New Vetra Products for Multiboxing!

[Vyndree]

Failboat double post that refuses to delete. BAD DATABASE!

[Vyndree]

In essence: I never want it to be the case that all of my monitors are "off" except for one.

This was a great setup but the downside was not having a way to effectively transfer leadership

This guy knows how to read my mind. Or at least my poor choice in words.

KVMs are great, but they're not necessarily designed with multiboxers in mind. Vetra is doing a great job in hardware in that they're attempting to close the gap between the "normal" kvm's and multiplexers -- and what multiboxers, SPECIFICALLY, need. However it's not QUITE there yet, I think.

What I would absolutely ADORE is a way to "rotate" my screens. Essentially, I would love for the multiplexer and KVM features to be two seperate entities (which is how I have it now), but in a single space and dollar-saving package.

For example:

KVM feature: I have computers "1", "2", "3", "4", and "5". I am currently in control of computer "1" with my keyboard and mouse. I decide that I want to be in control (with keyboard and mouse) of computer "2". I can press the correct key sequence/button and wham -- KVM is now computer two. The video from Comp1 is on what used to be Comp2's monitor, and the video from Comp2 is on what used to be Comp 1's. Essentially a "swap" KVM.

Multiplexer feature: At any point (whether or not I am mid-KVM "swap"), I can turn the keyboard multiplexer on/off -- sending keys to all 5 windows at once. At any point (whether or not I am mid KVM "swap") I can turn the mouse multiplexer on/off. These should be independent of each other, so either both can be off, one can be on, or both can be on.

Usability: Since gaming is designed to be left hand on KVM, right hand on mouse -- both the KVM key sequence and the multiplexer key sequence should be close to one of those hands. Scroll lock is neither close to my left hand nor close to my right hand. Yes, I could program it into my Xkeys -- but I don't like the Xkeys tactile feedback for "wasd + strafe" keys and primarily use it for buffs, specific totem sequences, mounts, drinking, and the like. Essential buttons (dps, interrupts, primary totem sequences) are always within reach of my left hand, which is glued to my "wasd" keys.

Icing on the cake: Round robin. FOR THE LOVE OF GOD give hardware multiboxers (especially button mashers like me) a reliable "round robin". Right now I'm using a castsequence stagger, but if I double-press the key or get stunned/cc'ed on one alt while it's happening my castsequence is all screwy. I have no idea how to implement this hardware, but if there's a way to designate a key as a "round robin" key (that is, key gets sent to one machine, and on the next keypress gets sent to the next machine, and on the next keypress gets sent to the next machine, etc.) I would adopt that piece of hardware so quickly!


EDIT:
Oh -- and to add to my wishlist of most perfect multiboxer hardware device -- two little lights for each PC (keyboard and mouse) that turn on when keys are being sent to that computer. I.e. if the keyboard multiplexer is on -- all keyboard lights are on. If the mouse multiplexer is on -- all mouse lights are on. If only one PC's keyboard/mouse is on, the lights are on for that PC only.

Vetra gods, please make this happen. I suggest you call this device the "Vyndree Multiboxer UberBox o' Amazingness"

[TheBigBB]

Do they not have these multiplexers in USB models yet? I guess I could just get some converters? I'm not sure that I'd be wanting a multiplexer yet, but if I ever decide to try my hand at 10 mans I will probably want to.

[Vyndree]

Do they not have these multiplexers in USB models yet? I guess I could just get some converters? I'm not sure that I'd be wanting a multiplexer yet, but if I ever decide to try my hand at 10 mans I will probably want to.

I believe they have a "vanilla" usb multicaster, but I'd highly recommend going PS2. USB communication is 2-way, so unless you have perfectly identical computers (and even then, it may be fussy), it would really suck if it ended up flaky.

PS2 all the way for any sort of hardware multiplexing. FYI -- most mice come with a USB -> PS2 converter (or at least the mice that I've purchased).

[Noxxy]

[quote='Vyndree',index.php?page=Thread&postID=12529 6#post125296]

KVM feature: I have computers "1", "2", "3", "4", and "5". I am currently in control of computer "1" with my keyboard and mouse. I decide that I want to be in control (with keyboard and mouse) of computer "2". I can press the correct key sequence/button and wham -- KVM is now computer two. The video from Comp1 is on what used to be Comp2's monitor, and the video from Comp2 is on what used to be Comp 1's. Essentially a "swap" KVM.

This feature would be fantastic - especially for loss of tank mid-fight - not sure if it is possible though

[Basilikos]

Six weeks ago, Vetra engineers were telling me that they weren't sure if they could make the product that they just released. And only NOW do I see what Vyndree was asking for with the KVM switch. Yeah, that would be nice, but I think it would take a LOT more effort (although, it's the single feature that this product doesn't have now). What they're going to have to do, though, is start making DVI switches first. No hardware multiboxer here is using a VGA video card that is worth anything. Maybe some people use them, but heck no. Not me.

[Vyndree]

Yeah, that would be nice, but I think it would take a LOT more effort (although, it's the single feature that this product doesn't have now). What they're going to have to do, though, is start making DVI switches first.

Agreed.

A girl can dream, though.

[Noxxy]

Thinking re the changing of montor as per Vyndree above - what about a hardware setup as such (only playing round so imput would be appreciated):

[I have only done the diagram for a dual box set-up to keep it easy]

[img=http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/2889/dualboxec0.gif]

'V' switch
- turn it to number 'n' for Box 'n' video, etc.
- monitor 1 & 2 still show the video from their home box
- i.e., the viewing monitor will be a repeat of either 1 or 2
- would assume having graphics cards with 2 x video output slots

'K' switch
- about to send keys to either box 1 OR 2 OR both [through megacast]

'Megacast'
- Full broadcast of all keystrokes to all boxes

Mouse
- taken care of via virtual KVM (i.e., software like multiplicity, etc.)

Assuming the lag between switching between monitors and keyboards can be reduced - would offer a solution to switching group leads, etc.

[Xzin]

How fast can the MONITOR switch? It doesn't matter how fast the Vetra can switch if the monitor will impose a 1000 ms (or more) delay.

[Xzin]

Also, why not just have 5 monitors? I don't think I see the usefulness here yet.