StarTech.com SV231HU34K6 2-Port HDMI KVM Switch

Introduction

The StarTech.com SV231HU34K6 is a 2-Port HDMI KVM Switch designed to control two computers from a single monitor, keyboard, and mouse. This device supports 4K resolution at 60Hz, HDR, and includes a built-in 2-port USB 3.0 hub for sharing peripherals. It also features 4-port USB HID for keyboard and mouse, and audio ports for comprehensive system management.

This manual provides instructions for the proper installation, operation, and maintenance of your KVM switch.

Package Contents

Please ensure all components are present in your package. Refer to the product packaging for a complete list of included items. Typically, the package contains:

• 1x SV231HU34K6 2-Port HDMI KVM Switch
• 1x Universal Power Adapter
• 1x Instruction Manual (this document)
• Note: Connection cables (HDMI, USB 3.0 B to A, audio) are typically sold separately.

Product Features

• Supports 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution at 60Hz.
• HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 compliant with HDR10 support.
• Integrated 2-port USB 3.0 hub (5Gbps) for sharing peripherals.
• Dedicated 4-port USB HID for keyboard and mouse.
• Stereo analog audio and 7.1ch digital audio support.
• EDID and HDCP emulation for seamless switching and display settings retention.
• Switching via front panel push buttons or hot-key commands.
• Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.

Product Overview

Image: Angled view of the SV231HU34K6 KVM Switch, providing a general perspective of the device's form factor and port layout.

Front Panel

Image: Front panel of the SV231HU34K6 KVM Switch. It features a USB HID port, a USB 5G port, two numbered selection buttons (1 and 2), and a 'SELECT' button for switching between connected computers.

• USB HID Port: Connect a USB keyboard or mouse.
• USB 5G Port: Connect a USB 3.0 peripheral for shared access.
• Selection Buttons (1, 2): Manually switch to the corresponding computer input.
• SELECT Button: Cycles through available computer inputs.

Rear Panel

Image: Rear panel of the SV231HU34K6 KVM Switch. From left to right, it includes a DC power input, an UPGRADE port, EDID Copy button, HDCP switch, HDMI Output, two HDMI Inputs (1 and 2), two USB 3.0 ports, four USB HID ports, and audio input/output jacks for each computer.

• DC 9-12V Power Input: Connect the included power adapter.
• UPGRADE Port: For firmware updates.
• EDID Copy Button: Copies the EDID information from the connected monitor.
• HDCP Switch: Selects HDCP version (Auto, 1.4, None).
• HDMI Output: Connect to your monitor.
• HDMI Input 1 & 2: Connect to the HDMI output of your computers.
• USB (Type B) Input 1 & 2: Connect to the USB 3.0 port of your computers for KVM and USB hub functionality.
• HID USB Ports: Connect your keyboard and mouse.
• Audio Input/Output: 3.5mm jacks for connecting speakers and microphones to each computer.

Setup

Follow these steps to connect your KVM switch and computers:

1. Power Off Devices: Ensure all computers and the monitor are powered off before making any connections.
2. Connect Monitor: Connect your HDMI monitor to the HDMI Output port on the KVM switch.
3. Connect Keyboard and Mouse: Connect your USB keyboard and mouse to the HID USB Ports on the KVM switch.
4. Connect Audio (Optional): If using external speakers or a microphone, connect them to the respective 3.5mm audio jacks on the KVM switch.
5. Connect Peripherals (Optional): Connect any USB 3.0 peripherals (e.g., printer, scanner, USB drive) to the USB 5G ports on the front or rear panel.
6. Connect Computers:
   • For each computer, connect an HDMI cable from the computer's HDMI output to an HDMI Input port (1 or 2) on the KVM switch.
   • For each computer, connect a USB 3.0 Type-A to Type-B cable from a USB 3.0 port on the computer to the corresponding USB (Type B) Input port (1 or 2) on the KVM switch.
   • If using audio, connect 3.5mm audio cables from the computer's audio output/input to the corresponding audio jacks on the KVM switch.
7. Connect Power: Connect the included power adapter to the DC 9-12V Power Input on the KVM switch, then plug the adapter into a power outlet.
8. Power On: Power on the KVM switch, then your monitor, and finally your computers.

Image: Detailed view of the rear panel connections. This shows the DC power input, UPGRADE port, EDID Copy button, HDCP switch, and the arrangement of HDMI, USB, and audio ports for connecting to computers and a monitor.

Operating the KVM Switch

Switching Between Computers

You can switch between connected computers using either the front panel push buttons or hot-key commands.

• Front Panel Buttons: Press the numbered button (1 or 2) corresponding to the computer you wish to control. Alternatively, press the SELECT button to cycle through the active inputs.
• Hot-Key Commands: Use specific keyboard combinations to switch inputs. Refer to the full product manual or StarTech.com support for a list of available hot-key commands. Typically, these involve pressing a specific key (e.g., Scroll Lock, Ctrl) multiple times followed by the port number.

USB Hub Functionality

The integrated USB 3.0 hub allows you to share two USB 3.0 peripherals between your connected computers. Devices connected to the USB 5G ports will be accessible by the currently selected computer. When you switch to another computer, the USB peripherals will automatically switch to that computer.

EDID and HDCP Emulation

The KVM switch features EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) and HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) emulation. This ensures that your monitor's display settings are maintained when switching between computers, preventing resolution changes or desktop rearrangement. The HDCP switch on the rear panel allows you to select the appropriate HDCP version (Auto, 1.4, None) based on your connected devices.

The EDID Copy button can be used to copy the EDID information from your monitor to the KVM switch, which helps in resolving display compatibility issues.

Maintenance

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the KVM switch. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol sprays.
• Ventilation: Ensure the KVM switch is placed in a well-ventilated area to prevent overheating. Do not block any ventilation openings.
• Environment: Avoid exposing the device to extreme temperatures, humidity, or direct sunlight.
• Cable Management: Organize cables to prevent strain on ports and accidental disconnections.

Troubleshooting

• No Display/Black Screen:
  • Ensure all HDMI cables are securely connected.
  • Verify the KVM switch is powered on and the correct input is selected.
  • Try connecting the monitor directly to the computer to confirm the monitor and computer display output are functional.
  • Adjust the HDCP switch setting on the rear panel or use the EDID Copy function.
• Keyboard/Mouse Not Responding:
  • Ensure USB cables from computers to the KVM switch are connected.
  • Verify keyboard and mouse are connected to the HID USB Ports.
  • Try connecting the keyboard/mouse directly to the computer to confirm functionality.
  • Restart the KVM switch and computers.
• USB 3.0 Peripherals Not Detected:
  • Ensure the USB 3.0 Type-A to Type-B cables are connected from the computers to the KVM switch.
  • Verify the peripheral is connected to a USB 5G port.
  • Check if the peripheral requires external power.
• Audio Issues:
  • Check all 3.5mm audio cable connections.
  • Ensure audio output/input settings are correctly configured on your operating system.

Specifications

Warranty and Technical Support

StarTech.com offers a 2-year warranty for this product, covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. For detailed warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the official StarTech.com website.

Additionally, StarTech.com provides lifetime free technical support to assist you with any questions or issues you may encounter with your SV231HU34K6 KVM switch. You can contact their technical support team through their website or by phone.