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HDMI & Gefen Switch Box

944 Views 13 Replies 8 Participants Last post by bkushner, Feb 22, 2005

gq91355

Discussion Starter · Feb 16, 2005

I just connected the Gefen 2x1 HDMI switch box to my system, so I can run both the HD Tivo and the Denon DVD-3910 thru HDMI.

Ever since the connection, every time I toggle through the resolution options on the HD TiVo (i.e. 480i-1080p), I get full screen snow, lasting anywhere from 1-5 seconds. Prior to the Gefen box, I was getting the momentary flickering screen when switching resolutions, but nothiing like all this snow!

Any ideas as to what might be going on here, and are there any other Gefen switch box users experiencing this?

Thanks.

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markrubin

· #2 · Feb 16, 2005

The Gefen switch box is looking for an HDCP handshake every time it loses the signal

I notice similar issues with Gefen HDMI products: I think any external HDMI switch device may do the same thing

also notice an HDMI handshake seems to take longer than with a DVI connection (there should be no difference?)

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dsmith901

· #3 · Feb 16, 2005

The problem IMO is Geffen has no competition on consumer HDMI switchers and so no reason to improve their products, which are overpriced to begin with.

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markrubin

· #4 · Feb 16, 2005

Quote:

Originally posted by dsmith901
The problem IMO is Geffen has no competition on consumer HDMI switchers and so no reason to improve their products, which are overpriced to begin with.

in all fairness:

HDCP is a complicated protocol and Gefen put a lot of R&D into making a line of devices for it: look at other devices (e.g. HD Tivo) with HDMI problems

when Gefen's first DVI switch was released and advertised as HDCP compatible, I tested it and found it did not work: they came up with a fix and exchanged my unit: they have always been responsive to resolving problems with their designs

Many of the problems are due to the complexity of HDCP and the HDMI connector which is undergoing a redesign (adding a locking collar to ensure it does not come loose)

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Minge

· #5 · Feb 16, 2005

I have this very same set-up between my HD Tivo and my Pioneer Elite DV-59avi feeding my Sony projector and it works as advertised with very little hesitation what so every. I am very pleased with the performance.

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Ken Ross

· #6 · Feb 16, 2005

Quote:

Originally posted by markrubin
The Gefen switch box is looking for an HDCP handshake every time it loses the signal

I notice similar issues with Gefen HDMI products: I think any external HDMI switch device may do the same thing

I also notice an HDMI handshake seems to take longer than with a DVI connection (there should be no difference?)

I agree with Mark. I can't understand why there isn't the same prolonged handshake for a DVI connection that is copy-protected. You would think it would be exactly the same.

I'm also wondering if the long handshake I experience with my Fujitsu P40 (a good 5 seconds) is unique to Fujitsu or do other displays connected via HDMI do the same thing?

Gq, do you notice this same lag when switching from 720p to 1080i and back? I'm waiting for the arrival of the 4-way Gefen HDMI switcher.

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gq91355

Discussion Starter · #7 · Feb 16, 2005

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Ross
I'm also wondering if the long handshake I experience with my Fujitsu P40 (a good 5 seconds) is unique to Fujitsu or do other displays connected via HDMI do the same thing?

Gq, do you notice this same lag when switching from 720p to 1080i and back? I'm waiting for the arrival of the 4-way Gefen HDMI switcher.

Ken,

The prolonged handshake happens when switching throughout the 480-720-1080 resolution options. Fortunately, I live within a half hour of Gefen (I walked in to buy the switcher), so it's not that big a deal to swap it out, if necessary. However, if this is something that can't be fixed, I need to step back and decide which is less convenient: dealing with the snow or getting up and manually switching the HDMI cable if I decide to return the box.

As an aside, I neglected to mention that the remote does not work - from 15' to as close as 2"! The light goes off and on when I press 1 or 2, so it doesn't appear to be a battery issue, but there's no switching of inputs. Has anyone else had problems with their remote?

Thanks,

GQ

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Rabushka

· #8 · Feb 16, 2005

How do you switch the audio? I have a Set top box and a DVD player both with DVI outputs. Is anything made that switches both DVI and analog audio?

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gq91355

Discussion Starter · #9 · Feb 16, 2005

Quote:

Originally posted by Rabushka
How do you switch the audio? I have a Set top box and a DVD player both with DVI outputs. Is anything made that switches both DVI and analog audio?

I believe Gefen makes an alternate 2x1 HDMI switch box, for $100 more, that also switches audio:

Gefen 2x1 Digital Audio Switcher

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bpchia

· #10 · Feb 16, 2005

1. I am about to buy an HDMI switcher, does the snow only last 5 seconds and then everything is fine?

2. Is there any noticeable difference in image quality between switcher and direct connection?

3. I have a Screenplay projector which accepts DVI through M1 are there any HDMI to M1 cables available?

Thanks for any help, Ben

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bkushner

· #11 · Feb 17, 2005

Quote:

Originally posted by Rabushka
How do you switch the audio? I have a Set top box and a DVD player both with DVI outputs. Is anything made that switches both DVI and analog audio?

I bought an INDAY Digital Audio switcher. No problems with my 2X1 Gefen HDMI switch...It and the remote work fine.

Brian

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gq91355

Discussion Starter · #12 · Feb 17, 2005

Quote:

Originally posted by bpchia
1. I am about to buy an HDMI switcher, does the snow only last 5 seconds and then everything is fine?

2. Is there any noticeable difference in image quality between switcher and direct connection?

3. I have a Screenplay projector which accepts DVI through M1 are there any HDMI to M1 cables available?

Thanks for any help, Ben

I took mine in for an exchange today. There appears to be some improvement and at least the remote works...so far. The Gen Mgr at Gefen was very helpful and willing to work with me. As far as your questions:

1. The snow effect is inconsistent, both in terms of how often it happens and in the length of the delay. Granted, I've only been using it for a couple days. I was really concerned when I turned on the plasma for the first time this morning and the snow was already there! It could've been there all night!

2. Again, insufficient time with the switcher. I also just got my plasma ISF calibrated yesterday so I'm really focusing in on the "new look" and whether I like that or not.

3. I don't know. I would recommend calling Gefen direct on that HDMI to M1 issue.

GQ

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Rabushka

· #13 · Feb 17, 2005

Originally posted by Rabushka

How do you switch the audio? I have a Set top box and a DVD player both with DVI outputs. Is anything made that switches both DVI and analog audio?

------------------------------------------------------------------------

I bought an INDAY Digital Audio switcher. No problems with my 2X1 Gefen HDMI switch...It and the remote work fine.

Brian

I want to switch analog audio. Two RCA cables for stereo. All I see are digital audio switchers

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bkushner

· #14 · Feb 22, 2005

Quote:

Originally posted by Rabushka
Originally posted by Rabushka

How do you switch the audio? I have a Set top box and a DVD player both with DVI outputs. Is anything made that switches both DVI and analog audio?

------------------------------------------------------------------------

I bought an INDAY Digital Audio switcher. No problems with my 2X1 Gefen HDMI switch...It and the remote work fine.

Brian

I want to switch analog audio. Two RCA cables for stereo. All I see are digital audio switchers

Inday has a great A/V switcher that will work with RCA cables.. I have one as well.

AV4X-R

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