Question 1

Is there a hot key feature / sequence to switch between connected PCs instead of using the attached button/dongle?

Accepted Answer

Hit scroll lock twice then hit enter.

Question 2

we have a monitor with a vga and a display port connection. Want to connect to a vga port on an older computer and a displayporl on a newer computer. Will this product work?

Accepted Answer

Not directly, because the ports on the switch are HDMI. You can probably get DisplayPort/HDMI cables in both directions, but the VGA output from the older computer is analog, and you would need to convert it to HDMI which is digital. That would be a big pain and probably expensive if you can find it. 
BUT - you actually don't need any of this, even the switch! Just run a VGA cable from your old computer to the VGA input on the monitor, and run a DisplayPort cable from the new computer to the DisplayPort input on the monitor, and use the monitor input selector to pick the input you want to use.

Question 3

What length are the cables?

Accepted Answer

My unit is plugged into two PC's, so it would be hard for me to take them off and measure the length.  From a visual estimation, the HDMI cables are about one (1) meter long on each side.  I would not think it is longer than 3.5 feet.  Hope this help.

Question 4

What powers the switch? Connected it to my 32" monitor with HDMI cable and connected the cables from the KVM switch to two computers. Turned my main computer on and no power to switch (neither led light up) and monitor says no signal and turns off.

Accepted Answer

I am not certain, and can't experiment as I no longer have the switch in service. Because of my setup, I went with a second monitor.

That being said, I would think that it would come from one of the computers. You may have a computer that is not compatible with the switch. When I bought my newest monitor, it would not work with my computer, so I had to add a new  HDMI video card (computer has HDMI on the motherboard).

I would try reversing the computer HDMI cables. If that does not work, I would call IoGear technical support.

Question 5

Do both USB cables have to be plugged into each computer, or can one USB cable per machine carry both the keyboard and mouse?

Accepted Answer

both usb cables two per computer,1 mouse,1 keyboard

Question 6

Will a touch screen monitor USB connection work behind this KVM?

Accepted Answer

I don't think so. The USB was for mouse and keyboard switching. The touchscreen USB needs to be connected to both computers. I have not looked that hard for a USB switch. My older KVM just never seemed to switch the USB function.

Question 7

Is this switch compatible with a Mac?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I’m using it with a home built PC and a Macbook Pro. If your keyboard or mouse works with one but not the other, you will need to turn on or off the keyboard and mouse emulator… it’s in the instructions. But it does work.

Question 8

Does the device support sound directly thru HDMI without the use of the mini-stereo jack?  For instance, if I connect 2 devices to my TV with only the HDMI cable for video and sound will sound play thru the TV's speakers without the use of the stereo jacks?

Accepted Answer

Hi, Yes it does.

I use it to connect both my son's DVR and computer to one monitor.

I use the stereo jack output to connect his computer speakers.  The DVR is strictly a HDMI connection, and there is no problem with the sound I receive.

Thanks

Question 9

Is it possible to use this without a keyboard or mouse? I want to use this to toggle display and accessories (a conference webcam / external USB speakerphone) between two machines (one fixed in a conference room and a user's laptop). I assume I'd have to turn keyboard emulation off, but that's fine.

Accepted Answer

I think this would work fine for your purposes.  However, I experience a lag when switching between computers, maybe 4-5 seconds before it recognizes the  mouse and keyboard.  The video switches immediately.  I am still researching the issue.

Question 10

Will this work with Logitech's wireless unifying receiver?  I ask because I have IOGreat 4 port USB KVMP Switch, and it does not.

Accepted Answer

I am not 100% sure about Logitech receivers on this unit.  I am using a Micro Innovation mouse/keyboard combo and it works fine.  I have Logitech unifying receiver being used on other PC's and they seemed to be more sophisticated, so I am almost sure it would work.

Questions & Answers