Monoprice HDX-501 and Toshiba HD-A1

[carbonm3girl]

Hey guys! :o It's a new girl with a prob! Maybe you guys will have some feedback or information that can help with this particular clusterf*ck I have going on here!

I have the following setup:

Sony 61" 3LCD HD Wega Engine (1xHDMI)
Toshiba HD-A1 via HDMI
Scientific Atlanta HD-DVR via HDMI
Sony PS3 via HDMI
Xbox 360
Monoprice HDX-501 (5xHDMI)

I just recently got the PS3 and decided to buy the Monoprice unit for more needed HDMI inputs. I read reviews and everyone loved it, but I guess everyone didn't own the Toshiba HD-A1 and used the two in conjunction. When I connect the HD-A1 directly to my TV's HDMI, they two work fine. But, when I use the switcher I get the splash screen and the error message(<HDMI error 1>just like all the typical posts regarding this problem). So, it's obvious that the two aren't making a handshake and something isn't right. I read in the forums and it said that the FW update would fix this problem, well I have the current version (downloaded tonight via ethernet) and I am still having this problem. It's odd because I can access the onscreen HDDVD setup with the HDMI connection but when I attempt to play a movie I then receive the error message.

I have unplugged everything from all power sources and in this order, plugged my TV back up, then the switcher, then the HDDVD player, and still no luck! My PS3, my HDDVR cablebox, and my Sony HD camcorder all work perfectly via the Monoprice switcher. Any advice or information would be much appreciated. I just hate to not use the HDMI out on the HD-A1 but am looking at being forced to use component cables for the HD out (ick :rolleyes: ) to gain the additional ports on the switcher from the HDMI out on my TV. Thanks in advance!

[Mike C]

Have you tried different HD-DVD's with the same outcome or just one?

[carbonm3girl]

Have you tried different HD-DVD's with the same outcome or just one?

Yes, I have tried Apollo 13, Happy Gilmore, The Break Up, and Slither....

[tkmedia2]

I've had a similar type of issues, but not with a HD DVD player, that actually worked fine. It was the Blu-ray player that had problems.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=748771

[ATHicks]

Some suggestions if you haven't tried them already:

Make sure you've selected the HDMI output on the HD-A1 using the "V.OUTPUT" button (third from the top-left on the remote). You should see a small "HDMI" at the top of the display.

Select the proper resolution for your display (720p or 1080i) on the HD-A1 using the "RESOLUTION" button (fourth from the top-left). You should see the selected resolution on the left side of the display.

Make sure you select the correct port you're plugged into on the switch.

Try a different port on the switch and see if that works (make sure you select the one you use).

[carbonm3girl]

Some suggestions if you haven't tried them already:

Make sure you've selected the HDMI output on the HD-A1 using the "V.OUTPUT" button (third from the top-left on the remote). You should see a small "HDMI" at the top of the display.

Select the proper resolution for your display (720p or 1080i) on the HD-A1 using the "RESOLUTION" button (fourth from the top-left). You should see the selected resolution on the left side of the display.

Make sure you select the correct port you're plugged into on the switch.

Try a different port on the switch and see if that works (make sure you select the one you use).

Check, check, check, and check.... I've done all these things and more multiple times...

[Mike C]

I would unplug everything from the switcher except the A1 and the TV, set the output resolution on the A1 as low as 480p if possible to see if it is a bandwidth related issue with the switch.

[carbonm3girl]

I would unplug everything from the switcher except the A1 and the TV, set the output resolution on the A1 as low as 480p if possible to see if it is a bandwidth related issue with the switch.

Thanks for the help, but unfortunately I had already tried that. The only thing hooked up to the switcher is the A1.

[JOHNnDENVER]

Your screwed just as I am...


On my display the mono price switcher does the same darn thing even though it is stated by others that it works for them.

A true manual switcher should work for you though I don't have on yet.

