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KNOWLEDGE BASE - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Troubleshooting Tips

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.  This is an issue with all KVM switches that have hotkey and mouse gesture switching. We recommend using the USB port with a powered USB hub 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.
We are working on solutions but do not have a timeline at this time. We recommend trying an application called 3RVX for Windows-based machines. This software allows the user to program hotkeys such as play/pause, volume, etc... and will remain active while using applications and playing games on your PC.
Your computer will need to transmit audio via the HDMI connection. 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. 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.
Please email us at contact@buytesmart.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.

Commonly Asked

Using the hotkey command: Scroll Lock, Scroll Lock, F11.
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.
Press the number that corresponds to the input that you would like to select. Press “P” to turn on/off the autoscan feature. The remote is designed to be used across several models so only certain buttons will function with your device.
Most models have the ability to reassign Scroll Lock to Right-CTRL.  Please refer to the manuals for the hotkey instructions or email us at contact@buytesmart.com for assistance.
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BuyTESmart 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.
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.
We have tested several Mac computers (2018 Macbook Pro, 2012 Mac Mini, 2008 MacPro) and have not had issues. That said, recent versions of MacOS (since High Sierra and Mojave) limit the refresh rate of external monitors to 30 hz. The resolution limitation is not an issue with the KVM but a software limitation of Apple's operating system. There are several workarounds posted on the internet.

Installation

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 for Mac operating systems may jump. Please try using the USB2.0 port for your mouse input. If problems continue, please confirm the mouse works correctly when plugged directly into the PC that exhibits the issue.

Unfortunately, not all multimedia functions are passed through the KVM to the input PC.  We recommend trying the USB2.0 port but we cannot guarantee all multimedia functions.

List of Hotkey Functionality

  • Scroll Lock, Scroll Lock, Page Up = switch to previous port
  • Scroll Lock, Scroll Lock, Page Down = switch to next port
  • Scroll Lock, Scroll Lock, 1 - X = switch to desired port (X is the number of ports for your unit)
  • Scroll Lock, Scroll Lock, Space Bar = switch to next port turn on autoscanning
  • Scroll Lock, Scroll Lock, + / - = increase/decrease autoscanning time interval
  • Scroll Lock, Scroll Lock, F11 = enable/disable unit's beep sound
  • Scroll Lock, Scroll Lock, F12 = enable/disable mouse gestures

Knowledge Database

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.

Anyone that needs to manage more HDMI inputs than what their TV or computer monitor allows will benefit from a KVM.  Also, users of multiple PC's have a need for a KVM switch as it eliminates the need to have multiple peripherals and monitors.

Yes.  If you have issues with functionality, please try the USB2.0 port.  Please note that using the USB hub will disallow keyboard hotkeys for switching.

Yes.  If you have issues with functionality, please try the USB2.0 port.  Please note that using the USB hub will disallow keyboard hotkeys for switching.

No, but many users utilize 2 devices to achieve this functionality.

Yes, please see the list of approved connectors for each protocol.

Yes. They support all 21:9 and 16:9 monitors.

All keyboards and mices will work through the USB2.0 port but they will not have hotkey functionality.

Certain gaming keyboards will ONLY work with USB2.0 port.

We are working on creating custom keyboard-specific firmware to expand this functionality.