Searching for a 4-way DisplayPort 1.4 KVM switch that includes EDID emulation.
Searching for a 4-way DisplayPort 1.4 KVM switch that includes EDID emulation.
I own four devices equipped with display port outputs operating at 4K@60HZ. Each has its own monitor, and I also want to share one additional monitor, keyboard, or mouse among all three devices. The challenge is that using separate monitor inputs along with a USB switch for keyboard/mouse causes the devices to recognize changes in active inputs each time, forcing them to refresh app windows. Switching monitors manually is cumbersome, though it would be convenient if the PCs maintained consistent desktop layouts.
I frequently switch between devices. Some models, like the Delock 11484, fulfill most of my needs except for EDID emulation, which seems absent. Every time the KVM is changed, windows become unstable.
I’m searching for a KVM that supports eDP 1.4 with four 4K@60Hz inputs and EDID emulation. I haven’t found one in weeks. Alternatively, are there standalone EDID emulators compatible with DisplayPort 1.4 at 4K@60Hz?
Another option is using displayport-to-HDMI converters paired with an HDMI KVM switch. However, this introduces compatibility concerns for 4K@60Hz and the ongoing EDID emulation challenges. If anyone has a similar configuration or shares experiences on this topic, please let me know.
Additionally, if you have any insights about using standalone EDID emulators for DisplayPort at 4K@60Hz, I’d appreciate your input.
Please note: I’m excluding suggestions for remote access (RDP, Vnc) and virtual machines in this discussion. These require separate physical setups on distinct networks, with no possibility of VMs or remote connections.
I'm not certain about the full details of connectivity and requirements. Could an EDID emulator like this help?
Link: https://www.amazon.com/THWT-HDMI-ED...?k...417&sr=8-4
Just a note, not a recommendation or endorsement.
Sadly the device is an HDMI unit, not a display port adapter. Changing a 4K@60Hz display port 1.4 to HDMI isn't straightforward. If anyone has experience with this process, I'd love to hear their thoughts. I've noticed challenges converting modern display ports 1.4 to HDMI, particularly when using USB C to display port adapters, since older display ports (DP++) previously supported HDMI signals or allowed devices to request them. This isn't the situation with DP1 anymore. Additionally, display port 1.4 offers double the bandwidth of HDMI 2.0, so even if it's technically possible to transmit 4K@60Hz via HDMI 2.0, it wouldn't be accurate as 4K uses chroma subsampling (colors are reduced). To align with DP1 requirements, we'd need HDMI 2.1, which is a very recent standard only supported by the latest monitors.
I encountered this issue yesterday and discovered two viable options, though both came with a high price tag.
1. NTI offers a product named DP-HP-MNTR-SRC DisplayPort Hotplug Maintainer, which seems tailored to address this concern, priced around $150, though it appears less affordable on various sites.
2. Lindy from England has a model 32116 that claims to resolve the issue; it functions as a versatile item targeting multiple problems. It can be purchased on the USA Amazon for approximately $83. Similar to other Amazon items, opinions vary among reviewers—some praise its performance while others express doubts.
Pro Connects several KVM units featuring integrated EDID support. Costly yet effective.
I looked for connect Pro stuff but only found DP1. 4 items.
That led me to think HDMI might be the better option instead.
I purchased a cheap HDMI 2.0 kvm switch from United Tech for around $100.
It doesn’t emulate EDID and takes about two seconds per switch.
Since it doesn’t handle USB input devices, it triggers disconnect/reconnect alerts each time it’s switched.
I’m still searching for an alternative.
I believe I’d invest up to $700 in a model with both USB support and EDID emulation, capable of switching up to one second (four units) and compatible with HDMI 2.1.
But I’m not sure such a device exists.
I’m curious why.
The title of this discussion starts with "DP 1.4," and Connect Pro does offer DP 1.4. I purchased one a few weeks ago and it functions well, and I appreciate their tech support for resolving a software problem.
I find myself puzzled by the significant price difference between DP and HDMI devices.
Which model did you purchase? Does it really switch instantly? (no delay)
When I mentioned that "for connect Pro I only found dp 1.4", I made an error with the numbers – actually DP 1.4 would work for me. After rechecking their site, the $550 model (udp-14ap) appears to meet my needs (though international shipping seems limited to US addresses). I contacted them. Clearly, getting it to the EU will likely cost between $50 and $250 plus a 23% tax on top of the total. Depending on which carrier they choose, the price could jump from $740 kWh to $1k, which may fit my budget or push it over.
As for why there’s such a big price gap. It’s straightforward. There are two factors. First, the bitrate: HDMI 2.0 barely reaches 18Gbps (it struggles with real 4K@60Hz without chroma subsampling), whereas DP 1.4 handles 32Gbps. Second, DP is mainly used in computers, while HDMI is common in all kinds of AV equipment (consoles, TVs, projectors), so I suspect HDMI-compatible chips benefit from the wider market.
Personally, I’m torn between the two options. When I first posted, my main preference was DP 1.4 – especially because it can be sent over USB C with power. But when I couldn’t find a suitable kvm, I explored HDMI and discovered all my devices support HDMI 2.0 as well.
Also, the negative reviews on Amazon for Connect Pro seem a bit worrying:
https://www.amazon.com/ConnectPRO-UDP-14...merReviews
We’ll see what Connect Pro says about international shipping. If anyone knows a comparable HDMI 2.0 (or even HDMI 2.1) device, please let me know.
Edit: After writing this, I found something on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Support-Simu...ef...vm,aps,307&sr=8-4
It offers free 2-day shipping to Poland, includes EDID emulation, and has many positive reviews. At this price, it’s worth trying just to verify the claims (and if they’re not, I can return).
I notice a brief 1-2 second lag when switching screens. This isn't a problem in my application. I have two monitors—one Dell and one Phillips—and the Dell switches faster than the Phillips. This makes me think the monitor might be involved. Also, I own two older computers with Startech dual-display adapters. Upgrading to newer units with built-in dual displays is planned, which should help. The Amazon reviews are from 2021, which is quite some time ago. I've found ConnectPro support to be quick and helpful.
Your description of the situation is clear. The delay you mentioned doesn’t seem impressive. Are all your devices using the same resolutions and refresh rates? If not, it’s expected. But if they’re consistent, I’d expect a quicker response. Your observation about monitors is also relevant.
For my Dell monitor (p2415q), connecting an HDMI cable from my PC—previously set to ignore monitor hotplug—results in it turning on in under half a second once I plug it back in before it goes into sleep mode.
If a KVM switch could instantly switch everything on by emulating all connected devices, that would be much more efficient.