HDMI Switcher

sub780lime · 11-07-2007, 09:42 PM

In a thread a while ago someone had recommended an HDMI Switched, now I don't remember which one. So what do you guys recommend I get now that I have my HD-A2 on the way? Will the switcher pass sound fine if I run 2 inputs to it then run one into the Receiver?

ganthc · 11-07-2007, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sub780lime

In a thread a while ago someone had recommended an HDMI Switched, now I don't remember which one. So what do you guys recommend I get now that I have my HD-A2 on the way? Will the switcher pass sound fine if I run 2 inputs to it then run one into the Receiver?

Yes it will. You can get a cheap switch (it will be manual) at monoprice.com if you need one.

sub780lime · 11-08-2007, 11:43 PM

I am leaning toward a remote option so I can program it into my other remote, because another frickin remote on my table will kill me.

Ruined · 11-08-2007, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sub780lime

In a thread a while ago someone had recommended an HDMI Switched, now I don't remember which one. So what do you guys recommend I get now that I have my HD-A2 on the way? Will the switcher pass sound fine if I run 2 inputs to it then run one into the Receiver?

Gefen makes good ones.

i.e.
cheaper:
http://www.gefen.com/kvm/product.jsp?prod_id=3055

more expensive:
http://www.gefen.com/kvm/product.jsp?prod_id=4560

On the other hand, you could just save some cash and run one of your devices component. Then later use it once you've saved more for one of the new Onkyo HDMI 1.3 receivers w/ HDMI switching.

sub780lime · 11-09-2007, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ruined

Then later use it once you've saved more for one of the new Onkyo HDMI 1.3 receivers w/ HDMI switching.

Im pretty set on the receiver, other things would get replaced first such as a new center speaker, a blu ray player, another set of B&Ws...

Ruined · 11-09-2007, 12:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sub780lime

Im pretty set on the receiver, other things would get replaced first such as a new center speaker, a blu ray player, another set of B&Ws...

Just hard to justify a $200 HDMI switch when you can get a full fledged nice receiver for $500 (Onkyo TX-SR605)

sub780lime · 11-09-2007, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ruined

Just hard to justify a $200 HDMI switch when you can get a full fledged nice receiver for $500 (Onkyo TX-SR605)

you realize I have that receiver, right? But with only 2 inputs in the receiver and having 3 components that I want to pass audio to the receiver to so I need another way to split them, thus not a $200 splitter, but a $30 one...

Ruined · 11-09-2007, 02:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sub780lime

you realize I have that receiver, right? But with only 2 inputs in the receiver and having 3 components that I want to pass audio to the receiver to so I need another way to split them, thus not a $200 splitter, but a $30 one...

Ah, no I didn't realize that. You want an HDMI splitter for $30? I don't think that exists, at least not a decent one.

Why not instead run the third device via optical/coax?

sub780lime · 11-09-2007, 02:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ruined

Ah, no I didn't realize that. You want an HDMI splitter for $30? I don't think that exists, at least not a decent one.

Why not instead run the third device via optical/coax?

its something I am considering. Possible my xbox.

Ruined · 11-09-2007, 02:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sub780lime

its something I am considering. Possible my xbox.

Oh geez yeah run XBOX 360 optical via the HDMI dongle (if you dont have the Elite dongle, run HDMI to your TV and then use the TV's digital out to your receiver). You are only getting Dolby Digital audio from it anyway (no quality gain from HDMI), why bother with the hassle and cost of an HDMI switch when you can just run XBOX optical?

dugpa · 11-09-2007, 04:59 AM

I'll second the monoprice.com recommendation.

ganthc · 11-09-2007, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ruined

Oh geez yeah run XBOX 360 optical via the HDMI dongle (if you dont have the Elite dongle, run HDMI to your TV and then use the TV's digital out to your receiver). You are only getting Dolby Digital audio from it anyway (no quality gain from HDMI), why bother with the hassle and cost of an HDMI switch when you can just run XBOX optical?

Yeah, this suggestion sounds fine. Your TV's audio out will still run sound through your receiver. However, if you are set on an hdmi switch, I still think a manual switch on the cheap will work fine. If you are just switching between when you play your 360 and some other device, you can just manually switch back in forth for when you play your xbox. I think the remote feature is overrated.

Ruined · 11-09-2007, 03:30 PM

I didn't realize monoprice.com was so cheap... I wonder what the Gefen has to warrant the extra money?

sub780lime · 11-09-2007, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ganthc

Yeah, this suggestion sounds fine. Your TV's audio out will still run sound through your receiver. However, if you are set on an hdmi switch, I still think a manual switch on the cheap will work fine. If you are just switching between when you play your 360 and some other device, you can just manually switch back in forth for when you play your xbox. I think the remote feature is overrated.

