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Does a KVM Switch causes loss of image quality?

I want to install one but thinking if this will effect the quality of the image (colors/etc), displayed on the screens.

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1 Answer

up vote 5 down vote accepted

I would have to say yes. I have a 2-port KVM for two boxes I have at home, and the image quality is perceptibly different when I'm using the KVM with that monitor vs. when I'm not. Mind you, I am using a cheap KVM, and with VGA cables, i.e. analog signal.

On the other hand, I expect that if you had a good KVM and were using DVI-D or HDMI cables instead, each of which sends a digital signal, then you shouldn't notice any degradation of the picture quality.

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I'm suggesting that if you don't want to lose image quality, use DVI-D or HDMI as opposed to an old VGA-based KVM. – Chris W. Rea Oct 18 '09 at 14:44
By the way, in my case, what I notice is that text and edges aren't as sharp in the middle of the screen when I go through the KVM. Colors look fine; it's a sharpness issue for me. But your mileage may vary. – Chris W. Rea Oct 18 '09 at 14:45

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