Will a HDMI switch work for my case?

[cpugeek21]

I feel my question is a bit niche, but here goes. I have 2 monitors (let's call them A and B). I have one PC for work, and one personal PC.

On regular days, I use my personal PC and display the output on both monitors, no problem. When I WFH, I wish to extend my work laptop to one of my monitors (say, A) but still keep B and run things like Spotify. The issue is, because monitor A is still receiving the input signal from my personal PC, programs sometimes open up on the wrong monitor. I end up having to reach to the back of monitor A a couple of times a day just to switch the output and drag programs to my other monitor. I'm guessing a HDMI switcher will solve my issue by "turning off" the display output signal for monitor A, and treat B as though it is a single monitor computer instead.

Can anyone confirm this? Also, if you have any other suggestions for my situation, I would be very grateful. My monitor B is in portrait mode so it's a bit more limited in use-case. I also don't wish to reach around the back of my monitor or swap around cables too often.

 

I have thought of using a KVM switch but:

1) 2 in 2 out KVM switches are near impossible to find, or very expensive

2) I still like the idea of having 1 personal monitor so that I can do my own things, like playing music on Spotify or just simple web browsing.

 

Thanks!

 

 

[Dabombinable]

20 minutes ago, cpugeek21 said:

I feel my question is a bit niche, but here goes. I have 2 monitors (let's call them A and B). I have one PC for work, and one personal PC.

On regular days, I use my personal PC and display the output on both monitors, no problem. When I WFH, I wish to extend my work laptop to one of my monitors (say, A) but still keep B and run things like Spotify. The issue is, because monitor A is still receiving the input signal from my personal PC, programs sometimes open up on the wrong monitor. I end up having to reach to the back of monitor A a couple of times a day just to switch the output and drag programs to my other monitor. I'm guessing a HDMI switcher will solve my issue by "turning off" the display output signal for monitor A, and treat B as though it is a single monitor computer instead.

Can anyone confirm this? Also, if you have any other suggestions for my situation, I would be very grateful. My monitor B is in portrait mode so it's a bit more limited in use-case. I also don't wish to reach around the back of my monitor or swap around cables too often.

 

I have thought of using a KVM switch but:

1) 2 in 2 out KVM switches are near impossible to find, or very expensive

2) I still like the idea of having 1 personal monitor so that I can do my own things, like playing music on Spotify or just simple web browsing.

 

Thanks!

 

 

I've got a generic HDMI switcher that I use for my PS5, Xbox 360 and Windows 7 PC - and it works fine (HDCP unaffected, screen turns on and off with PS5). KVM are also nice (I use a VGA+PS/2 switch for 4 PC) however it always comes down to is the added convenience worth the cost.

[cpugeek21]

1 hour ago, Dabombinable said:

I've got a generic HDMI switcher that I use for my PS5, Xbox 360 and Windows 7 PC - and it works fine (HDCP unaffected, screen turns on and off with PS5). KVM are also nice (I use a VGA+PS/2 switch for 4 PC) however it always comes down to is the added convenience worth the cost.

Do HDMI switchers actually switch off the video signal of the original device you have switched out off? Would there be a case where my mouse cursor is invisible on a dual monitor setup because I can only see monitor B but the cursor is on monitor A? (Hope you understand my qn)

[OddOod]

22 minutes ago, cpugeek21 said:

Do HDMI switchers actually switch off the video signal of the original device you have switched out off? Would there be a case where my mouse cursor is invisible on a dual monitor setup because I can only see monitor B but the cursor is on monitor A? (Hope you understand my qn)

Should do.
But also I'm surprised and kinda angry that switching the inputs on the monitor doesn't tell Windows that it's gone. I've never had a monitor do that.

[Dabombinable]

8 hours ago, cpugeek21 said:

Do HDMI switchers actually switch off the video signal of the original device you have switched out off? Would there be a case where my mouse cursor is invisible on a dual monitor setup because I can only see monitor B but the cursor is on monitor A? (Hope you understand my qn)

Yes, they do.
Unlike my screens when I switch from Displayport to HDMI on the Omen 27, or Displayport to VGA on my AOC screen.