Customer Reviews Of IOGEAR GCS942UW6 Hybrid DVI-D KVM with Cables and Audio

Customer Reviews

Customer Reviews for IOGEAR GCS942UW6 Hybrid DVI-D KVM with Cables and Audio - Retail
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Review Summary (24 Reviews):
Excellent	9ReviewsExcellent	38%
Good	5ReviewsGood	21%
Average	2ReviewsAverage	8%
Poor	8ReviewsPoor	33%
Very Poor	0Reviews	0%
Excellent	0Reviews	0%
Good	0Reviews	0%
Average	0Reviews	0%
Poor	0Reviews	0%
Very Poor	0Reviews	0%
Excellent	1ReviewsExcellent	25%
Good	0Reviews	0%
Average	1ReviewsAverage	25%
Poor	2ReviewsPoor	50%
Very Poor	0Reviews	0%

Reviewer	Product Review
PR Tech Level: high Ownership: 1 week to 1 month	11/19/2009 6:55:44 AM Not so hot Pros: None. Cons: In response to IOGear's response, I already used the IOGear live chat, but their 'solution' did nothing. When I reported this to chat again, I waited for over an hour, with no response via chat. I've already returned the unit for full refund. Did you find this review helpful? Thanks for the valuable feedback you provided!
N/A Tech Level: high Ownership: 1 day to 1 week	11/13/2009 4:09:55 PM Follow up Review - Not all that hot after all Pros: Handles USB Mouse and PS/2 Keyboard. Cons: Causes Windows XP Pro to announce the 'Found new Hardware' sound every time you switch computers. Other Thoughts: I wrote the previous review too soon, as I didn't have the audio connected yet. When connected, I realized that this device causes Windows to announce 'Found New Hardware' every time you switch computers. What a pain. I tried the IOGEAR tech support chat, and they had me power down everything, connect KMV and S direct to each computer separately for the computers to 'learn' the devices, then power everything down, reconnect through the KVM switch and reboot. But this didn't do anything. Manufacturer Response:Thank you for choosing IOGEAR and sorry about your experience. From your description, it looks like you have a bad unit. You should only see the “Found New Hardware” for the first time you connect it onto a USB port. Unless if you switch to a different USB port on the computer end. Since this unit is backed by IOGEAR’s 3 year warranty, please feel free to contact our tech support 7 days a week at 1(866)946-4327 and we would be glad to assist you. Once again, thank you for choosing IOGEAR. Did you find this review helpful? Thanks for the valuable feedback you provided!
PR Tech Level: high Ownership: 1 day to 1 week	11/13/2009 11:16:32 AM Perfect Hybrid KVM Pros: Setup is a snap, perfect performance right away. Cables are well marked and easy to identify. Cons: Cable length for the keyboard is a bit short, and I'm using a PS/2 extension. Other Thoughts: Works perfectly with my SIIG PS/2 Keyboard and Microsoft 5 Button Intellimouse Optical USB Mouse. Did you find this review helpful? Thanks for the valuable feedback you provided!
Easyrdr Tech Level: high Ownership: less than 1 day This user purchased this item from Newegg	11/4/2009 7:28:47 AM Review the specs before buying Pros: I did not use this device before returning. I should have researched this more thoroughly with IOGear before buying. Newegg was very good about the RMA. Cons: Description on Newegg site did not have full hardware requirements as stated on IOGear box. You must have a PS2 port for keyboard on the computer and a USB port that supports the mouse on the computer. I did not use this device before returning. Did you find this review helpful? Thanks for the valuable feedback you provided!
sixscrews Tech Level: high Ownership: 1 month to 1 year	7/14/2009 6:03:22 PM It works - for now Pros: This is my second 'Y' style KVM unit - I had a B#!&^n that failed (twice). This one does not require an external 5VDC power supply - a plus in my book. Works fine with my 1600 x 1050 monitor sound and (directional beam) microphone. Second USB connector is nice but I haven't had opportunity to use it yet. USB kbd/mouse switch-over is quicker than other unit I have used. Remote switch is clean, small and convenient - makes up for wandering 'Y' unit (see below). Cons:* 'Y' style unit is not easy to position on desk - no integral fastener to hold it in place so it drops to floor or wherever it feels like. Not a problem unless you have to dig it up to change connections. Other Thoughts: This style of unit ('Y' in line with pair of cables) is made by several vendors but all are based on same chipset. This is only one that I am aware of that does not require an external power supply - very nice. Other vendor's unit ran very hot - may be a generic problem with chipset, we shall see. Durability of other vendor's product has been poor. The jury is out on this one, but, as of now, it works. Did you find this review helpful? Thanks for the valuable feedback you provided!
