Everywhere you look, you see it more and more. Electronic devices including digital cameras, laptops, and video game consoles that can handle high definition video now come equipped with an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) port. If you're just wading into the world of high-def, and this all sounds a bit foreign to you, a good resource on HDMI and making sure your TV is high-def ready is this article on DemystifyingDigital.com.
The thing is though, once you have that HDTV hooked up, you're going to want to buy every high-def capable device you can find including, of course, an HD DVD or Blu-ray disk player. This is an understandable side effect of the beautiful picture you get from a high-def set which renders you glued to the screen, flipping from the non-HD HBO to the HD version just to check out the imperfections in stars' skin. Sounds like nirvana, right?
Well, there's a catch. Many devices use an HDMI connection to give you that crystal clear picture. On the back of the gadget you want to hook into your TV you'll see the HDMI port – typically labeled HDMI in capital letters – which is where you secure the HDMI cable. Then run the cable to the HDMI input on the back of your TV.
Sounds simple, right? It is. The only problem is, there's usually only one HDMI port on most TVs. This can be frustrating when you go to plug in another HD gadget – such as Xbox 360 Premium which has an HDMI port –and find there's already a device that's taken up residence there. You have to unplug it and plug in the one you want to use, and then lather, rinse, repeat etc. every time you need to use that port.
Luckily, companies are starting to get wise to this demand for HDMI ports and are beginning to create alternatives in the form of HDMI switch ports. (Yes, unfortunately that means shoving things aside to make room for another little box that does something.) An HDMI switch port serves as a hub to plug multiple high-def devices into. The HDMI hub then plugs into your television. (Think of it as a high-def power strip.) Problem solved!
There are a few things to look for when you shop for HDMI switch ports:
Number of ports it has. You'll generally find them with 3-5 inputs, but make sure you check before checking out! It won't do you much good to get a 3-port model home, and realize you actually have 4 things which need an HDMI home. Then you're just back to square one, unplugging your hub to put in the 4th device and you haven't helped yourself.
Remote control. This should probably go without saying, but there are models that don't have one. The thought of another remote to add to the stack on your coffee table probably makes your eye twitch, but you'll be glad to have it to switch from one device to another.
Compression levels. The one thing you definitely don't want to do in all of this is compromise your high definition experience. Most HDMI switches won't do this, but read the box or specs anyway. Make sure that it states somewhere in there that it's uncompressed, so you know that the unit isn't compressing your HD and dispersing it to the TV. It will compromise not only the picture, but the sound, too.
HD version support. Models on the market these days should be supporting 720p, 1080i and 1080p, (and if they're not, you have to wonder why they're making a device related to high definition in the first place) but do yourself a favor and double check.
Read model reviews. This can't be stressed enough. Many of these devices look the same, and the only discernible differences are things like the number of ports. If you take a glance on Amazon you'll see a huge range of ratings for all the different brands, however. This is a technology that can be easily knocked off by no-name firms who will produce it for extremely cheap—and it will show in the product quality. Beyond that, there are some models where the ports are designed to work with certain devices, so the reviews are also helpful in knowing that up front.
The hope would be that manufacturers will catch on and start adding multiple HDMI ports to their TVs to accommodate this kind of demand. Until then, it's time to get another box that will hook up to all your other boxes.