Aten Altusen KH1516 review

back to basics

Nice review of the hardware but it would be nice to explain to an ignorant soul (me) what exactly one uses a KVM switch for

By monch1985 on 6 Nov 2009

A KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switch is used to connect multiple computers to a single monitor, keyboard and mouse. With basic ones like this, each computer will be physically connected to the switch, and the monitor, keyboard and mouse will be plugged into sockets on the switch itself. They are primarily used in server rooms, data centres, etc.

A KVM over IP switch takes this further by allowing the user to log into any computer connected to the switch via a web browser. This means that they can log in from any computer on the network, rather than having to go to the monitor, keyboard and mouse which are physically connected to the switch.

By davidbryant4 on 10 Nov 2009

Poor Value for Money

This KVM is poor value for money as the Analogue VGA port is going the way of the DODO.
I would require support for modern connectors including but not limited to Optical Audio, HDMI, DisplayPort and support for protocols such as HDCP supporting the latest DRM/copywrite technologies.

By j_woolliscroft on 12 Nov 2009

Excellent switch

We have one of these at work (the KH1516i version). It is a fantastic switch, and allows remote access to your servers from a web browser which is useful when working from home.

in reply to j_woolliscroft, i think you may have misunderstood exactly what this switch is for. it isn't meant for home "media" use, the idea is for companies to use it for consolidating server consoles and for that purpose it's great. How many servers do you know what require HDCP, Audio or DRM.

By davidprice4 on 9 Dec 2009