J man Tech Level: high Ownership: 1 month to 1 year This user purchased this item from Newegg	7/11/2009 10:58:50 PM Not that great Pros: It's not 300 dollars for a DVI switching unit Cons: I doesn't work well or should I say like it is advertised. It constantly does weird things like keep the shift key stuck and randomly open windows and things when you type fast. Other Thoughts: You can't even scroll to fast or it randomly inserts numbers like 5 and stuff. I definitely wish I had my money back. Do not buy it. Manufacturer Response:Thank you for choosing IOGEAR and sorry about your experience. From your description above, it sounds like you have a bad unit. Since this unit is backed by IOGEAR’s 3 year warranty, please feel free to contact our tech support 7 days a week at 1(866)946-4327 and we would be glad to assist you. Once again thank you for choosing IOGEAR. Did you find this review helpful? Thanks for the valuable feedback you provided!
N/A Tech Level: somewhat high Ownership: 1 week to 1 month This user purchased this item from Newegg	7/4/2009 9:20:23 AM Pros: Easy to set up and use. Hard button is a nice alternative to using hot keys. Cons: Doesn't always switch over the sound or mouse. This may be a problem with Windows though - it's hard to tell. Works best when both computers are on - meaning if you shut one down, make sure you switch to the computer that's still on before the first one shuts down or you could lose mouse and sound connection. Other Thoughts: This really should be cheaper. Manufacturer Response:Thank you for choosing IOGEAR and sorry about your experience. This specific KVM can do what we called multi-level switching, meaning you can have video, keyboard and mouse focus on one computer and have audio focus on the other computer. This could lead to your concern, audio wouldn’t switch over. Please see our Quick Start Guide for details about hotkeys switching. But we can definitely tell you that you don’t need to switch over to the active computer before you shutdown the other as you have mentioned; therefore, we believe you have a bad unit. Since your KVM is backed by IOGEAR’s 3 year warranty, please give our 24/7 tech support a call at 1(866) 946-4327 and we would be glad to assist you. Once again, thank you for choosing IOGEAR. External Link(s): GCS942UW6 Quick Start Guide\| Did you find this review helpful? Thanks for the valuable feedback you provided!
Marky Mark Tech Level: somewhat high Ownership: 1 month to 1 year This user purchased this item from Newegg	4/3/2009 10:03:52 AM Lots of issues... Pros: Small, very compact. Reduces the MASS of cables i used to have under the desk. Button is great feature. Cons: PROBLEMS! Keyboard - keys occasionally seem to 'lock up.' The KVM indicates to the PC that it's held down, when it's not. Sometimes it's one of the ASWD keys, and othertimes its the shift or ctrl. They PC thinks the keys are held down until you hunt the key down and press it again. Disconnecting the KVM and directly connecting the ps2 KB to the PC solves the problem. Mouse - I just purchased a brand new USB wireless mouse from Logitech. When using the mouse for browsing or games or anything really, the cursor acts like it's 'catching' on something. It's almost as if the mouse transmission gets interrupted to the PC. Once again, bypassing the KVM solves this problem. Other Thoughts: Video - When either of my two PCs enters sleep mode, and i'm using the other PC, when i switch back and wake it up, the screen (sometimes, but not always) drops to a low resolution (1024x768). This is extremely annoying, and requires that i manually change the resolution back to the 1900x1200. IOGEAR support indicated it had to do with PC start-up sequencing, and that the monitor DDC information isn't passed through the KVM to the PC at startup. Upon further use, this is clearly NOT the case. Each PC is allowed to fully start up before being switched. In addition, when a toggle to the other PC produces the issue, the correct monitor is shown in the display properties, so clearly the PC knows which monitor is connected. The resolution is simply 'reset.' Annoyance - USB audio Whenever the KVM is switched back and forth, the PC makes the bah-dump bah-dump sound to indicate that a USB device has been connected. very annoying. Too many Problems!! I am returning this KVM. Did you find this review helpful? Thanks for the valuable feedback you provided!
