Do you know if there are any USB bidirectional switches that can be operated through an app?
Do you know if there are any USB bidirectional switches that can be operated through an app?
I'm dealing with a somewhat complex setup here. My PC is located in another part of the house, connected via a 10-meter high-speed HDMI cable that runs from there up to the ceiling in my living room. From there, the cable passes through the ceiling cavity and then goes down through a small opening in the ceiling of my living room where I have a workstation. I also use a 10-meter powered USB 3.0 extension cord, which is connected in the same way, leading to my workstation that's linked to a USB hub. My keyboard and mouse are plugged into this setup, which has been functioning perfectly for a couple of years.
Additionally, I own a PS5 in another room that also uses a capture card as an HDMI pass-through. This system has always worked smoothly.
I've been considering purchasing a game called Voyage of the Dead, which involves using a light gun. The game requires an IR camera that needs to be aimed at the screen and connected to the PlayStation. I'm thinking about installing a small shelf on the wall behind me where the camera can rest. The cable for this camera could then connect to a USB bidirectional switch, which would be linked to the existing powered USB extension cord. This way, switching between the camera and my USB hub would only require leaning over and pressing a button.
However, I need another bidirectional switch at the end where my PC and PS5 are connected so that I can switch between them as well. Anyone know if you can find USB bidirectional switches that work with a phone app? This would avoid the need to move around each time to manually change connections.
I'm discussing linking two distinct devices across a gap, connecting them to separate units. To do this, I'll require two two-way switches—one close enough for easy operation and another in the other room. I don't want to move each time to adjust the second one manually, so I'm wondering if anyone has a solution that allows remote control through an app or similar method.
To summarize: You require a switch that enables choosing between two devices using either USB cable labeled "Device A" or "Device B" at the first location (Living Room), and also allows switching to "Device X" or "Device Y" via the same cable at the second location (PC Room). This functionality should not be bidirectional. Essentially, you want a cross-connect setup where either Device A or B can connect to Device X or Y as needed for gameplay, all powered independently by a single USB cable running between the two rooms. The ideal solution is a two-port KVM switch with two USB ports, requiring two separate units—one for each room. You may need to search online for USB KVM switches and consider additional cables or adapters based on specifications. Feel free to adjust your diagram or provide your own if your understanding differs.
I believe you might be over-analyzing, but after reviewing your response... I realize you're referring to the same thing. I came across something similar, but $80 seems too high and I don't need four ports—just two. Wouldn't it be better to get a two-port switch?
As I interpreted your message, there are two devices in the Living Room and two in the PC room.
The goal is to establish connections using one of the following four methods:
1) A to X
2) A to Y
3) B to X
4) B to Y
If each switch or its remote can handle one of these setups, perhaps it would work.
However, the video seems to indicate that a port is instantly disconnected when using the USB dongle for the remote.
Please note that the link doesn’t contain a complete diagram showing four ports. One image displays four wires on one side and two on the other, but the video isn’t very helpful either.
A two-port KVM switch allows using a single keyboard, video (monitor), and mouse across two different computers. The user picks which computer to use—this selection can be manual, automatic, or remote-controlled.
A four-port KVM would let you choose from four computers. This setup is usually for environments with many computers or servers in a rack, requiring numerous keyboards, monitors, and mice, making connections complex and cable-heavy. Still, it can be messy even with a four-port switch—cable management remains a challenge.
A two-port Reverse KVM switch lets you use one keyboard, video (monitor), and mouse for either a single computer or a second one. The choice is made by the user, but four ports remain difficult to manage. This type is often found in manufacturing or production settings where multiple control stations are needed.
A reverse KVM switch allows using one set of keyboard, video (monitor), and mouse or switching to a second set for a single computer. Again, the user decides which set to use, though four ports still present a complicated arrangement.
For connecting a single two-port switch in this setup, I imagine having two switches—one at each location. One might be flipped upside down. This could be incorrect.
An A/B style switch might be better for cross-connections, but I’m unsure about remote control options.
A clear sketch is essential to define the devices, ports, connections, and cables. You may need gender changers or USB adapters to complete the setup.
For reference, here are links to a USB printer sharing device:
https://www.amazon.com/Zksbdxz-Printer-S...B0DJPD8FW8
[Reference only. No product recommendation or endorsement.]
Also, no remote control is included. The term "Strong compatibility" feels ambiguous and triggers an automatic caution in my mind.
Another example:
https://avicotech.com/blogs/kvm/set...OK...2uFqhmU5g2
The links are meant to highlight the diagram details—how everything is labeled and identified. You’ll need a clear picture showing all devices, ports, gender indicators, and the USB cables connecting them. You might also require gender changers or adapters depending on your needs.
Please let me know if you’d like suggestions for improving the connections based on this information.
I understand your concerns, but this has made things even more confusing for you. I’m going to try my best to explain in the simplest terms what you need.
It seems to be a bit of a mismatch with your expectations, but it’s worth noting that the switch you’re considering doesn’t fully align with your needs, especially regarding remote control. You might want to explore alternatives or consider other options. However, you can refer to the "2 IN 1 OUT" and "1 IN 2 OUT" models for guidance on connecting devices in different areas. Keep in mind that the latter model isn’t suitable for simultaneous displays.
Your requirements appear to be: In the 2 IN 1 OUT unit (in the PC room), your PC and the P55 would each occupy one of the USB-C ports. Based on the selected port, the output would travel to the living room via a single, independently powered USB cable. At that stage, the cable would link to the Select side of the second switch, which would then route the connection through one of two paths—either to a USB hub or directly to one of the devices. For example, the keyboard and mouse could be connected via the USB port, while the video wouldn’t work with USB unless it’s not used for remote selection.
You may need to devise a solution where the 2 IN 1 OUT model connects to a remotely operable 4-port KVM in the living room, or vice versa. Achieving this might demand four ports on both ends and could involve complex wiring. Physically, cross-connections seem essential, but remote control adds another layer of complexity.
I’m not entirely confident about this approach, but it’s worth considering. You could try sketching your setup with images and markings to clarify the connections before proceeding. This method involves planning and detailed work, which can help avoid unnecessary costs later.