As users grow in knowledge and experience with their computers, they frequently wind up with more than one system on or under the desk. Space limitations, however usually restrict the screens on your desk. A KVM (Keyboard/Video/Monitor) switch allows you to control four systems from one keyboard and screen.
The IOGEAR GCS1764 DVI KVMP Switch charts a revolutionary new direction in KVM switch function by adding USB peripheral sharing capabilities such as printers, scanners and portable hard drives, as well as audio sharing support. It further improves on previous designs with DVI (Digital Video Interface) connectors which support both digital and analog inputs for versatility.
The IOGEAR GCS1764 DVI KVMP Switch can emulate a keyboard on each PC to allow your systems to boot normally without a keyboard error, supports hot-swapping and can even be set to auto-scan, to alternate superior-quality video between computers at preset intervals. With an array of console ports and connectors to link to a wide array of systems and peripherals, the IOGEAR GCS1764 is ready to make sense of the forest of boxes under your desk!
Control Four PCs via One DVI Monitor, Keyboard and MouseShare one DVI monitor, USB keyboard and mouse between four USB-compatible computers using the IOGEAR GCS1764 KVMP switch. The built-in DVI-I connector supports DVI monitors with resolutions of up to 1920 x 1200.
Audio SupportWith audio support, share speakers and microphone between four computers. Enjoy multimedia playback and voice chatting on any computer using a single set of speakers and microphones.
USB Peripheral SharingWith two USB 2.0 peripheral ports, share your peripherals such as your printer, scanner, MP3 player and external hard drives between four computers.
Independent SwitchingWith the independent (asynchronous) switching of KVM and peripheral USB/audio ports, listen to music, voice chat and use USB peripherals from one computer while having full access to the other computer system resources.
Two Way SwitchingSwitch to a computer with keyboard hotkeys for convenience or by manually pressing the push button for simplicity.
Flash UpgradeAdd the latest firmware to your IOGEAR GCS1764 KVMP switch for consistent compatibility with the latest devices.
Pros: Good quality. Easy setup. Ability to switch KB/Mouse and Audio and USB peripheral ports independently very useful.
Cons: Something of a bait and switch. Specs say: "DVI Digital and analog monitor support...". The 5 ports are DVI-I. HOWEVER, they went cheap and put DVI-D cables in the box! If you atually want to follow the specs and hook up an analog monitor and/or analog cards, YOU HAVE TO GO SPEND $80+ EXTRA TO GET CABLES WITH ANALOG SIGNAL PINS.
Overall Review: All the spec say on the cables is: "4 x 6' custom cables". If IOGear/Aten are going to make this type of internal decision, they should be up front and say: "(Requires aftermarket DVI-I cables.)" or make two models; one for pure digital all the way through and one for digital/analog mixed. People need an upgrade path with backward compatibility.