Thanks for all of the suggestions.

I ended up purchasing a HDFuryPro switch ( $82 ). I takes the HDMI in and outputs it as Component video and either 2 channel or 5.1 optical for audio. Worked great none of the problems of the MonoPrice unit.

Hooked it up yesterday and my wife and I enjoyed an afternoon and evening in front of the fire watching Breaking Bad. All and all a good news year day.

Looks link I can keep the money in the safe and enjoy my 990 and old TV for a bit longer.