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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

A KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) switch is a hardware device that allows a user to control multiple computers from a single keyboard, video monitor, and mouse.  Previously KVM's were mostly seen in data centers but in recent years have expanded to the consumer market due to the number of video devices that many homeowners use (computers, streaming devices, game consoles, security systems, etc.)
A KVM is different from an HDMI switch by adding the keyboard and mouse functionality. HDMI switches are very inexpensive because they are very limited in functionality. If a computer is one of the many inputs that need to be managed, a KVM will be the preferred device.
Yes. If you have issues with functionality, please try the USB2.0 port. Please note that using the USB 2.0 port will disallow keyboard hotkeys for switching. Only dedicated keyboard/mouse ports have hotkey functionality.
Yes, most wireless keyboard/mouse are compatible with Avico KVM. If you experience any lagging mouse or keyboard not functioning properly please email us at contact@avicotech.com and describe your computer environment. If we are unable to resolve the issue, we can provide a new device to confirm the problems are specific to that unit or initiate a hassle-free return.
No, the KVM does not have built in Bluetooth. Therefore any Bluetooth device will bypass the KVM and connect directly to the computers. For example Apple Magic Mouse and Magic Keyboard will not connect to the KVM. If you can connect the device to a USB dongle then connecting this to the USB 2.0 port of the KVM it could work.
Keyboards that do not have a scroll lock button like Apple dedicated keyboards will need to change the hotkey command to one of the other options. You can find all the hotkey commands in this guide;HKU-A1B-0202 Hotkey Switching Guide
Yes, Dual Monitors are supported. Each computer needs 2 video connections for the dual monitors to work, a single video connection cannot be split/extended. If you are not sure how to product two video connections from your computer send us a message contact@avicotech.com 
Yes, you can use a dual monitor KVM with a single monitor setup. 
Yes, please see the list of approved adapters for each protocol.Avico Adapters
Yes. They support all 21:9 and 16:9 monitors. Send us a message if you are not sure about your monitor, we will look at the manual specifications and make sure everything is compatible. contact@avicotech.com 
All keyboards and mice will work through the USB3.0 ports but they will not have hotkey functionality. Keyboard/Mouse connected to the dedicated keyboard/mouse ports will have hotkey command access. Here is a list of tested keyboards; Keyboard Compatibility List  
Using the hotkey command: Scroll Lock, Scroll Lock, B.
Due to robust demand, we typically ship the products airfreight. This has caused issues with hazardous goods regulations. The remote requires a CR2025 battery, which can be found at most convenience and grocery stores.
Yes, you can change the hotkey command to several options (Scroll Lock, H, Cap Lock, ESC, F12, Num Lock). Check out our hotkey switching guide; Hotkey Switching Guide 
Absolutely. Each port is equipped with EDID. The switch will adjust the resolution for each port based on the capabilities of the input device and monitor. If Port 1 has a computer that can only provide 1920x1080, you can also have a computer in Port 2 at 3840x2160. The switch will send the appropriate resolution to the monitor. Likewise, if one computer requires an adapter such as VGA to HDMI, you can continue to use a normal HDMI cable on the other ports. Please note that your monitor will need to accept 3840x2160 to achieve that resolution.
Yes, we have tested Macintosh computers from 2014 all the way to the latest Silicon Macs. All OS systems have been tested and work great. 
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Avico Tech offers a 1 year US based warranty. If you have any questions or would like to submit a claim please send us a message using the form on the Warranty page.

What do I need to Install the KVM?

Most Laptops have a Type C Port, MiniDisplay Port, Thunderbolt 1 and 2: Mini DisplayPort; Thunderbolt 3 and 4: USB-C. These can be converted to HDMI or Display port easily using an approved adapter. Remember the connection flows FROM>TO. Therefore if you have a Type C on your laptop and need HDMI Port you will need a Type C to HDMI Adapter. Send us a message and we'll figure it all out; contact@avicotech.com 
No, not all computers need a docking station. We recommend docking stations for computers that do not have the necessary ports available, in most cases adapters can solve this.
Yes, the KVMs have USB ports that can support any of these devices. 
No these devices are connected via Bluetooth so they will bypass the KVM and connect directly to the computers. The KVM does not have built in Bluetooth, if you can pair a Bluetooth dongle receiver to a device then this can be connected to the USB port on the KVM.
On occasion TV's will exhibit "overscaling" issues. This is due to the input device, typically a PC, having a slightly different resolution than a television. There are a number of ways to correct the issue by making adjustments to Windows and Mac operating systems.
A cable that is 30 ft or less can transmit High Def quality at 60Hz
A cable that is 15 ft or less can transmit Ultra HD quality at 30Hz
A cable that is 10 ft or less can transmit Ultra HD quality at 60Hz
Occasionally the mouse movement maybe laggy or unresponsive. This is usually due to a frequency interference since the USB receiver is stilling in the back of the KVM and lots of cables are in the way. Please use a USB extender to bring the dongle closer to the mouse, this will make the single strength more stable. 
Unfortunately, not all multimedia functions are passed through the KVM to the input PC via the dedicated keyboard/mouse USB ports. We recommend using the USB 3.0 ports. 
Here is our approved adapter list. Make sure to choose the correct FROM and TO adapters. Avico Adapters



Troubleshooting

Blank Screen | No video | Monitor not working | Flashing/Blinking | Only one computer displays | Port # not working |

 

If you're having video issues it could be one of the following issues: 

1. Adapter From/To conversion

2. USB-C Port capabilities

3. Desktop with Graphic Card 

4. Old Docking Station 

 

In this video we go over how to troubleshoot all of these possible issues. Many adapters will not work in a KVM environment, even if the adapter works fine when not using the KVM or if the adapter worked for while then all of a sudden stopped. We see this issue all the time, we highly recommend to choose Avico adapters. 

