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General discussion

Monitor fuzzier on one side of KVM

Sep 26, 2006 11:05AM PDT

Two machines, both running XP Home: HP 9870 pavilion, HP a730n. Both are hooked together with an Iogear KVM switch.

This set up has been doing well.

Today, the HP 9870 side has begun to look fuzzy, as if the text and graphics are streaking across the screen. Everything is readable, but this isn't the usual "ghosting" that can be part of KVM.

The a730n side is crystal clear and seems unchanged.

So, I moved the monitor directly to the 9870.

Same fuzzy appearance.

Suggestions? Video card going bad??

If so, recommendations?

Al

Discussion is locked

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A very common issue.
Sep 26, 2006 11:13AM PDT

Try a lower resolution or refresh rate. Outside of better cables or KVM there is not simple fix. Be sure the cables are snug.

Also, why not a remote access tool like TightVNC? It's free.

Bob

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Please elaborate
Sep 26, 2006 11:26AM PDT

Bob, as I mentioned, when I disconnected the KVM all together, and directly hooked the monitor to the PC, the problem remains.

How can it be the KVM?

Plus, this KVM has been working flawlessly for a couple of years.

Al

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Elaborate on what?
Sep 26, 2006 12:26PM PDT

Parts age, degrade or we change the resolution, refresh rate. I don't know your skill level or exactly what you need to know. I will share that KVMs do upset those that want to run at high resolutions. TightVNC gives us an alternative.

Bob

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I'm not getting it, so start over...
Sep 27, 2006 9:24AM PDT

I do understand the limitations of the KVM, and my monitor's resolution is set at 1024 x 768 pixels.

At first, I thought it was the KVM, but it isn't.

I directly connect the monitor to the one computer, and it's fuzzy. I did refresh.

I connect the monitor directly to the other computer, and it's not fuzzy.

I understand that things age, and degrade.

But, it can't be the monitor, since it works fine on the one machine.

And, if it is the computer, what would be the most likely source of the problem? The video card? Other?

My skill level is not high, so hopefully the information you can provide me with, will help me fix the problem.

I can install a new card. I've done add-in cards, hard drives, optical drives, so I'm not timid about opening up the machine.

But, without the experience of knowing what it MAY be, I don't know how to assess what the problem is.

I will look into the TightVNC, but for now, I'd like to have help with the source of the fuzziness.

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Yes, I agree it's the video card. Try another.
Sep 27, 2006 10:42AM PDT

Any other. There is one other possibility such as a noisy power supply but that usual has the owner talking about random reboots.

Sorry, I read the post and at first I was convinced it was the usual KVM complaint. Thanks for trying again. My mistake.

TightVNC for me is a fine workaround. I'm using it now.

Bob

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buy a good KVM switch
Sep 27, 2006 8:02PM PDT

''but this isn't the usual ''ghosting'' that can be part of KVM.''

there should be no ghosting with a KVM switch, if there is then either it is a faulty switch or it is not a very good one. Buying a better made switch will solve these kinds of problems, yes they will cost more but then quality does.

see www.adder.com

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ghosting
Sep 28, 2006 1:27AM PDT

Richard, mine doesn't have any ghosting. I was just trying to explain that the fuzziness I was seeing on the monitor was not like ghosting that could be seen on some KVMs.

Al

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ghosting
Oct 2, 2006 12:35AM PDT

OK, sorry, misunderstood. But my point remains, there is nothing about KVM technology that means anyone should put up with ANY noticable degredation in video quality. However, because the market is flooded with cheap products made in a certain country people can have very low expectations of the capabilies of a KVM switch.