HDMI Switcher Recommendation

[kevinturcotte]

I need an HDMI switcher, but not exactly sure what I want. First time I've delved into HD.
It should have 5 inputs (Obviously more is better, but 5 is the maximum I would need), fully support HDMI 1.3 (Including 1080p), and should be able to control the input by remote. Not sure about an auto-switching one, since 2 of the devices will be Directv HD DVRs (One is on 24/7, the other turns on and off throughout the day), as well as a computer that is usually on 24/7.
I don't want the absolute cheapest thing there there is, I do want some build quality, but doesn't have to be REALLY expensive (NOT looking for an A/V Receiver at the moment).

[cadet502]

I've used one from monoprice for a couple of years, been very happy with it.

They don't seem to carry the model I've got, but they have a 5x1 and an 8x1 here:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10110

[TBlazer07]

I have a strange problem with the Monoprice 5x1 I got about a year ago. When I switch between any other devices and the HR the HR20-700 always comes back with a pink colored screen on my PDP. The other devices switch fine, just the HR position screws up my tv. Off the switch, direct to the TV, the HR obviously is fine. I always assumed that to be a compatibility problem with my TV's HDMI & the switcher (a NEC 50" plasma, ~3 years old).

I've used one from monoprice for a couple of years, been very happy with it.

They don't seem to carry the model I've got, but they have a 5x1 and an 8x1 here:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10110

[cadet502]

I have a strange problem with the Monoprice 5x1 I got about a year ago. When I switch between any other devices and the HR the HR20-700 always comes back with a pink colored screen on my PDP. The other devices switch fine, just the HR position screws up my tv. Off the switch, direct to the TV, the HR obviously is fine. I always assumed that to be a compatibility problem with my TV's HDMI & the switcher (a NEC 50" plasma, ~3 years old).

Can you get a picture back if you cylce the HR to get a new handshake, or does it never work?

It's funny, they seem to have a smaller selection than they used to. When I got mine and had to set it up on my Harmony Remote, I found the manufacturer to be Fujiplus. I know they used to make a whole range of switches, 2x1,3x1,4x1,4x2 you get the idea, but now, monoprice doesn't carry them anymore, and Fujiplus only makes the 4x1.

[dave29]

I have a monoprice 5x1 and a 4x2 matrix switch. You can't beat these guys for the money. Very nice products.

[BattleZone]

Can you get a picture back if you cylce the HR to get a new handshake, or does it never work?

It's funny, they seem to have a smaller selection than they used to. When I got mine and had to set it up on my Harmony Remote, I found the manufacturer to be Fujiplus. I know they used to make a whole range of switches, 2x1,3x1,4x1,4x2 you get the idea, but now, monoprice doesn't carry them anymore, and Fujiplus only makes the 4x1.

That's probably because the cost has come down enough that there's no way to justify the smaller versions. A 4x1 will do everything a 2x1 or 3x1 will do, and I'm sure it's cheaper just to make and stock the 4x1.

[cadet502]

That's probably because the cost has come down enough that there's no way to justify the smaller versions. A 4x1 will do everything a 2x1 or 3x1 will do, and I'm sure it's cheaper just to make and stock the 4x1.

Makes sense. I think there's also a bit less demand with more multi-HDMI TV's and AV systems. My TV only has one HDMI input and I'm using all four on the 4x1.