IOGEAR 2-Port DVI-D KVM Switch with Audio and Mic

Decent DVI Switch with Limitations

I would have given this item a 5-star rating were it not for one issue: If you have peripheral devices such as a printer or scanner that you want to share between two different computers, contrary to the info in the Advanced setup, you will not be able to. I have two PCs connected to this unit, one a Windows Vista, the other a Windows 7 machine. My printer and scanner are connected to my Vista machine, while my Windows 7 machines has no periphera... Show Morels attached. The manual shows two configs for the unit. In the basic configuration, the keyboard and mouse used to control either computer are connected to the unit via its two USB ports (one is dedicated for mouse, the other for keyboard) and so are shared when switching between one or the other computer. Also shared is the audio line-out (green), and mic-in (pink). In this basic configuration the unit works quite well: the single mouse, keyboard, monitor and audio are shared between one or the other computer. In the basic configuration there's no mention of sharing a printer or other peripheral, so if you have any USB devices connected directly to the two computers they will continue to work as usual, which is to say directly off whichever computer they are connected to. However, you may want to share your printer (or other USB device) between the two computers so that you can print from either for example, which is where the advanced configuration comes in. In the advanced configuration, one of the USB output that normally would go to the central mouse is instead connected to a powered USB hub, and the hub, in turn, is where you connect your mouse and any other devices such as a printer (or other external USB devices). In this configuration you are supposed to be able to share a printer (or whatever else is connected to the USB HUB) with whichever computer has been selected. It is in this advanced configuration the the KVM does not work as described: The mouse which was connected to the USB Hub was not detected by either computer, only the keyboard which was connected directly to the IOGEAR unit's USB Keyboard port worked. I even switched the connections on the IOGEAR KVM for the HUB and keyboard in case I made a mistake - didn't matter. I did not take the time to call IOGEAR Tech Support because my goal was mainly to switch the video DVI-PORT between two different PCs and for that purpose the unit performs as described. The unit also comes pre-built with the required DVI-cables and USB (one for the mouse port, the other for the keyboard) as well as the audio line-out, and mic-in, that gets connected to each computer - so you really do not have to purchase any additional cable to get going. You can switch between the two computers either through keyboard commands or optionally with a small wired switch that attaches to the main unit. Overall, this is a decent (but limited) KVM switch if all you need to do is switch video/audio from two computers to a central monitor and central audio device. But for sharing peripherals it did not work as described so buyer beware.Show Less

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

Works great - read the instructions

One of the biggest complaints you may find is that a more advanced mouse, such as a gaming mouse with programmable buttons, will not be recognized as such by the PC when using this KVM switch. It requires some digging and understanding, but there is the option to disable the mouse emulation. Doing so allows the mouse to pass through unaffected and it will function as if it were connected directly to the PC. On your keyboard, the command SCROLL LO... Show MoreCK-SCROLL LOCK-M-ENTER will toggle the mouse emulation function. Note that disabling mouse emulation will not allow you to switch ports using the middle mouse button, but you still have the option of using the keyboard or the included remote button (I opt for the keyboard). I deducted one star because of the time it took me to figure this out and I nearly returned the product. I use a mouse with programmable buttons for my work and Iogear could have made it clearer as to how to make it work. I also use one of Iogear's VGA/USB KVM switches plugged into the same two PCs that I use, allowing me to access each PC from two different workstations. To toggle ports on the VGA version, all I have to do is double-tap the SCROLL LOCK key. The DVI version requires SCROLL LOCK-SCROLL LOCK-ENTER and is a little awkward, but still functional. The built in cables are a mere three (3) feet. Some may find this too short. My opinion is that this is the type of device you plug in and forget about behind the desk, so the cable length isn't too much of an issue if your PCs are within 6 feet of each other. You can always buy some cheap extensions if needed. The cable orientation could be better. I would have preferred that the keyboard and mouse attach on the same side as the DVI cable rather than at a right angle, but this is a minor complaint. I didn't use the audio switching capabilities, so they are not reviewed here.Show Less

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

Not as easy as it first appears

I bought this to connect two PCs to a monitor using a Microsoft Wireless Comfort Desktop 5000 keyboard and mouse. The connections were so obvious that I didn't think I would need the instructions. But the two USB ports are not general purpose but are specifically designed for a 101 Key USB keyboard and a standard USB mouse. Out of the box, they did not work with the Microsoft keyboard and I almost returned the KVM switch as defective. I started r... Show Moreeading the manual and discovered that a certain hot key combination removes the mouse emulation from the second USB port on the KVM switch. I had a 101 Key HP wireless keyboard that sometimes sort of worked with the KVM switch and after multiple tries, I was able to get the mouse emulation switched off. Then after plugging in the wireless Microsoft USB FOB into the mouse port everything worked great. All of the special function programmable keys on the keyboard and mouse work as programmed. All the other functions, Monitor switching, Sound, and Microphone work fine. This KVM switch would have been unusable had I not had access to a keyboard that worked with the unit as configured out of the box so be careful about obtaining it for use with wireless USB keyboards as no guarantee is made that it will work with such devices. The hot keys for the KVM switch do not work with the Microsoft keyboard so I need to use the supplied switch to change computers. Also one of my computers is a little slow in recognizing the Microsoft keyboard, so there is a delay when connecting to it before the password can be entered.Show Less

