DVI to VGA confusion - Please help

Lateuk · 7 Jul 2011 at 13:03

Hello,
I have 2 PCs 1 with a DVI video out and the other with a VGA out. I recently purchased a ATEN KVM switch Link. I found that the KVM switch has 2 DVI male connectors, so i connected 1 to the first PC (with DVI connector) which works fine, but the other i tried using a DVI to VGA connector as the 2nd PC only had a VGA output. This does not work, the connector i purchased was "StarTech.com DVI-I Female to VGA Male Adapter".

Any idea what is wrong? Thanks

cokecan · 7 Jul 2011 at 13:38

the KVM switch will more than likely be DVI-D only and wont support analogue over DVI (DVI-A and maybe DVI-I too)

There's some useful info on the different types of DVI here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Visual_Interface

Lateuk · 7 Jul 2011 at 14:31

Looking at the pinout for the DVI on the KVM switch it matches DVI-D, so does this mean i cannot connect a VGA output to this (which i assume is analogue)?

cokecan · 7 Jul 2011 at 16:12

Lateuk said:
Looking at the pinout for the DVI on the KVM switch it matches DVI-D, so does this mean i cannot connect a VGA output to this (which i assume is analogue)?

unfortunately

you'll need to get an electronic converter (probably powered) that will convert VGA (analogue) to DVI/HDMI (digital).

The other choice is to buy a VERY cheap PCI/AGP/PCI-e graphics card to fit in your PC that has the VGA on it. that will have a DVI-I connector which I believe should work (DVI-I carries both analogue and digital)

Lateuk · 7 Jul 2011 at 16:44

That's a shame, good job i have an analogue in on my monitor, bit of a pain having to switch both the KVM and the monitor but not worth the outlay to get the KVM to work.

The 2nd PC is a brand new laptop (work) very surprised it does not have HDMI or a DVI out.

Thanks for the help though