Bot-Chok Tech Level: average Ownership: 1 week to 1 month This user purchased this item from Newegg	4/1/2009 12:10:01 AM Better than my gef#n Pros: -Hotkeys options are very nice -Switching is ultra fast compared to other KVM's I have -Compact -Comes with external remote (wired) -Supports my D#ll 24" LCD -Makes wire management easy -Affordable Cons: -Wires are not modular, you are stuck with the ones on the KVM. Plan on buying extension cords/adapters for all cables on the KVM if your computers or computer/monitor are really far away from each other. -The wires that go to your two computers are different lengths. Odd design choice. -Hotkeys only work with PS/2 keyboards! -only one USB, you will need to get a USB hub Other Thoughts: I have to go shopping for a PS/2 keyboard to use the hotkeys. Tried the PS/2 -> USB converter and it does not work with my D#ll keyboard. I really like this KVM despite it's cons. If you can overlook the few flaws that it has it is a solid KVM for work and play. 1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Did you? Thanks for the valuable feedback you provided!
Jay Tech Level: high Ownership: 1 day to 1 week This user purchased this item from Newegg	3/28/2009 11:31:05 AM 1680x1050 works OK Pros: I was a little unsure as to whether or not this KVM would run at full 1680x1050 resolution (with my SAMSUNG 2243BWX LCD) since it's only rated for 1600x1200, but it seems to work perfectly. Cons: Not sure if there is a way to change which channel is indicated as "left" -- I wish it were the long cable just because of the way my computers are arranged. This is not a big deal though. Other Thoughts: I actually like having the keyboard connection as PS/2 for several reasons: --It leaves one more USB port available for other devices --Some older computers do not initialize USB keyboard quickly enough to get to BIOS setup --The keyboards I like are usually available with USB or PS/2 anyways (e.g. LITE-ON SK-1688A/B, N82E16823107119) Did you find this review helpful? Thanks for the valuable feedback you provided!
Hittman Tech Level: high Ownership: 1 day to 1 week This user purchased this item from Newegg	3/25/2009 6:31:11 PM Could have been good... Pros: Compact. The inclusion of a remote switch is nice. Cons: It didn't work. The keyboard would halt the boot process but the video output would never initialize. The cables are integrated and could be a little short depending on your set up. Only a single USB port and a PS2 port. Other Thoughts: I would have expected two USB ports on a DVI based KVM. If you need a DVI KVM, odds are you have a modern keyboard and mouse but to be fair this information was in the product description. Manufacturer Response:Thank you for choosing IOGEAR and it's nice to hear you like our KVM's design and the remote switch. From your description about the PS/2 keyboard being halt for initial bootup will happen when you first set it up without shutting down the computer. PS/2 is an older interface and it cannot be hotswapped as USB keyboard. So what you need to do is to shutdown the computer completely, then plug in the PS/2 keyboard through the KVM, then power on the computer. For the 2 USB connection concern, I would suggest you to use our GCS932U which has 2 USB connections instead of 1 USB and 1 PS/2. If you are still having difficulty using our GCS942UW6 after trying the method that I have described above, please feel free to contact our 24/7 customer support at 1(866) 946-4327 since your GCS942UW6 is backed by IOGEAR's 3 year warranty, and they would be glad to assist you. Once again thank you for choosing IOGEAR and hope this addresses your concern. Did you find this review helpful? Thanks for the valuable feedback you provided!
Dav0 Tech Level: high Ownership: 1 month to 1 year This user purchased this item from Newegg	2/17/2009 6:32:27 PM Very good DVI KVM Pros: I won't go over the features, but all of them work for me. It also works flawlessly with the Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 6000, and I had my reservations about it doing so. Cons: None - can't say pricey, because if I pay top $$ just so I can get something that works flawlessly. Did you find this review helpful? Thanks for the valuable feedback you provided!