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

Excellent Switch, Simple to Set Up & Use

Product came in well-designed packaging and included clear instructions. I was up and running within 5 minutes, connecting my gaming PC and Macbook to a single monitor, keyboard, and mouse. A simple wired remote can be mounted on your desk (adhesive not included) and switches between both sources quickly and easily. The KVM Switch itself has excellent build quality, though the stiff cables can be unwieldy to tuck away neatly behind a desk. As men... Show Moretioned by another reviewer, if you're using any kind of mouse with programmable buttons you'll need to disable mouse emulation on the switch. Instructions for toggling the various features like this on/off are found in the included manual. I have noticed some instances of mouse input lag in gaming, but this could also be due to the atrocious drivers of my Cyborg RAT7 mouse. It seems to trip the mouse up on my Mac as well at times, but for the most part these hiccups are rare. An excellent product, highly recommended. One question though: Why do KVM switches need to be so pricey?Show Less

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

excellent DVI switch with clear picture.

This is my third KVM from Iogear, for another laptop and 2nd monitor.1st one was for vga connection, then I move to dvi kvm switch because of lcd picture quality. I test a few of them - this is the best for price/performance & features. What i can say - this is well designed device: I like idea with separate button plus keyboard shortcuts and shortcuts works for audio only. Picture very clear on my 24 Samsung & Dell (1920x1200) and I use also Dis... Show MoreplayPort-DVI adapters for second monitor connection from laptops docking station..... Both buttons glued to right side of monitors.USB works well (mouse attached to monitor usb hub, same as flash drive - now easy to move large files without network).I also test it in cascade connection - 1 monitor for 3 computers (one kvm attached to another one).One recommendation - for audio connection better to use good thick cable from monoprice.com.Show Less

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

Works as advertised

I am using this KVM switch on two Windows XP machines with a Dell 1920x1080 display, a Logitech USB, wireless mouse and a wired USB keyboard. I have not tried the audio switching feature or the USB device sharing feature. I am using the mouse emulation mode (i.e. I did not disable it). I did capture the EDID from my display as suggested in manual and have not had any problems booting a system that was not switched to the display at boot time. Eve... Show Morerything I have tried works as advertised. The system was easy to set up and is easy to use and does not have any bad side effects that I have noticed. I have been using this KVM switch for about a week. I would highly recommend this product.Show Less

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

Best Dual KVM I've Used

I am not cheap but I don't spend money unnecessarily. I've tried several KVM switches of the less expensive variety, and some more expensive ones, and this is my favorite. I've had ZERO problems with it- the others would drop USB once switched away and not regain it, video would show interference, etc. Not here. Simple, basic, and most importantly, functions perfectly every time. Having a small wired remote also helps- it means I can leave the sq... Show Moreuid box on the floor instead of having it take up precious desk space and not have to push the button with my foot. Currently splitting the Mac Mini from work and my Win7 rendering beast, so you KNOW it will work with either OS.Show Less

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

Great Product

Pros: Works well out of the box. Cords are ample length for close computers. Multiple methods of switching KVM including hotkey commands. Solidly built. Allows for switching of speakers and additional USB devices. Priced well. Cons: Multiple cords extending from device are somewhat unsightly. PS/2 devices will require a PS/2 to USB converter to connect. Comments: This device performs exactly as advertised enabling the connection of two separate c... Show Moreomputers to one monitor, keyboard, mouse, and speaker system. The device features a corded control switch which is inconspicuously small and is equipped with rubber feet which keep it in place upon a desktop.Show Less

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

Excellent product!

Finally, an awesome device for those folks that have recently upgraded their pc and didn't want to discard the old one. This switch easily switches between the computers. My new pc has Win 7, my old computer has WinXP. I run a wired Logitech laser mouse, wired logitech keyboard, Samsung 27 monitor w/DVI, plus I run the 1/8 stereo jack from each pc and into my Denon AVR for sound . The Iogear KVM switches ALL of that with no problems! I like the fact that you can hide the KVM behind the desk out of sight, the cable length to the manual switch is plenty long enough.

