View Full Version : Recommendations for HDMI switches...
icemann
02-01-2005, 11:53 AM
[/FONT]Just bought the 55" Grand Wega LCD RPTV and now realize I'm going to need more HDMI ports. The DVD player I have is 1st Gen and doesn't support progressive scan or burnt media (even CD-Rs!!).
So I'm moving forward with the upconverting DVD player and from my research it seems best to use HDMI (or DVI). Since my TV has one HDMI port which is connected to my cable box (HDMI -> DVI) I need to get a HDMI switch.
From what I've found, Gefen seems to be the leader in this market. Can anyone reply with their experience with their equipment? Or does anyone have experience with HDMI switches?
Thanks!!!
mjones73
02-01-2005, 12:10 PM
If you just got the TV, might want to consider returning it for the KDF-55XS955 which has two ports to begin with. The price difference between the two and a switch isn't that much and it'll be more convenient in the long run.
I have a Gefen 4:1 DVI switch which has an infrared remote control. My HTM 500 remote had no trouble learning its codes. In operation, it has been bullet-proof. I would expect their HDMI switch to be equally good. You should note that they include 4 cables with the switch (or at least they did with the DVI switch) which makes it more of a "bargain."
icemann
02-02-2005, 01:49 AM
James: Thanks for the info but I don't think "finer" picture control and 1 extra HDMI is worth 300 - 400. I can get a Gefen 4-port for less than 300, if strictly evaluating the per HDMI port cost it's cheaper with the switch. Not to mention I only have one long HDMI cable run ($$$) to the TV and the rest are 1.5 M cables between components. I have a decent remote so coordinating it into the existing macros shouldn't be difficult.
I do like the speakers on the side of the 955 though. :cool: The other factor is I have a 24" deep x 59" wide recess in the viewing wall of my HT and it fits the 655 perfectly. (1" on either side) Have to keep the lady happy.
Eddy: Glad to hear the Gefen works for you. With your obvious good taste in HT equipment I'll trust your opinion. M&K's are nice, I read Lucas had them in the Phantom Menace post-production studio.
Looks like a Gefen is in my future.
