DynaSync CS682 (Black)
- Maximum resolution - up to 1920 x 1200 single link DVI-D
- One DVI video console controls two USB computers; Fully compliant with DVI-D specifications.
- Computer selection via remote port selector, hotkeys, and USB mouse
- Audio-enabled ? full bass response provides a rich experience for 2.1 channel sound systems
- Multiplatform support ? Windows 2000/XP/Vista, Mac, Sun, Linux
Product Details
EAN : 0999992485592UPC : 999992485592
MPN : 4710423775909
Brand : ATEN
Weight : 2 pounds
Height : 3 inches
Length : 10 inches
Width : 7 inches
Binding : Personal Computers
Manufacturer : ATEN TECHNOLOGIES
Model : CS682
Publisher : ATEN TECHNOLOGIES
SKU : 39795
Studio : ATEN TECHNOLOGIES
Where To Buy
You can buy ATEN 2-Port DVI USB Cable Built-in KVM with Audio and Video DynaSync CS682 (Black) on Amazon . Click here to Read More
