[Rich]

I purchased a Monoprice HDMI switcher last month and finally got up the nerve last weekend to try it on three HR20s and one upscaler Sony DVD player that I have set up in one of my family rooms. The switch is model #HDX-501 and is a 5 input 1 output unit.

Nice looking, small with a nice remote. Easy to install. Worked great for a couple days and then every time I shut a DVR down, the last frame of the picture remained on the screen. As soon as I switched to a different DVR and turned it on, the retained picture disappeared and the DVR took over.

OK, I could live with that, but each DVR began to freeze up and I had to reboot and lose the shows I was watching when the DVRs froze up. This only happened when I was watching a prerecorded program.

Now I'm getting scared. Disconnected the switcher and rewired everything and thought all was well, until today when one DVR crashed in the same manner. Did not lose the program I was watching this time. Downloaded 235 and am hoping the switcher did not screw up my HR20-700.

I called Monoprice today and they sent me the info to return it and suggested a different model. The guy I spoke to said each model is different and I was wondering if anyone has a Monoprice switcher other than the 5x1 that is working correctly.

Don't know if I'd be inclined to try another one. Have to see if the 20-700 that crashed today keeps crashing. If it doesn't, I might try another one.

Please include the model number if you can and the numbers of inputs and outputs.

Thanx,
Rich

 

[tlrowley]

I have the 8x1 (Monoprice product number 4067) working with an HR-20-700 and a 4x1 (4066) with an HR21-700. Both are working flawlessly.

I'm not sure if those product numbers will help you or not, but that's what shows up on my e-mail receipts.

(okay, you can search on those model numbers)

 

[spartanstew]

I have the 4X1 switch and it works great with my HR20, PS3, and DVD changer.

I know of many, many people that have purchased monoprice switchers and this is the first time I've heard of a problem, so I don't think the model matters that much. Are you sure it's a problem with the switcher? If so, you probably just got a bad one for whatever reason. I'd just get it replaced with the same one if you like that one.

 

[DennisMileHi]

I have the 5x1 and it also works flawlessly.

 

[Rich]

I have the 4X1 switch and it works great with my HR20, PS3, and DVD changer.

I know of many, many people that have purchased monoprice switchers and this is the first time I've heard of a problem, so I don't think the model matters that much. Are you sure it's a problem with the switcher? If so, you probably just got a bad one for whatever reason. I'd just get it replaced with the same one if you like that one.

This is typical for me. Lousy luck.

The difference in what we are doing, if I read your post right, is that you are using the switches for one DVR and a bunch of other devices on each switcher. I am using three 20s on this 5x1. I wonder how many people "group" 20/21s on a switcher? I had thought I would get another 20/21 for the room if the switcher worked.

The DVD upscaler had no problem with the switcher. And did not leave an image on the screen when shut off.

I have no doubt that you can run several dissimilar devices on these switchers, but can you "group" DVRs?

I really liked that switcher. I'm disappointed. And the people at Monoprice couldn't have been nicer.

Rich

I kind of fit the above statement to fit a couple of previous posts.

 

[Rich]

I have the 5x1 and it also works flawlessly.

What do you have on it?

Rich

 

[hasan]

I have the 5x1 and it also works flawlessly.

Me too, and it switches both an HR20-700 and HR21-200, as well as two other HDMI devices. Works perfectly.

 

[MikeekiM]

I'm running the Monoprice 4x2... Four inputs...to two displays... And the two displays can be fed any of the 4 inputs independently... Nice

 

[coacho]

I am using the same 5x1 for my HR20, HR10 and PS3. It works great.

 

[daniellee]

I've been dealing with the same problem for weeks now. Here are a few conclusions/speculations I have reached.

The problem seems to have started during the current CE cycle {CE:14:xx). I believe it has to do with software changes involving HDCP copy protection. Now some customers have received this software as part of the national release version 251. This was a staggered release that was halted for unannounced reasons -so not everyone received it. I suspect that many Monoprice HDMI switch users that are reporting no problems - works perfectly - simply haven't received the offending software yet.

