Sometimes I think I'm jinxed

For the last couple of weeks I've slowly been rejigging the setup in my study (it's the one with multiple video sources, AV2 and NAC552).

Still haven't persuaded SWMBO to let me splash out on a couple of 500mm Hutter Stacks (anything wider won't fit), so still using the 2 elderly Sound Organisation racks and the 3 shelf Maple unit I got my friendly local joiner to make for me

First problem was when I found that my new Human YouView PVR didn't put out enough power via HDMI to let me use the unpowered Duronics HDMI switch I had been using.   So I bought a Neet powered Switch.  Lasted all of 6 hours before failing!  Not only that, but it managed to fry the HDMI output of my Sony 860 DVD/HD Recorder, so I'm now having to use that with its Component Video output instead.

Ordered a couple of CYP switches :  A powered Optical SPDIF switch, and a powered HDMI Switch.  Arrived today.

Stripped the system down and tidied up the leads, vacuumed up dead spiders and random bits of dead leaves (happens when I open the windows in that room!)

Reassembled, with much bad language from me and 'helpful' comments from SWMBO.   Took ages to untangle the leads.  Had much fun with the Brother Label Printer (makes life much easier when connecting back up).

Eventually got it all back together, switched everything on, and the HDMI Switch wouldn't power up.  After a bit of experimentation with the 2 CYP power supplies, discovered that the switch was OK, but the power supply for it was not working.   So I've emailed the vendor and asked if they could send me a new power supply.  I'd rather not send the whole thing back, because the Law of Sodde says that if I do, I will finish up with a working power supply, but a broken HDMI Switch   

Next sat down to reprogram my Harmony 885 remote.   The Mac tried to install MyHarmony - turns out that isn't compatible with my remote and gave a link to download a compatible older piece of software.  Download of that promptly crashed (3 times) before I gave up.  So I installed the original Harmony Software from disc.  Mac tried to tell my I needed to revert to Java 6 SE to use this   Looked up how to do this on Apple Support.  Turns out that Yosemite is broken as regards Apple Support, BTW, as clicking on a web search link just shows a blank page!  Eventually found the right thing, after going in via the Apple Support home page.

Would you believe that the method they gave to find and remove the Java Plugin wouldn't even find the plugin?   At that stage, I gave up, and rebooted into Windows 8 (Bootcamp)

Installed a fairly recent version of Harmony Remote Software from the Logitech Site.  Worked flawlessly, which surprised me, as previously (a year or so ago), Logitech Support had told me that my 885 remote wasn't compatible with USB 3.0, and my iMac doesn't have USB 2.0.

Eventually got everything working reasonable well, although there is some rather strange behaviour when trying to use the Program Guide on the Human.  You move from day to day by using the Skip Forward and Skip Back buttons on the Human Remote.  Alas, that doesn't seem to work when using the same buttons on the Harmony!

Just think, I'm going to have to firkle around again with tangled leads when the replacement HDMI Switch Power Supply eventually arrives.

SWMBO says its remarkable how often new equipment doesn't work and wonders what I am doing to it!  Me?  I feel like someone up there hates me.  (and I say that as a 'devout atheist')