The Bottom Line
However, 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.
Pros
- 4 HDMI inputs
- Easy to set up and use
- Built-in signal booster to accommodate longer cable lengths
- Remote Control and IR Extender Cable included
- Good price.
Cons
- Not HDMI ver 1.3 compatible - limited to HDMI ver1.2a
- Note: Since this review was written, Accell has upgraded their HDMI switchers to version 1.3 specs.
Description
- HDMI Connectors: 4 inputs/1 output, HDMI Type A 19-pin female
- HDMI 1.2a compatible. NOTE: Since this review was written, Accell has upgraded their HDMI switchers to version 1.3 specs.
- IR Extender Length: 5-feet
- Signal Booster: 65 feet maximum cable length from video source to switch
- Power: 100-240VAC, 50/60Hz
- Dimensions: 8.03"W x 4.96"L x 1.48"H
- Switch Weight: 11 oz.
- Package Contents: 4x1 HDMI Switch, Remote control with battery, 5-foot IR extender, Power adapter, Set-up instructions.
Guide Review - Accell UltraAV™ HDMI 4-1 Audio/Video Switch
The switch comes with an AC adapter and wireless remote that makes switching between four sources easy. The four HDMI input sources can also be accessed via the front panel Source button.
Another useful feature provided is the IR extender. This allows the user to plug in an IR sensor, that is on the end of a provided cable, so that the switch can be hidden and the IR sensor positioned to pick up the commands from the remote control.
Using several HDMI sources ( OPPO DV-980H Upscaling DVD player, Sony BDP-S1 Blu-ray Disc Player, Toshiba HD-XA1 HD-DVD player) and a variety of HDMI cable lengths (3ft to 12ft), I found that both the HDMI "handshake" and signal integrity was not an issue. When comparing direct connection of the HDMI components to the HDTVs used ( Westinghouse LVM-37w3 1080p LCD Monitor and Samsung LN-R238W 720p LCD TV ) vs HDMI signals going through the switch before going to the HDTV, there were no visible changes in source signal strength or image quality. No additional artifacts were introduced.
The Accell 4-1 HDMI switch is for those that may not have enough HDMI inputs on their HDTV. It provides convenience and good performance. However, it must be noted that this switch is not HDMI 1.3 compatible. This is not a concern in most setups, but may be when using it with some current, and many future, HDMI ver 1.3 compatible components and HDTVs. Note: Since this review, Accell has updated their switchers to HDMI 1.3 Specs - See New Review.
Check out close-up photos of the Accell UltraAV 4-1 HDMI Switch:
Switch with Remote Control and AC Adapter
Switch Rear View - Power Supply, IR Extender, and HDMI Connections
Photos (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
