New HTPC + HDMI switch question
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Joined: Dec 2006
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connoisseur
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OP
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Joined: Dec 2006
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Well I finally made the next big step in my HT setup and built a HTPC yesterday. I also picked up a Xbox Elite and have everything networked together along with two other Windows/Linux boxes. My first HTPC impression was that it’s way easier to build a computer today than it was 20 years ago. Everything just works, well if you remember to load the audio drivers. Choosing what to buy, however, was a real chore. Here is what I finally bought. https://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/Wis...e=htpc%2FgamingNo HD DVD player, I’m just not ready to take the plunge yet but this HTPC should be able to play HD without any problems when I go that route. I must admit that I am getting an urge to buy an HD player, projector and screen. I downloaded some 1080p clips and was quite impressed with how they looked. My Samsung DLP would still be my primary computer monitor but a bigger screen and HD would be cool. A have a question for those of you with more experience/equipment. I bought a PPA Int’l 4 port HDMI switch since my Denon 2807 has only 2 HDMI inputs. However it was a piece of junk. It wouldn’t pass the Xbox 360 signal and the remote was lower quality than a Cracker Jack toy. Does anyone know of a quality HDMI switch preferably 4 or more inputs?
3M80 2M22 6QS8 2M2 1EP500 Sony BDP-S590 Panny-7000 Onkyo-3007 Carada-134 Xbox Buttkicker AS-EQ1
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Re: New HTPC + HDMI switch question
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,654
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,654 |
Dean, hopefully someone with personal experience can reply, but I've read several reports by satisfied users of the MonoPrice switcher , besides those shown on the MonoPrice site.
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Enjoy the music, not the equipment.
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Re: New HTPC + HDMI switch question
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 315
devotee
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devotee
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 315 |
I've been hoping someone would post a shopping list for a proven htpc- at about half that price. I suppose it depends a lot on planned uses. Care to elaborate?
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Re: New HTPC + HDMI switch question
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,569
connoisseur
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OP
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Thanks John unless someone else chimes in with a personal testimonial I think that one is the ticket. One of the customer reviews even said it worked with the Xbox 360 and this one is 1/3 the price of the one I bought locally.
Dean
3M80 2M22 6QS8 2M2 1EP500 Sony BDP-S590 Panny-7000 Onkyo-3007 Carada-134 Xbox Buttkicker AS-EQ1
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Re: New HTPC + HDMI switch question
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Joined: Dec 2006
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connoisseur
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Originally I was going to build separate gaming and HTPCs. However, I decided for now it was more cost effective and practical to build a combined gaming/HTPC. When I was considering separate boxes I was considering this setup: http://www.custompcguide.com/budget_htpc.htmlSince I decided to put together a combined machine I used the following link as a starting place to make sure what I was building was HD compatible. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=710828When I planned this machine it was originally just for SD ripping/serving and gaming, but now that I’ve seen some HD clips I’m thinking about upgrading to HD.
3M80 2M22 6QS8 2M2 1EP500 Sony BDP-S590 Panny-7000 Onkyo-3007 Carada-134 Xbox Buttkicker AS-EQ1
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Re: New HTPC + HDMI switch question
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 436
devotee
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devotee
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 436 |
As far as I can tell HDMI switchers really suck right now; there's not many that'll work with all your components and there's always one thing that won't work... I'm talking about "cheap" switchers of course... I'm sure someone will chime in with a good one.
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Re: New HTPC + HDMI switch question
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,569
connoisseur
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OP
connoisseur
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Quote:
Dean, hopefully someone with personal experience can reply, but I've read several reports by satisfied users of the MonoPrice switcher , besides those shown on the MonoPrice site.
Thanks John, I ordered the 5 port version (HDX-501) of the switch you recommended and it works great. It passes the signals from the Xbox, PVR and Oppo flawlessly. It was also a listed device for Harmony remotes so it was easy to program.
I think I’m going to have to use Monoprice more often. This 5 port switch was 1/3 the price of the 4 port switch I bought locally, that didn’t play well with the Xbox, and it works perfectly.
Thanks again, Dean
3M80 2M22 6QS8 2M2 1EP500 Sony BDP-S590 Panny-7000 Onkyo-3007 Carada-134 Xbox Buttkicker AS-EQ1
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Re: New HTPC + HDMI switch question
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 118
veteran
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veteran
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Monoprice is a great place to buy from!! Works well for us Canuks also .. Have bought numerous things from them and never had an issue .. Fair prices and reasonable shipping .. Usually takes around a week for stuff to arrive in the Toronto area and I have never been hit with any duties or taxes.. Although I believe all orders were for under $100..
Avdude
Pio VSX1018,LPA-1,M60,M3,Qs8,Vp150,HSU VTF3,,Pio 5080,PS3..
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Re: New HTPC + HDMI switch question
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