Iogear GCS614A 4-Port MiniView Micro-Audio KVM Switch

Average customer rating: 3.0

everything I wanted...
Well designed KVM
Terrible product!
Just Didn't Work
Whoopie...

Similar Items:

Iogear GCS634U MiniView 4-Port USB KVM Switch
Linksys EZXS88W EtherFast 10/100 8-Port Workgroup Switch
Iogear 2 Port Compact USB KVM Switch (GCS632U)
Linksys EZXS55W EtherFast 10/100 5-Port Workgroup Switch

Iogear GCS614A 4-Port MiniView Micro-Audio KVM Switch

Manufacturer: IOGEAR
Product Group: CE
Binding: Electronics
ASIN: B0001Q5SLY

Related Categories:

Data Switches

| Computer Accessories | Accessories & Supplies | Categories | Electronics

Monitor Accessories

KVM Switches

Accessories & Supplies

| Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics

KVM Switches

Iogear

| Brands | Electronics Features | Electronics

Electronics Available for International Shipping

| Specialty Stores | Electronics Features | Electronics

Product Description

The four-port MiniView Micro Audio KVM switch from IOGear is a simple solution for those with more PCs than hands. Use one keyboard, one monitor and one mouse to control four PCs or Macintosh systems, and share the multimedia speakers among them. This self-powered KVM switch features mouse & keyboard emulation to ensure smooth operation, as well as support for Plug-n-Play monitors and most wheel mice. IOGear's patented VSE Video Signal Enhancement technology provides rich, 32-bit color at resolutions up to 2048 x 1536. With KVM cables (6' long) molded into the unit, all you need to do is to plug it into your computers, and you've got a complete KVM solution from IOGear.

Customer Reviews:

everything I wanted..........2007-01-25

The product worked as advertised out-of-the-box. I connected three CPUs to the 4-port KVM switch. I had no difficulty connecting the video, mouse and keyboard connectors to the KVM hub (contrary to some reviews here). I also had no problems with switching ONCE I FIGURED IT OUT. The manufacturer has chosen the ALT-CNTRL-SHIFT sequence, but don't hold them all down at the same time. Press ALT and release, then press CNTRL and releaase, tne press SHIFT. The KVM switch then goes into a mode looking for a 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 to choose auto-scan or one of the four ports.

A good product, and a good price from AMAZON.

Well designed KVM.......2007-01-03

High quality and value based on my experience in the PC industry - however, this is my first kvm switch. Excellent 4-port value relative to the competition, cables included, tiny size. Paid about $90. Model GCS614A received 12-30-06.

Switching speed: usually fully 2-3 seconds of a 'black monitor screen' while switching. Can be a little off putting. Is this switching lag typical for electronically switched peripherals? If so I just don't know. Sometimes switching is instant... more often though it is not.

Video compatility: if PC 1 is rebooted while the kvm is switched to PC 2,3, or 4 the video image on PC 1 will not come up - I get a "signal out of range" message on the monitor but no video card output. Work around (as noted by others) is to leave the kvm on PC 1 during at least part of the reboot.

Audio support: works well with my Monsoon subwoofer -- Unlike the other user I had no issue and get good bass response through the switched audio connection (However, mine is ONLY a 2 channel system).

Hub connectors: fairly tight spacing for the jacks. My usb to mini-din mouse connector requred trimming with a razor blade to fit next to the monitor plug. (Dell peripherals from 2001 and later.)

Hot key sequence: the "ctrl-alt-shift-#" keypress sequence works exactly as listed in manual. A bit clumsy using this sequence. In practice I would prefer a combination with fewer keys.

Mode confirmation: unlike the other reviewer I find no need for an audible `mode' confirmation. The visual LEDs do confirm the exact PC getting input but in practice I would never see the LEDs, nor need to amongst the wiring bundle on the floor.

User manual: acceptable. "getting started guide" lacks hot key sequence info.

Support: can't comment, I haven't needed support.

Terrible product!.......2006-06-29

Terrible product and poor design! I tried everything to make this switch to work with no success. I then called technical support and they couldn't get it to work either. As for design at the connector hub, inputs are to close causing fittings to be cramped and bent. I had to force all connectors: video,keyboard,mouse,& audio to fit properly.

This will be going back!

Update!
Got my replacement and finally got it to work. After going back checking all the cables and spending time playing with it. The trick to make it work is to press all four keys CTrL,ALT,SHIFT then the computer # (1,2,3,or 4) rapid & exactly in order. Try doing this a few times to get a feel for it. This worked for me.

I give it a low rating for the trouble and poor intructions by the manual and tech support.

Upgrade to 3 STARS for the design flaw.

Just Didn't Work.......2006-06-17

Out of the box, on the 3 PCs, didn't work. Called 24x7 tech support, got through quickly and was told I had to start PC 1, when it was booted start PC 2, etc. Didn't work. Called tech support back, rebooted all 3 machines (you can only see one so you just power them off) he said it didn't matter what order the PCs were started in. Tried two other keyboards. My device worked on whichever PC started first, and only that one. It would not switch between them.

Whoopie..........2005-08-07

This is a very low quality KVM, at an unjustifiably high price. There is no manual switching, no switching confirmation (audio beeps), no confirmation that the unit is in a switchable state as commanded by the key board, and no way to replace damaged cables.
Its basically a sealed-in-epoxy FWK (Fred, Wilma, & the Kids) unit.

Switching is by hotkeys, and of all things to get wrong in their user's guide it's the key sequence to switch channels. And unbelievably, they got it wrong. What does that tell you about quality level and attention to detail? But even the correct key sequence couldn't revive this DOA unit. This was to be a stop-gap measure for a more capable KVM, and it turned into a wasted day.

BTW, don't confuse with Netgear, makers of networking equipment.

1-star, for the neon paint job. Whoopie...

Electronics:

Electronics

Electronics