switching conctrol panel AND video from pc and Ps2 with a switch

[cptnwhlz]

My controls are interfaced through an ipac (ps/2 version) and i do have a ps2  (playstation 2!) adaptor, but i may just hack a couple of controllers as I do not know where it went in a move, so it may be MIA for awhile.

I thought of using a kvm to switch the ps/2 output, but i would need something to keep the same monitor, but change where the video is coming from.  My tv accepts composite, component, and s-video if that helps any and I will soon have an old all-in-wonder card, so I can work out whatever computer video output i need.

I have a very basic understanding of electronics, but with a little bit of help I can figure things out. 

I want to have this on a single button or switch if possible.  Any help would be wonderful!

I also know very similar topics go around, but i couldnt find exactly what i needed, if i missed something, sorry in advance

[1UP]

The KVM should do what you want.  That will switch your Keyboard, Video and Mouse between different machines, hence the name.  All you need is a way to get your PS2 video to output a VGA signal.  There are various adapters to do this.  Lik-Sang used to be a good source of converters for controls and video, but I don't know where to look these days.  One solution might be a PS2 to HDMI cable, then an HDMI to VGA converter.  The current PS3 HDMI cable should work with the PS2 as well.

Also, I know most of the Iogear KVMs have a feature that switches to the other input when you double click a button (usually scroll lock but is also configurable).  You could just map one of your IPAC shift states to Scroll Lock, then when you for instance, hold Player 1 Start and double tap button 6, it would toggle to the other system.  If you have an extra IPAC input that's not used, you could also just have a dedicated button for this purpose.  But for all of this to work, you definitely need the IPAC/PS2 adapter.  There is no way I know of to send keyboard inputs to the KVM by just hacking PS2 controllers.

Hope this helps.

P.S. Just re-read and I didn't see that you were using a TV.  This complicates things a bit.  A KVM is usually made to switch VGA or DVI video.  I think there are some now that can do HDMI, in which case all you would need is a PS2 to HDMI cable, and a VGA/DVI (whichever your PC has) to HDMI cable to get your video to the KVM.  Then an HDMI to Component cable to the monitor.

[cptnwhlz]

Wow I feel dumb. I was thinking a kvm would be one keyboard to switch between 2 computers with 2 monitors for some reason. hah, thanks =)

[1UP]

You may also just check out http://www.pcsx2.net/ to see if their PS2 emulator runs the games you want to play, and skip all this hassle. 

[cptnwhlz]

nice link! The games im interested in work, but i would need about 50% more computer =P 

Would it be problematic if i had a hacked ps2 computer and the ipac wired at the same time?  I have some controllers with a common ground over the whole controller so i figured if I had a switch that would cut the ground on the ipac, but had the ps2 ground permanently hooked up, I can switch between without anything going wrong, i think.