 

Pinpointing the issue: Is it a bad KVM or bad connections?

 

To pin point the exact issue (either the KVM port or cable/adapters) we swap the connections.

 

Using a reliable connection we swap it over to the problematic input, if the reliable connection works fine on all ports then the KVM is working fine and it may be a connection issue with the problematic device. 

 

The problematic device can be connected to another input, if the issue follows it to another input the issue may be in the connections stream (adapter or incompatible dock).

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  • Refresh Rate issues | Resolution is incorrect | Bad resolution 

     

    We see refresh rate/resolution issues all the time when using adapters to connect to the KVM. Its important to remember the connection flows FROM the computer TO the KVM. For example if you need to convert a Type C connection, it would be Type C to HDMI Adapter. We are aware that not all adapters work well in a KVM environment. We recommend to choose Avico adapters to ensure a reliable and stable video connection.   

     

     

    A common issue we hear about is monitors not displaying the correct high refresh rate. This can be checked on the manual of your monitor it will demonstrate what refresh rates are supported via HDMI or Display port. 

     

MY MOUSE & KEYBOARD ARE NOT WORKING?

Jumpy mouse | erratic behavior | repeating keys | multimedia keys not working | No mouse | No keyboard 

 

First of all make sure you have the USB connection established  

Once the connection is established you should have the "Online Light" on this indicates the connection is active this is what makes the communication between the peripherals(Mouse, keyboard, USB devices) and the computers. 

 

If  you're having erratic mouse behavior, dropouts, or repeating keys when connected to the dedicated mouse/keyboard ports, this could be because the dedicated mouse and keyboard ports have EDID programming. This emulation is what allows the switch to receive hotkeys and mouse gestures but conflicts with gaming peripherals and select mouse/keyboard brands. 
  • Solution 1: We see issues occur sometimes when there is Logitech or keyboard/mouse software (corsair,razer or etc.) installed into the computer. You can search your "Apps & Features" and uninstall this software. This should stop the confliction between the hotkey software and keyboard/mouse software. 
  • Solution 2: Another possible cause could be IR interference if you're using wireless keyboard/mouse, since the USB port is in the back of the KVM there could be interference due to distance and the cables. Using a USB extender to bring the USB dongle closer to the devices will strengthen the connection.

 

If that still doesn't work we recommend using the USB 3.0 port as a workaround. Because the USB port does not have EDID emulation, keyboard hotkeys and mouse gesture switching are not available to devices that use the USB input.  

HOW DO I GET THE AUDIO TO WORK? 

My audio isn't working | speakers are not working | no audio

Your computer will transmit audio via the video connections. If audio is not working, please go to your sound settings and choose the correct output device. This is typically listed as the monitor that is connected to the KVM because the audio is transmitting via the video connections. If you have an external device plugged into the audio mini-jack, the switch duplicates the audio signal from the HDMI input to the monitor and mini-jack out. Generally we just try all of the outputs one of them is correct.  

 

    Hotkeys not working | Hotkey Issues | No Scroll Lock on keyboard | Loud Beep

    Make sure your keyboard is connected to the dedicated keyboard/mouse port.

    If your hotkeys stopped working it is possible that you switched the Scroll Lock command to another hotkey command. 

     

     

     

    Flashing Monitor | Snow screen | Blank Monitor| 

    Here are some common reasons that would cause this is 

    • Bad Cable- Its pretty rare but sometimes the video connection could fail. Try testing this connection directly to a monitor to confirm the connection works outside of the KVM.

     

    • Bad ports- Either on the KVM or computer side. On the computer side, swap it with another computer if available. On the KVM test the failing port with another computer that is known to be working with the KVM. It the issue is USB(keyboard/mouse) failure, make sure you have the Online Light on, this indicates that the USB connection is active.

     

    • Generic Adapter/Converters- If you are using adapters/converters is the connection stream this is often a point of failure. We are aware that not all adapters work well in a KVM environment. Make sure you're choosing the correct FROM and TO connection. 

     

    • Non-standard resolution than the other working monitor- Try to change resolution for the problematic monitor to the same as the other working monitor. Its possible that the selected resolution is not supported by the KVM therefore this will result in a blank screen or flickering. 

     

    • Docking station issues-Its pretty rare to have incompatible docks but it does happen with some older docking stations for example the HP Ultraslim Dock 2013

     

    • Monitor-Make sure the monitor is set to the right input source.

    What do I need | What adapter | Adapter guide 

     

    Please be aware that most adapters do not support bi-directional video transmission. Even though you might be able to get all connections to connect it will still not work!

    For example if you have a VGA output from your laptop and a HDMI input on the KVM, you will need a VGA TO HDMI cable which will only transmit one way from your laptop to the monitor. Let's say the the scenario was reversed and you have an HDMI output from the laptop and a VGA input on your monitor, the same cable will not work.

     

    We are aware that some generic adapters/converters will not work with the KVM even though its the right adapter and works independently when not connected with the KVM.

    Hence we have complied a list of all the adapter/converters from different video inputs to different outputs and make it as easy as possible for you to pick the right one.

    All the converters/adapters listed in the link are tested in our labs with our devices and are recommended to work well with all of our product line up. Check it out here: Approved adapters