What is a good HDMI switcher?

Lexxxus · 08-03-2008, 05:08 AM

I recently upgraded my old Onkyo 909 Integra to a new 875 and it didn't take long to run out of HDMI inputs... It has 4 and now I need a 5th (HD DVD / PS3 / X-Box 360 / Pace HD Cable box / HD Sat)

I see lots of 2-5 input HDMI splitters / switchers and I cannot see me needing any more inputs so a simple 2 input would probably do (Although who knows? I might one day add a Blu-ray player to save wear & tear on the PS3 but everyone says the BR player in the PS3 is the best there is)

I see some that say "No remote or manual switching required as switch automatically senses signal. How does that work? Is it as simple as having say the HD Sat and HD cable plugged into the unit and whichever unit is turned "On" will activate the switch?

The Sat & cable are the 2 devices I would probably assign to the switcher as the Onkyo has

Dumb question, but what if both devices are turned on?

Is an "Auto-sensing" switch like this the way to go or are they a headache? It would be nice to not have to manually switch the splitter.

Any advice on these devices would be appreciated.

Lex

Rick-F · 08-03-2008, 12:51 PM

I'm using one like this and it works perfectly. The Harmony remote changes the switch flawlessly and it is powered off the USB port on my DCT-6416-III. It came with a remote IR sensor, so the switch is hidden in a cabinet.

http://www.buy.com/prod/3-port-mini-...208047488.html

OldCityBass · 08-13-2008, 12:44 PM

I'm using this one

http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2

and have not had a single issue. Works perfectly. I have it integrated with my set up by a harmony 880 and I forget it's even there. I'm using all 4 inputs.

BlueDog · 08-18-2008, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldCityBass

I'm using this one
...and have not had a single issue. Works perfectly. I have it integrated with my set up by a harmony 880 and I forget it's even there. I'm using all 4 inputs.

Any concerns that is only shows HDMI 1.3B certification?

OldCityBass · 08-18-2008, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueDog

Any concerns that is only shows HDMI 1.3B certification?

Not sure I understand the question. 1.3b as opposed to what?

BlueDog · 08-19-2008, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldCityBass

Not sure I understand the question. 1.3b as opposed to what?

I have seen that 1.3a is needed for 1080p, or is this just marketing?

Bigloww · 08-19-2008, 11:32 AM

Yes it is just marketing. And if it is 1.3b certified it means it also meets and exceeds the previous 1.3a or 1.3 certifications anyway. I think 1.3b is just a stricter compliance vs 1.3a. Bottom line, you wont see any difference between the 2 cables.

OldCityBass · 08-19-2008, 12:22 PM

Yep.

Q. What is the difference between HDMI 1.3 and HDMI 1.3a, or 1.3b?

For consumers, there is no difference between HDMI version 1.3 and 1.3a or 1.3b. These minor revisions to the specification typically relate to manufacturing or testing issues and do not impact features or functionality. In addition, HDMI Licensing, LLC is actively working with manufacturers to reduce confusion for consumers by de-emphasizing version numbers and focusing instead on product features and functionality.

http://hdmi.org/learningcenter/faq.aspx#112

BlueDog · 08-21-2008, 02:00 PM

I kind of thought it may be smoke, but its good to get it confirmed. Thanks for the info.

motylanogha · 09-02-2008, 04:56 AM

Xtrememac's switcher distribiuted by Apple IMC SAD is quite fine... I suggest u one

08-19-2008, 11:32 AM	#7
Bigloww Chi Town Baby.. Da Bears. Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: In a van, down by the river. Posts: 5,130	Yes it is just marketing. And if it is 1.3b certified it means it also meets and exceeds the previous 1.3a or 1.3 certifications anyway. I think 1.3b is just a stricter compliance vs 1.3a. Bottom line, you wont see any difference between the 2 cables. __________________ Commit to the Indian.. *In Loving Memory of Junkie, The Rizz, Eagle and the Boys.. They are gone (wasted in fact) but not forgotten..* Last edited by Bigloww; 08-19-2008 at 11:41 AM.

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08-03-2008, 05:08 AM	#1
Lexxxus High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 40	What is a good HDMI switcher? I recently upgraded my old Onkyo 909 Integra to a new 875 and it didn't take long to run out of HDMI inputs... It has 4 and now I need a 5th (HD DVD / PS3 / X-Box 360 / Pace HD Cable box / HD Sat) I see lots of 2-5 input HDMI splitters / switchers and I cannot see me needing any more inputs so a simple 2 input would probably do (Although who knows? I might one day add a Blu-ray player to save wear & tear on the PS3 but everyone says the BR player in the PS3 is the best there is) I see some that say "No remote or manual switching required as switch automatically senses signal. How does that work? Is it as simple as having say the HD Sat and HD cable plugged into the unit and whichever unit is turned "On" will activate the switch? The Sat & cable are the 2 devices I would probably assign to the switcher as the Onkyo has Dumb question, but what if both devices are turned on? Is an "Auto-sensing" switch like this the way to go or are they a headache? It would be nice to not have to manually switch the splitter. Any advice on these devices would be appreciated. Lex

08-03-2008, 12:51 PM	#2
Rick-F 58" & 50" PDP / 2 32" LCD Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 1,560	I'm using one like this and it works perfectly. The Harmony remote changes the switch flawlessly and it is powered off the USB port on my DCT-6416-III. It came with a remote IR sensor, so the switch is hidden in a cabinet. http://www.buy.com/prod/3-port-mini-...208047488.html

08-13-2008, 12:44 PM	#3
OldCityBass AD / HD Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 34	I'm using this one http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2 and have not had a single issue. Works perfectly. I have it integrated with my set up by a harmony 880 and I forget it's even there. I'm using all 4 inputs.

08-19-2008, 12:22 PM	#8
OldCityBass AD / HD Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 34	Yep. Q. What is the difference between HDMI 1.3 and HDMI 1.3a, or 1.3b? For consumers, there is no difference between HDMI version 1.3 and 1.3a or 1.3b. These minor revisions to the specification typically relate to manufacturing or testing issues and do not impact features or functionality. In addition, HDMI Licensing, LLC is actively working with manufacturers to reduce confusion for consumers by de-emphasizing version numbers and focusing instead on product features and functionality. http://hdmi.org/learningcenter/faq.aspx#112

08-21-2008, 02:00 PM	#9
BlueDog What's all this HD buzz? Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Mid West Posts: 28	I kind of thought it may be smoke, but its good to get it confirmed. Thanks for the info.

09-02-2008, 04:56 AM	#10
motylanogha My plasma is High Def. Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 5	Xtrememac's switcher distribiuted by Apple IMC SAD is quite fine... I suggest u one