Hardware Bistro

Product: CS1782
Manufacturer: Aten
Supplied by: Aten
Price: 199USD/RM715
Launch Date: NA

 

Two months ago we have tested Aten CS661 which is a KVM laptop USB switch and today we will take a look on another Aten KVM switch; CS1782. Aten CS1782 is a desktop DVI KWMP switch by combining 2-port KVM switch with a 2-port USB 2.0 hub and 7.1 channels surround sound is supported as well. Let us go through further to find out this interesting device.

 

Company Profile

For more than two decades, ATEN has earned a sterling reputation for delivering the finest KVM (keyboard/video/mouse) and remote connectivity solutions to manage servers and other network devices. Today we stand as the largest KVM manufacturer in the world.

ATEN has developed over the years a broad range of solutions to meet the needs of key market niches, including small - and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and enterprise organizations through its ALTUSEN line of KVM products. Leveraging its leading-edge ASIC technology and VSE patents, ATEN's KVM and remote connectivity solutions offer the most comprehensive features and functionality than the competition. The ASIC chip is one of the company's unique differentiators, as it drives the product line's capabilities, and ensures reliability and quality.

 

Features

- 2-port DVI KVM Switch with USB 2.0 support and 7.1 channel surround sound audio
- One USB console controls two computers and two additional USB devices
- 2-port USB 2.0 hub built in
- USB 2.0 compliant
- Full bass response provides a rich experience for 7.1 channel surround sound systems
Console audio ports on front panel for easy access - ideal for IP phone users
- Independent switching of KVM, USB, and audio focus
- DVI digital and analog monitor support - fully compliant with the DVI specifications; also HDCP compliant
- Superior video quality - supports up to 3840 x 2400 (DVI Single Link)*; 2048 x 1536; DDC2B (DVI-A)
- Supports widescreen resolutions
- Computer selection via front panel pushbuttons and hotkeys
- Multiplatform support: Windows 2000/XP/Vista, Linux, Mac and Sun
- Console mouse port emulation / bypass feature supports full mouse driver and multifunction mice
- Video DynaSync - stores the console monitor's EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) to optimize display resolution
- HDCP compliant
- Complete keyboard emulation for error-free booting
- Sun/Mac keyboard support and emulation**
- Auto Scan Mode for monitoring all computers
- Firmware upgradeable

*1.PC keyboard combinations emulate Sun/Mac keyboards
2.Sun/Mac keyboards only work with their own computers
**1.2560 x 1600 @60Hz (DVI Dual Link)
2.3840 x 2400 @13Hz (DVI Single Link)Only supports specific monitor resolution

 

Specifications

 

Diagram

Package & Contents

 

We were a bit shocked when the first time we carried this Aten CS1782 because it is heavy; ~1KG. The packaging box's dimension of Aten CS 1782 is around 13" x 4" x 8" (L x D x H). Aten CS1782's packaging box is quite attractive and interesting with its colorful descriptions and diagrams.

 

At the back of the packaging box of Aten CS1782, there are quite numbers of diagram which are used to explain its product features, usage, setup and etc. These are useful information no matter for a junior or a senior user especially when selecting a suitable one from a bunch of KWM switches.

 

Aten CS1782 consists of a USB 2.0 DVI KVMP switch, 2 x KVM cable sets, 2 x 7.1 audio cable sets, USB to PS/2 converter, firmware upgrade cable, power adapter, user's manual and a quick start guide. The USB 2.0 DVI KVMP switch is packed in a simple, creative way and the rest of the cables are packed in sealed plastic individual bags.

 

The user's manual; a very detail ENG manual and the Multilanguage quick start guide are included and both of these documents are available at Aten website for downloading. A 100-240V auto switching power adapter is included for powering up the Aten CS1782; a UK type 3-pin adapter.

 

Aten CS1782 Desktop KVMP Switch

 

KVM switch is not a new technology or device where it is used to control two sets of system with just one set of input/output devices and basically KVM stands for keyboard, video monitor and mouse. Aten CS1782 is a KVMP switch which is not so unique than KVM switch by just adding additional feature with USB 2.0 hub. With such additional funtion, KVM beccomes KVMP which stands for keyboard, video monitor, mouse and peripheral.

 

KVM switch is a very useful device if you have more than one system and having space constraints or would like to reduce the cost for purchasing more than one set of keyboard, monitor, mouse, audio and etc. There is an Aten bezel at the front of the CS1782 while regulatory and product info are available at the bottom of the KVMP switch; Aten CS1782 is made in Taiwan rather than China.

 

On the front of the Aten CS1782 KVMP switch, there are couples of buttons and connectors. Two port selection pushbuttons are for user to change the console system either from one system to another system accordingly. Besides that, there are two front audio jacks and a USB 2.0 port. The front audio jacks will be mostly used for headset so that user no need change the audio jacks at the back of the switch which is troublesome. The USB 2.0 port can be used for peripheral devices like printer, scanner so that this device will be shared as well for both of the attached systems.

 

There is a grey plastic cover for the both sides of the Aten CS1782 KVMP switch together with its casing feet. These feet are not rubber type but it still can be held firmly on the surface. There are casing feet on top of the Aten CS1782 KVMP switch as well so that user can place something flat surface on top of it; good for those are having limited working space.

