HDMI switch issue

[Captain]

I have an HTPC and Xbox360 but my 50" Sony Grand Wega LCDTV only has one HDMI port. So rather than having to physically swap cables each time, I bought an IOGear 3-port HDMI switch. For some reason, the switch only works if both the HTPC and Xbox are powered on. If I have both devices plugged in but only power on one of them, there is no display. Is this how it's supposed to work or do I have a faulty switch? I have no desire to have both devices powered on at the same time, that's just a senseless waste of electricity.

[obsidian]

Sounds like it's either faulty or poorly engineered.

A bit of a long shot, but have you tried checking that each HDMI cable is in working order by testing it directly from TV to HTPC? Reason for asking is maybe one of the cables isn't sending an on/off signal properly or not supplying enough power (looks like the switch is powered through HDMI).

[Captain]

Yeah the cables are fine.

[GONNAFISTYA]

Sacrifice a live chicken and pour it's still-warm blood onto the unit. Problem solved.

Meh...HDMI is still a finicky bitch.

[SoM]

it's better then gutter cleaning

[shaft]

I would try a different one.

[Captain]

obsidian, you were right about it being a power issue. Seems this shitty little switch can't handle the power draw from the Xbox360. Plugged in a 5V adapter I had lying around and it works fine now, apparently IOGear builds them like this on purpose to make people buy their overpriced adapters separately.

[obsidian]

I WIN GAME!

Yeah, I thought it was a little strange that it would be powered though HDMI. Though equally shitty that the Xbox360 isn't supplying enough power, dammit Microsoft you suck.

[MKJ]

Those Slims probably do.

[Captain]

Mine is a Slim.

[MKJ]

Then: damn Microsoft, you suck.