Advice needed: KVM switch and Linux.

[Hectic]

I have a couple of KVM switches running. One is a 4 port and the other is a SMC 2 port.

When I run a PC/Laptop with Linux(any of the popular distros afik via KVM switches, I have an issue with screen resolution that is detected by the graphics card. It does not detect the screen resolution higher than 640 x 480, although both are full hd screens.

When connected directly to the screen, there is no problem. It is only when the Linux devices are connected via the KVM switch that the problem arises.

I'm still new to Linux and seeked help on a Peppermint forum as that was one of the distro's I ran on a pc.
I was helped by a very helpful member there in This thread.

I've since tried several other distros, but always end up with the low screen resolution problem and due to my limited knowledge regarding Linux, I can't replicate the results that was achieved in the mentioned thread.

It seems that the EDIT function fails when queried via a KVM switch.

It seems that some KVM switches work and report the resolution correctly though, but nobody can tell me which will work. My current switches does indicate support for Linux in the specifications, but fails obviously on the screen resolution front.

I've checked with some of my providers, but so far nobody has been able to say that their product will work.

Rectron have ruled out their D-Link product, because it does not indicate that it support Linux.

TVR has suggested the following, but asked me to conduct my own research: I would love the 4 port with PS2 and USB support, but to be honest, I would take any option, just PS2, just USb or combo.

UKS8104-D4T
Item Number
EUSSO 4-PORT COMBO KVM SWITCH
http://www.eusso.com/Models/KVM/UKS8104-D4T/UKS8104-D4T.htm#Specifications0

UKS8102-P2B
Item Number
EUSSO 2-PORT PS/2 KVM SWITCH
http://www.eusso.com/Models/KVM/UKS8102-P2B/UKS8102-P2B.htm

Esquire:
524612
Item Number
INT MINI 2-PORT KVM,PS2,USB &
http://www.intellinet-network.com/en-US/products/8205-2-port-mini-kvm-switch

I did not check with Sahara. Not even sure if they will stock KVM switches.

Any idea if any of the above solutions will work or any other ideas how I can solve my problem?

I do not want to buy separate screens for the Linux based systems. I would prefer to make use of the KVM switches.


Edit:
I'm in a small town or I would have tried to take a pc or just a Live CD to the providers and tried to test a Switch in their workshop. As it is I'm a bit stranded, as my car has a crack in the block.

 

[Hobbs zn]

I have a NovaView KVM Switch
I do remember when i tried to use it on a higher res screen i had some display issue similar to your but more of a blur screen issue if i remember correctly.

I am using it here at my office now and have had 2 or 3 other windows pc setup on it without any issues. Currently only have a 19" screen and no linux pcs here at the office.

Have your tried another older screen or try boot the linux pc while you have that screen selected. if that makes sense.

 

[Hectic]

Yeah I have no problem with Windows '98, Win ME, XP, Vista or Win7 pc's. Haven't yet seen Windows 8 pc's in our small town.


I've tried it on a 19' CRT screen and 21.5' BENQ lcd screen and no luck. I have booted while I was on the active screen and obviously that would include while I was installing.

As mentioned, the guy from the Peppermint forum were able to get it done by downgrading my Nvidia Server settings software and by configuring xorg.conf file, but I can't get it right and since I'm not on that distro anymore, except for a Notebook, I can't really request support there.

 

[krieg]

Never had issues with my D-Link 121 on a 20" / 24" setup with high resolutions. Eventually threw it away for making a beeping sound.

 

[MickZA]

I find that you need to boot all the way through the login screen to the GUI with that system selected on the switch to overcome this problem (Fedora / CentOS). Also set the screen timeout to "never" otherwise it seems to "forget" the resolution if the screen sleeps whilst the KVM is switched to another system.

I use the Esquire Intellinet units (PS2 & USB) on 24" monitors running 1920 x 1080 resolution - can't live without them.

 

[Hectic]

I find that you need to boot all the way through the login screen to the GUI with that system selected on the switch to overcome this problem (Fedora / CentOS). Also set the screen timeout to "never" otherwise it seems to "forget" the resolution if the screen sleeps whilst the KVM is switched to another system.

I use the Esquire Intellinet units (PS2 & USB) on 24" monitors running 1920 x 1080 resolution - can't live without them.

Is is possible to sometime check your model numbers Mick? I'm thinking of sending courier to PE on Friday or Monday.

 

[MickZA]

Is is possible to sometime check your model numbers Mick? I'm thinking of sending courier to PE on Friday or Monday.

PS2 = Intellinet 524520 - seems to be no stock in PE.

USB = Intellinet 151245 - PE claims to have stock @ R219 excl, search using 151245 as the Stk Code on Esquires site.

 

[Hectic]

PS2 = Intellinet 524520 - seems to be no stock in PE.

USB = Intellinet 151245 - PE claims to have stock @ R219 excl, search using 151245 as the Stk Code on Esquires site.

Thx will check with them. I think they only quoted me on Manhatten.

Edit:
Okay decided to take Wesley at his word, although the technician at PE Rectron indicated that there is no Linux support on the D-Link.

I bought the D-Link KVM-222. Unfortunately I could not get the PS2/USB model and settled on the USB unit.

Glad to confirm that it definitely supports Linux ito the low screen resolution problem I had. It detected my correct screen resolution immediately and works well.