CurtPalme.com Home Theater Forum

[WanMan]

So, has anyone bought and evaluated this 4x2 HDMI matrix switcher from MonoPrice?

I may have asked this before, but I am not sure I found anyone that has.

[beachbunnyfl]

I have had the HDX-402 Rev 2.5 since July.
I use it to split the hdmi output of a Scientific Atlanta 8300 HD DVR.
One output to a JVC DX-402 receiver and on to a KeyDigital HD Leeza and out to
an HDFURY 1 and NEC XG 110 -at 1080p.
The other output goes to an Olevia 747i lcd tv.
I also have a Toshiba HD-A3 inputted into the switcher.
My evaluation:
1) I sometimes have hdmi handshake issues w/ the Olevia at powerup-
that require turning the switcher off and on again to correct.
Sometimes the handshake is lost switching to CBS or NBC channels on the cable box-
or recoreded CBS/NBC programs!
...once again, on and off of the switcher or reselect the input on the remote.
2) The remote is small and feels fragile with a limited range-
seeming to require a dedicated 2-3 second press of the appropriate button.
3) I did have a second dvd player, an HD-A2 connected to the switcher but that just confused the switcher-
my second Toshiba player now goes straight to the Leeza via hdmi/DVI cable.
4) The NEC may switch/hunt with the NBC/CBS issues as well but usually handles it w/o human assistance!

The Monoprice box does seem to solve upscaled over hdmi (only)outputs from dvd players.
This newest model does not have overly bright leds as did it's predecessor.
I hope this helps.
Robin- a female CRT'er

[WanMan]

It does. I'm really curious as to the matrix switching (using two sources to feed two different displays at the same time).

[beachbunnyfl]

WanMan,
My bad for not covering that!
YES- it will allow that as well as one source to two displays at the same time.
The audio over hdmi in these instances seems to work fine as well.
Only one of my receivers has hdmi - I use optical or coax digital input on the older Pioneer.
The fly in the soup is the need to press and hold the remotes selector buttons until you get a link up.
I sometimes have to select an un-used input for one of the outputs-
to get it to recognize the one I really want!
Turning of the switcher for a few moments is sometimes necessary-
but I seldom have to turn off a source to get a signal lock.
It beats swapping cables but is not perfect- but it is affordable.
Robin