Digital video connections are down right evil. :(

[hdmi4ever]

Digital video connections are down right evil. :(Digital video connections are great. It's the copy protection that's evil.

[JOHNnDENVER]

I am not so sure it is all due to HDCP in all honesty.

Quirky... I mean you black and white crush problems and other loose standards making connection issues very common.

[wjmeyer]

You may want to look at a Markertek or Octava switcher. I don't have either, but have read positive posts from users on this forum. Good Luck, links below:

http://www.markertek.com/index.asp

http://www.octavainc.com/HDMI%20switch%202port.htm

[Poolshark69]

I have the same situation but I got mine to work. I struggled it with it for two weeks.
First make sure you have Revision 2.0 of the switch. if you do not just email tech support and they will send u the proper revision. Their support is excellent.

I kept getting the HDMI ERROR 1 when I went to switch from my Sat box to the HD-A1. My last resort was to try a different HDMI cable then the one that came with the HD-A1 and lo and behold it works like a charm. So in my situation it wasa cable problem. Try switching out the HDMI cable that came with the HD-A1 for a better one.

[jamesm1]

Shark & C3GIRL: The issue can very well with the cables in combo with the switch as Shark noted. I have both the 2X and 5X (with FW 2.0) with monoprice HDMI cables (3 ft) and the setup works fine. The setup will distort the digital waveform - the longer the cable length the more the distortion - also cables, as noted. Some monitors are less robust to distortion and hence you can get errors with the "evil" HDCP

[JOHNnDENVER]

In my case I have tried all possible cable switch outs. The only thing I have not tried is making the cable from the switch to the projector the short one instead of just using a long run from the projector to the AV rack from the switch. I am going to try that today though before I send it back.


Monoprice was great though, they sent me a 35' foot HDMI to M1 cable and another switcher over night to try. The revision of the switch I have is the newer revision 2.1, are you guys sayng the 2.0 may work where this newer revision does not?

[Poolshark69]

All I know is that Rev. 2.0 works for me with a new cable to replace the one that came form Toshiba. My cable run(s) are no more than 6ft.

[JOHNnDENVER]

I may inquire about this. At lunch today I am going to try a short run from the projector to the switch instead of the long run and make two long runs, one from each device to the switch. In other words install the switch at the projector instead of my AV rack. I will call them and ask them about the rev 2.0. There could very well be something that was changed in the 2.1 that could make it not work I suppose.

[rwestley]

I had a similar issue of loosing the handshake. I added the Monoprice "Port Savers." and they solved the problem for me. It seems that the heavy HDMI cables can come loose in the internal ports of the switch or some other component. The low price "Port Savers" make a very snug connection and put less stress on the internal connectors. I have not had an issue since I installed them. I am using the following components.

1 Toshiba HD 1
2. Oppo 971
3. Panasonic 97S
4. SA cable box with DVR
5 Monoprice 5x1 switcher rev 2.0
6. Panasonic 900 projector
7. Monoprice cables and "Port Savers" on all inputs.

[pclausen]

I have a rev 2.1 5x1 switcher and have no issues switching between my HD-A1 and HTPC to output onto my Pearl projector.

However, my DirecTV H20 receiver doesn't like the Monoprice switcher. I just get a flickering blue screen. I have to plug the H20 directly into the Pearl for it to work. Interestingly, I can "hot swap" it back to the HDMI switch, and will will continue to work until I switch to another input and then go back.

[carbonm3girl]

Shark & C3GIRL: The issue can very well with the cables in combo with the switch as Shark noted. I have both the 2X and 5X (with FW 2.0) with monoprice HDMI cables (3 ft) and the setup works fine. The setup will distort the digital waveform - the longer the cable length the more the distortion - also cables, as noted. Some monitors are less robust to distortion and hence you can get errors with the "evil" HDCP

Thanks for the input regarding the cables. I have never used the supplied HDMI cable that Toshiba sent with the A1. I currently use Monster Cable HDMI cables priced at $149 each and 4 ft in length. So, I don't think that the cables are the problem.....

