MLS:

I don't see switchers as being obsoleted anytime soon.

The 421 works very well, and in combination with the 121 allows you to run very long cabling without concerns for noise. In addition, it removes a layer of integration complexity and I know in my system that's worth serious consideration smile I do wish that they would have all the inputs in a row followed by the outputs, instead of input 1, 2, OUTPUT, 3, 4.

My first DVI switch was a Gefen and it had problems with the remote. A newer version of firmware resolved that issue, however for the 4x1s they don't have the input and output on the same side. That's a PITA to deal with as you either have to mount the switcher sideways or you have extra lengths of cabling. So close, yet so far.

Yes, I've worked with both of these, as well as the Zektor 5x1 switcher. The Zektor has switching/conversion for TosLink and Coaxial digital audio on inputs 1-4, which is another one of those almost perfect solutions. If it had switching/conversion on input 5 it could be really great. Perhaps when the HDMI version of the Zektor switch arrives it will.

Anyway, I've worked with a few of the products in case you couldn't tell.

I think I'll stick with the 421 for its ease of integration into the system. Combined with the 121 it will handle copper cable runs to a practical length for almost any system requirement.

Cheers,

Surround Music Fan/Computer Geek/Curmudgeon in training.
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861v4, HD621, Panasonic BD-P55K, Toshiba HD-A35, Oppo HD990, Dish Network 622, Pioneer DV-668AV-S w/ DVD Upgrades mod, EW Fontaine II (x5), Velodyne DD-15 (x2), Seymour AV Ice blocks (x7)