Switch Between 3 HDMI Devices
If you have a display with one HDMI input, or a receiver with just one HDMI input, the you might need an HDMI switcher if you plan to use more than one HDMI device. For example, my PVR has an HDMI output. The PS3 I will eventually own will have an HDMI output. And one day I might even have an HD DVD or dedicated BD player. That would be two or three HDMI inputs. In a situation like that, an HDMI switcher would come in really handy.
Like the one from Belkin mentioned below. It’s a 3-port HDMI switcher and includes a remote. It retails for about $200. The only thing it could really use is some kind of auto-detection scheme. Why would I want to switch another device manually, even if I could program it into my remote. The device should be able to detect a signal on one of the inputs, and automatically route that one to the output. That would be cool
Connect 3 HDMI Devices to Your HDTV with the PureAV(R) HDMI Interface 3-to-1 Video Switch by Belkin
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June 2nd, 2006 at 2:29 pm
Auto detection in a switch box will work in some cases, but not all. What would happen if there is a signal on more than one input? Think of the case where you may have left your DVR on to record a program for later viewing, meanwhile you want to play some games on your PS3.
June 2nd, 2006 at 2:31 pm
Several things could be done. But I think it would just be easiest to go with the latest input to join the party. My guess is that in 99% of the cases, this is what you want. If not, you always have the remote.
June 3rd, 2006 at 2:45 pm
As long as it’s not the sole method, I would agree.