[ryoohki]

Thanks for the input regarding the cables. I have never used the supplied HDMI cable that Toshiba sent with the A1. I currently use Monster Cable HDMI cables priced at $149 each and 4 ft in length. So, I don't think that the cables are the problem.....

You'd be suprised, i would try a Monoprice cable, their cable work life a charm and i've seen Setup with a :

Sony XSRD, a HD A1, Cable HD box and HTPC all plugged to you're switch (the same one), all of them using Monoprice Cable and all work like a charm..

[John Kotches]

Thanks for the input regarding the cables. I have never used the supplied HDMI cable that Toshiba sent with the A1. I currently use Monster Cable HDMI cables priced at $149 each and 4 ft in length. So, I don't think that the cables are the problem.....


Well for kicks and grins try it. What's the worst that can happen, you don't negotiate the HDCP handshake and you get HDMI Error 1? Hmm, you're already there aren't you?

The price you paid for the Monsters is irrelevant.

In my experience, the HD-A1 can be way temperemental and the switch that works the best for me is the Sherwood Newcastle 2 HDMI + Component (HS-600 is the model #). I have to cascade switches, and so long as the Sherwood is last in the chain, it works perfectly with the HD-A1.

Cheers,

[Sepen]

In my case I have tried all possible cable switch outs. The only thing I have not tried is making the cable from the switch to the projector the short one instead of just using a long run from the projector to the AV rack from the switch. I am going to try that today though before I send it back.


Monoprice was great though, they sent me a 35' foot HDMI to M1 cable and another switcher over night to try. The revision of the switch I have is the newer revision 2.1, are you guys sayng the 2.0 may work where this newer revision does not?


Heck, I had the opposite experience. Although I was within my 21 day return or exchange period I was told that it was my Sony 60" XSRD that was the problem. I have the problem with both my HD DVD and Blue Ray player. Tried everything under the sun, went back and forth with monoprice for a week only to be told it was my tv at fault. Never ever ever ever ever again.

[rwestley]

HDCP sucks, It should never have been implemented. There are so many problems it is amazing that we all stand for it. It is not the Switcher it is that it is nearly impossible to get it right for all components. There have been many threads about this including threats of a class action suite. For those new to the issue there may be a few things to try.

1. Check your connections and make sure they are secure.
2. Unplug and reseat all connectors. (They can easily become loose not like the good connections of DVI)
3. Check the length of the cable and try a different one if available.
4. Try the Monoprice "port savers" I have never had a problem since I installed them and others have had similar success. It seems that the HDMI connectors can get loose often. They have 19 connectors in them and if even one does not connect there can be a problem.

HDCP and HDMI have caused problems since day 1. I previously owend a Sanyo Z2 projector and I could never get it to work properly even after firmware updates. Sanyo washed its hands of the problem. Others have reported issues with Samsung and Sony sets. I went crazy with the HD1 until I installed the firmware updates and installed the port savers. Things have been fine for over two months with no HDCP issues.

[jamesm1]

C3GIRL: Exactly as rwestley says: HDCP sucks. Go thru all the steps he suggests. The fact that you are using Monster cables doesn't matter a hill of beans, as John Kotches says. My experience in troubleshooting other systems has been with the interface between the cables and the connectors - ie for sure use the port savers. If all fails, go to the Sherwood or similar.

[rwestley]

Try the "PORT Savers" first. The make the connection very snug. I was having a problem with a cable until I installed them and my problems were solved. They also help to reduce the weight on the internal connectors. A great low cost tweak that has solved problems for me.
I bought six and the price is under $3.00 each
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240&cs_id=1024004&p_id=2891&seq=1&format=2&style=

[JOHNnDENVER]

I can't believe that could help me. I mean, I laid my A1 my BD-1000 and the switcher out on a large table and had lots of cables to swap around, including a new long run from monoprice for my projector run. Nothing could of been strained, and certainly not consistantly amoung all the cable swaps.


