5-port HDMI switch with Remote Control (5-in 1-out) Reviews

• PLAYSTATION 3

  
  By A2X0T8HIOCL0AM on 2007-01-03
  Just a note to anyone that has Playstation 3
  
  Connect your Play Station 3 to Port 5 of the switcher and it should work fine. Port 5 has been designed to work with PS3. It will not work on the other ports.
  
  
  
  

• Great HDMI switch

  
  By AHQKZEBZKY1YF on 2006-07-10
  This unit is very small, works great as a switch. I'm using it with a DirecTV HDTiVo and an upscaling DVD player. It outputs up to 1080p, and has a simple remote that lets you either rotate from input to input or directly jump to any of the 5 inputs.
  
  It's a bargain compared to the other HDMI switches, and I'm very happy with it.
  
  

• Good Product with Poor Documentation

  
  By A1ALWRON4SABLI on 2007-01-12
  I bought this switch so that I could specifically connect my cable box, dvd and PS3 to my Sony television that only has one HDMI input. I was on the verge of returning it when I saw the review below that said that the PS3 will only work on Port 5. Had I not seen that I would have returned it.
  
  The performance of the unit plus the cost definitely puts it on a 5-star level but the lack of meaningful instructions I dropped it to a 4-star
  
  

• Great HDMI Switch

  
  By A170WOKWBFAC02 on 2007-01-03
  Since this is my first experience with an HDMI switch I'm not exactly sure what the difference is between this unit and the more expensive units, other than the obvious price difference.
  
  Pro's: The unit works great and does what it's supposed to do. It is currently serving as a switch for my HD Cable Box and my upconversion DVD Player and I haven't a problem with either. Very easy to install. For those who are interested, it is on the list of devices controllable by Harmony remotes and my 550 handles it with no problems.
  
  Con's: Only one I've found so far is that you will need space for another wall wart plug in. But even that is small, compared to some other's I've been stuck with.
  
  Why pay the extra money? Get this one. I think you'll be very happy with it.
  
  

• Solid

  
  By A1EKSETIBS9ETQ on 2007-01-06
  First off it worked great and is very nice looking (small). This is the cheapest HDMI switch with 5-port I found, but also the most expense video switch I ever bought also. Component switch only run between 20-50 buck. I use this to switch between the PS3 and DVD up-converter and it is very responsive. Got quick delivery from lusopc.
  
  The manufacture is Monoprice and HDMI Switcher is just the product name. A couple of other manufactures use this same hardware, just slapping their own brand on it. My TV is a 32" Vizio displaying 1080i and see no image lost at all. HDMI 1.3 cable and switch are compatible with older version. Only the devices (PS3, stero reciever) that output that need to be 1.3 compatible. This is not like the USB upgrade to USB2.
  
  
  
  
• Used to work now is worthless
  By ADPVQ84PG7CT1 on 2007-11-16
  Worked fine until I entered the world of HD. It does not work with my Toshiba A3 or with the Sony S300 I occasionally borrow from the office. The manufacturer was helpful until I told them I bought it from Amazon and not directly from them. They then pretty much told me to take a hike.
  
  
• Solid
  By A1EKSETIBS9ETQ on 2007-01-06
  First off it worked great and is very nice looking (small). This is the cheapest HDMI switch with 5-port I found, but also the most expense video switch I ever bought also. Component switch only run between 20-50 buck. I use this to switch between the PS3 and DVD up-converter and it is very responsive. Got quick delivery from lusopc.
  
  The manufacture is Monoprice and HDMI Switcher is just the product name. A couple of other manufactures use this same hardware, just slapping their own brand on it. My TV is a 32" Vizio displaying 1080i and see no image lost at all. HDMI 1.3 cable and switch are compatible with older version. Only the devices (PS3, stero reciever) that output that need to be 1.3 compatible. This is not like the USB upgrade to USB2.
  
  
  
  
• A good product with a few limitations
  By A27D6TDARD4JZJ on 2007-04-15
  Like other reviewers, I found this to be good switch, but I've found a few limitations. I discovered that when I attached my Sony Blu-ray player to my Sony Bravia KDL-V40 monitor through this switch, I could only get a picture on inputs 4 or 5 (the screen remained blank on inputs 1, 2 or 3, but the Blu-ray player did indicate that it had an HDMI link). I had no problems getting a picture when attaching my Toshiba HD-A2 HD-DVD player on any input. I then moved both players and the switch to my Panasonic PT-AE900U projector. I had no problems getting a picture on all five inputs with either player. I don't have a Sony Playstation, so I can't do any tests with one, but it may be somewhat finicky like my Blu-ray player.
  In summary, some combinations of players and monitors may not work on all inputs through this switch. In my case, this isn't a problem, I only had two devices to hook up. Others may not find that limitation acceptable.
  
