| Reviews : Psyclone PSC47 HDMI Switch Switcher |
Technical Details
- Four 1.3 HDMI inputs and one output
- Four digital optical audio inputs and one digital optical audio output
- Customizable LCD display for individualized input titles
- Standard component sized steel chassis with brushed aluminum front panel
- Gold plated HDMI connections
Product Description
Do you find yourself running out of HDMI inputs on your receiver or HDTV? If youre like me, then the answer to that question is probably a resounding yes. The coming of HDMI greatly simplified home theater systems by combining the video and audio (and control) signals into a single cable. However, this simplicity also brings a problem to consumers. As more and more devices embrace HDMI, were running into a problem of a limited number of HDMI inputs on receivers and HDTV sets. You could get around this by buying a high end A/V receiver with four HDMI inputs but these receivers are typically rather expensive. Could we solve this by connecting to an HDTV? Problematic there also as many HDTVs only have one or two or at most three inputs. What do you do then when you have an HDMI enabled cable box, PS3, and Xbox 360 and you only have two HDMI inputs to work with? You add an HDMI switch into the picture of course.Features of the Psyclone PSC47 include the following:
Four 1.3 HDMI inputs and one output
Four digital optical audio inputs and one digital optical audio output
Customizable LCD display for individualized input titles
Standard component sized steel chassis with brushed aluminum front panel
Gold plated HDMI connections
Measures 411 mm x 242 mm x 50 mm
Small remote control
The PSC47 is a unique HDMI switch in that it comes with four optical audio inputs (TOSlink). This is especially useful if you have an older receiver that doesnt have any HDMI inputs but does have optical audio inputs.
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Customer Reviews
By LarryMcJ (VA)
I researched all the HDMI switches I could find, but since this was the only one I could find locally (BestBuy) I purchased it...and I'm so glad I did! This is the only HDMI switch available that also has a 4-port optical audio splitter as well, which is very convenient since many receivers have only one optical audio input. An unnecessary, but nice bonus, is the ability to re-label the disply, so instead of INPUT1, INPUT2, INPUT3 and INPUT4 you can have TV, APPLE TV, DVD, or whatever you want displayed.
I'm not one who likes a lot of unnecessary lights on my equipment, especially bright ones, so I was very pleased with the auto shut-off of the display after a few seconds...very thoughtful feature, and it comes back on whenever the unit is activated by the remote or front buttons. The unit also is perfectly compatible with all the Harmony remotes, so it can be integrated into my audio/video activities to turn on or shut off whenever I desire. Also, it is the same width as all rack-mounted audio/video equipment, so you can stack it however you want...the case is very sturdy and with no need for heat dissipation, there are no holes or grilles to worry about covering.
Considering the PCS47 costs only about $50 more than a typical three input manual or auto HDMI switch, I think it's well worth it, especially considering the extra features you get.
The only CON in the deal is support, which hopefully won't be needed. Psyclone is one of today's typical companies that hides behind a website devoid of any way to contact them other than email, but we all should be getting used to that with most products today.
By Bass Cadet (California)
This is a simple solution to a nagging problem: not enough inputs on my HDTV and AV receiver. The problem is really more complicated than that: I have an old rear projection HDTV that has a single DVI input and an old AV receiver that does not have HDMI inputs at all. I was getting along by routing signals--HDMI, component, and optical audio--all over and setting up a Harmony 676 remote to control everything. It works but is very user unfriendly. If one of the setup signals is blocked, the system would be a mess and my wife would call me to "fix the TV." Clearly, leaving the TV and receiver in a default mode and switching inputs is the way to go.
Enter the Psyclone PSC47. This may be the only HDMI switch that also switches optical audio, too. People who only need to add additional HDMI inputs will probably find that the other HDMI switches are smaller and cheaper and are all that's needed. But for those who also need to switch optical audio, this is a godsend. It's set up so that the HDMI and optical audio from each device are sent to the switch. The HDMI output is then put through a DVI adapter connected to the TV. The optical audio is sent to the AV receiver. That's it. It's simple and works. I've been leaving the PSC47 on, but it could be switched on with the AV receiver.
This system also allows names to be added to the different inputs. It's a little painful entering all the characters but is worth the effort when finished. This system works similarly to the Psyclone PSC01, which is a component video switcher I use to switch among different gaming systems (Wii, V.Smile, and V.Smile Baby).
There really aren't any negatives. The display lights up but then turns dark after a few minutes. Some may prefer it to always remain on. The gain on each input is adjustable but I haven't needed to change any yet. Definitely recommended if you require optical switching. Worth getting if under $50 for those who only need to switch HDMI signals.
By J. Tsai (Bellevue, WA)
This is a good product. It is compatible with 1.3a, and provides some abilities to customize the unit. If the unit doesn't give a clear picture, try adjusting the gain. I'm using this until I get a receiver that has more HDMI inputs...
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