HDMI switches can increase the functionality of compatible electronic devices – and you probably already have tons of them in your home. Carl Prouty, a technologist at Abt Electronics in Glenview, IL. “Cable boxes, Blu-ray players, streaming media players, video game consoles and more all use them,” he said.
But what if your TV or monitor doesn’t have enough HDMI inputs to hold all of your awesome gear? No one wants to keep reaching behind or to the side of a TV or monitor to disconnect one device so you can then connect another.
Fortunately, an HDMI adapter can solve this problem. So how does it work? “One HDMI switch begin with multiple input sources to provide a single output,” says Prouty.
But what do the numbers (for example, 4 x 1 or 6 x 1) mean? “The first number shows how many devices you can plug in in Prouty explained. “The second number indicates that you can send the signal to a TV.” So 4 x 1 means you can plug 4 devices into the converter and send the signal to 1 TV.
After consulting experts and browsing through some of the most popular and loved models out there, here are some great HDMI switches that will save you from having to constantly unplug your devices. to make room for newer devices.
With the JSAUZ HDMI 2-in-1 Two-way Switch, you can simply press a button to switch between two sources, like a laptop or a video game console, to an output source, like a TV, monitor computer or projector. The plug-and-play device includes a 3.3-pin HDMI cable (unlike some switches that sell the HDMI cable separately). It can support 4K at 60hz refresh rate, as well as 3D video. And since it’s bidirectional, you can also split the signal and send it to two different monitors – but it can’t display an image on both screens at the same time. This switch is compatible with laptops, consoles, Blu-Ray players and streaming devices, as well as output devices such as TVs, monitors, and projectors.
The BENFEI 4K HDMI Adapter allows you to connect and switch between two input sources (e.g. laptop and video game console) or you can project input from one source to two monitors different – but not at the same time. The bidirectional switch supports resolutions up to 4K at 30fps. The adapter is compatible with streaming device, laptop, desktops and game consoles, and can output to monitors, projectors or TVs. You can change your selection using the button on the top of the switch. Note: HDMI cable needs to be purchased separately.
This plug-and-play device allows you to connect three devices to your TV or monitor at the same time. It can support up to 4K/30Hz resolution images. The 3-in-1 switch is compatible with cable boxes, multimedia boxes, DVD players and game consoles. The Gana’s switch also comes with a remote, so you can make selections with the remote without ever having to leave the couch. HDMI cable is not included.
If you want to plug three devices into your TV, this converter will make that goal easy for you. The UGREEN 3-in-1 HDMI switcher supports 4K output at 30Hz, making it convenient to connect your PC, streaming device or game console to your TV, monitor or projector. The compact plug and play unit also features a remote control that operates from 15 feet away. It does not include an HDMI cable.
You can connect five of your favorite devices to your TV with the 5-in-1 SGEYR HDMI Adapter, which supports 4K at 30Hz. Using the included remote control (or the button on the switch), you can easily switch between different connected devices. A USB cable is included, but you will need to purchase your own HDMI cable.
With this HDMI Matrix 3 x 2, there is the option to use matrix mode where two TVs or monitors display a different picture, or splitter mode, where both monitors display the same image. For example, you can use the three inputs to connect a laptop, game console, and media player, while the two HDMI outputs can be used for a TV or projector. This offers quite a bit of flexibility regarding your connectivity options – and it even has two 3.5mm audio jacks for speakers or headphones. Matrix can support 4K at 60Hz. HDMI cable sold separately.
The Zettaguard 5-in-1 HDMI Switch includes a remote control that allows you to use the PIP (picture in picture) features to view one primary monitor and up to 3 secondary displays at the same time. It has four HDMI inputs and supports 4K resolution at 30Hz. Zettaguard is also available in a 3 in 1 and a 5 in 1 model.
If you have a large number of items to connect, the Univivi 7 Port HDMI 2.0 Switch has 7 different ports. From laptops to game consoles to Blu-ray players, it’s easy to hook up anything and output it up to 4K at 60Hz. You can press the switch box or use the remote control switch. The device includes an adapter, but the HDMI cable is sold separately.
