HDMI switchers are an invaluable device for anyone with multiple HD devices. Instead of having to disconnect and reconnect your Blu-ray player or laptop every time you want to switch devices, simply use a good quality HDMI switcher. They're easy to set up, quick to respond, and they fit discretely behind your TV where you can easily access the one(s) that you need.
If you're reading this article then I'm sure that at some point in time you've had the problem where your entertainment center is full of plenty of wonderful gadgets but not enough HDMI ports on your television to connect all of them. This has most likely happened if you own either a PS4 Pro, Xbox One X, or Wii-U, or if you have a laptop, DVD player, Chromecast, Blu-ray player, and maybe even an Xbox 360 or PS3. You might be asking yourself "What do I do now?"
Here we have some of our favorite HDMI switchers, so you can try one of them.
A Multi-Port Switcher
This 4-port switcher is a great way to reduce the clutter of cables around your TV. It supports high definition resolutions, has a compact size, and is simple to use.
The Kinivo 5-Port 4K HDMI switch can handle the most demanding of tasks, including use with multimedia players, set-top boxes, gaming consoles, PCs, ultra HD TVs, and more.
Its quick switching capabilities ensure you are always in control of who is using what device. The switch indicators make it simple to see which port is being used or free for an additional high-definition viewing source.
This HDMI switcher can support up to 4K resolution at 30hz, 1080p at 120hz, 3D video. It has a solid build quality that can support multiple connections without any issues. The switch buttons on top allow you to manually toggle through the different outputs should your equipment not automatically do so via remote control use or IR signal sensing technology.
Pictures are brilliant
The Zettaguard True 4K 4x1 HDMI switcher allows you to connect up to four HDMI sources, switch between them with the push of a button or via remote control and view each on one display at the same time. Now you can simplify your entertainment needs with only one remote control! This ergonomically designed switcher is easy-to-use and can sit on top of any flat surface without taking up much space thanks to its slim design.
Not large but awesome
The Totu 4-Port HDMI switcher is a simple and cost-effective solution to splitting HDMI signal from one source device, to two display devices. It has a compact design that allows you to save space on your desktop or entertainment center while providing efficient use of space in your work or play environment. The 4-Port switcher supports high definition resolutions and its easy-to-use plug and play feature means you can start enjoying uninterrupted viewing sessions in no time at all.
Nice pocket-sized switcher
This switcher provides a convenient solution for anyone looking to expand their viewing options via a second screen - whether that be a TV or projector in a conference room, hotel, or home theater system. The EZCOOTECH HDMI Matrix 4x2 switch can support 3D, ethernet, and audio return channels. It has a small footprint which allows you to place it in the most convenient position for your applications. It can help you to downscale 4K to 1080 as well.
The EZCOOTECH switcher can support system booting (such as PS3 etc.) and provide the highest video quality. Switching between different sources is instantaneous - there's no noticeable lag when changing inputs.
It has an isolated design that provides maximum isolation of input switching noise for super clean output, it also perfects image transition effects with automatic image processing (smooth, clear).
Basic and Simple
A very simple and easy-to-use Koopman 4-Port HDMI switcher is designed to allow any TV or display device to connect up to four HDMI signal sources and view the content on a single display simultaneously. It also supports Dolby sound, so you are welcome to use the switcher while traveling.
Hope it was advisable for you!
Comments:
Most TVs have multiple inputs (especially if it’s a large TV), but between cable/satellite boxes, game consoles, bluray players, streaming sticks etc. it’s not difficult to have more source devices than your TV has inputs.Or perhaps you have multiple devices with special features like HDR, but only one of your TV’s inputs support that feature.
