Solution for XMC1 and Comcast X1 (and other HDMI problems)
May 8, 2020 16:30:07 GMT -5
cyyyr05 likes this
Post by sluggoaudio on May 8, 2020 16:30:07 GMT -5
I have an XMC1 with the v3 HDMI board, running FW 15.5. I’m also using a Logitech Harmony Elite to control my rig. The cable box is a Pace/Comcast X1, and unlike other sources, it doesn’t sleep or turn off. About 25% of the time, sending a “Watch TV” command will result in audio working, but with the LG B6 only displaying the screensaver. Eventually, I found that unplugging and replugging the X1’s HDMI cable would reliably restore the picture (as opposed to switching inputs on the XMC1, which was hit or miss).
I’ve figured out a way to automate the process that’s resulted in trouble free operation. The trick is to use a IR controlled HDMI switch (in series with the X1’s output) to briefly disconnect it and force a handshake. I used a Kinivo 301BN 3 into 1 switch ($33 Amazon) which is explicitly supported by the Harmony Elite. I reran the setup procedure for the Harmony’s “Watch TV” activity and I added the switch to the startup program for the X1. It’s the last step in the chain, and it switches to input 1 every time the cable box is selected. I added a 2 second delay just in case, but it may not be necessary. You’ll need an extra AC outlet for the switch’s wall wart, and you’ll need to locate it so it sees the Harmony Hub’s IR flasher. Also, note that the Kinivo box will do the switching even with only one input connected. It will still briefly disconnect and reconnect, and that’s the key.
If you have a Harmony remote and are having problems with flakey HDMI handshakes, this technique should work with other sources. Even without a remote, you could still have an “emergency” switch for problematic inputs that you can push to avoid going behind your rack and pulling cables.
I’ve figured out a way to automate the process that’s resulted in trouble free operation. The trick is to use a IR controlled HDMI switch (in series with the X1’s output) to briefly disconnect it and force a handshake. I used a Kinivo 301BN 3 into 1 switch ($33 Amazon) which is explicitly supported by the Harmony Elite. I reran the setup procedure for the Harmony’s “Watch TV” activity and I added the switch to the startup program for the X1. It’s the last step in the chain, and it switches to input 1 every time the cable box is selected. I added a 2 second delay just in case, but it may not be necessary. You’ll need an extra AC outlet for the switch’s wall wart, and you’ll need to locate it so it sees the Harmony Hub’s IR flasher. Also, note that the Kinivo box will do the switching even with only one input connected. It will still briefly disconnect and reconnect, and that’s the key.
If you have a Harmony remote and are having problems with flakey HDMI handshakes, this technique should work with other sources. Even without a remote, you could still have an “emergency” switch for problematic inputs that you can push to avoid going behind your rack and pulling cables.
