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torifile
2007-03-30, 06:11
I'm out of HDMI ports on the back of my t.v. Already. I've been looking at some HDMI switchers but I don't recognize any of the "names" so I don't even know where to begin. There's this Sima (http://www.circuitcity.com/rpsm/N/40001466/context/99001466/rpem/ccd/howToGetIt.do?userClick=STORE_PICKUP&oid=156508&zip=null) for $150 locally. There's this one (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10110&cs_id=1011002&p_id=3029&style=&seq=1&format=1#largeimage) from monoprice.com but I've never shopped there an I don't know how good their quality is. It's about $70 but I'd have to wait for it. I'm impatient. ;)

I've also got a $40 off coupon at circuit city so the Sima is only $110 + tax. Still a bit much. Any other recommendations? TIA.

chucker
2007-03-30, 06:38
Unfortunately, good HDMI switches are indeed expensive. I can't give you any recommendations in particular, but $100+ is definitely a realistic price level.

Ryan
2007-03-30, 16:30
Monoprice has excellent quality. Many, many users over at AVS Forum are quite happy with Monoprice switchers.

http://avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=786829

torifile
2007-03-30, 17:52
I just went with the one from Circuit City. It was local and not much more than the one at monoprice.

I do need some HDMI cables so I'll order from them since they're good. Thanks for the advice. :)

Shit. That monoprice one is actually half the cost. I'm just going to order it from them. No need to be silly about my impatience...

Kraetos
2007-04-05, 15:35
http://www.xtrememac.com/audio/av_cables/switcher/

4 ports, built with the tv in mind, looks great, $99.

Also, check out their HDMI cables for a mere $20, that look to be as good as the $100 ones from monster.

Unfortunately, it's not out yet... :(

When I get a PS3, I'll certainly be buying one of these as well. (setup currently includes Cable Box and an tv which is running on component+TOSLINK)

Windowsrookie
2007-04-05, 15:37
$99 for a switch!? Wow.

torifile
2007-04-05, 16:48
$99 for a switch!? Wow.
$99 for a 4 port switch isn't too bad considering the design. The one I got from Circuit City (which will be going back once my monoprice one comes in) is butt ugly, is only 3 ports and cost $149. :eek:

Also, check out their HDMI cables for a mere $20, that look to be as good as the $100 ones from monster.
You can get one from monoprice for $6. They seem to be as good as the more expensive kind.

Kraetos
2007-04-05, 17:48
$99 for a switch!? Wow.

$99 for a switch that deals with $100-$200 (usually) cables? Deal.

$99 for a 4 port switch isn't too bad considering the design. The one I got from Circuit City (which will be going back once my monoprice one comes in) is butt ugly, is only 3 ports and cost $149. :eek:

:) Glad I could help.

You can get one from monoprice for $6. They seem to be as good as the more expensive kind.

My gut instinct tells me that a $6 HDMI cable isn't reliable. Personally, I'd splurge for the Xtreme Mac ones. They look real nice - reinforced ends, but pretty bendable in the middle.

World Leader Pretend
2007-04-05, 18:27
Uhh, you do realize that a $6 monoprice HDMI cable will be exactly as good as a $500 one? DIGITAL signals either work 100% or not at all, there is no difference in quality. ANALOG cables are a bit different in this regard, but for HDMI it makes no difference.

Monoprice is also a great place to buy, and they have great quality for the price. I just picked up some stuff for my system from them and they work great.

Ryan
2007-04-05, 18:29
My gut instinct tells me that a $6 HDMI cable isn't reliable. Personally, I'd splurge for the Xtreme Mac ones. They look real nice - reinforced ends, but pretty bendable in the middle.:err:

I have never heard of anyone finding a real difference between Monoprice and Monster digital cables. Ever.

Even AV Science (the audio/video installation company behind AVSForum) has switched (http://avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10205423&&#post10205423) to using Monoprice HDMI cables for their installs.

Kraetos
2007-04-05, 18:50
:err:

I have never heard of anyone finding a real difference between Monoprice and Monster digital cables. Ever.

Even AV Science (the audio/video installation company behind AVSForum) has switched (http://avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10205423&&#post10205423) to using Monoprice HDMI cables for their installs.

Ah, there it is. I stand corrected. I was simply worried that monoprice cable would fall apart after a few months -- I wasn't worred about the signal quality.

Ryan
2007-04-05, 19:07
I would also like to apologize for the tone in my post. After re-reading it, I realized it probably came across as rather condescending.

:o

Kraetos
2007-04-05, 19:13
I would also like to apologize for the tone in my post. After re-reading it, I realized it probably came across as rather condescending.

:o

No worries :)

That said, I still think I'm going to go with the Xtreme Mac cables - they look a lot more flexible/durable, which in my book, is a huge plus.

Robo
2007-04-05, 19:37
When I get my Samsung 53-series HD rig set up (in about...four years), I think I'm going to go with monoprice cables and the XtremeMac switcher. I'm willing to spend $20 more for something that isn't fugly.

That's if I get the Apple TV, of course. I'm still not sure on that one. It could at least have an iPod dock, or something.

Kraetos
2007-08-11, 22:50
Along similar lines, I need a component video switcher. I have a moderately old setup (Sony 60" DLP + Yamaha RX-V2400) which only handles Component. (I have a 32" LG which has HDMI... but its only 32" ;))

With Warhawk, Heavenly Sword, and Lair coming out, its time to dust off the PS3. But the 360 and the tv are currently occupying the only component jacks on the amp. Need to handle one more, and potentially two more if I hook up an HD cable box.

I'd like something that isn't too expensive, and isn't too ugly. Suggestions?

This guy (http://www.amazon.com/JVC-JX-66-Component-Video-Switcher/dp/B0002SPKSM) looks pretty good.... but I'm not sure. And I'd like 4 inputs, just in case.

Ryan
2007-08-11, 23:37
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10112&cs_id=1011201&p_id=3027&seq=1&format=2&style=

It seems to fit your requirements nicely.

Kraetos
2007-08-12, 16:00
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10112&cs_id=1011201&p_id=3027&seq=1&format=2&style=

It seems to fit your requirements nicely.

Sweet, thanks man. I ordered Wii component cables so I'll need that extra port.