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You’ve got an Xbox and a PS4. You’ve got a Blu-ray player and a TV with an HDMI input port. The only problem is that you can’t plug 3 HDMI cables into a single port. You’ve got a problem. Fortunately, there is a device available that is capable of fixing your problem. The device we’re speaking of is an HDMI switch.
Capable of giving HD capabilities to several devices at the same time with the use of just one HDMI port on your television, HDMI switches make it simple to switch over to different devices. Want to switch from gaming to watching a movie in no time without the loss of video quality? An HDMI switch is exactly what you need.
What is an HDMI Switch?
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HDMI switches are electronic tools which give HD capabilities to several different devices at the same time with the use of just one television HDMI output port. Equipped with anywhere between 2 and 10 HDMI input ports, they allow you to connect everything from your gaming console, to your Blu-ray player, to your cable box, giving all of those devices HD capabilities in the process.
HDMI switches work by switching their capabilities over to the device which is being used at present moment. For instance, if you’re gaming, the HD capabilities will be provided to your gaming system. But right once you turn your gaming system off and turn on your Blu-ray player, you Blu-ray player will be given the HD capabilities.
What are the Benefits of an HDMI Switch
The primary benefit of a HDMI switch is that you can connect several different devices to one HDMI output port on your TV. This allows you to switch between your gaming console, Blu-ray player, and cable box without any loss in HD video quality.
Without an HDMI switch, you would have to disconnect and plug in the HDMI cable from and to every different device you want to use. This is not only annoying, but very time-consuming as well.
Who are the Contenders for Best HDMI Switch?
FarSail 4K x 2K 4 Port HDMI Switch Hub
Equipped with four HDMI input ports, this FarSail HDMI switch allows you to connect with four different devices at one time, giving HD capabilities to essentially your entire lineup of entertainment systems. With both automatic and manual switching capabilities, it comes with a wireless remote which allows you to switch systems from the couch. Supporting display resolutions up to 4k*2k@120Hz and 1080p 3D@60Hz, it works seamlessly with just about any TV you can think of.
SOWTECH Digital 1X2 HDMI Switch
Supporting visual resolutions up to 1080P and 3D, this Sowtech HDMI switch is compatible with almost any TV on the market today. Sporting two HDMI input ports, it can provide HD capabilities to two devices at one time, allowing you to connect, perhaps, a gaming console and a cable box. Equipped with both automatic and manual switching capabilities, it is as easy to use as any HDMI switch you’re going to find.
Badalink Premium Quality 3 Port HDMI Switcher
Designed to provide both automatic and manual switching capabilities, this Badalink HDMI switch is exceedingly user-intuitive. Equipped with 3 HDMI input ports, it is capable of providing HD capabilities to game consoles, cables boxes, Blu-ray players, and more. Supporting visual resolutions up to HD 3D 1080P, it will accommodate just about any TV you can find.
Considerations for Choosing the Right HDMI Switch
On a purely physical, visual level, all HDMI switches appear to be about the same. They are metal and plastic boxes which possess HDMI input ports and a bevy of different switches and buttons. However, just because every HDMI switch appears to be the same, it doesn’t mean that every HDMI switch is the same. There are a number of aspects which separate bad, good, great, and excellent HDMI switches. To choose the best HDMI switch available, you must take these aspects into consideration. They range from the HDMI switch’s total connectivity, to its switching capabilities, to its video and audio compatibility, to how easy it is to install and use.
Connectivity
Connectivity refers to the amount of HDMI cables which are able to be plugged into the HDMI switch. HDMI switches possess anywhere from two HDMI input ports, to six, to sometimes even more. The more HDMI input ports a switch possesses, the more devices it can work with at a single time.
Switching Capabilities
While most HDMI switches on the market today are capable of automatic switching whenever a specific device is being used, there are still some around which can only be switched manually. If you want to be able to turn your device on and get instant HD, you’re going to want to get a HDMI switch with automatic switching capabilities.
Video/Audio Compatibility
Though it would be nice if they were, the fact of the matter is that not all HDMI switches are compatible with all types of video and audio. Before making a purchase, it’s important to read up on the switch to ensure that it will accommodate your specific devices.
Ease of Use
While most HDMI switches are fairly simple to use, there are some which can be a little complicated to install and operate adequately. Ideally, after the switch is installed, it should be able to automatically pick up on whatever device you’re currently using.
Also read: The Best Digital HDTV Antennas
Conclusion: Our HDMI Switch Reviews
Best Cheap: Badalink Premium Quality 3 Port HDMI Switcher
Though it’s available for a bargain price, this Badalink HDMI switch works just as well as most high-end HDMI switches on the market. Equipped with 3 HDMI input ports, it allows you to connect with everything from gaming consoles, to Blu-ray players, to cable boxes, and more. Supporting visual resolutions up to HD 3D 1080P, it works exceedingly well with almost every TV on the market today. If you’re looking for a high-quality HDMI switch at an affordable price, you need to give this one a look.
Pros:
- Equipped with 3 HDMI input ports
- Possesses both automatic and manual switching capabilities
- Compatible with just about any TV you can find
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with instructions
Best for the Money: SOWTECH Digital 1X2 HDMI Switch
While it may not be the absolute best HDMI switch on the market today, this Sowtech HDMI switch is pretty close; and for a reasonable price at that. Capable of supporting up to 3D data transfer, it works with almost any TV you can throw at it. With both automatic and manual switching capabilities, it intuitively provides HD capabilities to whichever device you’re using at the present time. Equipped with only 2 HDMI input ports, it may not possess superb connectivity, but it provides excellent functionality. Looking for a great HDMI switch at a reasonable price? Consider this one by Sowtech.
Pros:
- Supports everything up to 3D data transfer
- Very strong, consistent signal
- Possess both automatic and manual switching capabilities
Cons:
- Only possesses two HDMI input ports
Best Overall: FarSail 4K x 2K 4 Port HDMI Switch Hub
While it’s certainly up for debate, in our opinion, this FarSail HDMI switch is the best HDMI switch currently on the market. Equipped with four HDMI input ports, it allows you to connect with everything. Supporting visual resolutions up to 4k*2k@120Hz and 1080p 3D@60Hz, it provides absolutely top-notch data transfer. Looking for the best HDMI switch around? You can’t go wrong with this one by FarSail.
Pros:
- Ridiculously strong and consistent signal
- Possesses 4 HDMI input ports
- Supports up to 1080P 3D data transfer
Cons:
- Some have difficulties getting it to work properly
In Conclusion
If you’ve got a TV with only one HDMI output port, but several different devices to plug into it, there’s nothing that can make your life easier than an HDMI switch. An HDMI switch will allow you to simply and conveniently switch to whichever device you want to use, ensuring that you don’t have to plug in an HDMI cable every time you want to use it.
Expansive, high-functioning switches like the FarSail 4K x 2K 4 Port HDMI Switch Hub allow you to give HD capabilities to a number of different devices while losing nothing in the way of signal strength. Tired of taking out and plugging in your HDMI cable every time you want to use a different device? Invest in a high-quality HDMI switch.