A device that is used to select between two or more video sources with HDMI outputs. For example, a cable box, DVD player and DVR may all have HDMI outputs, but the TV has only one HDMI input. To solve the problem, a three-port HDMI switch would have three HDMI inputs for the source components and one HDMI output to the TV set. When multiple TVs are used, there are HDMI switches available with two or more outputs. The switch may be operated by remote control or manually by pressing a button or turning a dial on the unit. There are also units that sense which input has a signal and switch the TV to that source automatically. See HDMI.
Switching Video and Audio
Since HDMI handles audio and video, only HDMI cables are required if the TV's speakers are used.
Using a Separate Audio System
If a separate system provides the audio, HDMI switches with Toslink audio connections are available to switch sources to both destinations at the same time. Units may have separate Toslink inputs for each device (top) or be able to extract the audio from the HDMI (bottom). See Toslink.
A 3 X 1 HDMI Switch
This "3 in - 1 out" unit from Octava switches automatically between three HDMI sources as well as by remote control. (Image courtesy of Octava Inc., www.octavainc.com)
Switching Video and Audio
Since HDMI handles audio and video, only HDMI cables are required if the TV's speakers are used.
Using a Separate Audio System
If a separate system provides the audio, HDMI switches with Toslink audio connections are available to switch sources to both destinations at the same time. Units may have separate Toslink inputs for each device (top) or be able to extract the audio from the HDMI (bottom). See Toslink.
A 3 X 1 HDMI Switch
This "3 in - 1 out" unit from Octava switches automatically between three HDMI sources as well as by remote control. (Image courtesy of Octava Inc., www.octavainc.com)
 | Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2009 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
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