HDMI/Optical Switches

[tusk]

Apparently the only people that want to do HDMI and/or Optical switching or those that are rich? It's amazingly hard to find anything good that isn't $600 or more.

The one thing I've come across that looks promising is at the following link:

http://www.supermediastore.com/apogee-hdmi-4x1-hifi-switcher-spdif-coax-audio-out-v1-3-full-hd-1080p.html#description

I have a PC with hdmi and optical, I have a TV with optical, I have a cable box with component and coax, and a xbox 360 with HDMI and optical.

My sound setup just won't work with all the crap I have. I need at the very least an HDMI switch that has a optical output on it. I'd prefer to just have an optical switch...that would cover everything. The only one I can find is a piece of shit plastic thing with a little knob...can't even believe how lame it looks.

Anyone had experience? seen something?

Sorry if this is the wrong forum.

[Inventive Software]

Something that might float your boat is an AV Receiver, but they are quite expensive. Why would you want to output Optical alongside HDMI? HDMI's got the audio stream alongside the video in the same cable, especially in the Xbox360's case.

EDIT: Found this, which may be what you're looking for. Cambridge Audio do exceptional receiver units. http://www.avreview.co.uk/news/article/mps/uan/1873

EDIT EDIT: Also try eBay. ;)

[tusk]

Well, mainly I just want a switch that can output optical. My TV doesn't have passthrough capabilities, so eventhough I have 4 HDMI ports on my TV and an optical out - I can't get digital sound out to a receiver FROM the TV unless it is coming from the TV...if that makes sense.

So yeah, HDMI is just fine...but I need a way to get it to my ONE input on my receiver. I use the digital coax from my cable box though, so that helps a little.

Constantly have to switch optical cable between PC and 360 though...which is lame.

[Blue_MiSfit]

try monoprice.com - they have some nice stuff

[Inventive Software]

Well, mainly I just want a switch that can output optical. My TV doesn't have passthrough capabilities, so eventhough I have 4 HDMI ports on my TV and an optical out - I can't get digital sound out to a receiver FROM the TV unless it is coming from the TV...if that makes sense.

Constantly have to switch optical cable between PC and 360 though...which is lame.

Sounds like the TV is digital-integrated, which would explain the optical-out no-passthrough.

I'd suggest getting a receiver that can take 2 optical inputs, or an optical-switcher. For the latter, I found this: http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=35241&DOY=13m4

I hope that helps.