Audio Video Switches
Too many devices, not enough inputs? No problem.
In today's Home Theater systems, video switching has become more complex and more involved with more options and indeed more necessary than ever before. The next generation of technologies is coming at us in faster succession than we can possibly upgrade to. There are connection standards that one component might use that aren't compatible with others, but with a simple switch or adaptor we find ourselves able to conveniently connect more devices to our systems.
The average person buys a new HDTV knowing they'd like an HDMI or DVI input available, but might have little control over the video standard used by their digital cable box or their next DVD player. A/V switches introduce a level of flexibility to your home theater system that can save you from aggravation or a configuration that is simply not possible with your existing system.
One common situation is limited number of component inputs on your HDTV. Many HDTVs have only one or two component inputs and maybe a single HDMI or DVI. Video sources you want to connect directly to the TV can easily outnumber available connections. Your DVD player, digital cable or satellite terminal, and game system all require high-bandwidth inputs for HD or progressive scan video. Add one more device and it will surely throw off even the most flexible TV.
Fortunately there are many cost-saving options. The luxury option is to buy an HDMI-enabled home theater receiver. An HDMI-enabled receiver is your home theater system's all-in-one-box that can switch from a component input to HDMI and vice-versa, allowing all your devices to be connected to the receiver and then out to the TV using a single HDMI or DVI plug. Unfortunately, receivers with HDMI in/out are rare and very expensive, easily a top-of-line model from any manufacturer. If you already own a receiver you're happy with and don't plan on buying a manufacturer's flagship receiver any time soon, there are much more inexpensive and no-compromise options.
Key Digital's 4-to-1 HDMI switcher and processor is available for under $2,000. This is a great option for up to four HDMI inputs. It will process the incoming video signal to the resolution that best fits your TV and occupy only one HDMI port on the television. The unit can accomplish this with award-winning visual clarity and all by remote control - no getting up to manually throw a switch on a box.
For under $200, Audi Authority makes the 1154a Component Video AutoSelector. This will switch between four component video inputs and only occupy a single input on your TV. The inputs are auto-sensing, so it will automatically switch to the active video source without any commands from the user - even more effortless than remote control. The beauty of the AutoSelector is that it will also switch between corresponding digital audio sources. Devices like this can really save a lot of money if you feel you have to upgrade your receiver every time you have flexibility issues with your current setup.
Inexpensive adaptor cables will easily switch between HDMI and DVI, which are both HDCP-compliant video formats that are perfectly backward compatible, so you can switch between them with no loss.
Look online for sources like Ramelectronics.com for these switches. They're easily shipped at low cost because these switches are all lightweight. Don't get caught overspending on the Monster brand switches, cables and adaptors the big box store sales droids are programmed to push. You can get the same or better quality for less if you're willing to shop around or just order online. The big box stores like Best Buy and Circuit City make good money by marking up the seemingly insignificant purchases that accompany the big purchases we make on audio and video equipment.