HDMI Switcher

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freitasm

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#76765 6-Feb-2011 14:29

My old Sony Bravia has one HDMI input only. Currently I have the HTPC connected to it via HDMI, and the TiVo via component. I was thinking of plugging the TiVo over HDMI as well but would need a switch.

Has anyone used this switcher http://www.jaycar.co.nz/productView.asp?ID=AC1691&keywords=hdmi+switch&form=KEYWORD or similar? Any other suggestion?

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#435897 6-Feb-2011 15:36

I would not get a switcher with only 2 inputs if you only have one input on the display, since when something else comes along you will curse getting one with only 2.

A friend got a 4 way one from jaycar, but it had a non defeatable digital audio out on it, which made sources only send stereo or bitstream out. But if you are going straight to a TV then that may not be a problem for you.

Richard rich.ms

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#435912 6-Feb-2011 16:24

+1 on getting a switch with more than two inputs - you can never have enough inputs. I hit this problem a few years ago, when I got a 2-way AV switch and a few months later had to swap it out for a 4-way.

On the advice of one of my workmates, who has one and reports that it works well, I acquired the 5-way HDMI switch from Dick Smith (part number C2600). They have it for $159, but I got it at $99 and have seen it at that price several times since. As well as more inputs, the DSE has a remote control for switching - which the Jaycar one doesn't seem to have. Personally, I wouldn't want to have to get up every time I wanted to switch an input.

Haven't tried it yet, as has been on a shelf for 4-5 months waiting for me to sort some other bits of my new setup and my birds-nest of cables. That, and the new telly has 4 inputs, so its not as urgent now. Currently, I am trying to find a power cable for one of the other bits that it will connect to (as per my post elsewhere), before hooking up and testing.

If you aren't in a desperate hutty, Monoprice.com (where I have bought some other kit and had good service) has 5-port HDMI switches for $US 31.29, and an 8-port switch with a remote for $US $75.26 - although freight can be a killer if that is the only thing you are buying. If I was buying again, I would either get the 8-port, or a 4x2 matrix switch.

freitasm

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#435931 6-Feb-2011 17:26

Thanks for the pointer to the DSE model. When I visited my local store I didn't see anything there but will check this one out.

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#435984 6-Feb-2011 19:24

I'd by an entry level amplifier (on special at HN right now for under $500) - find some speakers for stereo sound... and do it 'properly'. But that's just me :-)

freitasm

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#436007 6-Feb-2011 19:48

We used to have a 'proper' set. Yamaha, wall mounted Wharfedale speakers, bells and whistle. The house is undergoing changes, things need to be 'accommodated' as possible.

But that's just us.

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#436116 7-Feb-2011 08:29

These guys are good.

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#436119 7-Feb-2011 08:45

bazzer: These guys are good.

+1

I bought one of these for my AppleTV2 (known for its picky HDCP requirements) and PS3:
http://www.rapalloav.co.nz/product/572/HDMI-Switcher/HDMI-Switcher/

I forget that its there - auto switching, powered from the AppleTV.

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#436191 7-Feb-2011 11:36

freitasm: My old Sony Bravia has one HDMI input only. Currently I have the HTPC connected to it via HDMI, and the TiVo via component. I was thinking of plugging the TiVo over HDMI as well but would need a switch.

Has anyone used this switcher http://www.jaycar.co.nz/productView.asp?ID=AC1691&keywords=hdmi+switch&form=KEYWORD or similar? Any other suggestion?

I have one of these connecting my Tivo and Oppo to the telly. Most importantly - it Works!. (Where as the one I had from Dick Smith didn't)

When I need a new one I'll get a 4 or five switcher and it will be from Rapolla - great service and great gear.

freitasm

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#436193 7-Feb-2011 11:39

Quoban:
bazzer: These guys are good.

+1

I bought one of these for my AppleTV2 (known for its picky HDCP requirements) and PS3:
http://www.rapalloav.co.nz/product/572/HDMI-Switcher/HDMI-Switcher/

I forget that its there - auto switching, powered from the AppleTV.

How would the auto switch work with something like TiVo that's always on?

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#436225 7-Feb-2011 12:21

If its like the one I used at a friends place, if you turn an item on, it switches to it, if you turn it off it goes back to the last one.

A PC booting up was enough to make it switch over to the PC.

Richard rich.ms

freitasm

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#436228 7-Feb-2011 12:22

Sounds good to me...

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freitasm

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#436243 7-Feb-2011 12:42

Quoban:
bazzer: These guys are good.

+1

I bought one of these for my AppleTV2 (known for its picky HDCP requirements) and PS3:
http://www.rapalloav.co.nz/product/572/HDMI-Switcher/HDMI-Switcher/

I forget that its there - auto switching, powered from the AppleTV.

This one is looking good, seeing it auto switch and revert back to the previous source when one is powered off. Perfect and the price is right.

But one last question. The product page says "Power supply 5VDC (optional)". Does it mean it works without a power supply or that one is required and you have to purchase separately?

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illicit

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#436253 7-Feb-2011 12:50

Will work without power supply. Just optional like USB hubs to give more wattage if required.

freitasm

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#436255 7-Feb-2011 12:52

Ok... I think will order myself one then. The auto switch is the thing - we only have one remote control around and WAF would go up greatly if no messing around with input sources directly on TV.

Thanks all.

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#436482 7-Feb-2011 19:21

illicit: Will work without power supply. Just optional like USB hubs to give more wattage if required.

On the interwebs, I could only find the reason: longer cable runs/inline amps = need for power if the HDMI devices don't supply their own power.

I am running my switch without power;
Sources -> 0.5m HDMI cables -> Switch -> 10m HDMI cable, with no problems.

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