HDMI Switch Fails

IACinger · 01-09-2008, 09:59 AM

After a search, I couldn't find a specific answer to my issue...looking for some wisdom from this esteemed group...please. Due to some mis-matches in audio inputs/outputs between my Sony receiver, Toshiba HD DVD and DishNetwork HD DVR, I have concluded I need to externally switch my HDMI video (the Sony requires separate audio connections...darn it). I have tried two HDMI switches without success (a cheap eBay two port and a Radio Shack three port programmable). I have 40' of very high quality HDMI cable going to my ceiling Mitsubishi HD1000U, and I can switch video just fine using my Sony. Are we talking too much signal loss with a simple switch...do I need to boost the signal to the projector? Would a better switch work...such as....? Thanks for your help!!

Dennis Nicholls · 01-09-2008, 08:07 PM

I haven't gotten to the point of needing a switch just yet, but would trust these guys:
For only $15.00 each when QTY 50+ purchased - 2X1 Manual HDMI Switch - Push Button Type | Manual HDMI Switch
Note they say how long and what quality level of cables they claim the switch will transport 1080i and 1080p. So far the cables and converters I have bought from them have worked well.

Kevin C Brown · 01-09-2008, 08:15 PM

Bingo- I am using that very same Monoprice 2x1 switch right now. You sometimes have to be aware of HDMI handshake issues, i.e., when do you switch the switch vs powering up the player and display, but I haven't had any problems with it.

Jeff Swindoll · 01-10-2008, 11:06 AM

For only $34.80 each when QTY 50+ purchased - 3X1 Enhanced HDMI Switch with built-in Equalizer (REV.2.1) | Auto/Powered HDMI Switch

I got this 3x one from Monoprice and have been happy with it, but have only been running it since December. I think you'll find that monoprice is very reasonable as far as pricing goes. Beast Buy wanted $99 for the Terk switch alone and over $29 per HDMI cable - yikes! With shipping at monoprice, I got out for under $50 with what I wanted (and shopped in my jammies!

).

Cheers.

brap · 01-10-2008, 03:52 PM

Monoprice is great. I'm waiting for them to start providing hdmi switches with Toslink. I have 4 devices, TV with 1 HDMI input, and a non-hdmi receiver. Octava is too expensive. Monoprice is the best bang for the buck.

**HTF Ads**

IACinger · 01-10-2008, 04:46 PM

Thanks folks, I appreciate the help.

I am trying another approach now...instead of externally switching the video, I have decided to convert the audio instead and will leave the video switching to the receiver. Have a toslink optical to digital audio coax converter on the way so that my SAT DVR's optical out can connect to my receiver's digital coax in. I know this will not produce ideal audio, but my receiver is only so-so in that department anyway (Sony STR-DG510). For SAT, my main goal is getting hi def video for day to day enjoyment of sports.

Has anyone done this. Results?

Randy Brist · 01-14-2008, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin C Brown

Bingo- I am using that very same Monoprice 2x1 switch right now. You sometimes have to be aware of HDMI handshake issues, i.e., when do you switch the switch vs powering up the player and display, but I haven't had any problems with it.

Do you have a Toshiba player? I bought the Terk 3 X 1 switch online and it will pass my Sony Blu-ray signal but I cannot get the Toshiba to work with the switch. Any specific ideas on the order for switching or powering up? I have an A30 player.

Randy

Jamey K · 01-14-2008, 06:35 PM

This is exactly what I have. I've got two D* DVR's, Tosh A2, and a Panny BD30 hooked up to it and it works great!

4 Port HDMI Switcher Selector W/ Remote& 2 6FT HDMI cbl - eBay (item 290198429918 end time Jan-24-08 11:34:03 PST)

Kevin C Brown · 01-14-2008, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randy Brist

Do you have a Toshiba player? I bought the Terk 3 X 1 switch online and it will pass my Sony Blu-ray signal but I cannot get the Toshiba to work with the switch. Any specific ideas on the order for switching or powering up? I have an A30 player.

Randy

Yup, I have an A3, it does work with the 1x2 Monoprice switch. Best I can figure, with everything powered off, switch the switch to enable the Toshiba. Then power up the player and display (or maybe the display 1st).

I did have one handshake problem where the player basically crashed. Had to yank the power cord to bring it back, but somehow I manage to get it work most times without a lot of effort.

ksh319 · 03-02-2008, 04:45 PM

I recently purchased PureLink HS-510 HDMI auto switch from HDmate.
It's quite expensive compared to other switches but it works perfectly with my application and it looks very SEXY!! Half-mirrored front finish with big LCD indicating input source #.
It has auto power detecting function so if you turn your PS3, HS-510 automatically will be on. and while you are playing PS3 if you turn your HD set top, it will autimatically swith to set top box.
I have PS3, Dish network HD box, Toshiba HD-DVD, and Canon HD camcorder and it works great with my video sources.