HDMI Switcher

Any recommendations on good ones? Unfortunately, Oppo no longer makes one. Simaudio makes one, but I am not going to pay $2500 for a switch. Octava, Gefen and Atlona seem to be respected, but has anyone had any experience with these brands? Lastly, I know about Monoprice, but I'm concerned about reliability. There appear to be conflicting reports on the switchers from Monoprice. Any others I should look at? I'm willing to pay between $200 and $300 for a switcher that works, does not degrade the signal and looks somewhat decent.

No clue, unfortunately. I can do some research, though.

That's fair. I see that Blue Jeans also sells a model. Looks like it is a fairly basic box imported from China. I am sure most are, mind you.

Radiient also makes one (or at least used to) that sells for $400. I wonder how much better it is? Audioholics gave it top marks.

The Radient sounds good. Does Blue Jeans have a return policy on their switcher?

I think Blue Jeans has a 30-day return policy on everything they sell. Not sure if there are restocking fees, however. I've never returned anything to them, so I've never looked into their policy.

I don't really need a switcher, as my display has three inputs. However, one of those inputs is on the front panel, meaning that if I use it, I have a cable dangling in front of the display. I thought a switcher might help alleviate that problem. But I am reading that a lot of people have had problems with swtichers. Not sure I want to get into that headache. I had thought it would be an easy purchase . . .

There is a fee to get stoked again?



If the situation is as you describe, you are better off learning to accept the dangling cable. Switchers serve a purpose, but you are always better off using the most direct connection possible, so if there is no real need other than aesthetic, it is best to adapt. Plus, a switcher will not allow you to calibrate the input for each source separately.

About 8 years ago I purchased an Ocean Matrix firewire swithcher (1394EEE) from B&H. I have had no problems with the unit and believe the manufacturer makes reliable products. I see that B&H has an HDMI switcher for $129 here.

Thanks for the link, Ethelred. That is an HDMI splitter, which is a little different from what I'm after. However, I did find that B&H stock a bunch of switches -- about five page's worth.

Iago: You are correct and I may just live with it. Unfortunately, I'm using a Blue Jean's Series 1 HDMI cable, so it tends to stick out a ways before dangling. Since it is a fairly short run, I might order the Series-F2. That cable is thinner and much more flexible.

And there is always a fee for additional stoking!

They had a good article on the HDMI spec numbers and how they apply (or do not) to cables:

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/articles/hdmi-1-4-cable.htm?hdmidept

I've read quite a few Blue Jean's articles. I enjoy them, as it removes a lot of the confusion around these things. I know that there is no need for me to run the Series 1 cable for short runs. It's just that the cable was priced so fairly, I figured why not get the best?

Thanks, too, for pointing out the obvious with using a switcher. Made me think sensibly and helped me avoid potential problems and headaches. Also saved me some coin.

No problem. Aesthetics are important, but they should take a back seat to quality.