[iguanajm]

Not really sure where this post goes. I did many various searches, but wasnt really able to find any answers....


I want to know if a dvi switch for computers will work perfectly fine with various components (ie. dvd player, hdtv receiver, etc). If you guys go to froogle and do a search on kvm dvi switch, the cheapest 2-port shows as $70 and a 4-port goes for $130. That is WAY cheaper than what these A/V "specialized" switches go for, and they all may have the same internals. First, its a purely digital signal, so there should be no issue with the electronics passing that signal. Second, all a switch is, is a pass-thru device, so its not that complicated. Oh, one other thing- I do know that these cheaper switches require an external power supply, so that will bump the price up, and another thing is that these are manual switches - meaning that there is no remote and you would have to physically toggle between components. Also the 2-port switch by linkskey will not autosense thru the dvi port.


I will be picking up a dvd player and a OTA hdtv receiver and in the future, I may go with Voom, so I'll definitely need the switch.


What do you guys think? Once I get everything, I probably will test one of these cheapies and post the results. Also what is the correct forum that this needs to go to?

 

[Mr. Biggles]

Theres a simple reason why the more expensive switches cost more. HDCP compliance. You'll need it.

 

[iguanajm]

i should do some research on hdcp, but this is a signal like anything else. All a switch is is a pass-thru device, so i'd assume hdcp passes as well. I should hurry up and buy everything to test it out.

 

[brianmurphy]

If this Linkskey is not recommended for HDTV, what would you recommend that doesn't cost over $200?

 

[Ledzep77]

DVB318


I was thinking about a switch myself until I found the Zennith DVB318 DVD player that upconverts to 1080i via component input. I have a STB hooked up to my dvi port and the DVB318 hooked up via component and everything looks good. The DVD player cost wise wasn't much more than the switch would have been.

 

[iguanajm]

the LG 3510a is a OTA hd tuner and dvd player in one with a dvi out. I'm not sure if linkskey is or is not recommended. no one has tested it! i or someone should check compusa or some other computer type store with a 30day money back guarantee and test a computer dvi switch out.


i dont think the dvb318 is the optimum idea. using component connections introduces unnecessary D/A A/D conversions.


the other option i'm exploring is building an HTPC. This would serve as my DVR/PVR (whats the difference??), dvd player, and hdtv tuner. Still wont solve the problem if i go satellite, but that probably wont happen anytime soon.

 

[oferlaor]

BTW,


just got a note from Kramer electronics that they're coming out with new DVI switches. Might be worth it to check them out.

 

[jb510]

I think I'm in the same boat as iguanajm.


I'd like a DVI Switch and HDCP matters to me, but an IR remote does not. I don't flip back and forth between my DVD player and STB frequently enough feel the need for a remote. I'll gladly walk up and manual switch it before/after I sit down to watch a DVD. I just don't want ot be swapping cables every time...


Anyway I notice something on Pacifc Cables Web Site

which "warns" against DVI Selectors vs. a true DVI Switch.


I'm not too worried about amplifying the signal for a long cable run since my display is on top of all my components. My cable runs are 1 to 2 meters tops... so I'm not too worried.


However, I can't even FIND DVI selectors? Has anyone used one? found one? heard anything about one?

 

[jahlion]

I like Gefen products the best. They just came out with a new line of HDMI/HDCP compliant hubs, switches and extenders. They are a little pricey but I never pay retail price. Check out www.gefen.com and then go on eBay.

 

[jb510]

The Gefen 2x1 HDTV Switcher and 4x1 HDTV Switcher look promising and are much cheaper ($249 and $349 with 2/4 DVI cables included) than the older switches were.


I'd still like to find something cheaper... manual is ok... or ideally a reciever with DVI switching built in.


No the $4k Sony STR-DA9000ES is not an option!


The only upcoming receiver I've heard about is the Outlaw Audio 1070 which isn't expect until the end of the year at the earliest.


Anyone heard of any other upcoming receivers with DVI swtiching?