Others say...

"The one from Parts Express is truly Bi-directional (works as a switch)"
Buy the one from Parts Express here on Amazon. I noticed that some of the other companies have a Disclaimer stating: "This is a Splitter, this is not a switch", but not Parts Express, so if you want to make sure it will work as a switch buy the one from Parts Express. When the package arrives it is clearly labeled with a sticker that says "Bi-directional" meaning you can use it as a splitter or as a switch. I also bought it and it works for me fine as a "switch". I have both our xbox 360 and our ps3 bluray optical cables going into the 2 inputs and then I have the 1 output otical cable going into our receiver and it works perfect. It switches back and forth (xbox360 and ps3) depending on the device that you are using, i.e., depending the device that is turned on. If they run into a conflict because you forgot to turn one off or the like...all you do is turn them both off and then turn the one you want to use on again and you're good to go.

"Worked for a while then died"
This product worked for about 7 months then I started to get horrible static. I took it out and did a direct connection and the static stopped. The funny thing is that I hadn't used it for a few months. The last time I used it the thing worked great then the other day it decided to stop functioning.

"Doesn't work."
Doesn't work.

Wanted to use this to split optical out into two, one to my receiver and one to my surround headphones with optical input to control box.

The split dims the light down, such that neither out would be recognized.

Having a background in professional audio, I did some troubleshooting, swapping cables and configurations. Nothing worked.

I returned and got a replacement. Repeated everything and still doesn't work.

"Don't but this"
Only one input works. I have a receiver with one optical input and purchased this in order to use my Satellite receiver and my apple TV. In order to use this I have to unplug one or the other (yes I use one device at a time) piece of crap,

"Manufacture Defect on Output"
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RYZ9QOL2GZP39 The problem I found with the product is that the output is defective. Only one of the inputs worked. So I took it apart and messed around with it and found that when you twist the output optical cable, it'll switch between which input will work. Never both (I know you can't use both inputs at the same time, I wasn't testing for that)

As you see in the video it'll switch between the two inputs while twisting the output optical cable. I know I can't take it back as I took apart the product, but this video shows what I think most people are having a problem with.

I personally think its a 50 / 50 chance on getting a working product. So you're taking a chance, it is only $8 not including shipping.

My suggestion, buy the manual switcher thats on Amazon, or if money isn't a problem I know a product called Psyclone PSC47 that'll do 4 HDMI / 4 Optical connections you can get on ebay usual $100.

P.S. I tried 4 different Optical Cables input and output.


UPDATE: 27 AUG 2008
They gave me a refund. I didn't ask for it, I actually asked them to look into the problem, but they still gave me a refund even after I told them I opened up the splitter. I guess seeing how they gave me a refund, the product at least deserves 2 stars. They honestly just need to fix it. The splitter is a good idea, just needs to work.