ZaphodTheFourth / 2021-11-09 00:20:20
even many mid range TVs only have 3, though 4 is pretty common and higher end TVs might have 5, though they may not all support HDR (though neither do most HDMI switches)Just in my living room I have an Apple TV, 4K Blu-ray player, PS4, and Switch, that only leaves me with one HDMI port for anything else like the various mini consoles so having a HDMI switcher to switch between various things is a lot easier than constantly plugging cables and shuffling them around.The bedroom we have a much older TV that only has 2 HDMI ports, so a switcher is very necessary.
hugh-manity / 2021-11-11 20:47:51
In my case, the issue is that I wanted all my sources to route through my Atmos sound bar, which only has one HDMI in, and one HDMI out.ETA: Another perfect example is if a TV only has one HDMI port that will support, say, 4K @ 60 Hz, and all the other ports are at lower resolutions or refresh rates
Arr2Pew2 / 2021-11-12 18:30:31
Not every TV has more than 4 or 5 hdmi inputs. Even the top of the line LG OLEDs only have 4 and with all the hdmi devices (computer, set top box, streaming device, gaming console (possibly multiple), with possibly multiples of each) it’s easy to have more hdmi devices than a TV will support.A receiver will handle this for you but there are some other (admittedly rare) cases you might want one. For me, I have pretty much all of my devices in multiple rooms wired up so they can be shown on any display in my place from one central receiver. Instead of running multiple cables for each device to the central receiver, I just use a switch and run 1 cable to/from each room. A switch is handy for that
blackhawk33 / 2021-11-14 03:53:25
The TCL Roku 43" 4k I bought a couple of weeks ago (Wal-mart, $218) has three HDMI ports. However, I have an Xbox 1, PS4, 360, PS3, WiiU, Retron 5 and Sony Blu-ray currently hooked up to it, with six of those on cheap 3-way splitters (the Blu-ray, which upconverts to nearly 4k, has a dedicated port because one of the splitters, billed as compatible with 4k devices, doesn’t work with it).So I could use at least one of these devices.
relic1980 / 2021-11-15 18:18:02
No, but most have 4 plus built in apps so you don’t need streaming devices. However the old way set things up was to have an A/V receiver that had a lot of hdmi input ports to handle the audio and switch the video to the TV. But older ones don’t pass 4k. So the new way is to put lots of HDMI ports on the TV, and pass the audio back to the receiver over HDMI ARC. But ARC doesn’t handle the newer audio formats. So, now there is e-ARC. But nothing has that... So, there will always be reasons to buy something else.
lesmikesell / 2021-11-16 22:40:52
As a person that likes video games there’s never enough. Even if you have just the current generation you’ll use up 3 for those but I’ve also got the previous generation so there’s another 3. Then there are the Retro consoles that have been made with HDMI that I have so there’s yet another 4, and then a cable box and a Raspberry Pi. Unique and uncommon situation? Somewhat, but there’s enough of us. Also there’s a new generation of consoles coming out so I’ll need 2 more...
jayg2 / 2021-11-18 18:05:17
Either that, or have a remote control system (like a Harmony Hub) that allows you to program sequences to properly switch inputs depending on the device that you’re using. I’m always impressed that the Harmony database includes the IR codes for even obscure brands of devices and switchers. It takes a little effort to program the system initially, but once you get it done, everything is pretty much a one-button affair. I can even control my system from my phone or tablet.
kmtak / 2021-11-20 06:49:20
I’m using an that I got at Best Buy on sale for $30. I’m using it for my PS4 Pro and Apple TV 4K with Amazon basics HDMI cables. It handles 4K HDR just fine and Dolby Vision works like it’s supposed to with it.I haven’t ran into any issues with it and my only complaint about it is needing to manually change inputs. Which isn’t a deal breaker but is just annoying when I want to use PS4 and forget that I last used Apple TV.
baskinglizard / 2021-11-21 11:11:43
Been using a 4x4 for about 7 years now, on 24/7 for all TVs in the house. Works great. Monoprice makes really good one. My main purpose was to show same input on all TVs in the house, also to have everything centralized so that there are no wires anywhere. Everything is in “entertainment” closet. Can walk through the whole house playing the same game, or watching the same TV show/Sports game etc... and the 4x4 also allows 4 different things to stream to 4 different TVs. Its great. I recommend. (HDbaseT to send HDMI signal by the way, dont use those stupid extenders they dont work well).
