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Best Deal On A 4 to 1 HDMI Switcher...and other questions.

#1
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2/19/09 at 3:59pm
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I am a bit out of the loop regards HDMI 1.3/2.0.

If I gather correctly, 1.3 is the current standard for the cable.

And as far as a switcher goes, does the 2.0 qualification come into play?

I need one that will switch fiber optic as well as HDMI inputs. My Panny BD Player has direct analog outs, so that's no issue, but my other HD sources don't.

All advice is welcome.
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#2
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2/19/09 at 5:40pm
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Re: Best Deal On A 4 to 1 HDMI Switcher...and other questions.

Try here: Parts-Express.com - Speakers, Speaker Building, Home Audio and Video, Pro Audio, Electronic Parts & Accessories
Samsung HL61A750 (LED DLP)            Onkyo TX-SR805
Oppo BDP-83 Blu ray                                  Polk Audio LSi9
Polk Audio LSiC                                  Sony SS-MB100H
JBL PSW1200 (Sub)                        ...
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#3
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2/20/09 at 11:24am
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Re: Best Deal On A 4 to 1 HDMI Switcher...and other questions.

Thanks for the link. I have bought stuff from them before...great company!!

I didn't see anything there that is what I need. Also...still waiting for info regards my HDMI questions.
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#4
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2/20/09 at 5:21pm
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Re: Best Deal On A 4 to 1 HDMI Switcher...and other questions.

I don't know if it is in your budget but you should check out Zektor.

This link shows a 5 HDMI in to 1 out and does digital audio (coax & optical):

Zektor

I have a Zektor MAS7.1 which has 3 HDMI in and 1 out plus analog/digital inputs and outputs. I use this to switch HDMI sources and my analogs from my Panasonic DMP-BD55 and Denon 1920.

It is very well built and has excellent customer and warranty service.

I don't know about the 2.0 standard but I THINK it applies to the ability of your player to download content/updates directly off of the net and would not apply to the switching.

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#5
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2/21/09 at 6:14am
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Re: Best Deal On A 4 to 1 HDMI Switcher...and other questions.

Thanks for the info. That is WAY outta my budget. I guess I am going to be looking at having 2 switchers...one for HDMI and on for digital audio.

Nearly every component switcher I have seen has optical/rf digital switching. You would think someone would offer a reasonably priced HDMI with digital audio switcher at prices like the component ones.
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#6
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2/23/09 at 6:40am
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Re: Best Deal On A 4 to 1 HDMI Switcher...and other questions.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Scooter
Nearly every component switcher I have seen has optical/rf digital switching. You would think someone would offer a reasonably priced HDMI with digital audio switcher at prices like the component ones.
The difference is that component is video only, whereas HDMI is video and audio together. With component, you still need to run digital audio separately, so there’s a market for a switcher that does both. In most cases, HDMI is a standalone solution, so most people are only looking for HDMI switches.

Brian

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#7
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2/24/09 at 3:47am
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Re: Best Deal On A 4 to 1 HDMI Switcher...and other questions.

Thanks for responding, Brian.

Thing is, MANY people have older audio stuff while purchasing a new HDTV and blue ray. I would think there are more seeking what I am than one would think.

Guess it's a 2 switcher situation for moi.
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#8
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2/24/09 at 6:09am
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Re: Best Deal On A 4 to 1 HDMI Switcher...and other questions.

Scooter,

I use a 3->1 HDMI switcher (this OPPO one) to one of the 2 HDMI inputs on my TV, and use the "old" S-Video (+ audio) to connect my VHS player. I let the TV do the input choosing in this case, and if you happen to have a Harmony remote or something like that it may even be simpler.

That switch works fine, costs around $100. It's 1.3 indeed, that's the newest standard (hence they all say the switch transmits "rich vibrant deep-color images" ). There's no 2.0 standard (except for USB, but that's a different connection)

If you really want to switch the Toslink through the same switch, you'll probably pay at least $100 more. Here's an Octava 4->1 HDMI + Toslink switch. Note: I have no personal experience with that one.

An even less expensive, and 4->1 switch (with which I have no personal experience either), is this. But I'm not sure about the shipping costs of that one, it looks like it may be based in Europe.


Cees
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#9
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2/24/09 at 6:39am
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Re: Best Deal On A 4 to 1 HDMI Switcher...and other questions.

I also use the Oppo switcher that Cees uses and I love it. It auto-senses the active input and switches automatically. Very family-friendly, but it does look like you're looking for more switching capabilities.

--------
Ted K.

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#10
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2/24/09 at 11:24am
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Re: Best Deal On A 4 to 1 HDMI Switcher...and other questions.

Check monoprice.com
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#11
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2/24/09 at 5:08pm
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Re: Best Deal On A 4 to 1 HDMI Switcher...and other questions.

I checked there...didn't see anything.
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