Need help with HDMI switch for Tivo HD

atomarchio · 08-21-2009, 06:21 AM

I currently have a Sony 52" LCD, Sony DVD Player, and Tivo HD connected through HDMI.

I am only using TV speakers and have no interest for any other speakers at this point. As a result, I need a device that will switch back and forth from Tivo to DVD player.

Since the Tivo is an "always on" device, these HDMI switches that switch on/off automatically when powered on or off will not work with Tivo, right?

If there is an HDMI switch that would go to DVD player when turned on and then back to Tivo when turned off, I would like to hear about it.

I understand another option is remote control with an HDMI switch but I would really like to avoid this. The Tivo Glo remote is the main remote in our house and I would like to keep it that way. Perhaps there is a button on the glo remote that can be programmed to act as the remote from the HDMI switch and go from Tivo to DVD but I can't tell which one that is as all of the buttons on the Tivo GLo remote are being used.

Please help. I'm not sure what to do at this point and don't want to buy a new Sony receiver to do this.

RonDawg · 08-21-2009, 06:50 AM

If you are using HDMI on your DVD player for upscaling purposes, you do realize that it is basically doing the same job as the scaler in your TV? And unless it is a high end unit like an Oppo or Denon, or you are using a low end TV (and your Sony is not one of those), your TV's built-in scaler can do as good a job if not better than the one in the DVD player?

I mention this because the solution is a lot simpler than you think: run the DVD player through Component inputs, and run the TiVo through HDMI.

If/when you upgrade to BluRay, it's the opposite: save the HDMI port for BluRay and run the TiVo through Component. HDMI is required to take full advantage of BluRay, whereas TiVoHD will happily display its maximum 1080i resolution through Component (and without the HDCP hassles either).

atomarchio · 08-21-2009, 07:00 AM

That's actually not a bad idea but my TV is mounted on a wall above my fireplace and I don't like my chances of being able to get the component cables connected back to my TV again. I'm not sure the mount will tilt enough.

On Tivo's site, they reference the Oppo HM31 switch. Would this switch go to DVD player when turned on and then back to Tivo when DVD is turned off? I am hoping it would do this without using another remote. If so, I am fine with ordering this product from them.

Do you know the answer to that?

RonDawg · 08-21-2009, 07:08 AM

From Oppo's website, it appears to be just another remote controlled HDMI switch, so you still have to figure out a way to switch the inputs.

When the TV was installed, were extra cables attached to allow for future expansion? If not, what cables are attached to it now? If you have an HDMI and either a composite or s-video cable, use HDMI for the TiVo and the second cable for the DVD player, allowing the TV to do the upscaling. Of course this will present a problem should you ever upgrade to BluRay but that's a bridge you can cross when you actually get to it.

RonDawg · 08-21-2009, 07:12 AM

Another thing you can do is simply use a manually operated HDMI switch. That's what I use and I figure I gotta get up from the sofa to put the disc into the player anyway, so I can hit the switch at that time.

This is what I use. It's very compact and ridiculously cheap to buy, but high quality:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2

kaszeta · 08-21-2009, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RonDawg

If you are using HDMI on your DVD player for upscaling purposes, you do realize that it is basically doing the same job as the scaler in your TV? And unless it is a high end unit like an Oppo or Denon, or you are using a low end TV (and your Sony is not one of those), your TV's built-in scaler can do as good a job if not better than the one in the DVD player?

My experience is that my Sony XBR4 does a thoroughly lousy job of upscaling 480i inputs, and a mediocre job of upscaling 480p 16:9.

Meanwhile, the PS3 does a fantastic job of upscaling DVDs.

So my very limited experience is that, at least with the Sony XBRs, an upscaling DVD player is much more likely to do a good job.

atomarchio · 08-21-2009, 08:34 AM

I have been reading about HDMI switches that would automatically switch to a specific device once it's powered on without the need for a remote.

Was hoping someone could give me an idea on a product that would do this.

lessd · 08-21-2009, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atomarchio

I have been reading about HDMI switches that would automatically switch to a specific device once it's powered on without the need for a remote.

Was hoping someone could give me an idea on a product that would do this.

The TiVo is on all the time so that may not work so well, I would like to solve that (HDMI problem) problem myself.

Das Achteck · 08-21-2009, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atomarchio

I have been reading about HDMI switches that would automatically switch to a specific device once it's powered on without the need for a remote.

Was hoping someone could give me an idea on a product that would do this.

The Oppo HM-31: http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb...ighlight=hm-31

Jeeters · 08-21-2009, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaszeta

My experience is that my Sony XBR4 does a thoroughly lousy job of upscaling 480i inputs, and a mediocre job of upscaling 480p 16:9.

Meanwhile, the PS3 does a fantastic job of upscaling DVDs.

So my very limited experience is that, at least with the Sony XBRs, an upscaling DVD player is much more likely to do a good job.

Same experience here with my Samsung TV. I didn't know a standard DVD could look so good until I finally got a Blu-ray player (Sony) and played them in it.

moxie1617 · 08-21-2009, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atomarchio

I have been reading about HDMI switches that would automatically switch to a specific device once it's powered on without the need for a remote.

Was hoping someone could give me an idea on a product that would do this.

I think you will be stuck having to use a switch with a remote. My experience with an auto switch(www.monoprice.com) was that both my Tivo S3 and my DVD player were always on so it would never switch automatically. With a Harmony Remote it wasn't a problem because the switch was a device in the Harmony database.

Here is a link to monoprice on line catalog.
http://www.monoprice.com/products/su...09&cp_id=10110

SNJpage1 · 08-21-2009, 04:23 PM

What if you bought a HDMI switch with a remote and then set the s2 switch on the Tivo remote and program one of those buttons to control the HDMI switch? It would require moving the tivo between s1 and s2 positions to control the switch. Also do any of the HDMI switchs have pass thru when turned off? That would be another way of switching by powering the switch on and off.

atomarchio · 08-21-2009, 04:29 PM

I just talked to Oppo and they told their HM-31 will do this. Just placed an order with them.

Will let you know what happens next week.