A high definition monitor (HDMI® switch) allows the user to select multiple entertainment devices in order to provide the best quality and resolution of the picture. The devices that can be hooked up to a HDMI® switch are game stations, DVD players/ recorders (HD or blu-ray), settop boxes, HDTV, and monitors. The sources must be HDMI® compatible.
There are different models of HDMI® switches. The simplest and most basic model is the 2x1 HDMI®, meaning that there are two inputs and one output. The user is able to switch between two different HDMI® sources. For example, the user will be able to have a HD DVD player and a game station hooked up to the switch. The 2x1 HDMI® switch is not highly recommended because the consumer will not have room for future expansion. The 4x1 HDMI® switch allows up to four sources, which is recommended. A 5x1 switch is also available for the ultimate expandability. An external HDMI® switch is beneficial for anyone who has a HD monitor and has less than the desired amount of inputs to expand the system.
There are many features a consumer should look for in an HDMI® switch. A consumer should consider expandability. A 5-port HDMI® switch is recommended for future expandability, while 2-port HDMI® switch will not. It is also important that the HDMI® switch has High Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) capability. HDCP must pass data between source and monitor.
Another feature in a HDMI® switch that should not be overlooked is that it is backward compatible, or able to take the place of a Digital Visual Interface (DVI). This means that the user will just have to select the correct cables, either HDMI®, or HDMI® to DVI, to customize the system. The switch should also include a remote control in order to select the specific channel desired. A dedicated power adapter is essential in an HDMI® switch as some HDMI® switches are powered directly from a HDMI® cable, which can over load power to the HDMI® sources. The function of the HDMI® cable is to power the Extended Display Identification Data (EDID),which communicates the monitor's display capabilities to the computer.
HDTV technology is becoming more advanced all the time. Therefore, HDMI® switches may become absolute in the future as more TVs include HDMI® inputs.