I must have been somewhat hysterical while i was in class last night because I have no idea why I suggested that. I don't even have an HDMI Xbox, I use optical and DVI so I would get 1080p. I wont be changing that. What I meant was I will probably pull my DVR off of it. Run the DVR directly to the TV using HDMI, but do sound through toslink. That xbox stuff, dont know where I got that.

dugpa · 11-09-2007, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ruined

I didn't realize monoprice.com was so cheap... I wonder what the Gefen has to warrant the extra money?

Monoprice always tends to fly under the radar pricewise compared to everyone else. Their HDMI cables are another good example. With such low prices at first one can't help but wonder what's wrong with them, but they've been tested time and time again and perform as well as monster cables costing almost 5 times as much. Don't know what the secret to their cheap prices are, maybe 10 year old slave labor in China or something, but I'm all for it if I can save a few bucks.

tempo · 11-09-2007, 08:41 PM

I've been using a Octava HDMI switch for over 1year. Its been rock solid. I have it connected to the HDTV and also a non HDMI Surround Sound receiver since it also switches the Optical audio.

The Smart Scan selects the HDMI sources as soon as I turn on the DVD or PS3.

The remote included also has discrete code and can be easily integrated with the universal like the Logitech Harmony, using the learn function.

sub780lime · 11-09-2007, 08:49 PM

I really like the smartscan feature...but I really dont want to spend $250+ on a switcher right now.

ganthc · 11-09-2007, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sub780lime

I must have been somewhat hysterical while i was in class last night because I have no idea why I suggested that. I don't even have an HDMI Xbox, I use optical and DVI so I would get 1080p. I wont be changing that. What I meant was I will probably pull my DVR off of it. Run the DVR directly to the TV using HDMI, but do sound through toslink. That xbox stuff, dont know where I got that.

Be careful of hdcp issues. I had some of those when trying to plug my dvr hdmi cable to the receiver. I ended up having to use component and toslink, but it all gets output over hdmi to my TV anyways.

Ruined · 11-09-2007, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dugpa

Monoprice always tends to fly under the radar pricewise compared to everyone else. Their HDMI cables are another good example. With such low prices at first one can't help but wonder what's wrong with them, but they've been tested time and time again and perform as well as monster cables costing almost 5 times as much. Don't know what the secret to their cheap prices are, maybe 10 year old slave labor in China or something, but I'm all for it if I can save a few bucks.

I used their cables, didn't realize they have switches too.

plissken99 · 11-09-2007, 10:44 PM

I was going to start a thread, but since this one is close to what I'm dealing with...

I've got the Denon 3806 with two HDMI inputs. I have the Oppo DVD player for DVDs from other regions and Divx discs, the A2, the PS3 and an HD-DVR. As it is, I use component for the DVR, and swap out cables when I need to use the Oppo.

Is there no quality gain using HDMI over component from an HD-DVR? If not, then I could keep it over component, and use this HDMI splitter for the HD-DVD player and PS3, connecting the Oppo directly into the reciever(since I have to set it to use optical).

Otherwise I need an HDMI switcher. Monoprice would be good option except I heard they have compatability issues with the PS3.

Ruined · 11-09-2007, 11:02 PM

The main use for HDMI DVRs is if the cableco has disabled HD recording without HDCP. You may need HDCP/HDMI in order to record HD programming. It depends on the DRM enforcement of your specific cable provider.

plissken99 · 11-09-2007, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ruined

The main use for HDMI DVRs is if the cableco has disabled HD recording without HDCP. You may need HDCP/HDMI in order to record HD programming. It depends on the DRM enforcement of your specific cable provider.

I'm with Direct TV.

sub780lime · 11-12-2007, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ganthc

Be careful of hdcp issues. I had some of those when trying to plug my dvr hdmi cable to the receiver. I ended up having to use component and toslink, but it all gets output over hdmi to my TV anyways.

I have already had it hooked up directly with HDMI with no problem (I think we discussed this in the thread where I bought my new receiver) so I doubt using the switcher should make any difference.

**Pirate** · 03-12-2008, 05:58 PM

Those who own a monoprice HDMI switcher, does it work with HDM? I’ve read several reviews that state the switchers do not work with HD DVD and Blu-ray players. And I was just about to buy one . . .

PunkMunkey · 03-12-2008, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pirate

Those who own a monoprice HDMI switcher, does it work with HDM? I’ve read several reviews that state the switchers do not work with HD DVD and Blu-ray players. And I was just about to buy one . . .

I too have heard of some people who had problems with their switches but I had no problem with mine...I have a 4 in/1 out switch from MonoPrice.

I am no longer using it though as the TV I recently upgraded to has enough HDMI inputs to accommodate all of my HDMI compatible devices.