  
  
• Great HDMI Switcher-But no power button or HDMI cables!
  By A1HUPQBIXPAZ9I on 2007-06-01
  I had absolutely no problem with this HDMI 5 port switcher. I connect My Toshiba HD DVD player, a Samsung Blu-ray, an Apple laptop computer (via DVI-to HDMI cable) and still have room to connect my future HD MiniDV camcorder and HDTV Dish receiver. I connected the three above mentioned items to my Mitsubishi projector with 101" screen with excellent results. My laptop computer never displayed a better picture so clear and huge. My iphoto slide show now looks amazing and bright and part of my Home Theater System.
  
  CONCLUSION
  Pros:
  1-No visible signal Loss
  2-Inexpensive (I bought mine from one of Amazon Market seller for only $69.99)
  3-Remote Control with direct access to each input (1-5)
  
  Cons:
  1-No Power Button on the UNIT itself or the REMOTE- This means unit must remains ON indefinately.
  2-The item picture above shows an HDMI cable, but there are no HDMI cables included!
  
  
• Works well, but the user-provided picture is not correct
  By A2D2T396KJISAE on 2007-11-01
  The product works well and fits nicely with my home theater system. The Power LED is way too bright, but the channel LEDS are just the right brightness. A little black tape fixed the Power LED. :-)
  
  Be aware that the slightly misleading Amazon product title may lead you to believe this switcher comes with an HDMI cable. It does not.
  
  Also the user-provide picture of the box and contents, with an HDMI cable pictured, is for the DIGIKEY-labled version of the product, not the Monoprice version. (The DIGIKEY, for a few dollars more, includes a cable.)
  
  
• Solid
  By A1EKSETIBS9ETQ on 2007-01-06
  First off it worked great and is very nice looking (small). This is the cheapest HDMI switch with 5-port I found, but also the most expense video switch I ever bought also. Component switch only run between 20-50 buck. I use this to switch between the PS3 and DVD up-converter and it is very responsive. Got quick delivery from lusopc.
  
  The manufacture is Monoprice and HDMI Switcher is just the product name. A couple of other manufactures use this same hardware, just slapping their own brand on it. My TV is a 32" Vizio displaying 1080i and see no image lost at all. HDMI 1.3 cable and switch are compatible with older version. Only the devices (PS3, stero reciever) that output that need to be 1.3 compatible. This is not like the USB upgrade to USB2. My PS3 output to 1 and DVD to 2.
  
  
  
• Love it ! Love it ! Love it ! :-)
  By A30C3EFTH23DB on 2007-06-22
  Hi everyone.
  I purchased this "5-Port HDMI switch" from Monoprice, model # HDX-501 And man it has made my life so much more easy! I have so many products with HDMI connections on them but only 1 HDMI port. I have a Vizio 32" HD LCD TV with only one HDMI Port, DVD player with HDMI, Xbox 360 Elite with HDMI, Cable Box with HDMI and PS3 with HDMI. All products have worked very good no matter what slot I plug them in to and every products video Looks so good. (No bad effects from going through the switcher.) At first I tried a "PACE" cable box from Time Warner Cable because it had HDMI and that did not work with the switch so I went back and got the HD DVR because that was the only other box that had HDMI output on it. That one worked very good. It was a "Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8000HD DVR ". I also never have seen anyone say if the Xbox 360 Elite works good with the switch so I wanted to add my party and say it does ! YES !!!! Now on to a new stereo and Logitech remote. I have seen where people have been able to program the Logitech remote for use with the switch so I am going to give it a try on the "Logitech Harmony 670 Universal Remote" and I'll let everyone know how it went when I am done testing.
  
  
• Blu-Ray and HD-DVD Incompatabilities
  By A2HQHH50C5RJ6Y on 2007-11-24
  This unit does NOT work with the Samsung DP-P1000, DP-P1400, or the Toshiba A35 players. It will work with TiVo HD and Toshiba A2 player. If your devices are not too fussy about HDMI specs it is a stable and convenient switch.
  
