[RESOLVED] [XP] Double your hearing; double your fun?

[Limerick]

Hi folks,

For several years, I've had two computers here at home. I have them both hooked up to a nifty KVM box, and that works very well. The convenience of switching back and forth between the two machines instantaneously is really nice to experience and enjoy...

All this time, I've only had sound coming from my "main" computer. However, I got to thinking this morning that it would sure be great if I could have sound on both of them, with a minimum of inconveniece to make it happen. (I use the secondary machine infrequently, so it's really not a big deal that I don't have sound when using it.) Anyway, I toss out a query for you audio heavyweights out there --

Is it possible to use a splitter of some sort that would allow me to have both computers hooked to one set of speakers, so that I would have sound on either machine at the same time? Thanks for any help that you'd care to offer.

Limerick

[BIG JOHN]

Hey pal, im pretty sure Radio Shack would carry such a splitter, if you have one local you might check it out. BJ

[Limerick]

Hey there, BJ!

Many thanks for the reply. I was out doing some honey-do stuff a little bit ago after I read your post. There is a Radio Shack a couple miles from here, so I ran by there and inquired. They do indeed make such a splitter that would allow two connections such as I envisoned. However, there is a caveat to my plan. The Radio Shack guy said that he was not "dead sure", but he *thinks* that connecting two machines like that could damage one or both sound cards...

I just built one of these two machines a few days ago, and with it being brand-spankin' new, I'm not interested in risking such a possibility. Perhaps someone will happen by who can offer further corroboration on the issue.

Limerick

[fink]

A regular splitter could definately damage one or both of the cards since the output of each of them would be seen by the other card as well as the speakers... it creates a closed circuit in which each part... two sound cards (and the speakers) are always active and would be sending signal to each other possibly causing damage or at the very least interference of the audio signal.

What you'd need is a switch to alternate between one sound card and the other so only one is part of the active circuit at any given time. Ideally all the cabling and the switch/box itself (to a somewhat lesser degree) needs to be shielded since the output of the sound card is line level/high impedance and any significant length of wiring, especially in a passive electronic device such as this would be prone to RF.

I'm not sure RShack would have one already made up for this purpose but a line level a/b switcher should be a pretty common thing... you'd need to adapt RCA plugs, which would be the norm for such things (home stereo devices, not pro) to stereo mini plugs. Doable but getting a bit messy.

Having said all that if one computer is off when the other is on then you could use a simple splitter for the one pair of speakers but you'd need to be sure that one of the PC's was always not running.

Perhaps worth noting is that you could do this the other way around... have one sound card drive two sets of speakers via a splitter. That's because there's only one electonically active device in the circuit and there's no active output feeding into another active output... the speakers are seen as inputs only.

[Limerick]

Hi Fink,

I appreciate the comments that you've offered. I have an A/B box mixed in with some computer junk that I have out in the garage. I'll see if I can dig it up and adapt it to my needs. Thanks again!

Happy Computing!

Limerick

[fink]

No problem.

Hope all's well

[Steve R Jones]

There are KVM switches with Audio splitting

[Limerick]

There are KVM switches with Audio splitting

Hey there, Steve!

Doggone it, I don't know that I've seen one that provides Audio along with the KVM splitting. I'll have to take a look and see what I can find out there. Thanks for that thought!

Limerick

[SpywareDr]

TrendNet TK-208K - 2-Port PS/2 KVM Switch with Audio Ports and Cables - $24.99 (USD)
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...956232&CatId=0

The 2-Port PS/2 Audio KVM Switch lets you control multimedia PCs with just one keyboard, monitor, mouse, microphone, and a set of speakers. The KVM switch not only allows you to share your monitor, keyboard and mouse but you can also share microphone and speakers. With just a simple press of a button, this KVM switch eliminates the hassle of cable swapping and switching between 2 PCs. With it's Hot-Plug, Auto-Scan and Hot-Key operating features, the TK-208K is the perfect choice for managing 2 PCs. Separate KVM cables are included.

...

CTG 2-Port Micro KVM W/Audio Port Authority 2 - $34.99 (USD)
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...675012&CatId=0

Take control of two PCs and free your desktop from clutter with the 2-Port Micro KVM with Audio from Cables To Go. This powerful, compact KVM solution provides everything you need to control two PCs from a single keyboard, monitor, mouse, microphone, and speaker set. Fully integrated, single jacket, 6 foot cables attach to your PCs to eliminate tangles and provide a neat, clean appearance. The small footprint of the switch makes it perfect for desktop applications.

The 2-Port Micro KVM is small in size but provides big box funtionality. It supports video resolutions up to 2048 x 1536 while providing full keyboard and mouse emulation to prevent system lock-ups. With no software required, installation is hassle free - simply connect the cables and power up! Hot key functionality enables you to switch from PC to PC without ever taking your hands off your keyboard. The KVM's LEDs clearly indicate which system is selected.

...

More like this:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...Sort=4&Recs=10

[Limerick]

Excellent work, ol' chap! I sincerely appreciate you doing the legwork on this. As soon as I get back from church, I'll examine this material at length and will order one of them today.

Happy Computing!

Limerick

[SpywareDr]

You're more than welcome.

[Limerick]

Many, many thanks to Steve R Jones and to SpywareDr for not only replying in this thread, but for the two of you to have offered some most helpful information. I ordered the KVM switch that is shown on the first link above. It was waiting here on my front porch when I got home from work a little bit ago. I yanked it up, installed it, and fired up the two computers... As it should, it provides sound on both computers when toggling back and forth between them. It is true to say that I am smiling wide enough to eat a banana turned sideways!

NOTE: If any reader out there has two computers in close proximity and wants to free up some desk space by using the same monitor, keyboard and mouse for both of them, I can highly recommend the KVM switch that I just got. Thanks again, gents! You guys rock!

Happy Computing!

Limerick

[SpywareDr]

Excellent! Great to hear it's working for you and you're so pleased.

Use one of TrendNet's 4-port models. Works great.

[SuperSparks]

I notice that one is VGA only Doc. Are there any KVM switches that work with DVI? And which will work with cordless USB mice and keyboards?

[SpywareDr]

DVI yes.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...ywords=kvm+dvi

Cordless keyboard and mouse, don't know. (Haven't tried it).

Potentially a problem with multiple cordless devices in close proximity? Say 4 PCs, each with a USB mouse and/or USB keyboard receiver and they're all within say 10-15 feet of each other. Is that going to work even without the KVM? (If you wiggle one mouse is it going to move the cursor on all four PCs? What about typing?)