This switch just isn't going to work for all of us. :(

[rwestley]

John, you are probably correct since you have already tried different cable swaps. I think it will be impossible to develop a switch or any other HDCP product that will be compatable with everything. I am one of gthe lucky ones in that the Port Savers helped me. I am wondering if you might have a loose connector in the switch or as you say it is just not compatable with you components.

[JOHNnDENVER]

yeah, they sent me a replacement switch and no go either.


That darn A1 is picky and crude on it's hand shaking, I think ican only hope a manual switcher works or Tosh puts out another FW that improves it.

[Pitou]

rwestley, I have a Z2, do you know if, with the switcher, my HD-A1 could work using HDMI output?

Meaning that, the HD-A1 would handshake with the switcher and then the Z2 would also handshake with the Swicther (35' HDMI-HDMI cable + DVI adaptor), hoping that the switcher in my scenario would work.

Any comment?

Thank you.

Pitou!

[sfhub]

The only other thing I can suggest for John is to try port #4.

The 5x1 is designed using 2 3x1 switching chips cascaded. Port #4 & #5 are connected to a single switching chip.

[JOHNnDENVER]

I knew about that one and even Monoprice tech support suggested it.

These switchers just are not going to work for everybody.

[1MaNArmY]

The only other thing I can suggest for John is to try port #4.

The 5x1 is designed using 2 3x1 switching chips cascaded. Port #4 & #5 are connected to a single switching chip.


It seems that the monoprice switch is tempermental. I had handshake issues with it initially when I used input 1 then I switch to input 4 and everything has been fine since. Try input 4 or 5 for your TOS HD-A1 and see what happens.

[JOHNnDENVER]

I started out with ports 4 and 5 and have stuck with them do to the reports posted here and othe rplaces.

[bucky63]

I have both the finicky A1 and a Denon DVD-3910 and the Gefen 4x1 HDMI switcher with built in "adjustable" eq solved both problems as long as I used ports 1 and 2.

[carbonm3girl]

I also have a PS3 that currently will not work during gameplay with the Monoprice 5x1. It began working fine for 4 days without a problem... but suddenly during gameplay of any of the five PS3 games that I currently own, the video begins to flash on and off. The only remedy for this is to connect the PS3 directly to the HDMI port on my Sony TV. After nearly two weeks of using the Monoprice HDX-501 switcher, my conclusion is this... I have just purchased a $100+ coaster. It is beyond useless at this point and I would avoid this switcher like the PLAGUE!!! AT first I thought it was my HD-A1 HDDVD player, but now more than two connected devices are currently having problems while running through THIS Monoprice switcher. This was the first and last Monoprice product I will EVER purchase.

[carbonm3girl]

I have both the finicky A1 and a Denon DVD-3910 and the Gefen 4x1 HDMI switcher with built in "adjustable" eq solved both problems as long as I used ports 1 and 2.


I have tried connecting to ports 1, 2, and 3 and they will not even recognize an HDMI connection. Only ports 4 and 5 seem to be active and illuminate green when a device is connected. Even then, the HD-A1 still will not display when connected to the switcher.

[sfhub]

After nearly two weeks of using the Monoprice HDX-501 switcher, my conclusion is this... I have just purchased a $100+ coaster.
Why don't you just return it and get your money back? There is no restocking fee.

[JOHNnDENVER]

Because we need a solution, not our money back sfuhb......

[carbonm3girl]

Because we need a solution, not our money back sfuhb......

Exactly... It's not the money that bothers me, it's the principle of buying something and it not being able to perform the functions that it was intended to be used for.

[bucky63]

I think Monoplace is in a tough position. They say their switchers meet the HDMI standard but either they don't work with curtain sources or displays or are unreliability in inconsistent in performance across all sources and displays.