 

Here are the back views of Aten CS1782 KVMP switch. Basically there are three setions; console, CPU 1 and CPU 2. On the console portion, these connectors are used to connect to the user's interface devices like keyboard, mouse, video and peripheral. There are dedicated USB 2.0 ports for mouse and keyboard. Besides that there are one more USB2.0 port, 7.1 channels audio jacks, a DVI monitor port, firmware upgrade and power connectors.

 

For the CPU 1 and CPU 2 sections, user is required to connect to system 1 and system 2 accordingly with the cables that are provided. Both of these sections are identical and the available connectors are DVI connector, USB 2.0 type B port and six audio jacks for up to 7.1 channels audio system. The top four audio jacks (blue, grey, black and orange) can be ignored if the system only has only 2 or 2.1 channels audio system. The type B USB 2.0 port is used rather than normal type A USB 2.0 port to avoid confusion during cabling setup.

 

Two 1.8m DVI-D KVM cable sets are provided which are used to connect the systems to the Aten CS1782 KVMP switch. This DVI-D KVM cable consists of four connectors; DVI, USB, microphone (pink) and audio (green). The difference of this cable is the USB connector; one side with USB type A (to system) while the other side with USB type B (to KVMP switch).

 

As we know that 7.1 channels audio system will require more cables than a normal 2.1 channels audio system and hence two more cables are provided for 7.1 channels audio system setup. The reason for separating this 7.1 channels audio system cable from the DVI-D KVM cable is to reduce the cabling as not all of the users will have 7.1 channels audio system. All the audio jacks are covered with lid for better protection purpose.

For those are still using PS/2 keyboard or mouse then this incoming USB to PS/2 converter cable will be required. Another cable above is used to upgrade Aten CS1782 KVMP switch firmware (serial port and normal TRS jack).

Some other detail information about the funtions of these connectors and switches. 

 

Installation, Testing & Performance

 

For the installation and setup of Aten CS1782 KVMP switch, we have tested it with both of our desktop systems; KVM switch is not for laptop since laptop already has their own keyboard, mouse and LCD. The cabling setup is not so complicated as everything is quite straightforward; connect system 1 and system 2 to CPU 1 and CPU 2 of the Aten CS1782 KVMP switch accordingly. After that connect the console unit to the monitor, mouse, keyboard and other USB device that you have like printer and scanner. The setup process should only take around 10-20 minutes. We didn't encounter any problem except the messy cabling issue hence if you are decide to setup a KVM device then you must find a way to hide these cables for long term usage.

 

Test Bed A

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E8300 @ 2.83GHz
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS3
Heatsink: NorthQ Siberian Tiger Water Cooler
Memory: 4GB 800MHz DDR2 Memory
Hard Drive: 250GB 7200RPM 8MB Seagate
Graphic Card: OEM Nvidia GeForce 8800GT 512MB
PSU: In Win Commander 1200W
Router: TRENDnet TEW-639GR
Optical Drive: DVD RW HLDS
Monitor: Dell 22" Wide Screen LCD
Speaker: Edifier R501
Operating System: Microsoft XP Pro SP2

Test Bed B

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6550 @ 2.33GHz
Motherboard: Asus P5K SE/EPU
Heatsink: CoolerMaster X Dream P775+
Memory: 4GB 800MHz DDR2 Memory
Hard Drive: 250GB 7200RPM Fujitsu
Hard Drive: 80GB 7200RPM Western Digital
Graphic Card: Gigabyte GeForce 9600GT
PSU: Seasonic M12D 850W
Optical Drive : DVD RW HLDS
Monitor: Dell 22" Wide Screen LCD
Speaker: Edifier R501
Operating System: Microsoft Vista Home Premium

 

For the testing of Aten CS1782 KVMP switch, we mainly focused on its respond time since there is nothing much can be tested. A beep will be heard around 2 - 3 seconds after the selection button is pressed then the console unit will be changed from system one to another system according to user's selection. The responsive of Aten CS1782 KVMP switch is neither fast nor slow but just average; 2-3 seconds is acceptable since Aten CS1782 is targeting for SOHO users. We also tested Aten CS1782 KVMP switch with both 2.1/5.1 channel audio systems, other USB devices and everything works well as per design; no instability or lagging issue during our whole week of usage.

 

Conclusion

KVM switch is a very popular device especially for manufacturing to control multiple of systems to reduce its setup cost since the Input/Output devices can be shared. As the technology is changing so fast and due to much cheaper price for computer hardware nowadays, most of us will have more than one system which allows KVM switch to play an important role here to solve the limited working space, reduce its setup complexity as well as the cost. Aten CS1782 is a great KVMP device where it serves its purposes well with some additional great features like 7.1 channel audio system, dual DVI-link and etc. However its cost; 199USD isn't cheap but if you able to afford it then why not give it a try.

 

Pros:

* For controlling two systems with one set of I/O inputs
* Great respond & performance
* USB 2.0 hub
* Dual DVI-link compatible
* Clear setup guideline
* 7.1 channels surround sound is supported

Cons:

* Messy cabling
* Not cheap
* Bulky & Heavy

 

Thanks to Aten for providing this sample for us to review.

 

Only registered users may post a comment.

There are currently no user submitted comments.