An HDMI switch allows you to connect from one HDMI-connected device to another. When connected, HDMI switches give you multiple input ports for use in tandem with a splitter when establishing an HDMI matrix.
With it, you can switch from your game console to your Blu-Ray player seamlessly. A switcher and a splitter are two different HDMI connection devices or adaptors. Don’t confuse one over the other.
An HDMI splitter merely splits one HDMI connection into several connections without the toggling option while an HDMI switcher changes your media source from a set top box to a netflix online streaming service using one output. The question most novices have is whether the quality of the media output degrades because of the use of an HDMI switcher?
In general, an HDMI switcher does not degrade the quality of media output. The only way HDMI switchers impact quality is if there is a signal loss that occurs because of a faulty connection and poor quality HDMI switches. Low-quality HDMI switches lead to image corruption and loss of audio quality.
HDMI uses a digital signal which means when you are using switchers, it is not supposed to degrade the quality. Every signal loss from an HDMI switch can be the result of a poorly made device.
If a switcher degrades the HDMI signal, this means the HDMI switcher is defective most of the time. It can be having input and output matters.
A switch is only a port extension that gives more number ports so that the monitor can switch from different devices. Since HDMI is a signal, it is not supposed to degrade.
What is an HDMI switch?
This is a High Definition Media interface switch abbreviated as HDMI, a device that manages many HDMI signal inputs and makes one output. It works differently compared to the HDMI splitter.
A splitter takes one HDMI signal at its input and then produces many outputs. The HDMI switch gives you access to switch in the different media source inputs on the monitor. HDMI is one of the best methods of transmitting video and audio via a single cable.
Factors that Affect the HDMI switch
HDMI cables and connections: Everything about your cables must be placed correctly, plugged correctly and connected well. When your connections are opposite, then the HDMI switch will not work correctly.
A degradation will form, giving you poor quality of images. If everything is in a good place, check the power supply to be on for the signals to operate correctly.
Types of HDMI Switches
The Rundown switch
This is a switcher which supports Dolby digital encryption. It has five inputs, 4K 60Hz and a remote. The remote is handy and helps if you do not want to wait for an automatic switch.
- The Kinivo HDMI switch
This switch comes with 5 HDMI inputs for a single output.
- Zettaguard Switch
This is a switch made from aluminum, and it has four input and output ports for HDMI. It contains rear ports; it is 4K 60Hz and premium built. It has no audio splitter.
- New care HDMI Switch
This is a good switch if you are on a budget and have a small setup. It supports 4K at 60Hz. It has only three inputs.
- The Orei HD
This is a switch that gives you access to watch the two videos sources at the same time. The Orei HD has an advanced making for Pip functionality.
- The Insignia 3 Port HDMI Switch
This is a slim and attractive switch powered by a micro USB. It supports 4K UHD and 3D pictures, and it does not come with a remote.
- The Gana Aluminum HDMI switch
This is a switch which comes at great prices. It supports 4K; it is solid and can be reversed though it contains only two inputs. It is best for those who do not have many devices.
The similarities between the HDMI switch and the HDMI splitter
- They both are used for signal purposes.
- They both require compatible HDMI cables that run from them to the input and output devices.
Difference between the HDMI switch and the Splitter
- The HDMI switch is a device that manages many HDMI signal outputs and makes one output for it, while the HDMI splitter takes one HDMI signal and then makes many outputs from it.
- The HDMI switches are supplied with a remote, while the HDMI splitter does not have it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my signal dropping out?
This can be caused by a faulty cable and the results of a loose connection behind the AV source device.
What happens if you use a lousy HDMI switch?
Lousy HDMI uses often result in a poor digital signal. Though some low-quality HDMI switches shouldn’t affect the media file quality even if you’re using lousy HDMI switches, HDMI splitters, or switchers, you should always get good brands. If you are having issues with your HDMI, then you’re using a lousy switch or splitter device.
How do you connect an HDMI to a computer?
Plug the HDMI cable into the computer’s HDMI output plug. Make sure to start by turning on your external monitor or HDTV on which you intend to display the computer’s video output.
Now, look out on the sides or back of the smart tv for an HDMI connection port where the other end of the HDMI cable will plug in to the HDMI input port on the external monitor. The computer’s screen will flicker, and the HDMI output will turn on.
