We're not entirely sure how large the market for this peculiar PlayStation 3 add-on actually is, but the Mad Catz cooling fan / 3-port HDMI switch has just been reviewed by the kids over at
IGN. Essentially, this thing snaps on and bulks up your PS3, adding in a noisy, likely ineffective duo of fans while providing a trio of HDMI / Toslink optical digital audio inputs. For all intents and purposes, the device performed just like any other HDMI system selector, with no noticeable degradation and full support for HDCP / 1080p. Furthermore, you'll find a bundled remote that can control DVD and Blu-ray playback on your console, and there's even a few cables thrown in to make you believe this thing is really worth the $79.99 asking price. According to this writeup, it's not a bad deal for those in need, but be sure to read the article in full before doing the deed.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
DrXym @ May 29th 2008 12:27PM
The PS3 doesn't need any extra cooling. An HDMI port switcher might be useful, but it seems a bit stupid to have to plug cables into the end of a monstrous PS3 strap-on, rather than some box sitting discretely behind the TV.
craig#2 @ May 29th 2008 1:36PM
Are there any hdmi switchers that can switch 3 or so hdmi inputs between more than 1 hdmi output? I have two tvs in the same room and I'd like to switch all my devices between them on the fly. Any suggestions?
thomas @ May 29th 2008 1:59PM
Take a look at Octava line of products.
http://www.octavainc.com/HDMI%20switch%20splitter_3x4.html
I have a HDMI switch from them 5+1 and it work great.
craig#2 @ May 29th 2008 2:39PM
@thomas: Nice! That particular one you showed me seems to only let you watch the same thing on up to 4 displays, but this one by the same guys seems like its exactly what I'm looking for.
http://www.octavainc.com/HDMI%20switch%203x2%20port.html
http://www.octavainc.com/HDMI%20switch%203x2%20port.html
Michael Brown @ May 29th 2008 1:36PM
One important thing to note is the IR remote for Blu-Ray and DVD playback. PS3 owners like myself who use a Harmony universal remote have been clamoring for something like this since the console came out.
With this item, you don't have to use the special PS3 bluetooth remote to control the system when watching blu ray movies. In addition, My TV has 3 hdmi ports but my audio system only has one optical input, so this is a no brainer for my setup!
thomas @ May 29th 2008 4:29PM
Hi.. About using IR as remote for a PS3. I just bought this item.
http://www.ir2bt.com/
It is a IR to bluetooth converter, so one can even turn on/off using a IR remote.
I havent had it delivered yet, but hopefully it works :-)
DavidB @ May 29th 2008 3:13PM
With it blending in to the PS3 look, and the added bonus of the remote, I can indeed see the utility in this thing. That said, I would be seriously concerned about actually using it since as pointed out the PS3 has no documented need for extra cooling and I would be concerned this thing (even if you snipped wires and disabled its fans) would increase the likelihood of a console overheat.
thomas @ May 29th 2008 4:45PM
You are welcome.. Good luck with it..
Btw: What I am most impressed with is the automatic selection of input. It works so nice that I never uses the small remote for it. Everytime I turn on a input device it changes to that port. It works so transparrent that my girlfriend didnt even notice that extra piece of equipment :-)
genaldar @ May 30th 2008 12:43AM
I recently bought a nyko blu-wave remote so I could use my harmony, a remote 3 port hdmi switch and a manual 3 port toslink switch. Why couldn't this come out a couple of months ago?
btw don't buy those over priced hdmi switches. If you just want a 3 port hdmi switch, that has an ir remote (and you can program your harmony to use it) search buy.com for one. I got mine (joylink?) for $35 or so.