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Just received my KVM switch from eBay, I wanted to use one screen from my Mac Mini to switch to the CCTV recorder - no joy!

Is the use of this switch limited to PC's only?

Cheers,

Graham.

I know nothing about Macs (though I have an Android tablet, on which what I refer to wouldn't work) and nothing about CCTV. You have not specified make & model or further details so this could be barking up the wrong tree.

But in the nineties & noughties, a KVM switch, to me using them then, meant Keyboard Video Mouse so you could connect two separate computers to one desktop. (Conversely a Reverse KVM meant you could connect keyboard, video and mouse in one room to a single computer (with ditto also connected) in another room. I used both with positive results.

Then, keyboard & mouse were either PS2 or USB connections and video, VGA. What is that you've bought?

If your CCTV DVR has a VGA output it should work.

I have a 4 way KVM switch, i just tried it, it does work.
The date is when I received it, so I know when it fails how long it lasted.

Just trying with the displays at present, but cant get the CCTV on the display.

The display flickers about 1Hz when using the switch (Apple Mac Mini) - also cant get individual screen just a mirror.

graham101 wrote:(Apple Mac Mini)

erm................
I have one of those too.

But I don't use it much, my KVM switch is also connected to a pc and sometimes my laptop. Have you a laptop or another pc you could try?

Whats the make and model of the KVM ?

The mac is dvi, what is the output of the cctv ? composite ? if so what convertor are you using ?

Be aware there are 2 types of dvi, DVI-I and DVI-D

Thanks Bob, I am using a Apple converter, which I think came with the Mac Mini (5years old now).

I may abort as cant get the CCTV working at all using the VGA output.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/253484546711 ... 3484546711

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-Port-TV-Bo ... 2749.l2649

The VGA on the DVR may not be sending the correct sync signal - I take it that you get a signal if you plug the DVR directly into the monitor ? If not have you enabled the vga in the setup ?

edit, have you set the screen resolution in setup ?

Have you tried the hdmi out ? (on the dvr)

graham101 wrote:Thanks Bob, I am using a Apple converter, which I think came with the Mac Mini (5years old now).

if you mean one of these
Then, I can't see that being the problem.........i have one too.

As bob said, what happens if you connect your dvr VGA output to your monitor VGA input?

Yes that is the converter (Apple's supplied output to VGA), the monitor that I am trying to use only has VGA so not tried the DVR's HDMI but it works connected directly to the monitor via VGA.

I just thought this switch would save space and money by not buying another monitor!

Not been asked yet, so..............

Will your mac's display show on your monitor if you use the KVM switch?

Yes, but just a mirror of the other display, cant get it to be 2 indy displays like I usually have set up. No control of this switched display.

When I switch it comes back to the Mac display after 1/2 seconds!

I know this sounds daft, but its only an idea, can you post a picture of your KVM switch as it is set up right now. (like I did with mine)

Sorry someone-else, packed it away as needed to setup the CCTV system.

Perhaps I need to find another solution or buy another monitor!

I am wondering is it your KVM switch

New one on ebay less than £10

But that said a separate monitor for your CCTV is always a good idea. You can "watch from the corner of your eye" and just look at it.