With the increased number of home theater components equipped with HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) connections, such as DVD players, DVD recorders, Blu-ray players, HD-DVD players, and Satellite and Cable Boxes, one or two HDMI inputs provided on many HDTVs and/or Home Theater receivers is not enough. An HDMI Switcher is a useful product for owners of HDTVs that do not have enough HDMI input connections for HDMI source components. For some suggestions on HDMI switchers that may work for you, check out my current favorites.
1. IOGEAR GHDMIAS4 4-1 HDMI Switch
Photo (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
The IOGEAR GHDMIAS4 4-1 HDMI Switch is a product that can be used to expand, up to four HDMI input sources that can be accessed by your HDTV, even if it only has one HDMI input. The IOGEAR HDMI Switch is very easy to use, provides convenient input auto-sensing, is fully HDMI 1.3 compatible, and does not degrade signal quality from HDMI sources. For more details, check out my Review.
2. OPPO HM-31 Advanced 3-1 HDMI Switch
Photo (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
The HM-31 is great for expanding the number of HDMI inputs on an HDTV. It provides convenience, does not degrade signal quality from HDMI sources, is fully HDMI 1.3 compatible, and provides several control options, including wireless remote and an RS232 connectivity for integration into custom installations. The only disappointment is that the HM-31 provides three inputs, while most HDMI switches provide four inputs. For more details, read by Review.
3. Accell UltraAV™ HDMI 4-1 Audio/Video Switch
Photo (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
With an HDMI switch you can now expand an HDTV's single HDMI input into two or more inputs, depending on the capacity of the switch. One example is the Accell UltraAV 4-1 HDMI Audio/Video Switch. This switch is very easy to use and does not degrade signal quality from HDMI sources. However, it must be noted that it is not HDMI 1.3 compatible, but complies with HDMI ver 1.2a. This is not a concern in most setups, but may be when using it with HDMI ver 1.3 compatible components and HDTVs. In these cases the switch would still work, but may deny access to HDMI ver 1.3 enabled features. For more details, check out my Review.
4. XtremeMAC 4-1 HDMI Switch
Photo (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
The XtremeMAC 4-1 HDMI Switch HDMI is an excellent performer while maintaining a reasonable price. The HDMI Switcher was also easy to use. It also included both a wireless remote that made switching between four sources and an HDTV very easy. The four HDMI input sources can also be accessed by a front panel Source button. One complaint is that the switcher itself is rather large, compared to other HDMI switchers that I have used. For more details, check out my Review.
5. UltraAV™ HDMI 4-2 Audio/Video Switch
If you have two HDMI-equipped video displays, such as an HDTV and Video projector, now you can send s video feed to both using just one set of source components with the Accell UltraAV HDMI 4-2 Switch. You can connect the HDMI ouputs from an upscaling DVD player or Recorder, Blu-ray Disc or HD-DVD player, and an HD-Cable or HD-Satellite box. This unit is very easy to use and comes with a credit-card wireless remote, and also features a signal booster for long cable runs. The Accell HDMI 4-2 Switch is compatible with HDMI ver 1.2a specifications. For more details on its operation, check out the Official UltraAV™ HDMI 4-2 Audio/Video Switch Product Page, and User Manual6. Sima VS-HD31 HDMI Switcher
The Sima VS-HD31 HDMI Switcher is a very useful product for owners of HDTVs that have only one HDMI input connection. With all the new source components coming on board with HDMI connections (DVD players, DVD recorders, Blu-ray players, HD-DVD players, and Satellite and Cable Boxes) one HDMI input provided on most HDTVs is definitely not enough. However, with the VS-HD31, you can now expand your single HDMI input into three. The VS-HD31 is 1080p and HDMI audio compatible, offers signal boosting for long cable runs, and also has a credit card-size wireless remote control. This is definitely a useful and affordable accessory for your HDTV.
