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If you have a PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, cable/satellite box, or device Media streamer and ARC supported speakersThis is a very large number of sources for the small number of HDMI inputs found on most TVs. Even large and expensive models often do not have enough inputs for many people. It’s also always difficult to switch HDMI cables Every time you want to use a specific device. Over time, disconnecting cables can damage the device’s ports and possibly the cable as well.
So, ideally, you shouldn’t switch cables all the time. Fortunately, there are many solutions. Some don’t cost much, and in most cases, they all involve only a small amount of rewiring of your system.
Is it okay to switch HDMI cables?
Obviously, the cheapest solution is to just switch HDMI cables between devices. However, every time you do this, you’re putting a little extra wear on the device’s HDMI port. Behind this metal connection are small wires and usually inexpensive plastic supports. Over time, you may wear something loose, and the HDMI port may be toasted. Depending on the product, this may mean that the entire device is in good condition and needs to be repaired.
If you are pulling and tugging on the cables themselves, those cables may also wear out prematurely. Inside all HDMI cables are very thin copper wires. Cheap HDMI cablesSo if one cable eats up, it’s not a big deal, but if you eat up the cable, you’re probably eating up the connection in the devices at either end as well.
So, technically, you can just swap cables to switch between sources, but you’re better off using one of the solutions below.
HDMI switch
The next cheapest solution is HDMI switch. These small devices have multiple HDMI inputs and one HDMI output. They are often described by their respective numbers, so a “4×1” converter has four inputs and one output. The cheapest HDMI adapters have buttons for switching between devices. More expensive models have remote controls to do the same thing.
Some things to keep in mind. First, buy a larger adapter than you currently need. Do you have four devices you want to switch between? Get a converter with five or six inputs. You’ll inevitably have more equipment in the future that you want to connect. Second, make sure the adapter you’re considering is capable of passing the resolutions and frame rates you want. Most switches will handle 4K, but not all will handle HDR. I would say 4K60 is the minimum. You can also check that it is compatible with the latest (or reasonably current) HDMI standards.
I’ve had good luck with HDMI equipment from Monoprice and… Anker equipment in general. I don’t have one of his transformers, but I do have a Monoprice distribution amplifier (basically, the opposite of a transformer, with one input sending to multiple outputs). I used it to Display device test In my lab for years, and it works great.
For most people, deny it 4×1 switcher It is the best option. Comes with a remote control and an extra HDMI cable. It can handle 4K HDR and is HDMI 2.1 compatible. It can handle up to 8K30but you’ll likely never need this capability. Monopoly 5×1 converter comes with a remote control It is $5 cheaper. It is only compatible with HDMI 2.0, which It shouldn’t This may be an issue, but if you have trouble with HDR, you may want to connect these sources directly to your TV and leave the non-HDR sources up to the switcher. Or get an Anker or a different converter.
Why it’s worth considering: It’s a simple, inexpensive HDMI switcher that can handle 4K HDR. It even comes with a remote control.
in order to: Anyone who wants a simple and inexpensive way to connect more devices to their TV.
Other aspects worth considering: It’s an inexpensive switch. There’s not much to worry about.
Monoprice 4K HDMI Adapter 5×1
Inexpensive HDMI 5×1 adapter
Why it’s worth considering: It is an inexpensive 5×1 HDMI switch with remote control. It can handle 4K HDR content.
in order to: Anyone who wants to add HDMI connections to their TV.
Potential downsides to consider: The Monoprice 5×1 is only compatible with HDMI 2.0. This is enough for 4K HDR but lacks some of the features offered HDMI 2.1. This shouldn’t be a big deal, especially if you have older gear, but if it’s a concern you have, the Anker is only slightly larger.
Speakers
There are plenty of reasons to get speakers, not least the ability to hear dialogue more clearly in TV shows and movies. Most TV speakers are bad, the rest are even worse. Some soundbars have the added benefit of having additional HDMI inputs. In this case, you can connect multiple devices to the soundbar, and a single HDMI cable goes from there to the TV. You won’t get as many additional connections as you would with a switch, but you will get the added benefit of much better sound.
The only downside, other than the higher price compared to the adapter, is that less expensive speakers typically don’t have additional HDMI inputs. In fact, many expensive models have only one HDMI input, and many don’t have any (they are optical only). None of our current choices Best speakers He has more than one. Some models have one in and one out, so at least you don’t lose the HDMI input when you add an amplifier.
the Polk Magnify Max AX It has three HDMI inputs and is the big brother to some Polk models that have both CNET’s Ty Pendlebury I have checked. It’s a good place to start.
Why it’s worth considering: It is one of the rare soundbars with multiple HDMI inputs. You can use it as an HDMI switcher and still get much better sound from your TV speakers.
in order to: Anyone who wants to add more HDMI connections to their TV and improve the sound of their system.
Potential downsides worth considering: The Max AX isn’t cheap, nor is it particularly small. You’ll also need to find a place for the included wireless subwoofer. However, these can go anywhere in the room.
Receiver (and speakers)
Going further into the world of audio is an A/V receiver and speakers. These boxy brutes usually have multiple HDMI inputs. You connect everything to it, and it acts as a main hub and switch for your home entertainment system. You’ll never need to change inputs on your TV; Everything (including volume) is done through the receiver.
The downside is the size and price. Although there are a lot of great receivers out there that are inexpensive, once you add them up SpeakersThe whole package isn’t cheap, especially compared to some speakers. The receiver itself is also fairly large, and the speakers are amplifiers. So it’s a bigger commitment physically than the speakers. However, the sound quality is much better than speakers or TV, and it elevates your viewing experience. I’ve had a receiver and speakers as part of my system since college. I can’t imagine not having that. You need to allocate more space for all of this, as well as time to set it all up.
Our top pick for Best receiver Comprehensive is Onkyo TX-NR6100 Which contains six HDMI inputs.
Why is it good: The Onkyo TX-NR6100 looks great with movies and music, plus it has six HDMI inputs that are compatible with 4K video.
in order to: Anyone who wants bigger, better sound compared to the TV’s internal speakers or speakers.
Things to consider: While the benefits are great, so are the size and price. In addition to the receiver, you will need at least two speakers, and preferably five, as well as a subwoofer.
Check out our full review of the Onkyo TX-NR6100..
In addition to covering audio and display technology, Jeff makes the photo tours From museums and amazing sites around the world, including Nuclear submarines, Aircraft carriers, Medieval castles,epic A 10,000 mile road trip And more.
Also, check out Budget travel for dummies And to him Best-selling science fiction novel About submarines the size of a city. You can follow it Instagram and YouTube.