  
• Did not work with my Apple TV
  By A2QDPJRVXL7P4F on 2007-11-25
  I was very happy when I received this unit by mail. I connected my DVD and Apple TV to it, but for some reason, my Apple TV did not work. I tried all settings on my Sony Bravia 46" and on my Apple TV, but to no avail. By doing further research, I found out that you need an Apple TV compatible TV switcher. So I bought the Xtreehd 4-Port HDMI Switcher by XtremeMac, which is advertised to be Apple TV compatible. It did work.
  
  If you have an Apple TV, make sure that your switcher is compatible with it before you buy it.
  
  Other than the above glitch, this switcher is really great. It comes with a remote control, so switching between outputs is really simple. It also looks nice and high tech. I do recommend it.
  
  
• excellent product., bad description.
  By AQDAU8JEK6QC4 on 2007-02-17
  i was in need of a hdmi switcher so i could only run one cable to my projector. i am very pleased with it. does exactly what its supposed to do. unlike the other reviewers my ps3 works on all inputs. this is great product and alot cheaper than any other hdmi switch, with this many inputs, out there. my one problem is the description says 5 port hdmi switch w/ remote control and cable. this led me to believe that an hdmi cable came with it. it doesnt. i thought this is why it was priced .$30 higher than monoprice.it should say and "POWER" cable. i still give it 5 stars bc its a great product.
  
  
• BUY AT YOUR OWN RISK, ITEM DOES NOT WORK!
  By A355XPINE2GES9 on 2007-11-09
  This device will not sense the HDMI signal on ports one, two or three, only seems to function on port five. I was issued an RMA and was sent out a replacement product. To my surprise the new replacement does not function on ports 1, 2 or 3 either. Kinda defeats the purpose of getting a five port switch when only one port (port number 5) functions correctly.
  
  Maybe it's the TV/ DVD combo I have I don't know, but I can say with all certainty this product does NOT work. I have a Sony HDTV, a LG HDDVD and a HTPC connected.
  
  Not worth the trouble and aggrivation, keep away from this device.
  
  
• HDMI compliance rating?
  By A1JE5I0TDVOMUS on 2007-11-22
  If only all manuf. would post their compliance ratings...sigh.
  
  Well, the HDX-501 is only HDMI 1.2a complaint. (As of ver 2.1 of the product) Just so you know!
  
  It took me a while to find this detail and I'll save others from the madness now with this post.
  
  (The rating is given only because Amazon forms requires it regardless of relevancy. I of course don't own it given what I only just found out. It does get rave reviews at AVS forums )
  
  
• Works great, good value!
  By A2QKZKDELJ1K0L on 2008-01-01
  The box works well for what I use it for - switching video. All audio goes to a separate receiver with optical or coax so I can't vouch for audio quality.
  
  The unit is very simple to set up (plug stuff in), is very small, and does the job. The included remote, a universal remote or the litle button on the front can be used to switch inputs. The included HDMI cable seems to be fine as well, I saw no picture degradation.
  
  Attached Devices: Samsung 46" DLP @ 720p, DirecTV HR20-100, DirecTV HR10-200, and Samsung DVD-HD841 upconverting DVD player. I also use a Logitech 688 universal remote which works great with it, and is the only way to fly with multiple devices.
  
  
• Outstanding Product
  By A32XHGBQCIR5JK on 2007-04-25
  If you bought an HDTV like I did and didn't think buy one that had HDMI ports for the HD satellite/cable and HD DVD player, then this product is a great solution. It works great and is extremely easy to use. Product does not include an HDMI cable to connect it to your TV so be sure to order one along with the switch.
  
  
• Unfortunately, the product did not work with my setup
  By A3J6O6IDS010XD on 2007-05-14
  Although, I am sure this is a good product, it did not work with my Plasma TV (Panasonic TH-50PX75U). I suspect that is because the Panny is a new product. I shipped the product back to the seller, and am expecting a refund, which, because I am dealing with Amazon, will be shortly forthcoming.
  
  
• Works Great
  By A2Q9OWT73TN1HS on 2007-07-08
  I have this thing set up to switch my Cox HD/DVR, LG DVD player, and Apple TV to a Panasonic Plasma TV. It is fast, and has given me zero problems. Even simple to set up to work with my Harmony remote. I have no problem recommending this product strongly.
  
