[Misc] Tech Question

[Eeyore]

In simple terms:

I have a work laptop and an all in one personal desktop on my desk. I also have a massive TV screen.

I connect the AIO via an HDML lead and use the TV as a screen. I can also use the same lead to connect the laptop.

I would like to:

Get a second HDML lead so the laptop is connected and the AIO is connected at the same time.

BUT

1) Is it possible to flip between screens when an HDML lead is connected into one port and another HDML in a different one ?

2) Can I get a keyboard that I can connect to the TV that means I won't have to keep changing keyboards when using a different device ?

I've tried plugging the USB connector for the laptop keyboard into the TV but it doesn't recognise it.

 

[Goldstone1976]

In simple terms:

I have a work laptop and an all in one personal desktop on my desk. I also have a massive TV screen.

I connect the AIO via an HDML lead and use the TV as a screen. I can also use the same lead to connect the laptop.

I would like to:

Get a second HDML lead so the laptop is connected and the AIO is connected at the same time.

BUT

1) Is it possible to flip between screens when an HDML lead is connected into one port and another HDML in a different one ?

2) Can I get a keyboard that I can connect to the TV that means I won't have to keep changing keyboards when using a different device ?

I've tried plugging the USB connector for the laptop keyboard into the TV but it doesn't recognise it.

1) yes.

2) yes.

Maybe.

 

[Eeyore]

1) yes.

2) yes.

Maybe.

So I can't understand why the TV didn't allow the keyboard to type when I put its USB in the back.

 

[AmexRuislip]

So I can't understand why the TV didn't allow the keyboard to type when I put its USB in the back.

Have you tried turning the TV off and on again

 

[1066familyman]

Why do you need a separate keyboard?

Surely you just plug the desktop into one HDMI in the TV.

The laptop into another HDMI in the TV.

Switch between the two by using the input selector on your TV remote for the relevant HDMI. Both keyboards will work.

Maybe I'm missing something?

I think you're over complicating it if you want to then add in say a separate wireless keyboard. Adding a separate keyboard via USB to the TV will mean having to select USB on the TV, and then you won't see either computer as they're connected via HDMI.

 

[Seagull58]

So I can't understand why the TV didn't allow the keyboard to type when I put its USB in the back.

I don't see how this can work. The TV is simply being used as a display output but the keyboard must be an input to the AIO and the laptop. There is no signal going from the keyboard to either computers if it's plugged into the TV.

 

[1066familyman]

I don't see how this can work. The TV is simply being used as a display output but the keyboard must be an input to the AIO and the laptop. There is no signal going from the keyboard to either computers if it's plugged into the TV.

Exactly.

The TV in this scenario is just a giant monitor fed by whichever HDMI is selected on the TV.

 

[Butch Willykins]

****ing hell it’s Saturday night. Put it away

 

[Eeyore]

Why do you need a separate keyboard?

Surely you just plug the desktop into one HDMI in the TV.

The laptop into another HDMI in the TV.

Switch between the two by using the input selector on your TV remote for the relevant HDMI. Both keyboards will work.

Maybe I'm missing something?

I think you're over complicating it if you want to then add in say a separate wireless keyboard. Adding a separate keyboard via USB to the TV will mean having to select USB on the TV, and then you won't see either computer as they're connected via HDMI.

I don't see how this can work. The TV is simply being used as a display output but the keyboard must be an input to the AIO and the laptop. There is no signal going from the keyboard to either computers if it's plugged into the TV.

Yeah, I just wondered if it was possible to use the same keyboard all the time (when using the big monitor) but flit between the two devices as and when.

 

[1066familyman]

Yeah, I just wondered if it was possible to use the same keyboard all the time (when using the big monitor) but flit between the two devices as and when.

There's a possibility a wireless keyboard might do it, but I'm not convinced, so I don't recommend wasting money trying if you don't already have access to a wireless keyboard.

What you could also try is perhaps getting some sort of USB splitter so that you can somehow plug the desktop keyboard into both the desktop and the laptop. Then fiddle around with the settings in the laptop to disable it's keyboard and use the USB connected desktop keyboard instead.

Either way, connecting a keyboard directly to your TV via USB isn't going to work.

Edit: Perhaps a female,male,male USB splitter would do it?
Keyboard into female, male into laptop, male into desktop.

 

[1066familyman]

Another alternative it seems, if both machines are running Windows.

Use a wireless keyboard. Install a free Windows program called.... Mouse Without Borders... And use the same wireless keyboard and mouse on both machines.

 

[Eeyore]

Another alternative it seems, if both machines are running Windows.

Use a wireless keyboard. Install a free Windows program called.... Mouse Without Borders... And use the same wireless keyboard and mouse on both machines.

I think I have the winner.

 

[BNthree]

So I can't understand why the TV didn't allow the keyboard to type when I put its USB in the back.

Because the TV isn't a USB hub.

 

[Gabbafella]

****ing hell it’s Saturday night. Put it away

You sound suspiciously like my Mrs.

 

[monty uk]

Answers here

https://nortr3nixy.nimpr.uk/showthread.php?386037-Recommendations-for-USB-Switch

 

[Papak]

Answers here

https://nortr3nixy.nimpr.uk/showthread.php?386037-Recommendations-for-USB-Switch

I was the OP in that thread and went for the item recommended in post #3.

It is excellent and makes switching between my work and home computers effortless.

The OP in this thread want to use 2 computers simultaneously which isn't quite the same requirement but very close. I can send 1 computer to sleep and switch in about 15 seconds.

[MENTION=29192]Brighton Lines[/MENTION]

 

[Juan Albion]

You sound suspiciously like my Mrs.

I was thinking it sounds just like your Mrs too.