I think the HDMI standard is too hard to follow so not everyone interpretation is the same. This could explain why some sources and displays do not like switchers in between them.

I agree, if the problem is QC, then we want them to step up and fix it so they work as advertised.

[JOHNnDENVER]

yeah it's a drag, I still have not returned the monoprice switcher still searching for some magic answer that ain't going to come. :(

Not sure where to go from here with it. Maybe I will try the gefen. I dunno.


I really really wanted the remote fonctionality to fully simplify use of my system. But I also need switching as I only have one HDCP compliant input on my current display.

[carbonm3girl]

Hey guys! Just thought that I would give you guys an update, specifically those of you having this same problem...

I decided to unhook my pricey coaster today (aka Monoprice HDX-501 5x1 HDMI switcher) and go to CIRCUIT CITY of all places to see what they had. In stock, they had a Sima 3x1 HDMI switcher (with remote) for $199 or so. I just got home, hooked it up and what do ya know? EVERYTHING WORKS! It was never the PS3, my HD-DVR cable box or my Toshiba HD-A1 HDDVD player...it was the stupid Monoprice switcher. So, for those of you out there having the same damn problem you MAY wanna try the Sima 3x1. Try it at your own risk, but maybe it'll work just as well for you as it has been so far for me. Never again will I purchase anything from Monoprice. This wasn't a good first impression.

[JOHNnDENVER]

carbonm3girl, you are so awesome. I am giving it a try today.....

3x1 should be good for a while for me. Eventually a 5x1 may be needed though.

I am also very disapointed in the monoprice product at this point.

[rwestley]

I think some of you are being unfair to Monoprice. The problem is really with the HDCP standard. I think it is impossible to get all products to do the handshake correctly. There have been hundreds of posts about this without even using the Monoprice switcher. Monoprice has sold thousands of the 5x1 switcher and most work as intended. Many companies are not following the HDCP rules exactly so this is a reason why some may have a problem. Monoprice will take their switcher back with no questions if it does not work for you. I don't know of many companies that offer service like they do. Ask those who have had HDCP problems with Sanyo, Sony, Samsung, Toshiba, and others what the support was like. There should be a class action suite against those who developed HDMI and HDCP. It has never worked with all equipment from the start. How many firmware updates has Toshiba offered so far? Why has Sanyo washed it's hands of problems with their Z2 projector. What has Dennon done to fix their HDCP issues. Nothing will be done until a a class action suite is filed.

I am using the 5x1 with my Toshiba HD1, Oppo 971, Sony 75S & SA cable box going into a Panasonic AE900 with no problems at this time.

A final note: I realize how frustrating it is when one has had handshake issues, have problems in the past myself. I spent hours with a Scientific Atlanta cable box until they updated their firmware. I even spoke to the people from SA at the CES show last year and they told me that HDCP is very very difficult to get right. I also think some of the issues come from the internal connectors and from the poor way the cables connect.

I would also suggest the simple Monoprice manual 2x1 switcher for those who only need two sources. For those who are interested the Sima switch can be pruchased for much lower price than CC. Do a google search.

[JOHNnDENVER]

I think some of you are being unfair to Monoprice. The problem is really with the HDCP standard. I think it is impossible to get all products to do the handshake correctly. There have been hundreds of posts about this without even using the Monoprice switcher. Monoprice has sold thousands of the 5x1 switcher and most work as intended. Many companies are not following the HDCP rules exactly so this is a reason why some may have a problem. Monoprice will take their switcher back with no questions if it does not work for you. I don't know of many companies that offer service like they do. Ask those who have had HDCP problems with Sanyo, Sony, Samsung, Toshiba, and others what the support was like. There should be a class action suite against those who developed HDMI and HDCP. It has never worked with all equipment from the start. How many firmware updates has Toshiba offered so far? Why has Sanyo washed it's hands of problems with their Z2 projector. What has Dennon done to fix their HDCP issues. Nothing will be done until a a class action suite is filed.

