ProductWiki

Hall Research UH-1C HDMI Over One CATx Re-Clocking Extender

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 18:06:50 -0400

Hall Research's UH-1C is a Re-clocking Extender that sends an HDMI audio/video signal over a single CATx cable. Since it re-clocks the signal, it re-aligns the pixel clock and generates a clean pixel clock for the display. Since the distance limitation is 200 feet at 1080i, one of the good features about this device is that it can be Daisy-chained to achieve longer distances.

Sony SB-HD41R

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:44:04 -0400

The Sony SB-HD41R is an HDMI selector. It has four HDMI inputs, and one HDMI output, therefore yielding a net gain of three HDMI inputs to any device with an existing HDMI input. One of the HDMI inputs is located on the front for easy hotplugging of non-permanent devices such as camcorders. The SB-HD41R supports HDMI 1.3a, which is the latest version of HDMI, and can output at up to 1080p.

Features

HDMI 1.3a Selector
Up to 1080p
Inputs: HDMI x4
Outputs: HDMI x1
8.5" x 1.4" x 5.25" dimensions

Oppo HM-31

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 12:09:00 -0400

The Oppo HM-31 is a 3x1 HDMI switcher supporting the latest HDMI 1.3 standard including deep color, higher bandwidth and a signal equalizer. At $100, the HM-31 provides an inexpensive HDMI switching alternative to a new receiver. Most new flat-panel televisions have 2 HDMI inputs, but likely the consumer has 3 (or more) HDMI devices like an HD DVD/Blu-ray player, set-top box (cable, satellite, TiVo), and next-generation video game system (Xbox 360, PS3).

The HM-31 makes it easy switch between your DVD player, set-top box, and gaming system using the included credit card sized remote, a button on the player itself, or let the HM-31 switch automatically by analyzing the presence of an HDMI signal. In the case of automatic switching, the inputs are assigned a priority (ie. 1st, 2nd, 3rd) to determine which source gets displayed if there is more than one signal present.

Features

Easily switch between 3 HDMI inputs to 1 HDMI output
HDMI 1.3 standard with DDC and HPD switching
EIA/CEA-861D, DVI 1.0, HDCP 1.1 compliant
deep color, higher bandwidth, signal equalizer
signal: Up to 1080p @ 60Hz or 720p/1080i @120Hz with 12-bit color depth
Support for long cables because of signal equalizer
automatic switching based on the presence of HDMI signal with prioritization
Includes remote control, optional external IR input and RS-232 port
power: 5 VDC, consumes 3 W, includes AC/DC adapter
dimensions: 7-3/8" x 4-1/2" x 1-1/16"
weight: 9 oz (250 g)

Oppo is an American electronics manufacturer based out of Mountain View, CA that makes the popular OPPO DV-981HD ($230), OPPO DV-980H ($170) up-converting DVD players.

The Oppo HM-31 was released on September 28, 2007 and retails for $99. Consider the Monoprice 5x1 HDMI switcher ($50) for a cheaper alternative supporting more inputs, but with less features.

Sony SB-HD21

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:36:51 -0400

The Sony SB-HD21 is an HDMI selector. With two HDMI inputs, and one output, the SB-HD21 adds one additional HDMI input to any device with an existing HDMI input. The SB-HD21 supports up to 1080p resolutions, and supports HDMI 1.3a, the latest version of HDMI. It has a slim form, in order for it to easily fit on an A/V stand. The SB-HD21 only yields a net gain of one HDMI port, whereas competing video switches can offer more ports for a similar price.

Features

HDMI v1.3a
Video: HDMI inputs x2, HDMI outputs x1 (adds one port)
Slim form
5.7" x 1.4" x 4.25" dimensions

Monoprice 5x1

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 12:11:09 -0400

The Monoprice 5x1 is a 5 input/1 output HDMI switch support HDMI with HDCP. It can be found for around $50, which gives you an inexpensive solution to the problem of running out of HDMI input. It supports HDMI with HDCP, however it doesn't not support the HDMI 1.3 standard for deep color support. See the OPPO HM-31 (3x1, $100) for HDMI 1.3 support.

Features

easy switching between 5 HDMI inputs using remote or button on the switcher
supports 480i, 480p, 720i, 720p, 1080i, 1080p
works with up to 50 ft. HDMI cables
includes remote control with discrete input
autoscan feature automatically selects active input
power: 2 Watts
dimensions: 7.1"x3"x1"

Originally retailed for $150, but now can be found for around $50.

Sony SB-V60S

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:44:23 -0400

The Sony SB-V60S is a standard definition video switch. It is an auto switch, meaning it automatically switches to whichever device is powered on. The SB-V60S is also passive, so it does not require power or a power cable to use. The SB-V60S has four composite A/V inputs, one of which is on the front panel and has an S-Video input. It has two composite A/V or S-Video outputs; it outputs to both a monitor and a recorder, so that the user can watch and record something at the same time.

Sony SB-V31G

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:44:15 -0400

The Sony SB-V31G is an A/V switch for devices with composite RCA outputs. It does not require any power to run, but it must be manually switched to whatever input is being used. Due to the fact that the only inputs are composite, the SB-V31G does not support any HD resolutions, and if it is connected to an HD device, the device must upconvert, letterbox, or stretch the output.

Features

Composite video switch
Input: composite + RCA audio x3
Output: composite + RCA audio x1
Uses no power
Circular form