Benny2000 Tech Level: somewhat high Ownership: 1 week to 1 month This user purchased this item from Newegg	1/4/2009 5:36:16 AM Worked for a week Pros: Worked fine for a week. Cons: After a week mouse started trying to open all icons on my desktop. If I was in IE or Firefox, clicking on one tab opened all in that folder. Keyboard would only input uppercase characters until I hit the shift key 5 or 6 times. IO tech support told me to unplug everything and retry. Also to move USB connections. That would work until I rebooted or switched to the other computer. Other Thoughts: Returned for a refund. I might try another brand later. For now just switching cables. Did you find this review helpful? Thanks for the valuable feedback you provided!
blackflag Tech Level: high Ownership: 1 day to 1 week This user purchased this item from Newegg	1/1/2009 9:58:26 PM works as it should Pros: hooked it up worked noprob mouse and ps2 keyb works fine hot keys r handy Cons: i have a usb keyboard tried to use a ps2 2 usb adapter didnt work goin to try usb hub so i dont have to use this old keyboard...... usb broad is a logitech Illuminated Other Thoughts: does a great job and i got it on sale 1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Did you? Thanks for the valuable feedback you provided!
Nuclear188 Tech Level: average Ownership: 1 week to 1 month This user purchased this item from Newegg	12/6/2008 11:06:51 PM Works well Pros: Works great wish I would have gotten one sooner. Cons: I wish the hotkey swaps were easier. I like to listen to the audio on one computer while I am working on others. Did you find this review helpful? Thanks for the valuable feedback you provided!
TechGezzer Tech Level: somewhat high Ownership: 1 month to 1 year This user purchased this item from Newegg	11/18/2008 3:24:29 PM Works as expected Pros: GCS942UW6 "hybrid" works for me. Will continue to depend on it. However, see "Cons" and "other thoughts" for caveats. Ended up putting USB Keyboard and USB mouse on USB hub feeding KVM USB port, leaving PS2 connections empty. IOGEAR 942 works as advertised, albeit with the Windows/USB re-connect delay. Cons: Windows/USB-driver takes too many seconds to recognize a disconnected/connected USB device. Tried to be clever with USB keyboard & PS2 mouse (attempting to avoid Windows/USB switchover delays). So bought IOGEAR 942 “hybrid”. Laptop docking station did have PS2 mouse jack but deskside PC required USB. But, unfortunately, PS2->USB converter to deskside did not remedy Windows XP many-second-USB-mouse-recognition delay. In hindsight, should have bought the IOGEAR “932” dual-USB KVM, but had thought I’d be clever with the PS2 mouse ports attempting to avoid the many-second Windows/USB re-recognition delay. Other Thoughts: Over the years, had various-vendor KVMs with analog monitor ports, switching between laptop and deskside. Wanted to use DVI monitor port. Note that a few (major) laptop brands have problems simultaneously switching both keyboard & mouse. So, previously had to use 2 mice with prior KVMs (using K,V only). Also note that Windows/USB-driver takes many seconds to recognize a disconnected/connected USB device. IOGEAR 942 works as advertised, albeit with the Windows/USB re-connect delays. (See "Cons".) Have not used audio ports, have too many PC speaker sets anyway and like to have speakers always active so I hear Windows ding-dong when email arrives on either system. Did you find this review helpful? Thanks for the valuable feedback you provided!
jarhead Tech Level: somewhat high Ownership: 1 month to 1 year This user purchased this item from Newegg	10/4/2008 1:07:54 AM Avoid using ps2 keyboard Pros: DVI was my main concern and it works Cons: First one was DOA, I RMA'd with the manufacturer (mistake) and it took about 6 weeks to get it back sometimes it would switch sometimes it wouldn't So now I have to buy a usb keyboard and hope it works Other Thoughts: I'm going to ype a message to you and ou can dciede how well this keyboard works now by observing the amount of characters omitted. I promise you I'm typing all of the letters but not all of them ae maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa mking it to thesreen oh yeah and sometimes it choses a button and holdsssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss it until you type in anther button i wear I didn't do that on purpose 3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Did you? Thanks for the valuable feedback you provided!
madmiksrotts@alltel. Tech Level: somewhat high Ownership: 1 day to 1 week This user purchased this item from Newegg	9/12/2008 6:23:30 AM DVI-D Monitor fit Pros: Sturdy cables and good construction. Cons: DVI-D Cable end will not fit in my Rosewill R912E monitor. The cable ends are long and thick with long screw connectors. Other Thoughts: Had to order a Rosewill RCW-702 DVI-I ( 24+5 ) Female to Female Adapter to conect my existing monitor cable with the IOGEAR's. My advise to anyone thinking of buying this is to check the clearance on their monitor's connection port first. 2 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Did you? Thanks for the valuable feedback you provided!