chrushev1 / 2021-11-22 20:35:04
No its a 4x4, so it supports up to 4 streams to 4 different TVs.So you can have any combination of, 1 source to all 4 tvs (as you described) to 4 sources to 4 differnt TVs and everything in between, 1 source to 2 TVs, another source to another 2, 3 sources to 3 and one source to fourth etc... this is why its a 4x4.. what you describe is a 1x4, where 1 source goes to 4 TVs. With 4x4 you have 24 different permutations of how you can send signal. from a single source to all to four sources to four TVs in any combination.Just to clarify, this means I can have Roku playing on all 4 TVs in the house, or just on 1, 2 or 3, with any one of the other 3 sources on other TVs in any combination.So for example, I can have Roku playing in the Living Room and Kitchen, while one kid is playing Xbox in one bedroom and another kid is playing playstation 4 in another bedroom. Or if we want to watch our kid play, can select to output to all TVs at once, or whatever. You could do even something like outputting Xbox to the two bedrooms with kids playing the same game multiplayer from two different rooms (assuming wireless controllers). All equipment is in a closet. No wires around TVs at all, the only thing that is run through the walls is the super versatile CAT6, which transmits HDMI signal via HDbaseT technology.You can save some money and get a 2x4 switcher, which would allow 2 sources to 4 TVs. meaning if you have 4 TVs you would be able to do something like 1 source to two of them, and another source to another two. Or same source to all 4 or 1 source to 1 and another source to other 3 etc... To be honest its very rare where we stream 4 different sources to 4 different TVs. But the option is there... and the extra ports allow to leave everything plugging in.Ive had this setup for almost a decade now. Flawless. Monoprice quality is superb.
chrushev1 / 2021-11-24 09:18:54
Yeah, I really misread that morning and skipped the part where you had a 4x4 matrix. That sounds awesome. How do you deal with controller connection issues, though, with the xbox and ps4?Edit: And I’m assuming for devices, such as your Roku, you’re utilizing HDMI-CEC commands for controlling them? Does this run into any issues when 2/3/4 tvs are connected and someone pushes remote buttons at the same time?
spoontrex / 2021-11-25 12:01:53
So, I strategically picked a closet to do this in that is somewhat centrally located, and is just a wall away from 2 of the TVs (in two bedrooms) and about 20 feet to other TVs. Xbox360/One and PS3/4 controllers dont have any issues with this distance. For Roku (as well as many other players) there is a phone remote app that functions over wifi. So as long as you have your home wifi you can control the Roku, and within the app it connects to a specific Roku, so if you have multiple there wouldnt be any issue. I also utilize WDTV for streaming, it also has this kind of app. But even without the app, Roku’s remote is bluetooth, so just like Xbox/playstation controllers it works just fine through walls.I also utilize Amazon Alexa to turn on/off Roku. HDMI-CEC comes into play when using Roku remote and changing volume on it (side buttons) that changes volume via HDMI-CEC on the sound bar plugged into the TV.
chrushev1 / 2021-11-27 02:25:25
I ran CAT6 myself, spool of 1000 feet is around $100, and the run took just one weekend to do the whole house. I ran 2cables to each location just in case I need them at some later time. Its quite simple especially if you have an attic you can run them through and drop down into the walls. So while running the cable for HDbaseT transmitters for TVs I also ran int RJ45 outlets so that there are ethernet jacks in every room.
chrushev1 / 2021-11-28 05:08:21
I don’t understand, none of these have more than four ports?Anywho, I’ve got this one, with 16x1 auto-switching. Now, this did cost me around 400 dollars, and it most certainly has some issues (More than one always-on devices can cause issues, it doesn’t support 4k, and it doesn’t work with my HDMI modded N64), but it has made my copious HDMI Modded/FPGA-based retro consoles easy to pick up and play.