**Pirate** · 03-12-2008, 07:06 PM

I guess I can return it if it doesn't work.

esc · 03-12-2008, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pirate

I guess I can return it if it doesn't work.

My 5X1 switcher has worked with video and audio every which way I've hooked it up. Highly recommended.

I'd get an 8X1 just in case ... I thought I'd never use all the ports on my 5 switcher, but with the new Blu Ray player, I now have 6 devices to run through it!

the one thing I'd recommend though is a cheap power bar. The switchers have no on/off capability and I don't like to have mine on 24/7. I don't find it at all difficult to flip one more little red switch when I'm pushing 5 other buttons and turning knobs to fire up the HT.

11-07-2007, 09:42 PM	#1 (permalink)
sub780lime Can't Spell Bilbo Join Date: May 2002 Location: A Galaxy Far Far Away	HDMI Switcher In a thread a while ago someone had recommended an HDMI Switched, now I don't remember which one. So what do you guys recommend I get now that I have my HD-A2 on the way? Will the switcher pass sound fine if I run 2 inputs to it then run one into the Receiver? __________________ love comes and goes, but an avatar . . . that's forever. - Pirate

11-08-2007, 11:43 PM	#3 (permalink)
sub780lime Can't Spell Bilbo Join Date: May 2002 Location: A Galaxy Far Far Away	I am leaning toward a remote option so I can program it into my other remote, because another frickin remote on my table will kill me. __________________ love comes and goes, but an avatar . . . that's forever. - Pirate

11-09-2007, 04:59 AM	#11 (permalink)
dugpa Nothing But the Best Join Date: Sep 2004	I'll second the monoprice.com recommendation. __________________ DVD collection LD collection Format war rules: Never let facts get in the way of dogma.

11-09-2007, 03:30 PM	#13 (permalink)
Ruined It's Good to Play Together Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: NJ, USA	I didn't realize monoprice.com was so cheap... I wonder what the Gefen has to warrant the extra money? __________________ For every shadow, no matter how deep, is threatened by morning light.

11-09-2007, 08:41 PM	#16 (permalink)
tempo Supporting Actor Join Date: Nov 2007	HDMI switch I've been using a Octava HDMI switch for over 1year. Its been rock solid. I have it connected to the HDTV and also a non HDMI Surround Sound receiver since it also switches the Optical audio. The Smart Scan selects the HDMI sources as soon as I turn on the DVD or PS3. The remote included also has discrete code and can be easily integrated with the universal like the Logitech Harmony, using the learn function.

11-09-2007, 08:49 PM	#17 (permalink)
sub780lime Can't Spell Bilbo Join Date: May 2002 Location: A Galaxy Far Far Away	I really like the smartscan feature...but I really dont want to spend $250+ on a switcher right now. __________________ love comes and goes, but an avatar . . . that's forever. - Pirate

11-09-2007, 10:44 PM	#20 (permalink)
plissken99 Actor Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Albuqerque, NM	I was going to start a thread, but since this one is close to what I'm dealing with... I've got the Denon 3806 with two HDMI inputs. I have the Oppo DVD player for DVDs from other regions and Divx discs, the A2, the PS3 and an HD-DVR. As it is, I use component for the DVR, and swap out cables when I need to use the Oppo. Is there no quality gain using HDMI over component from an HD-DVR? If not, then I could keep it over component, and use this HDMI splitter for the HD-DVD player and PS3, connecting the Oppo directly into the reciever(since I have to set it to use optical). Otherwise I need an HDMI switcher. Monoprice would be good option except I heard they have compatability issues with the PS3. __________________ “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” Snake Plissken Plissken's DVD, HD-DVD and Blu Ray collection And Plissken's home theater

11-09-2007, 11:02 PM	#21 (permalink)
Ruined It's Good to Play Together Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: NJ, USA	The main use for HDMI DVRs is if the cableco has disabled HD recording without HDCP. You may need HDCP/HDMI in order to record HD programming. It depends on the DRM enforcement of your specific cable provider. __________________ For every shadow, no matter how deep, is threatened by morning light.

03-12-2008, 05:58 PM	#24 (permalink)
Pirate Director/Moderator Loves Yellow Subtitles Join Date: Jun 2003	Those who own a monoprice HDMI switcher, does it work with HDM? I’ve read several reviews that state the switchers do not work with HD DVD and Blu-ray players. And I was just about to buy one . . . __________________ Early Adopting So You Don’t Have To.

03-12-2008, 07:06 PM	#26 (permalink)
Pirate Director/Moderator Loves Yellow Subtitles Join Date: Jun 2003	I guess I can return it if it doesn't work. __________________ Early Adopting So You Don’t Have To.