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

HP laptop docking station advisory

Product does what it is supposed to do. Users of HP laptop docking stations should be advised that the keyboard/mouse function will not work with the docking station ports, you must connect the USB leads to the ports on the laptop itself. This may require short USB extension cables to reach the laptop ports. I had an Iogear VGA-USB KVM previously and it didn't work with the docking station either. I believe Iogear states that the product may not work with port replicators, so this is less Iogear's issue than HP's.

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

Low video quality

While the connection was not a problem the result of usage of the device is far from acceptable to me. I was trying to use it for Mac Mini + PC setup. All the time after switching to PC and back to Mac some glitches appear on the screen with only one possibility to get rid of them - by switching monitor on/off. Without KVM the same Mac Mini works fine with two monitors (DP-DVI, HDMO-DVI) for weeks. Now this KVM is just dust collector for me. Maybe it's a problem of my exemplar, but can't exchange it.

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

IT WORKS ON A BASIC LEVEL

I bought a new Mac Mini, and bought this switch so that I could continue to use my Mac G4, while using the same monitor, keyboard, and mouse. It succeeds well in all of that. However, it does not recognize specific mouse button settings programmed on my Microsoft mouse. And connecting other USB peripherals (e.g. printers) via a 4 port hub plugged into the mouse port on the device did not work well, so I have to depend on the network to do that.

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

Nice DVI KVM

Very nice & compact DVI based KVM switch. I really like the remote switch--simply push the button to switch sources. I haven't setup any hot keys to switch as I currently use an ergo keyboard for my business system and a editing keyboard for the editing system. So, I'm using two separate keyboards and only switching the monitor display. But, for what I'm using it for, it works flawlessly!

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

Excellent product, good value

Having a work laptop and a home desktop machine provided a challenge that this little until handled quite nicely. Pros: It's small & easy to put out of the way but still have access to swith between devices with the toggle button. Cons: Can't seem to get the hotkeys to work. Overall, an excellent purchase that saves the hassle & wasted space of dealing with extra, unneeded peripherals.

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

Exactly how you think it would work

I did the simplest of setups so If you want to know how the entire product works, you may want to read on. I wanted separate keyboard and mice so the only thing that's plugged into the device is the two computers to the display. I work on a mac but recently got a part time job that required a pc so I'm running both currently on one display. Hooked it up once and had no problems!

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

Great KVM

I upgraded my KVM from a VGA to a DVI to take advantage of better video. This KVM surprised me with it's features. It retains resolution and USB connectivity. I can instantly switch between computers and not have the computer go through the device reconnection. It also offers several options for hotkeys and an external button. Best KVM I've seen and B&H has the best price.

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

A simple, easy solution to save space.

Establishing a music composition and video editing suite made me realize that work space was a premium. This product allowed me to quickly combine two computers under the control of a single monitor, keyboard and mouse saving lots of desktop and eliminating lots of cables. No hook-up problems had me on line and working in just a few minutes. A great product.

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

This is suppose to be Mac compatible and of course it is not at all. The only way to get into the setup is with a PC keyboard and believe it or not a Mac keyboard will not work. I have confirmed this with their tech support. Also between two older MacPro's they both have to be on in order to use just one, or the monitor flashes and never sync's up.

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

Solid Solution

The remote switch is simple and cool. Mac keyboard emulation is nice. Records monitor ID and fakes it when PC scans for hardware. Audio support is nice icing on the cake. DVI looks crystal clear. Main control box is cool to the touch. Cables are reasonable length. This much electronics seems like it should be a little cheaper after this long.

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

Love it!

Very straight forward installed in under 5 min. So far so good. Running Dell desktop and mac book pro with parallels. Thanks! Only issue - remote unit is hard to keep on desk as it is very light. I solved it by using a 3M double-sided adhesive pad like the ones that come with plastic wall hooks. Other than that working good.

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

Easy Setup and Operation

I use this product to between my two-display Windows 7 PC and my MacBook Pro. It's so fantastic to be able to not reposition my workspace in order to use the two computers. There are many times in the day that I am working across platforms to work on projects.

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

Excellent Device!

I have multiple computers on my desk at work, and this device enables me to run them both from a single keyboard, reducing clutter on my desk. It does EXACTLY what I need it to do, was easy to hook up, and at a very reasonable price. thanks B&H!

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

It works :-)

I use this switch for work and personal separation noticed no signal degradation the little remote switch comes in handy since the DVI & USB cables are never long enough This was one of the cheapest DVI switches I could find

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

Worth the money!

No complaints. Hooked it up and it works great just as advertised. The cables and connectors are all quality materials, and it switches easily with only a slight delay between systems. I highly recommend this model.

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video