1 monitor to view 3 computers and switch between them seamlessly

GiantMidget

GiantMidget

GiantMidget

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Hi everyone, not sure if its clear from my title what i want to try and do so i'll explain again:
I want to be able to quickly view any of the monitors connected to the computers (or just 1 from each) on the big screen at the front.
Note i just want the big monitor to clone what it sees on the chosen screen, i dont want to be able to control it from there.

Here's a fabulous ms paint of the set up:
http://i.gyazo.com/02834effdef7ee50aebb069d1204adf9.png

thanks
 
So all 3 set up with that monitor as a second monitor, cloned (it'll need the ability to connect to three PCs) and switch input on the monitor itself?

Alternately if the big one doesn't support it you could use a switch of some kind to do something similar, I've used KVM in the past for not dissimilar needs.
 
Yeah google said things about KVM switches after a quick search but would it allow for quick transitions between them? Also how are they actually controlled? Preferably there could be a small number pad on the desk somewhere with buttons referring to each monitor
 
Some KVM switches have buttons on them where you can press them to switch in-between PCs. Other KVM switches allow for hotkeys where you can press a combination or a quick set keystroke (like CTRL, CTRL, CTRL, 3 to go to PC 3).
 
I haven't touched or researched into KVM switches for over 8 years now so I honestly could not give you a comparison or even any recommendation on KVMs to use. Some others here might have a better idea.
 
After reading the info about that 4 port it seems like the keyboard controlling the kvm would also interfere with the other computers.
The three computers will have individual people at them using them normally, but I want one of them (or all 3) to be able to press a button or perform a hotkey, and boom, their screen is being cloned onto the big monitor
 
I've heard of teamviewer, but thought it was a remote desktop software, can it be used to just replicate the screen without taking peripheral controls away from the user? Also would i have to be run on a separate computer?
 
Last edited:
Well i did think about the tv with remote thing but they usually take ages to change to the other input, i want it to be within 2 seconds really otherwise it'll feel clunky
 
GiantMidget said:
Well i did think about the tv with remote thing but they usually take ages to change to the other input, i want it to be within 2 seconds really otherwise it'll feel clunky
Click to expand...

If this is for home use, I would say the cost to get a instant swap over is not worth the money. You could add a HDMI switch into the mix tho. Toshiba can do some nice tvs on a low budget.

With the TV you can have 3 remote and all 3 desks can change the screen.

A KVM swich will take longer to swap over than a TV remove if it done via software as you need to select the host . A Manual KVM I have not used one. And you have to think about all the extra cables.

Unless this is for some kind of Enterprise thing ? Then you will need to look into some kind of digital signage, and I doubt it be cost effective compared to a TV.


If you all ready have the big screen, buy a HDMI switch, if you don't get a TV :)

EDIT: Some TV can show 2-3 displays at one time, I had 2 360s running off the same TV.
 
PurplePhoenix said:
If this is for home use, I would say the cost to get a instant swap over is not worth the money.
Click to expand...
It would be for home use and yeah if the price of it is too much then it wouldn't be worth it no, I just have no knowledge on the matter and am trying to see what my options are.

PurplePhoenix said:
EDIT: Some TV can show 2-3 displays at one time, I had 2 360s running off the same TV.
Click to expand...
Do you mean the inputs are being displayed side by side like a split screen thing?
Or that the displays are being pre-loaded/rendered/whatever (as if I have a clue xD) behind the scenes and then they can just switch inputs and display them nice and quick?
 
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