Need some advice on HDMI & Optical switching

[eDotd]

So I've recently made some minor upgrades to my setup. I have two 24" BenQ monitors, one housing the PC, the other housing a digital cable box, PS3, 360, and a soon to be Mac Pro. The monitor with the PS3, and 360 on it only has HDMI, DVI, and D-sub(VGA) in, so I need a switch. I bought a cheap HDMI switch($30) but then felt like an idiot when it arrived and I realized it only switches the video. As it is now, in order for me to get sound I have to run either composite cables, or optical cables to my speakers (my monitor doesn't have speakers) from each device.

Basically I want to find a switch that switches both HDMI and Digital/optical inputs so I can output the single HDMI to the monitor and the single optical cable to my speakers, and then switch when needed.

Problem is I'm a bit strapped at the moment. I've looked around and found this: http://www.octavainc.com/HDMI%20swit...rt_toslink.htm

but that's about $250. I'm trying to stay around $100 if possible.

Sooooo, you guys know any cheap (but reliable) HDMI/optical switches out there? Also, am I setting this up efficiently? I think I have everything right so far but I'm just starting to venture into HD and Audio. Any help is appreciated.

[bigfnjoe96]

Re: Need some advice on HDMI & Optical switching

So I've recently made some minor upgrades to my setup. I have two 24" BenQ monitors, one housing the PC, the other housing a digital cable box, PS3, 360, and a soon to be Mac Pro. The monitor with the PS3, and 360 on it only has HDMI, DVI, and D-sub(VGA) in, so I need a switch. I bought a cheap HDMI switch($30) but then felt like an idiot when it arrived and I realized it only switches the video. As it is now, in order for me to get sound I have to run either composite cables, or optical cables to my speakers (my monitor doesn't have speakers) from each device.

Basically I want to find a switch that switches both HDMI and Digital/optical inputs so I can output the single HDMI to the monitor and the single optical cable to my speakers, and then switch when needed.

Problem is I'm a bit strapped at the moment. I've looked around and found this: http://www.octavainc.com/HDMI%20swit...rt_toslink.htm

but that's about $250. I'm trying to stay around $100 if possible.

Sooooo, you guys know any cheap (but reliable) HDMI/optical switches out there? Also, am I setting this up efficiently? I think I have everything right so far but I'm just starting to venture into HD and Audio. Any help is appreciated.

This-1 is about $150.00

The long wait is over! The perfect solution for connecting all your HD and Hi-fi gears is finally here!
The HDVioTM 8x2 HDMI switch can route 4 HDMI and 4 Optical Toslink Audio connection simultaneously. The 100% digital connections guarantee the highest video and audio quality. With the included remote controller, you can control all your AV sources at your fingertips. Guarantee fully compatible with 1080p sources, including PS3, Blueray or HDDVD players. 100% HDCP compatible. Also backward compatible with DVI interface.

http://www.htdepot.com/HDVio_8x2_HDMI_Optical_Switcher_p/hdts82c.htm

[eDotd]

Re: Need some advice on HDMI & Optical switching

My friend actually linked me to the exact same thing right after I made this thread. I think I'm going to go with that. Thanks Joe.

Another quick question: Is it better to have separate switches? Will I lose quality or something by having everything in one?

Also, I've read that you shouldn't go the cheap route (cable/wiring wise) when using a switch. I know that Monster cables are great but their a bit to expensive for me. Can you recommended any other reliable cables other, and more importantly, cheaper than Monster cables?

[bigfnjoe96]

Re: Need some advice on HDMI & Optical switching

My friend actually linked me to the exact same thing right after I made this thread. I think I'm going to go with that. Thanks Joe.

Another quick question: Is it better to have separate switches? Will I lose quality or something by having everything in one?

Also, I've read that you shouldn't go the cheap route (cable/wiring wise) when using a switch. I know that Monster cables are great but their a bit to expensive for me. Can you recommended any other reliable cables other, and more importantly, cheaper than Monster cables?

There is nothing wrong with having separate switches. I personally would recommend separate switches because with all in 1's if 1 of the features fails the device is basically useless.

www.monoprice.com is a great site for reliable cables & switchers for a cheap price. I order from them as do many of the OS Members. I have never had a problem with any product I've ordered from them. This includes 1.3 HDMI Cables.

Give them a look. You could probably get a HDMI & a seperate OPTICAL Switcher for much cheaper than the all-in-1 I link before

[GAMEC0CK2002]

Re: Need some advice on HDMI & Optical switching

Another thumbs up on monoprice.com

Have never had a problem with any of their cables. Just be sure to get the 1.3 HDMI cables.

[eDotd]

Re: Need some advice on HDMI & Optical switching

Wow, I never knew about monoprice. The last HDMI cable I bought was about $29.99 from Radioshack...never again.

Thanks for the help guys.

[GAMEC0CK2002]

Re: Need some advice on HDMI & Optical switching

Perhaps another alternative if you only need 2 HDMI inputs. http://www.shoponkyo.com/detail.cfm?...il=1&ext_war=1

$99 for a solid 7.1 receiver that has 2 HDMI inputs. I have the 574 hooked up with the PS3 and HD-A2...works great.

[eDotd]

Re: Need some advice on HDMI & Optical switching

Perhaps another alternative if you only need 2 HDMI inputs. http://www.shoponkyo.com/detail.cfm?...il=1&ext_war=1

$99 for a solid 7.1 receiver that has 2 HDMI inputs. I have the 574 hooked up with the PS3 and HD-A2...works great.

Says it's no longer avaliable.

Ok, excuse my stupidity but I just want to get this right the first time so I won't have to send anything back. Will this cable work? I see there are other kinds of optical cables and I want to make sure I get the correct one. (I'm going out from cable box/ps3/360 into the switch).

[bigfnjoe96]

Re: Need some advice on HDMI & Optical switching

Says it's no longer avaliable.

Ok, excuse my stupidity but I just want to get this right the first time so I won't have to send anything back. Will this cable work? I see there are other kinds of optical cables and I want to make sure I get the correct one. (I'm going out from cable box/ps3/360 into the switch).

That's the correct cable Momentous

[eDotd]

Re: Need some advice on HDMI & Optical switching

That's the correct cable Momentous

Cool. Thanks again, joe.

[bigfnjoe96]

Re: Need some advice on HDMI & Optical switching

Cool. Thanks again, joe.

NP. Keep us posted on how things turn-out