Monoprice HD component switcher issue

I have a Monoprice Altona 4 Port Component Video switcher for HD because my Mitsubishi CRT (WT-46897) is older and only has one 1080i input (no HDMI). I have cable TV and Blu-ray ported through the switcher.

Problem is, I get glitches and signal breaks when watching cable TV through the switcher. Usually during commercial breaks, for some reason, but also during shows. I haven't noticed any problems when playing Blu-ray through port 2.

Question is: Is the problem the switcher connectivity, or, is it more likely the component cable from the cable TV box to the switcher? I never had this problem when the cable TV cable ran directly into my TV.

I just have the Bright House-cable-provided for that input, and it is probably cheap stuff. I use a Monoprice premium component cable for the Blu-ray. My set is too old for HDMI, but I am perfectly happy with the images I'm getting through the components. But I'm also about to port Directv NFL HD package through this switcher, so if other people have found that the connectivity on the switcher is at fault, I want to find out now.

I have actually tried other, more expensive switchers and gotten even much worse connectivity glitch issues, so I'm wondering if this is widespread. But the Blu-ray works fine; it's only when using the cable TV port. Why is that?

Thanks for any help or insights provided. I am not a techie, but I don't like glitches or breakups either. When did watching TV become so complicated?

Re: Monoprice HD component switcher issue

I guess the first most obvious answer is to try another port on the switcher. Sounds like you have two available. Second would be to switch the cables from the blu ray player to the cable box.

Re: Monoprice HD component switcher issue

Yeah, I thought of this and probably should have tried this approach first. I will, thanks. But I wanted to find out what the word was on these switchers. I noticed a thread on Monoprice HDMI switchers and was wondering if getting an uncompromised image through them is a common problem.

Re: Monoprice HD component switcher issue

Look at the reviews for that switcher over at monoprice. If there is a known problem, it would likely be in some of the reviews.

Re: Monoprice HD component switcher issue

Thanks again. Done.

Yeah, the ratings seem to confirm some of my reservations. Many like this ....

"Does not work as advertised. Take 1080i out of the product description and you have a decent product. However, I needed a switch capable of handling 1080i and this thing fails completely on bright white and nearly white screens with the TV I am using."

This is my finding; that when the screen goes very bright, especially during commercials, the image breaks up or cuts out for a moment. Reviews seem to support that this switcher is fine for 480P and below, but not the 1080i my set features.

This begs the question: Can someone recommend a HD component switcher that won't have these issues and will work for 1080i (doesn't have to be perfect for 1080P - I don't have that set yet, just 1080i).

Thanks.

Re: Monoprice HD component switcher issue

I'm using an Audio Authority 1154 component switcher with a 1080i set and have been pretty happy with it. The automatic switching feature is a little annoying because occasionally will cause a drop out when it periodically checks for a higher priority connection, but I just shut that off and switch manually.