Chapter 1

Introduction

Overview

The CS1782 USB 2.0 DVI KVMP Switch charts a revolutionary new direction in KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switch functionality by combining a 2-port KVM switch with a 2-port USB 2.0 hub at the same time as providing an interface for a DVI monitor. The CS1782 also supports state-of-the-art 7.1 channel surround sound to give a theater digital audio experience that enlivens video playback.

As a KVM switch, it allows users to access two computers from a single USB keyboard, USB mouse, and monitor console. As a USB hub, it permits each computer to access any peripherals connected to the hub on a “one computer at a time” basis.

The CS1782’s independent (asynchronous) switching feature allows the KVM focus to be on one computer while the USB peripheral focus is on another. This eliminates the need to purchase a separate USB hub as well as the need to purchase separate stand-alone peripheral sharers – such as print servers, modem splitters, etc.

The CS1782 further improves on previous designs with DVI (Digital Visual Interface) connectors, and the transfer of keyboard and mouse data to the computers via a fast, reliable USB connection. DVI supports both digital video input (flat panel displays, data projectors, plasma displays, digital TVs and set- top boxes) and analog video input (traditional monitors and TVs).

In addition to the CS1782’s 7.1 channel surround sound functionality that recognizes the increased importance of sound, a single microphone can provide audio input to each of the computers, and you can listen to the audio output of each computer on a single set of speakers (on a one-at-a-time basis). As with the USB peripherals, the audio focus can be independent of the KVM focus.

Setup is fast and easy; simply plug cables into their appropriate ports. There is no software to configure, no installation routines, and no incompatibility problems. Since the CS1782 intercepts keyboard input directly, it will work on multiple computing platforms (PC (x86/x64), Macintosh PowerPC, and Sun Microsystems Sparc). There are two convenient methods to access the computers: port selection pushbuttons located on the unit’s front panel; and hotkey combinations entered from the keyboard.

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