Yesterday I installed a Vanco HDMI switch.

HDMISW41:

[Link: vanco1.com]

It seems that when a Rogers Netbox is plugged in it seizes control of the switch and won't allow it to change inputs, but only when using the IR remote! WTF.

Connected devices: Samsung 4K TV, Rogers 4K Netbox model CAV10242HD, Android box.

Vanco 4K 20ft cable from switcher to TV.

Both android and Netbox were powered on and showing picture.

I didn't try it with one powered off, and on the auto setting as I'm using a harmony remote and I don't want the auto setting to mess things up.

No matter what input the Netbox is plugged into that's the input that is seized. Unplug the Netbox and no matter what input the Android is on, it works fine.

Switching via the front panel selector always works. Only the switching via the IR remote has the problem.

Control was sent directly from the supplied IR remote from varying distances. Not from the harmony or through an IR repeater, although once set up, both of those things will be in use.

I tried unplugging the switch and plugging it back in. First rule of tech support!

I also tried it with the audio settings on various settings.

No IR commands work as long as the Rogers box is plugged in.

All CEC is off. The Netbox doesn't have any controls, that I could see, that I could disable.

Has anyone experienced anything like this?

This is a basic sound bar and Tv with the sources hidden elsewhere. A $600 switcher is not an option.

I'm waiting to hear back from Vanco but I'm considering either this model from Vanco:

[Link: vanco1.com]

Which is part of their Evollution series and that's typically a better product...

, or this one from Key Digital:

[Link: keydigital.com]

The customer has a 4K TV and the Rogers Netbox will supposedly provide 4K at some point so I would like to leave him ready for that.

Thanks.

Craig.

By any chance, have you looked for IR blasting around the room when the Rodgers box is plugged in? That could stop the IR from controlling the switch. I have no idea where that might come from, but it matches your symptoms.

You say "No IR Commands work as long as the Rogers box is plugged in," but you might mean none of the switcher's commands work, or you might mean none of any commands for anything in the entire room work.

If you don't know if your phone camera can see IR, now's the time to find out! It usually appears as white.

never mind, I opened the Blantons and didn't read everything

I think Blantons might be an autocorrect error. I didn't think of that but it makes me think of something to try.

I could connect the IR repeater, Stick the flasher to the IR input (cover it in tape or put it in a black garbage bag or something just for testing) and try it from downstairs.

This would control it from a room possible with no stray IR. The net box works fine via the IR repeater (Xantech) so I know it's working.

However I don't understand how an IR issue can be caused by plugging the HDMI into the switch. The Netbox was powered up for all tests, even when I had it working successfully from the supplied remote. So I don't feel it's an IR issue caused by the Netbox.

Whether we are on the right track or not I really appreciate you taking the time to reply on July 4!!!

Craig.

Unrelated to this discussion, I've had very mixed results using a "black" something to block IR. Many "black" things pass enough IR to be ineffective IR blockers. I always back my tape with some aluminum foil when I want to fully block the IR. Many times I'll tape an IR emitter from a control system over the cable box IR receiver and there is still enough IR transmission (at reduced range) to allow use of the native remote.

No kidding. I've experience the same. Good idea with the foil tape.

I wonder if the cable box has an IR blaster on the front for some reason? Can't see why it would only be an issue when plugged into the switcher. But maybe it's worth trying to block the front of it?

I'm personally leaning towards trying another switcher but for the price of some of the switchers, I could get a cheap AVR that passes 4K and just use it as a switcher. It would cost less.

And I figured out what Blanton's is.

Overpriced hillbilly bourbon!

...measured by the shot, right?


Yes, if you're sure there's no stray IR there. I'd first use my phone in the upstairs room to check for IR when things are connected the way that gives you the problem.

It is not ours to understand the silly-ass problems, especially when HDMI is involved, that smack us with their ugly heads. It is ours to test every circumstance, one after another, shifting only one variable at a time, until we find exactly what combination of innocent cuddly products creates a monster. And then to neutralize the problem.

It wouldn't have been working successfully from the supplied remote if it hadn't been powered up.... :->

I don't feel it's a problem caused by the Netbox either, unless it's caused by the Netbox when you connect it to the switcher... in that case, it's properly called "caused by the system of this Netbox and this switcher." That would be: Neither thing causes a problem. Both together cause a problem. (I'm sure we've all seen 'friends' like this!)

You're welcome.

Problem solved. I changed to a Key Digital KD-S4X1.

This after I went back with a second, higher model of Vanco switcher. Turns out that all of the switchers worked fine with the cable box connected, if the Samsung TV was disconnected form the switcher. The solution seems to be not to use a Vanco switcher with a Samsung TV (at all?). Switching to the Key Digital made everything work just fine.

Craig

Heck, there's a waitlist for it at my local ABC Store...What could be better than a Blanton's over ice...? Do tell.

I would be more inclined to go with "Do not use Samsung [anything]." :)

Oh man. I would love to be able to completely shut out certain products or Manufacturers. I can do this with some things, like receivers, Onkyo for example. But people love Samsung. It's all over the place. This guy wanted a 70" and there isn't that much out there.

I see your smiley so I presume you were saying that tongue in cheek, but man I wish you were right. This stuff is frustrating. For the client who's system wasn't working right, for me putting in extra time I don't have (and money - I gave the guy a break on some of the extra time.), for my very gracious wholesaler where I was buying/returning/exchanging product he had brought in. Hmmm. Seems everyone but Samsung lost something here.

Oh and a big shout to PM in Mississauga. By far my favourite place to deal with. Best service and support out of the four that I deal with.

Craig

Where do you get a 70" Samsung - discontinued...

Need a 60" Samsung, also discoed.

Sorry, it was a 75". UN75MU6300. Nice TV actually.