octagons

Also please let me know if you find or know of a better USB switcher! I want one that supports 4 inputs but can handle more than 4 outputs to switch between. 6 or 8 would be great. It’s very handy because I frequently have client laptops or I’m working on another computer or RPi, so a spare USB input that I could leave on my desk would be great.

Also note my response to the other question.

I bought the 8x8 matrix from Monoprice - they have a category for audio/video splitters. They brand it as the “Blackbird” line, but note that they rotate and update the OEM/manufacturer fairly regularly. They’re clearly rebranded OEM units with a very cheap web interface and IR remote.

The 16x16 I bought from a small online company called “HDTV Supply” - model number HDCVT4K1616. They were a pleasure to work with.

(Mods please let me know if there are any issues sharing these vendors.)

The 16x16 one I bought does. It supports (some form of) HDMI 2.1. The EDID management for all matrices I’ve tested is a bit odd. Pass through doesn’t always work with most monitors, and you can specify a generic EDID from a preconfigured list, upload your own (only one) EDID file, or select “COPY_FROM_INPUT_1” for any or all outputs. The problem is that sometimes you might want input 1 to go to output 2, despite normally sending it to output 1. I have to manually change the EDID profile.

I can’t say how well a balun/extender setup will work but I believe they make boxes that specifically do that - a combination matrix and extender. I have no issues with HDCP. Happy to answer any other questions.

Search Monoprice for Audio/Video splitters but pay very close attention to the description. Make sure you understand the number of sources and sinks it offers.

I have addressed this problem by using a 4x4 USB switcher from Rosewill and an HDMI matrix, such as those used by broadcasting or A/V signage industries. I started with an 8x8 matrix and now have a 16x16. It’s dead simple to give each of the 4 or so computers I have hooked up to them 3 or so monitors, and I can swap any video source to any sink using a web interface. The matrix isn’t cheap (approximately $1200) but after using it for around 4 years, I honestly couldn’t think of using my workstation any other way.

You’re right - I misread the article by missing the part mentioning the adjustment needed in BIOS before enabling scroll lock. I’m glad the title was updated to keep the discussion going without editorializing. My mistake!

This is an interesting announcement. Are they aiming to cut into some of the Spotify market share?

Anecdotally: I have a hard time getting Siri to play what I want. I like the personal station under “Listen Now” in Apple Music but Siri has no idea what I’m talking about.

I agree, it’s disappointing. Personally, I justify my use case by considering that they have little incentive to “be evil” given their business model, and I have to make some sacrifices to get the outcome I want; not being able to inspect the source is a sacrifice I make for a very effective personal organization tool.

Obviously this is a decision I have made for myself and it’s just as likely to blow up in my face in the future as any other project, but I would encourage anyone struggling with memory or organization as a result of ADHD to investigate Obsidian.

I was diagnosed with ADHD last year after suspecting it for some time. I used Notion for this exact reason, but ended up switching to Obsidian with much more success. Notion is a great app and I even had a pro subscription for a while, but the number of widgets and options and different ways of doing things made it too distracting for me.