Anyone using one of these budget HDMI 4x2 Matrix switches?

[CaptainCook]

Hi all,

Looking for a simple solution to handle multiple in and out of HDMI until I pick an AV amp that can do something similar.

Found this : http://www.avrio.co.uk/acatalog/HDMI..._Switches.html which seems awfully cheap.......or is is just plain awful?

Any comments would be appreciated.

Initially, I want to send 1080p24 from a PS3 and HD-DVD to a projector, then utilise the second output by replacing my non-HD plasma for a 1080p plasma, with an amp upgrade to follow at some point in the future.

Sound will be optical from the PS3 and analogue from the HD-DVD until the amp is replaced when I expect video and sound to be handled entirely by HDMI. The switch will then be binned.

Thanks for reading.

[Joe Fernand]

Hello CaptainCook

They do what they say on the tin but are not as system compatible or trouble free as other designs - the auto switching and remote are not bullet proof.

I have the OEM version here for testing and still undecided - a high return rate isn't good for the customer satisfaction ratings.

A friend is the US who does supply them reckons if folk can put up with the foibles then they are good value.

If you don't require the Matrix function (Any Source to any Display) then the 'Mirrored' Output Octava HDDA52-UK (http://www.octavainc.com/HDMI%20swit...2_toslink.html) or HDS32-UK 'Cross Switch' (http://www.octavainc.com/HDMI%20swit...x2%20port.html) may be a better bet.

Joe

[Ixalon]

It looks the same device as the Monoprice one, in which case I pretty much agree with Joe's thoughts on it. It does work and if it's a matrix switch you need then it's pretty much the only budget option. It can sometimes take a while for devices to handshake when switching, but other than that I've not had any problem at all with it (although I've not tested it with a huge range of devices.)

I wrote up a short review on here a few weeks ago that you might want to read:
Monoprice's 4X2 Matrix HDMI 1.3 Switch Mini-Review

[CaptainCook]

Joe / Ixalon,

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

Joe - As a UK supplier, do you bundle the mirror unit (this is the option I need as the projector drops in front of the plasma) with the HDMI cables as in your link? Wasn't obvious from the TMF website.

Ixalon - I agree you pay your money and take your chance! If it was rock solid, then it would be a no-brainer at that price, but it normally ends up being a false economy when I buy something budget.

[Joe Fernand]

Hello CaptianCook

Any of the UK Dealers supplying the Octava kit ought to be able to bundle the Switch Gear with the own brand cables.

Joe