Update or Augment Marantz SR19 EX

[DJT]

I am looking to upgrade the video side of my HT without downgrading the audio. My system includes: Marantz SR19 EX receiver, MK S100B LRC, MK S150THX surrounds, MK MX200 Sub, Denon 2900 multi disk player, Gen 1 AppleTV, rental cable box. TV is Pioneer Kuro PDP 5080. All of this gives me great pleasure. The Marantz receiver drives the 4 ohm MK speakers effortlessly and sounds better than any separates under $2K and many over. As much as I enjoy the audio experience, the video capabilities have fallen behind what is available today. I am looking to add a blu-ray player and update my AppleTV to take advantage of Airplay. However I am out of inputs.

My Denon and AppleTV have Component Video / Optical Digital audio out to the receiver, the cable box has HDMI to my TV with Digital out to the receiver. The Denon also has 6 ch analog audio to the receiver for SACDs (never fails to amaze me, and while left for dead 2 years ago, thank you - Wish You Were Here was released last year). The TV gets fed by the switched Component Video from the receiver and the HDMI from the Cable box (a long run - approx 30 feet). I am looking at adding Blu-ray via an Oppo-93 multi-disk player, which would cautiously replace the Denon. Good so far. But upgrading the AppleTV is what creates the issue, as Gen2 only has an HDMI output. So if I go this route I go from 2 component video (Apple TV and DVD) and one HDMI (cable) to 2 or 3 HDMI. Thus the problem. My Marantz has switched component video and does not have HDMI, and while the TV has 2 HDMI inputs, the conduit the cables run through won't accommodate another long (therefore thick) HDMI cable.

My question is, is there a simple high quality HDMI video switching solution with at least 3 inputs that can be used as sort of a video pre-amp, allowing me to keep what I love (Marantz and SACDs) but add multiple HDMI inputs that would allow me to route one video input to the TV (component or HDMI) and digital audio to the receiver? Or am I resigned to "upgrade" my Marantz to an HDMI switching receiver or separates, which will certainly be a downgrade without spending serious $$ (and with 2 kids in college, will not go over with my better half)

Thanks!

 

[Swerd]

My question is, is there a simple high quality HDMI video switching solution with at least 3 inputs that can be used as sort of a video pre-amp, allowing me to keep what I love (Marantz and SACDs) but add multiple HDMI inputs that would allow me to route one video input to the TV (component or HDMI) and digital audio to the receiver?

Will this work for you?
Amazon.com: Ultra High Performance HDMI Switcher, 3to1 Switch: Electronics

 

[j_garcia]

It is just a little older than my SR8300 that I am still using I have no problem running without HDMI. There are DOZENS of HDMI switches out there. I use an Oppo HM-31, which they don't sell any longer, and it works great. I've also used the Monoprice switches with success.

 

[DJT]

Thanks!

I was thinking something a little more robust, but that could be the ticket. My only concern would be any signal loss of the HDMI over the long run - I have an Accel HDMI splitter and have some occasional problem with audio dropouts. But for that price there is nothing to lose by trying.
Thanks!

 

[j_garcia]

How long are the runs? A splitter isn't what you want, you want a powered switch like this:

For only $25.54 each when QTY 50+ purchased - 4X1 Enhanced HDMI® Switch w/ Built-In Equalizer & Remote (REV.3.0) | Auto & Powered HDMI Switches

Audio dropouts are probably not related to the run length unless there is something wrong with the cable, because you would most likely lose video also. For a good quality HDMI cable, 30 ft should not be an issue though.

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/hdmi-cables/hdmi-cable.htm