Home > Consumer Reviews > 2x1 Manual HDMI Switch - Push Button - 2-Port

This product is simple, cheap, and it works perfectly with 1080P content. I was sick of rotating my 100lb plasma TV to switch HDMI outputs plus the possibility of wear and tear on the non-replaceable inputs on the TV had me worried that I may be over using them. I only have 2 HDMI outputs on my TV but I also wanted to add my PC to one of the inputs.

After reading one of the reviews I was a little concerned that it may not be compatible with my equipment but it works great. Here's the equipment I have tested it on.

TV:
Panasonic 50 inch PZ700U 1080P Plasma

Components:
-PS3 Set to output 1080P
-Scientific America 8300HD DVR from Cox Cable 1080i
-Gateway PC with DVI out. I have a cable that converts the DVI out to an HDMI out so I can plug it into the switch.

The Scientific America box is the only one that displays a maximum of 1080i content. The other two are set to 1080P and I haven't seen any issues with these three devices. The two I have connected to it now are the Cable box and the PC with the PS3 using the 2nd input from the TV. It only takes about 3 seconds to switch from one input to the other after clicking the button on the front. You can spend a little extra and get one with a remote but for me it wasn't worth it. I didn't want yet another remote control sitting on my counter so I don't mind getting off my butt to push the button every once in a while when I want to switch to the PC.

The first thing I did when I got the switch was compare the picture quality of the devices when connected directly to the TV and then again through the switch. There was absolutely no difference or loss in detail. I never see flicker or any other sign that there may be a loss of quality. The switch has worked perfectly well for me and I am very happy with the price I paid.

Added 6-9-08
Sometimes when I touch the box with my hand the picture will temporarily go black on the TV. I think it's just from the static electricity from my carpet but I can't be sure. When I take my hand back off the box the picture always returns to normal.

Well, i bought this because i needed an extra hdmi port to use with my PS3 and HD Cable reciever.

For the most part it works, but when watching TV or using the PS3 the video will frequently drop out and display a static screen or black screen for 3-4 seconds. This happens once every few minutes on the PS3 and even more when watching TV.

I've tested the cables individually and they all work fine.

Also, several times when i have touched the case of the unit there has been some sort of static electrical discharge that causes the HD reciever to flip out and power cycle itself...I'm not electrician, but that can't be good for the equipment...

So, it works with lots of problems, one star may be a little harsh, if it did'nt short out and reset the cable box it would probably still only get two. You're probably better off getting something else.

I had the Monoprice HDMI switcher for over a month. It switched between a HD satellite Directv receiver and HDMI DVD player. The HDMI switcher was placed on top of the satellite receiver. All worked fine, aside from the normal brief pause when switching between HD devices. The Monoprice requires pressing a button when making the switch. This is where the static hazard occurs. A slight, at first seemingly insignificant, static spark occurred while touching a switcher button to switch between HD equipment. The satellite receiver and TV were "on". The TV screen went blank. To trouble-shoot the problem, the "component" connections between the TV and Directv receiver showed the Directv box still worked. Also, the TV display worked when directly connecting the DVD HDMI to the TV HDMI socket. Using a different HDMI cable did not solve the problem between the satellite HDMI and TV HDMI connections. I believe the HDMI socket on the satellite receiver got fried from that small static exchange. Fortunately, my satellite service is covered with equipment insurance. Since the Monoprice switcher is not directly grounded, I suspect the small errant electrical charge needed to travel somewhere. Unfortunately, it may cost someone a new piece of equipment.

This allows me to hook up my DVD player and DirecTV HD box to my HD Magnavox LCD TV. Simple to use, simple push of a button. Very high quality.

I purchased this item based upon good reviews. When i connected it to my DVD player and satellite receiver it didn't work. It also has somehow ruined the hdmi outputs of both components. I have checked the cables on other equipment and they worked fine so i am assuming that the switch created the problem. The seller( Wholesalecables ) says it is most likely a problem with the port on the equipment which is unlikely because they worked fine before connecting to this switch. All they will do is allow me to return the part for credit. I am afraid to try this switch on any other equipment. Not good service.