To check your setup for this problem you would need to be on a late CE version or the 251 NR version (that has now been pulled/halted). Turn to channel 100. This is DirecTV's HDCP test channel. My Monoprice switch setup will works fine as long as I stay away from this channel. Now turn to another channel and then switch to another HDMI device. When you switch back to the HR2x that has "seen" channel 100 - that's when the problems begin.

The workaround for me is to simply turn off (not reboot) the HR2x and then turn it back on. Then I'm good to go until my HR2x is exposed to HDCP again.

It may be helpful if those posting here would also give their Monoprice HDMI switch model number as well as their HR2x's software version number. Also might help to know what devices you have connected.

So for me it's...

Monoprice model #: HDX-501
HR2x software version: {CE:14:12} 0x0254
Connected devices: 1 HR20-100, 1 Hr20-100, 1 HR10-250, 1 DVD player​

 

[mcbeevee]

I'm running the Monoprice 4x2... Four inputs...to two displays... And the two displays can be fed any of the 4 inputs independently... Nice

I tried the Monoprice 4x2 (4802) switch. It was causing one of my HR20-700's to lock up, so I had to return it. I had 2 HR20-700's, a standard DVD player, and a Blu-Ray player connected to it. My HR20-700 would not respond to any button pushes (not even the red button), so I would have to unplug it every time I used the switch!

 

[DennisMileHi]

What do you have on it?

Rich

Hr21-700, HR10-250 Tivo, PS3, Toshiba HD-D2 One open.

 

[ricktu]

I just put in a Monoprice 4x2 HDMI switcher (rev 2.5). I have an HR20-100, H20-100 (non DVR), and Denon DVD player hooked up to display devices - a Runco Plasma and a Runco LCD.

This seems to work pretty well until the HR20-100 locks up (as it does regularly - ongoing issue with the firmware that many people are experiencing). Then I am not longer able to select the device on the switcher.

 

[Rich]

I've been dealing with the same problem for weeks now. Here are a few conclusions/speculations I have reached.

The problem seems to have started during the current CE cycle {CE:14:xx). I believe it has to do with software changes involving HDCP copy protection. Now some customers have received this software as part of the national release version 251. This was a staggered release that was halted for unannounced reasons -so not everyone received it. I suspect that many Monoprice HDMI switch users that are reporting no problems - works perfectly - simply haven't received the offending software yet.

I've never gotten involved with the Beta testing program. I am running 235 as we speak.

To check your setup for this problem you would need to be on a late CE version or the 251 NR version (that has now been pulled/halted). Turn to channel 100. This is DirecTV's HDCP test channel. My Monoprice switch setup will works fine as long as I stay away from this channel. Now turn to another channel and then switch to another HDMI device. When you switch back to the HR2x that has "seen" channel 100 - that's when the problems begin.

Since I don't have anything to work with but 235, I can't do that.

The workaround for me is to simply turn off (not reboot) the HR2x and then turn it back on. Then I'm good to go until my HR2x is exposed to HDCP again.

The first thing I did when one of my 20s locked up and froze was shut the unit off. That worked, but I could not turn the 20 back on and had to reboot. Was your DVR retaining the last image when you switched to another DVR? Even tho the DVR the image came from was "off"?

It may be helpful if those posting here would also give their Monoprice HDMI switch model number as well as their HR2x's software version number. Also might help to know what devices you have connected.

So for me it's...

Monoprice model #: HDX-501
HR2x software version: {CE:14:12} 0x0254
Connected devices: 1 HR20-100, 1 Hr20-100, 1 HR10-250, 1 DVD player​

Good post, Danny. Always nice to see that I'm not alone in Anomaly Land. But, your problems come with the CE version. Were you having any problems before you downloaded the CE?

If I wasn't clear in my OP, I had three HR20-700s and a Sony DVD upscaler hooked up to the same switcher you have. And, as I said, I am running 235. The first time I shut off a 20 and the image stayed on the TV screen until the next DVR came on, I knew something was wrong. And, obviously, it got worse. I had to reinstall 235 to one of my 20s last night to calm it down.