N/A Tech Level: somewhat high Ownership: 1 day to 1 week This user purchased this item from Newegg	7/23/2008 11:20:31 AM HDCP Compliant! Pros: Works as intended; Simple to set up, Hotkeys are great; If you have Blu - Ray don't worry I'm not having any HDCP issues with switching and running powerdvd 8 ultra Cons: could be a little cheaper 1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Did you? Thanks for the valuable feedback you provided!
Nevil_Clavain Tech Level: high Ownership: less than 1 day This user purchased this item from Newegg	7/16/2008 2:01:18 PM Wireless!!!!! Pros: Other reviewers are right, only one USB, but......It works with wireless keyboard and mouse!!! I've got the Logitech MX5500 and MX revolution keyboard/mouse bundle from here and I plugged in the Bluetooth dongle and it worked! I didn't mess with drivers or anything. Picture looks great at 1920x1200 24" screen saweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet. THIS IS THE ONLY KVM THAT WORKS WITH WIRELESS AS FAR AS I CAN FIND ON THE WEB (except ones with included keyboard and integrated bluetooth). It isn't even advertised! Cons: none 2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Did you? Thanks for the valuable feedback you provided!
Moon Tech Level: low Ownership: 1 day to 1 week This user purchased this item from Newegg	6/8/2008 7:58:41 PM Easy to setup, works as described Pros: Does not need any power adapter. Remote switch is small and its cable is long. Cons: Should have two USB ports instead of this useless PS/2. Both PCs have to be very close to each other or you will not be able to connect them. Other Thoughts: I couldn't figure out how to use hot keys to switch computers 0 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Did you? Thanks for the valuable feedback you provided!
threegroup Tech Level: high Ownership: less than 1 day This user purchased this item from Newegg	5/21/2008 10:35:55 AM Excellent Product, Works as Intended Pros: When something works exactly as intended, you can't complain. So far I have no problems to report -- the display quality looks just as good as it did before the KVM switch. Switching is easy as could be, and works flawlessly. Cons: Nothing. I'm very impressed with this. Did you find this review helpful? Thanks for the valuable feedback you provided!
NightStorm Tech Level: high Ownership: 1 week to 1 month This user purchased this item from Newegg	4/26/2008 8:28:22 AM Nicely done! Pros: Very well done. Compact and lays out nicely with the cables. Has a remote button for switching between the two systems, the button displays one of two lights to indicate which system is active. No visible degradation in display quality whatsoever at 1920x1200. Cons: The only con is that I can't think of one. Other Thoughts: As mentioned by another reviewer, this contains a PS2 style keyboard connector. I'm using a USB mouse and keyboard by simply adding a USB hub to the existing USB connector. 2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Did you? Thanks for the valuable feedback you provided!
Iron Tech Level: somewhat high Ownership: 1 month to 1 year This user purchased this item from Newegg	3/15/2008 4:18:39 AM I'd Buy It Again Pros: The remote switch. I've had issues in the past with hotkeys disrupting some Windows programs, especially games. The remote switch eliminates those issues. Lights on the remote switch give an indication of which system is in use. I wish they were different colors, like blue for one system and red for another, but I'm learning to keep track of the orientation of the switch to keep track of the active system. Cons: The PS/2 port. Seriously, who uses these things anymore? I hooked a USB hub up to the USB port on the cable and then plugged my keyboard and mouse into the hub. The first time I switched with this set up both systems acted a little squirrelly, but apparently they've learned where everything is, because there have been no further problems. Other Thoughts: This is my third KVM switch with various systems. I've currently got a Windows box for games and an Ubuntu box for everything else. Ubuntu rules, but I can't give up my games. Oh, and NewEgg ROCKS!!!! 5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Did you? Thanks for the valuable feedback you provided!