View Full Version : HDMI switch for under $50
videobruce
10-05-2005, 02:58 AM
No, it's not a typo. here is a HDMI switch for under $40.
It's a two position HDMI/DVI switch thast uses mechicanal switching (NOm remote control) and has a DVI AND a HDMI input/ output. Actualloy it is a 4x2 switch as the DVI & HDMI have separate paths, you can cross connect them. IOW's it's not an adapter, you can't have a HDMI input on one and a DVI input on the other.
Here is the top view;
You can get it here;
http://www.markertek.com/Product.asp?cat=VIDEOEQUIP&subcat=&prodClass=VASWCH&search=0&off=0&baseItem=DVIAB%2D1
It's also available fron Centronics;
http://www.centronics.com/contact.php
mjones73
10-05-2005, 10:28 AM
Looks like you can't direct link to the Centronics page.. They want $60 for it though.
videobruce
10-05-2005, 09:00 PM
Link is ok. They have no listing on line of the product. That was the best I could do.
That price is retail. Dealer is much less. :whistle:
mjones73
10-05-2005, 10:08 PM
Check Products, Audio/Video Accessories...
videobruce
10-06-2005, 08:02 AM
I was refering to Centronics.
Ratman
10-06-2005, 10:19 AM
So was mjones73...
mjones73
10-06-2005, 10:42 AM
Yeah so was I :rolleyes:
videobruce
10-06-2005, 08:28 PM
Golly. :wow:
It wasn't there 2 weeks ago. That's not dealer cost BTW.
cygnus7070
10-09-2005, 01:45 PM
Has anybody have any experience with this product? I am in the market for a switcher but would rather not spend $250 for a Gefen product.
Gregg
Covetous3
11-17-2005, 07:00 PM
I'm an Applications Engineer for a digital video technology supplier, and I tested this unit for possible OEM purposes.
The approach they take (a simple passive electronic switch) rather than the standard (using DVI/HDMI receiving and transmitting chipsets) is very simple and inexpensive. The problem is the fact that since the board is bare and the signals still must travel over the leads, you run into major signal degradation. There is a problem with intrapair skew and the leads on a PCB (Silicon Image wrote a whitepaper about this a few months back). Without the receiving and transmitting chip, it adds a great amount of insertion loss to the system.
Basically, if you have a system with a relatively short run of cables, this is a cheap solution for DVI/HDMI switching. I agree that these products are overly expensive from most suppliers as is.
videobruce
11-18-2005, 11:36 AM
since the board is bare and the signals still must travel over the leads, you run into major signal degradation. Is it THAT much a issue with the size of the board and the fact it is passive with NO active electronics or voltages around it?
Maxpower
11-22-2005, 12:58 AM
WOW as usual VB you've come through! jo
Kal Rubinson
11-22-2005, 09:46 AM
Is it THAT much a issue with the size of the board and the fact it is passive with NO active electronics or voltages around it?
The proof of the pudding is in the eating. I've read both positive and negative reports so one should make sure of return privileges before buying.
Kal
videobruce
11-22-2005, 11:53 AM
WOW as usual VB you've come through! jo Thanks. I thought it was a winner when I saw it. As far as negitives, for $40, big deal............
JohnnyG
11-22-2005, 12:33 PM
I seem to remember that passive switches were not "officially" allowed for HDMI (no logo certification would be granted). But I guess if it works for you, then it works. My guess would be your odds are about 50/50.
videobruce
11-22-2005, 12:58 PM
It's already been reported that this DOES work. Why shouldn't/wouldn't it? It's just a switch.
Sounds as you would rather pay, what, CND$300 for that overpriced remote switch?
JohnnyG
11-22-2005, 01:16 PM
Honestly, I'd rather plug and unplug. Not much difference really, but it depends on how your gear is set-up.
DVI/HDMI is a very high-speed connection and it requires tight tolerances. That pricey remote switch is actually a repeater, too.