Rich

 

[Rich]

I tried the Monoprice 4x2 (4802) switch. It was causing one of my HR20-700's to lock up, so I had to return it. I had 2 HR20-700's, a standard DVD player, and a Blu-Ray player connected to it. My HR20-700 would not respond to any button pushes (not even the red button), so I would have to unplug it every time I used the switch!

Oh boy, now I'm getting worried. That is exactly what happened to me. I was afraid when I bought the 1x5 this would happen. I only paid about 40 bucks for it and the price made me wary. With unknown (to me) devices I always tend to buy the most expensive one in the hope that price will equate to performance. I know this doesn't always work, but most of the time it seems to. And $40 seemed unreasonably inexpensive.

I really liked the switcher at first and it worked flawlessly for a day or two, then the retained picture started showing up and I just knew a crash was imminent. And, from past experience, I know that if the 20s crash enough, eventually they will suffer a "nervous breakdown" and become unusable.

I gather that you had no problems with the DVD or the Blu-Ray player? I had no problems with the Sony upscaler DVD player, just the 20s and they are too valuable to me to screw around with.

Rich

 

[Rich]

Hr21-700, HR10-250 Tivo, PS3, Toshiba HD-D2 One open.

Running 235 on the 21? You've got four separate and distinct devices on the switcher. Wonder what would happen if you had two or more 20/21s?

Rich

 

[Rich]

I just put in a Monoprice 4x2 HDMI switcher (rev 2.5). I have an HR20-100, H20-100 (non DVR), and Denon DVD player hooked up to display devices - a Runco Plasma and a Runco LCD.

This seems to work pretty well until the HR20-100 locks up (as it does regularly - ongoing issue with the firmware that many people are experiencing). Then I am not longer able to select the device on the switcher.

Makes you wonder if the 100 or the switcher is at fault, doesn't it?

Rich

 

[daniellee]

... Were you having any problems before you downloaded the CE?

The first time I realized there was a problem was on June 8th when the CEers were asked to test for HDMI/HDCP problems by turning to channel 100. I got my switch several months earlier and had never had a problem before then. And I still have no problems if I never turn to channel 100. That's the reason for my HDPC suspicions. My situation doesn't sound a bad as yours - my setup is still very usable.

So it doesn't look like we're any closer to identifying the source of this problem. I still lean towards the HR2x as the source since the switch seems to work well with all other devices - but I could be wrong.

Guess we'll just have to wait and see what develops.

 

[Rich]

The first time I realized there was a problem was on June 8th when the CEers were asked to test for HDMI/HDCP problems by turning to channel 100. I got my switch several months earlier and had never had a problem before then. And I still have no problems if I never turn to channel 100. That's the reason for my HDPC suspicions. My situation doesn't sound a bad as yours - my setup is still very usable.

So it doesn't look like we're any closer to identifying the source of this problem. I still lean towards the HR2x as the source since the switch seems to work well with all other devices - but I could be wrong.

Guess we'll just have to wait and see what develops.

I think it is definitely the 20s. I had terrible problems with two Sony TVs and they were all caused by HDMI issues. As soon as I switched to component wiring the problems went away.

Rich

 

[Rich]

Anybody using the Terk HDMI-31 Smart HDMI Switch (3 X 1)? How about the OPPO HM-31 Certified HDMI 1.3 and 1080p Switch?

Never had any Terk products and had little joy with OPPO products. But, I'm always willing to try. Info on these products, as well as the Monoprice switchers, would be most appreciated by members who "group" 2 or more 20/21s.

The Terk is about $58 and the OPPO is about $98. I'm tempted to purchase the OPPO. Have to see what the return policy is, and have to wait until at least Monday to see if my one 20 that had the most crashes with the Monoprice switcher is back to it's usual state.

Appreciate any and all input. Now that I see how easy the switchers are, I want one. Even my wife thought the Monoprice was a great gizmo.

Rich