I am using the 5x1 with my Toshiba HD1, Oppo 971, Sony 75S & SA cable box going into a Panasonic AE900 with no problems at this time.

A final note: I realize how frustrating it is when one has had handshake issues, have problems in the past myself. I spent hours with a Scientific Atlanta cable box until they updated their firmware. I even spoke to the people from SA at the CES show last year and they told me that HDCP is very very difficult to get right. I also think some of the issues come from the internal connectors and from the poor way the cables connect.

I would also suggest the simple Monoprice manual 2x1 switcher for those who only need two sources. For those who are interested the Sima switch can be pruchased for much lower price than CC. Do a google search.


Monoprice as a company gets very high marks from me, they bent over backwards to make this work for me. But I am still disapointed their switcher product won't work for me. In the end it's only wasted time and shipping costs, I am encouraged that somebody else had the same issue and resolved it with a different product, and a product that still does not cost an arm and a leg. :)

I do understand that HDMI is still a bit of a quirky connection.

[JimP]

I'm not use to being on the "works as advertised" side of things, but the Monoprice 501 switcher with version 2.1 seems to be working fine. :D :D :D :D

I've got the following connected: Pioneer 6070 plasma TV, Toshiba HD-A1, Denon 5900, Motorola 6412 DVR. I did not use the HDMI cable that came with the HD-A1 and if its of any consequence, I bought the HD-A1 about 3 weeks ago as a refurb.

The monoprice switcher only came this past Tuesday(newer version??), so whose to say where exactly the problem is that others are experiencing.

I would give special attention to the poster who said that his problem cleared up when he swapped the cable that came with the HD-A1 with a different one.

If anyone would like to know if a PS3 will work with this switcher, feel free to send me yours for comprehensive testing. :)

[rwestley]

I also suggested trying the "Port Savers" in a previous post. I don't know why but since I installed them I have never had an HDCP issue. I am guessing that they make for a snug connection. I am wondering if certain cables are slightly different and are not making the connection with all 19 pins. Someone else from another thread also tried the Monoprice "Port Savers" and they solved the problem for him. I know it seems strange but I am wondering if some cables don't seat correctly and the "Port Saver" fixes the problem. The hdcp handshake can be such a pain.

[pclausen]

I have the latest 2.1 version as well, and I'm using the best Monoprice cables on all inputs and the output, but my DirecTV H20 still doesn't like something. I suppose I can try a "Port Saver" or two, but one would think they wouldn't be needed when using Monoprice cables already?

In other threads it has been suggested that the HDMI spec calls for a max cable length of 16'. Since I'm using a 25' cable, I wonder if that could be the issue? Then again, why does my HD-A1 and HTPC work with no issues at all over that same 25' cable?

[JOHNnDENVER]

Good point, I am at 30' min on my HDMi cable to my projector.

[carbonm3girl]

carbonm3girl, you are so awesome. I am giving it a try today.....

3x1 should be good for a while for me. Eventually a 5x1 may be needed though.

I am also very disapointed in the monoprice product at this point.

I hope it works out for ya! Keep me updated! I will also be needing a 5x1 hence why I purchased the original Monoprice 5x1 switcher. But, having 3 ports that work are much better than having 5 that don't :D

[carbonm3girl]

I have the latest 2.1 version as well, and I'm using the best Monoprice cables on all inputs and the output, but my DirecTV H20 still doesn't like something. I suppose I can try a "Port Saver" or two, but one would think they wouldn't be needed when using Monoprice cables already?

In other threads it has been suggested that the HDMI spec calls for a max cable length of 16'. Since I'm using a 25' cable, I wonder if that could be the issue? Then again, why does my HD-A1 and HTPC work with no issues at all over that same 25' cable?

I had problems from the start with this switcher and was not using a single HDMI cable over 4ft. and less than $125. The problem was the switcher. I didn't change a thing, I just swapped switchers and everything worked.

