05/06/2007

HDMI SwitchBoxes 2

Hi
I have a HD TV which I use during the day and a HD Projector which I use at night, they both need to be fed HDMI from my DigiBox HD, HD-DVD and Games Station. Do you sell or are about to make a 4 HDMI in 2 HDMI out switching box?
Regards,
Steve

Hi Steve,
TECHLINK do not do any devices that simply A/B switch HDMI outputs at present, however, the answer is - ‘yes and no’.
The yes bit: TECHLINK have just launched two ‘trade only’ HDMI switching devices that multiplex simultaneous HDMI outputs - which we have called ‘HDMI Control Centres’. One is a 1-in 8-out device although probably more relevant to you is a 2-in 4-out version. The latter creates four identical outputs with switchable source via auto detection, on the product and via remote control.
Here are the key facts about them:
*ONE HDMI input, EIGHT simultaneous HDMI outputs
*TWO switchable HDMI inputs, FOUR HDMI outputs also available
*Full High Definition bandwidth to 1080p resolution
*HDMI 1.2 compliant, HDCP enabled
*Fully connected - including all triggers/controls
*Active repeater circuits for extended cable runs
*Automatic (HPD), manual or remote control switching
*Active channel input/output indicators
*Can be daisy-chained infinitely for limitless distribution
*240V mains power pack supplied
The ‘no’ bit: technically speaking this is a product that is designed for TV retailers so they can display multiple identical HDMI inputs around stores - particularly as they can be daisy-chained infinitely as they use active repeaters. Ergo, you are not likely to see it on the shelves for sale.
If you`re interested, let me know which area you live in and I will track down a retailer in your area. If you approach them nicely and ask them to get you a TECHLINK HDMI Control Centre, they may well do. Due to the complexity of the device - it isn’t going to be cheap - around £400-ish at retail.
Best regards,
Richard

Webmaster`s comment on HDMI 1.3: Currently the HDMI organization only tests and certifies HDMI 1.3 cables up to and including 3m in length. The HDMI 1.3 standard covers bandwidth for additional features such as deep colour and auto-lip sync which few, if any, devices currently use.
The main concern for consumers is whether the HDMI cable supports outputs up to 1080p (the actual quality of displayed image). We have tested Wires cables up to 15m (and up to 50m when used with the Wires Repeater) with a 1080p source and got a perfect picture.
However, the quality is ultimately source equipment dependent - we have designed the cable to handle 1080p and 99.9% of all the source equipment we have tested so far has worked faultlessly.