ATEN CS1782 2-port DVI KVMP Switch Review

The ATEN CS1782 Dual-DVI KVMP Switch has an excellent build, and all the features a PC enthusiast would want in a KVM switch.

Itis very simple, but yet very complex at the same time.  Inital setup can be quite confusing, and most likely you will run into weird caveats that must be overcome (if you have any gaming or media peripherals).  Adding a KVM into your setup adds another level of complexity, but once it is set up properly, it is extremely easy to switch back and forth between computers.

The ATEN KVM switch is marketed towards gamers, but can be a little too “KVM”ish for the average gamer.  Gamers will be very excited about the 7.1 audio switching, Dual-link DVI compatibility, and front audio and USB connections.  But, they want their advanced gaming peripherals to work.  They do, but it takes a little setup first.

Aside from the installation caveats, the only major complaint is that the power cable and DVI cables are too short.  Sure, IT professionals usually have all of their test equipment sitting right on their desk right next to the KVM, so long cables aren’t needed.  Most PC consumers have their computer on the floor, so an eight-foot cable should be the minimum.

KVM switches used to be extremely expensive, especially if you wanted features like USB or DVI, and multi-channel audio switching was unheard of until recently.  Save yourself a lot of time and energy researching… the ATEN line of KVMP switches have all the multimedia features you are looking for.  Looking online at the price of DVI-based KVM switches, you can see that many of them are around $200, but only give you stereo switching and look kinda flimsy.  For about the same price, you can get an ATEN switch with a metal housing and 7.1 audio support.

	REPORT CARD : ATEN CS1782 Dual-DVI KVMP Switch category rating comments Quality 4 Great construction.  Cables very beefy, but woefully short. Innovation 5 All the features PC enthusiasts crave in a KVM Performance 5 Video and peripheral signals are excellent Installation 3 Modern keyboards and mice will have a hard time Value 5 One of the best KVMs for PC gamers and media enthusiasts FINAL VERDICT: 4 out of 5 stars