[carbonm3girl]

If anyone would like to know if a PS3 will work with this switcher, feel free to send me yours for comprehensive testing. :)

LoL, :D my PS3 works great with my new Sima switch :p

[JOHNnDENVER]

Ok OK, your killing me here. I have got to get one of these and give it a go. I am not as encouraged, because you have short runs, and I have a real long run to my projector. I still have not tried putting the switch at the projector, but I am not sure that is feasable, because that would mean every device I want to hook up would require a honk'n big cable with a long run to the projector. Yikes.

PS: I am getting short on cash till I get the Monoprice switch returned as I have really enjoyed my velodyne 15" sub(s) for years but Ill be darned if one of my subs didn't go out when I truned it back on after being gone for 5 days for the thankgiving day holidy. UUHHGG I ordered two new 1000 watt amps complete with EQ, I am just going to replace the amp in both subs so they match. :)

It just goes to show, it's always something.

[rwestley]

The reason why the "Port Savers" help with the Monoprice cables and others is that the weight of the cables with the Ferrite Cores could put stress on the internal connectors causing a bad connection. The Ferrite Cores are a nice touch since they can eleminate noise but they put extra weight on the cable. The length of the cable can also cause issues. There may be problems with long cables and certain types of equipment.

[carbonm3girl]

Ok OK, your killing me here. I have got to get one of these and give it a go. I am not as encouraged, because you have short runs, and I have a real long run to my projector. I still have not tried putting the switch at the projector, but I am not sure that is feasable, because that would mean every device I want to hook up would require a honk'n big cable with a long run to the projector. Yikes.

PS: I am getting short on cash till I get the Monoprice switch returned as I have really enjoyed my velodyne 15" sub(s) for years but Ill be darned if one of my subs didn't go out when I truned it back on after being gone for 5 days for the thankgiving day holidy. UUHHGG I ordered two new 1000 watt amps complete with EQ, I am just going to replace the amp in both subs so they match. :)

It just goes to show, it's always something.

Something that may help ya out regarding cable length ... this switcher has a "signal enhance" switch on it. In the manual it states that for use of runs more than 15 foot the "signal enhance" will take care of that. Here is a link if ya want more info regarding that feature.

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Sima-3-Input-HDMI-Switcher-VS-HD31/sem/rpsm/oid/156508/catOid/-12887/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

I'm not sure what price range you like to stay in with your home speakers, but my company Schil Acoustics manufactures custom home speakers made with exotic woods, finshes, and granite. My site is up, still in the works.

www.schilacoustics.com

We specialize in in-wall speaker sconces, high end subwoofers, bookshelves, towers, and centers. Here are a few pics :) Let me know how your switcher situation works out!

Italian Walnut Burl Subwoofer
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k23/carbonm3girl/SchilAcoustics136.jpg

Gloss Black w/ granite tower
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k23/carbonm3girl/SchilAcoustics039.jpg

Gloss Black in-wall sconce
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k23/carbonm3girl/SchilAcoustics081.jpg

Gloss Black bookshelf logo w/granite
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k23/carbonm3girl/SchilAcoustics008.jpg

Tower cut-away
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k23/carbonm3girl/SchilAcoustics116.jpg

[sfhub]

Never again will I purchase anything from Monoprice. This wasn't a good first impression.
You need to do what is best for you but if you go through life and refuse to ever buy products from companies if one product they sell doesn't work for you, you will eventually have no products to buy. The older you get the more exposure you get to the percentages.

It's not like they treated you very badly through all this or refused to honor something they agreed to.

If you find something wrong with your PS3 like it has zero scaling capabilities (or something else that does affect you) does that mean you will never buy something from Sony again?

[carbonm3girl]

You need to do what is best for you but if you go through life and refuse to ever buy products from companies if one product they sell doesn't work for you, you will eventually have no products to buy. The older you get the more exposure you get to the percentages.

It's not like they treated you very badly through all this or refused to honor something they agreed to.