denn / 2021-11-29 12:52:00
You’re looking for a different product, then.If you just want straight conversion from YPbPr to HDMI, you can find a non-scaling converter by Portta on Amazon. If you're looking to connect a game console, I recommend looking at the RetroTINK 2X and/or RAD2X products, or an OSSC (or wait for an OSSC Pro), depending on what kind of quality/experience you're looking for and what your budget is.
nmalinoski / 2021-11-30 22:15:35
Nice, yes; but, unfortunately, analog video is obsolete, so you’re not going to see anything like that unless you design and fabricate it yourself (or pay someone else a ton of money to do it for you).Until someone designs some kind of modular switcher (which doesn’t necessarily make sense without something like an OSSC Pro as an endpoint), I think the best options are going to be semi-complex chains of analog switchers and digitizers/scalers, or HDMI mods for legacy systems.
nmalinoski / 2021-12-02 19:20:01
I just had to replace my 4x2 switch because it wouldn’t support the Fire TV Stick 4K. I bought which was one of the few with an automatic switching mode that can be enabled for each output separately.
The switch is in my living room along with the TV and all the gear (cable, PC, streaming stick, game console), and I run an HDMI cable through the wall into my office. I use a Logitech Harmony remote to control it all from office. When I power on the cable box, game console, etc., the switch senses it and switches to that device automatically.Next upgrade will be a four-output switch so I can run a second line to the office and one to the bedroom.
burnedagain / 2021-12-04 04:43:42
I use the Caavo. I don’t pay for their extra service which is a universal streaming interface so you can literally say “watch james bond” and it gives you choices. I just use it for the intelligent switching. It does a good job and the only downside is when they provide software updates, it won’t work until you approve. Minor nuisance for me, but if I’m not around, it’s not fun for the family. And I connect it to a soundbar and projector, with only one HDMI input, so that’s why a switcher is needed.
myhonestopinion / 2021-12-05 10:47:08
Wow, this is timely. With working from home, I actually bought one of the Totu’s (that exact model) a few months ago. About the best review I can give is it’s seamless (no issues with picture quality or audio) and has yet to fuck up once. I’m running a xbox, a ps4, a switch, and a VDI box through it, and it flips back and forth depending on what I have powered on at the time. There’s also a remote, in case you want to manually switch ports (like having multiple devices powered on at the same time).
signofthenine / 2021-12-06 23:30:57
Wah, the bane of my existence. I searched for YEARS until I found an hdmi switcher with more than 5 ports and annl Okay-prize. And it’s not getting easier. I love to keep my consoles hooked up and I look at those great hdmi mods for n64, gc, DC and co and think: “I have no room for another hdmi devive. RGB with then framemeister should still be good enough”. (well, it IS still a great option XD) I don’t know why many TVs here only come with 2 hdmi ports. Even Non-console collectors often need more inputs. Fire TV sticks or things like that, blue ray player, console, media centers and and and and....
rosacanina1987 / 2021-12-08 07:14:03
I have no idea why there’s so few “Metric ass-load of inputs” HDMI switchers out there. I mean, the whole reason someone is buying a HDMI switcher is because they have a lot of devices they want to connect. So why is it that most are only 3 or 4 ports, maxing out at around 7? Maybe it’s not a huge market, but there’s got to be a number of people who want a switcher with as many ports as possible. For some bizarre reason, there’s a lot of 10+ port splitters out there, but I’m not sure what use there would be for the ability to output one HDMI signal to 10+ TVs outside of electronics retailers.
fireaza / 2021-12-09 14:57:30
I don’t know why auto-switching is a selling point, the feature (either on HDMI switches, AV receivers, and TVs) has brought me nothing but trouble. I love when one game console turns on to update (without outputting any video) and the game I’m playing on a different console disappears because the switch thought I’d want to see the black screen.It was really hard for me to find one that specifically DOESN’T do this (so that I could control the input manually with my Harmony remote).
platypus222 / 2021-12-10 19:20:24