HDMI Switchbox?

[SiliGoose]

Hey guys,

Long time no-see.
I'm sort of out of the whole HT thing but I have a friend just getting started. He's in need of a switchbox for feeding multiple HDMI sources to a single HDTV. He says the only models he's been able to find start at $250.

Is there anything cheaper out there? I know it's kind of early for mass market HDMI switching (as very few people have a single HDMI source much less multiple). Just curious if this has been discussed yet.

Thanks in advance and it's nice to see a lot of familiar names out there.

-Camp

[jimmyp58]

There are a few manufacturers of these (Gefen being one) that have multiple HDMI inputs and unfortunately the price point he has found is around $250. There will be more coming out in time but for now, from all I know, that is what is available on the market.

[Shane Martin]

Starting this month, the flood of HDMI switching receivers is starting. Pioneer Elite just started theirs and JVC plans to offer a 7 channel HDMI switching receiver for under $600.

With HD DVD and such coming, It might be best just to invest in a new receiver and get the new formats as they come out to boot. If he wants the latest formats, I'd wait for CES 2006.

[jimmyp58]

...or get a new switching receiver as Shane said...

[Chris D]

A few months ago, I bought a Gefen 4x1 switcher. (4 sources, 1 output) Had occasional video flicker and snow, and a few other problems. (i.e. wouldn't pass audio, and had HDMI input, but DVI output, requiring a DVI-HDMI adapter) So I sent it back for a refund.

Parasound has announced a HDMI switcher. I'll most likely be going with that. Should integrate well with my Parasound Halo setup, too.

[Snap]

What about something like this?

http://www.pacificcable.com/Picture_Page.asp?DataName=HDS-21R

I have not tried it but it is HDMI to HDMI 2 in and 1 out, with remote triggers, and a RS232 port. Just something to think about.

[David Meek]

Hey senor Sili, long time no see. I'm glad to see you dropping back in! :T

Unfortunately, at this point I haven't seen anything below the US$225-250 range. At least not in any Google or Yahoo searches....

[Snap]

Here is a new one from Key Digital. This is probably the only one that I would trust that was stand alone. Key Digital is a very nice product. How ever......it is WAY above your price point. Just thought I would through it out there for people to see.

http://www.keydigital.com/lprodi.asp?Ic=HDMI4x1