Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems HD MAX 421

Ok, I am going to breakdown and get an HDMI switcher. Besides the convenience of using MConfig to do the synchronizing it with the 861, is there a good reason the get the M product over another brand? How much is a HDMax 421? What are some of you guys using for HDMI switching? Finally, is the HD Max future proof with firmware upgrades?

Rafael

My guess would be NOT in that it is my understanding that the silicon for HDMI 1.3/2.0 does yet exist and, as such, I would not "bet the farm" that the HDMAX could be moved to the 1.3/2.0 standard simply through a firmware upgrade...

I await the response from those more knowledgeable than me...

IIRC is it ~ $750, but does equalization to enable you to have longer cable lengths. But then so does the switcher from www.monoprice.com at $150

From what I've read on www.avsforum.com\'s HD-DVD forum, there are quite a few who are successfully using the Monoprice switcher. I use their HDMI cables (25' into a DVI input projector) without issue. Fantastic prices and nicely built cables.

I am not sure if HDMI versioning affects switches like the HDMax. It is a switch and repeater that does not have to know anything about the data formats on the wire. Much like an ethernet router/hub/switch does now have to know intimate details of the data it is routing, I don't think that HDMax would really care whether it is switching PCM or Dolby TrueHD - ie v1.1 or v1.3 data - as long as the packet format remains the same.

I don't have a farm to bet, but if I did, I probably wouln't bet it either.

Also not sure about the future but I have bet the farm (well the �425 it cost here in the UK).

The monoprice unit looks like it'll do the same job (more even given it's a 5 input device). To switch the inut looks like you get an IR handset or front button.

The 421 on the other hand has M comms ability so you can have it automaticaly switch which you change source, if you connect a M DVD player a specific input of the 421 the DVD player takes control of the siwtch and you can set the inpsuts in the DVD player menus or there's an RS232 input on the it for control as well.

Not really sure that's worth the $600 but depends on your installation requiremmnents.

Only advice I would give for purchase of either is get a sample first and try it with everything you want to use it with. I'm still chasing down a problem of certain discs not playing through the 421 that play fine when directly connected to the display.

I just ordered the 421 as I am sick of manually changing HDMI plugs. I figure the added benefit of being able to synch the unit using COMMS is worth the extra cash.

I suppose I would assume that the 421 is not upgradeable and will be replaced by either a 421v2 or(for 861 owners) an HDMI input/output card with multiple input capability. Either solution I figure is at least 12 months away - probably 18 - by which time the $750 421 will have paid for itself (plus can probaly sell it used then for around $300). If 421 proves to be transparent to HDMI version changes then all the better - although will still need to anty up for the input/output board.

Simon

Thanks for the information. I guess that I hope that M will incorporate the 421 into the 861 by having an input card that only has one input for those with the HDMax. In that way, I don't have to pay for switching capabilities that I already have. Time to sell my component switching card!

Rafael