If you find something wrong with your PS3 like it has zero scaling capabilities (or something else that does affect you) does that mean you will never buy something from Sony again?

I have owned roughly 50 Sony products in my 23 years of living and not one, not a single one, let alone the VERY first one purchased have ever not worked right out of the box with my components. So, it's unlikely that a PS3 will not perform as necessary. Sony vs. Monoprice now?! Hmmm... I didn't post in here to get in a forum battle like some people so desperately feel the need to do. I am posting for people like me who have had a problem and are very tired of no solution. No, Monoprice didn't make me cry or throw rocks at me, but as a manufacturer of products that are meant to work properly, they failed, and that's the only point I am attempting to get across.

BTW, what is your phone extension there at Monoprice? LoL.... :rolleyes:

[sfhub]

Hmmm... I didn't post in here to get in a forum battle like some people so desperately feel the need to do.
...
BTW, what is your phone extension there at Monoprice? LoL.... :rolleyes:
LoL.... :rolleyes:

[rwestley]

If some read the rules Bashing is not allowed on the forum. Thousands have bought the Monoprice switcher with no problems. That is not to say that with the HDCP issues there could not be a problem for some. Many of us have given suggestions that sometimes help.
That is what it is all about. IF you don't like a something just return it. I have returned several Sony products because of problems including a 70S DVD player. I don't bash Sony and I continue to buy their other products. The ones who deserve the bashing are the film companies including the one owned by Sony who forced HDCP on us.

Look at the problems that others are having with HDMI/HDCP from another thread.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=757400

[carbonm3girl]

If some read the rules Bashing is not allowed on the forum. Thousands have bought the Monoprice switcher with no problems. That is not to say that with the HDCP issues there could not be a problem for some. Many of us have given suggestions that sometimes help.
That is what it is all about. IF you don't like a something just return it. I have returned several Sony products because of problems including a 70S DVD player. I don't bash Sony and I continue to buy their other products. The ones who deserve the bashing are the film companies including the one owned by Sony who forced HDCP on us.

Look at the problems that others are having with HDMI/HDCP from another thread.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=757400

Uh, thanks?

[Hibo]

I have posted a series of problems building HTPC that if you "follow the hollywood money" all lead to HDCP. The video card manufacturers can't get there drivers to work..... after 15 years of writing good drivers, software companies like Cyberlink, one of the best in video playback, has had a hellofatime getting release 7 to work with some hardware, why? Well the common thread is HD. And dont misunderstand like the rocket scientists at Fry's, the device does not have to be puting out HD to be hindered by the HDCP protocols.

The amazing part of this, is how people somehow think that all of these devices made by different companies in different parts of the world are suppose to magically work with one another. Can you conjure up a car built by with parts from say 50 different manufacturers, how would it run and how reliable would it be.

Now here comes la la land with content protection. These are the people who pray at the altar of Jane Fonda ,Michael moore and betamax. The manufacturers of hardware devices (running at gigacycles) are now having to deal with a rider on the video signal that for all we know could rival military encryption. (and please dont call the rider a "key" to make it sound benign like the thing for your front door)

And then think of the rider as a baton, being constantly passed from device to device, like in a relay race. Passing the baton is the what they are trying to do.

BTW, I just watched a STD DVD movie at 1280x720 on a 10 feet screen, and it looks pretty good.
hibo

[rwestley]

I just spent two hours getting my HDMI/HDCP to work after a power failure on Sunday. I had to unplug and replug all my inputs until things started to work. It seems that the issue was with the sequence on the AE900 projector not doing the handshake. Now things are working. Thanks for the above post. HDCP is one big pain in so many ways. The internal connectors are poor and with so many different products one slight mismatch can cause all kinds of issues. I don't know why there are not even more complaints.

Ae900 Panny Projector
Monoprice 5x1 switcher
Sony PS3 on port 5 of switcher
Toshiba xa2
Panasonic x57 receiver