How to run a computer through monitor & keyboard/mouse thats 40' away?

[unicursalhex]

Hi everyone, I've been lurking around here for a bit and just now decided to sign up, this is a great forum! I am setting up a home "studio" and need to figure out how to use a computer that's in another room in my "studio". I have a monitor and wireless keyboard and mouse in the "studio" room, I'm thinking I will need some sort of monitor and keyboard/mouse switch? Thanks!

 

[mjbphotos]

There are switchboxes available. Wireless keyboards and mouses usually have a limited range - you;d do better running long cables. Or moving the computer!

 

[Shadow_7]

Wireless also needs a direct line of sight (windows, not walls). Radio can penetrate some walls, but far less effort for it to go through a window. Unless there's some reason not to have a computer at all in there, you could connect to and control it over a network with a lesser (and quiet) computer. PC anywhere or carbon copy, and other options in that effort. Just trying to simplify the hardware side. As wireless networks require no special wires. And you'll get the basic functionality, with some latency for the actions, but you'll need some sort of compromise anyway. Long cables, switch, whatever, lots of options. Any reason for 40'? Back stage at a concert hall or something? Trying not to laugh at the $699 75' HDMI "cable" to connect it to the monitor (per monitor).......

 

[unicursalhex]

Thanks for the info so far. I just finished a big long post and when I hit send it logged me out and deleted the post! Anyway, I have one really nice computer that my wife also uses in her office for video editing and what not. I know the easiest solution is to buy another $3000 computer but my budget wont stand for that at this point in time. My new "studio" room is set up with my monitor wall mounted right above my Roland G8, with the keyboard and mouse also on a swivel wall mount. I don't want my wife near this stuff while shes working so the compromise is to find a way to share the computer between rooms. The computer can also be in the "studio" room with the office networked or run through some kind of switch. As for networking, I'm not sure how well the performance would be, I think the other computer would have to be comparable and in that case I would just use it. What would youguys do in this situation? Part names or links would be greatly appreciated!

 

[buzzard bass]

I think for a dedicated recording computer you could get in for a whole lot less than 3 G.

 

[Shadow_7]

Yeah, you need far less to record audio, than you do video and audio at the same time. I generally record on my 4yo+ laptop. Bought new $300-ish. Less actually, but with extended warranty and tax... I've had to clean out the fan twice, once by actually disassembling the laptop. I gave up on getting a new replacement fan and just cleaned it and reassembled, good as new. But it does depend on what you're doing. I don't really do much more than four tracks (at once). But you can mix down multiple tracks into that or less so you can get by with less. Baring some midi and realtime effects and whatever else. Unless you're performing live, why would you need them though? You can add that stuff in post after the fact while mastering. As fast as the little choo choo could...

 

[unicursalhex]

Yeah I've found in the past when you have a bunch of tracks a normal computer very noticeably bogs down, I want no part of that. My current i7 system even slows at times. I've been hemorrhaging money lately and just want to be able to switch monitors and keyboards/mice for now. Any thoughts on that? I should have mentioned that I have a decent path to run the cables, I just need to figure out which products to use.

 

[Beemer]

Yeah, you need far less to record audio, than you do video and audio at the same time. I generally record on my 4yo+ laptop. Bought new $300-ish. Less actually, but with extended warranty and tax... I've had to clean out the fan twice, once by actually disassembling the laptop. I gave up on getting a new replacement fan and just cleaned it and reassembled, good as new. But it does depend on what you're doing. I don't really do much more than four tracks (at once). But you can mix down multiple tracks into that or less so you can get by with less. Baring some midi and realtime effects and whatever else. Unless you're performing live, why would you need them though? You can add that stuff in post after the fact while mastering. As fast as the little choo choo could...

How about this:

For mouse USB Extension - CAT5 USB Extender Premium (Up to 50m) | Extension | USB Cables | USB & FireWire | LINDY UK

For display IOGEAR DVI-D CAT5e/6 MiniExtender Video extender - External

regards,

Beemer

 

[Shadow_7]

Honestly whatever you spend on these extensions could fund at least 50% the price of a second computer. Which you'll probably get eventually anyway. Leaving you with something that you're not going to use, not going to be able to resale, and stuff. Not to mention the whole lazy thing. If you're going to be using that computer, why not just move it to where you'll be using it?