  
• Now I have 5 ports!!!!
  By A2Y90I4P2QBFLC on 2007-07-30
  Like most people who purchased an HD TV I soon found out that my TV only had 1 HDMI slot. This was not a problem for me until I bought my Xbox Elite and borrowed my friends PS3. Every time I wanted to play I had to unhook the HDMI cord and plug it back into my Time Warner DVR. This was getting very cumbersome very fast. So I did some research and found many different HDMI switches in stores and on the web. The ones I found in stores were very expensive and weren't compact at all. I ran across this model and decided to buy it based on the reviews I read. It was a very smart buy. It works great with my DVR and Xbox Elite with no apparent signal loss and it's small!!! I am very satisfied with this switcher and recommend it to anyone that needs extra HDMI ports.
  
  
• great product!
  By A1GXH7E0VCEQ5Z on 2008-01-07
  This switcher is exactly what I wanted. It has made my electronic life much easier. The set up was quick and easy. Using it is so simple that a baby could do it. If you have many HDMI products and are struggling with how to connect them, this is the solution!
  
  
• Good switcher - but purchase it elsewhere
  By A14ZY8TW7LN2GR on 2008-04-17
  This is an HDMI switcher distributed by Monoprice -- if you go to their website (which is fantastic for electronics accessories) this switch is much less than the listing here on Amazon.
  
  
• Great HDMI Switch
  By A10TELUFH94K1 on 2007-10-01
  Does exactly what it's supposed to do and switching between your various HDMI inputs is extremely easy thanks to the remote control.
  
  
• Good value and works great
  By A242NHKVYIYHHP on 2007-11-17
  I got this to switch 4 HDMI devices and avoid spending over $1000 for a new HDMI switching receiver. It works perfectly for what it is. Before I get into my two quibbles, I want to make it perfectly clear that this is the least expensive, best working switch of this type I have ever found - bar none!
  
  My only complaints which are keeping it from getting 5 stars is that it does not have a remote IR sensor causing the device to have be in line of sight of the remote and the red lights (indicated the devices not switched to the output) are very bright - much brighter than the green light which shows which device is switched to the output. Way too bright to leave on in a dim room which watching TV so I had put black tape across them.
  
  IMHO it would be better to have a remote IR sensor so I could put the unit out of sight making the cabling less complicated and less unsightly and since I had to tape over the indicator lights, it might as well not be visible.
  
  
  
• HEAVY, SOLID, AND FULL OF GLITCHES
  By A2EZASXFNGPB67 on 2007-11-24
  I had to run the PS3 through the 5th port but all components
  (DVD, Dish SAT,and PS3) during use will indiscriminately go on the blink.
  The only way to get a picture back is to either power the TV off then on.
  Or you switch to another port.
  
  
• Works perfectly, includes everything pictured
  By A21H9A9VLXV8WZ on 2007-12-06
  I decided to try this because I ran out of HDMI ports on my TV and did not want to invest in a new receiver. This is a very solid product and well worth the money. To start off with, it is made out of metal, not plastic and is of very solid construction. I plugged this in and had absolutely no problems getting up and running. Currently have a PS3, a Samsung up-scaling DVD player and a D-Link video receiver (for video streaming from my computer) hooked up and have had no problems at all.
  
  The box was exactly like what is pictured, which included:
  - HDMI switch
  - Remote control with batteries
  - Power cable
  - Instructions
  - HDMI cable
  
  I do have 1 gripe, the indicator lights are pretty bright. With it tucked away out of sight (but not out of line-of-sight), the lights shine pretty brightly. Nothing some electrical tape won't fix.
  
  
• Not a quality product
  By A33AI92YH2I7LU on 2007-12-10
  This product does not work with my HD cable box nor with my HD-DVD player. It does work with my Xbox 360, but 1 out of 3 isn't enough.
  
  
• Great HDMI Switch
  By A1S4P95HAMGPVR on 2007-12-21
  It's a very small unit which doesnt take up much space. It blends in really well sitting on top of my receiver, making it look invisible. I use it with my DirecTV HD DVR. The remote control is very convenient. No more having to get up and manually switch cables. I highly recommend at least a 4 port for future use. It would have been nice to have it come with better quality HDMI cable.
  
  

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