Mediabridge - 3 Port Smart HDMI Switch Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have an Apple TV and Blu-ray player but only one HDMI port on my TV and I was getting tired of manually swapping the HDMI cable between the them. I was also worried that over time the HDMI cable/port would degrade from the constant handling so I began hunting for a HDMI switch.
After comparing HDMI switches, I finally decided to go with the 3 port HDMI smart switch from Mediabridge. My main reason was based on price and the reviews. I'm very happy with this device (I don't usually go through the trouble of writing reviews so that says something)! It's not as expensive as a lot of the others I found and does exactly what I need it to do. It's compact and silent so I can discretely tuck it behind my TV with the rest of the cables and doesn't require an external power source (yay one less cable).
It includes an IR receiver and remote to manually switch between the 3 ports but it's a 'smart' switch so I was happy to discover that I didn't have to bother with using those accessories since it switches between my devices automagically. Apple TV owners will discover that it constantly outputs a signal (even if you put it to sleep), so the switch will constantly make the port the Apple TV is plugged into the active port. I put my Apple TV on port 3 and my Blu-ray player on port 1. When I power up my Blu-ray player, port one automatically becomes active without any intervention from me. After I power down my Blu-ray player, the Apple TV resumes making port 3 active. I love how it seamlessly switches between the two without me needing to do anything. The only caveat is I have to power on/off my Blu-ray player, which I do anyway so not a big deal. The switch also has a button on it you can press to cycle between the different ports if you need to, but as I already mentioned it switches automatically for me so I don't use that feature.
I'm also very happy with the video and audio quality I get with using this switch. It claims to have full HD 1080P Support and supports HDMI 1.3 which I can't verify since my TV only supports up to 720p but I can say that I have not noticed any degradation in video or audio quality while using it.
Keep in mind that you may need to purchase additional HDMI cables as none are included with this switch. You need one cable from the switch to your TV and an additional HDMI cable for each port you use on the switch. I picked up 2 Mediabridge HDMI cables for about $10 each with my order and they work great with my setup.


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Logitech Harmony 510 Advanced Universal Remote Control Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)My biggest problem was I had both a DVD player and A Blu-Ray player. I couldn't find a universal remote that would operate both, and most of them wouldn't operate my Blu-Ray at all. I knew that the Logitech remotes would, but I was hessitant to buy one because of the bad reviews that other harmony's have gotten. I haven't had this remote a long time but so far I've had no trouble.
The 510 not only operates both my DVD and my Blu-Ray independently, but has the ability to control all of the buttons that are on the original remotes. Thus making it so I don't have to go looking for my original remotes because I might find my self needing a key that this one won't perform. I'm now able to store away my other remotes.
Set up was actually easier than expected but still took a while. This is my fault. If you know how you want things set up it's fast and easy. The key is to make up your mind before you start. And, once you get esed to it navigation is quite simple.
However I do have three things I don't like about it.
1. It can only control 5 devices. Fortunatly for me I only need one that controlls 5. But, if i have to add another device, I'm stuck. I didn't get the one that controls more because I've read about too much trouble.
2. I don't care for the ergonomics. There's nothing wrong with the shape until you get to the bottom of the remote. There are four open buttons that can be assigned however you want. But, I need to use both hands to push them without the remote falling out of my hands. Now, even though this is trivial. it's still an issue
3. The help button. This is nice. It is used when something didn't work properly. When you push it. The remote will ask you a series of questions, and then fix the problem. Sounds simple enough, So what's the problem? The problem is I have to use it way too much. This remote would be most effective if it would do all that it should without needing to innitiate correction.
Over-all it's a great remote. And, even though it's not perfect, it's still the best remote I've ever had. But, because I believe there is still room for improvement I'm only giving it 4 stars instead of 5. But really it should be 4 and a half.

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Logitech Harmony 510 Advanced Universal Remote 915-000082 Universal Remote Controls

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