How to Hook Up Multiple Video Inputs to One Monitor
If you have multiple computers and don't have enough room on your desk for one monitor per machine, you can share one monitor between multiple computers to save space. Some monitors have multiple video input ports on the back and can cycle between different sources with the push of a button. Others have only a single input port, requiring additional equipment.
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Instructions
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Multiple Inputs
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1
Plug a video cable into each video input port of your monitor. These monitors typically have an analog VGA port and a digital DVI port.
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Plug each of the cables connected to the monitor into a computer or video device.
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3
Turn on the monitor and the computers connected to it. Press the monitor's "Input" button to cycle between the video sources.
KVM Switch
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Connect the KVM switch to your monitor.
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Connect one of your computers to the first port of the KVM switch using the cable provided with the switch. Repeat this step until all of your computers are connected to different ports on the KVM switch or until you run out of available ports.
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Turn on your monitor and the computers connected to the KVM switch.
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7
Switch between input sources by pressing the button that corresponds to the port the computer is connected to. The "1" button corresponds to the first port and, when pressed, will display output from the computer connected to that port on the monitor.
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Tips & Warnings
KVM switches allow you to control all of your computers with a single keyboard and mouse. Plug a keyboard and a mouse into your KVM switch after connecting the monitor to control your computers without having to switch input devices.
Some multiple-input monitors contain additional input ports for devices that use S-video or composite cable connections.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Monitor image by Caila from Fotolia.com
