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XtremeMac XtremeHD 4-to-1 HDMI Switcher

Posted by John Pastor • October 30, 2007 • Printer-friendly • Feed •

XtremeMac XtremeHD HDMI Switcher

Let's say you only have a single HDMI port on your TV or projector, but you have multiple devices you want hooked up. Instead of unplugging and replugging in different cables you should use an HDMI switcher, and today we're reviewing a great one from XtremeMac.

This particular switcher offers the ability to output four sources to one display (not all at once, though). Taking design cues from the AppleTV (it is designed for it after all), the switcher measures in at 7.7" x 7.7" square and features a brushed metal surface around the edges and a glossy white top, Apple-style. On the front you'll find a black strip with numbers for each input that light up corresponding to which input you're on. On the back is a power connector, the output HDMI port, and four input ports. The included remote has buttons for all four inputs, and a power button for turning the switcher off/on.

As a precaution, there are no HDMI cables included, so you'll have to supply your own. Don't buy from the retail stores though, they overprice like crazy. Go for the cables from XtremeMac for $19.95 (2ft) each or from Monoprice, which I've been using a lot lately. The XtremeMac XtemeHD HDMI Switcher supports resolutions up to 1080p.

I hooked up the following devices to the switcher: a MacBook using an HDMI - DVI cable, a Vudu set-top box, and an Oppo DV-981HD upconverting DVD player. All worked flawlessly with the switcher and switching between inputs took only a few seconds, displaying a "no input" screen for only a second. No loss of video quality could be noticed either.

The XtremeMac HDMI Switcher now takes a permanent spot in my home theater setup and I highly recommend it. It's available for $99.95 at XtremeMac's website.

Pros

  • Fast switching.
  • Supports up to 1080p resolutions.
  • Priced reasonably.
  • No video degradation whatsoever.

Cons

  • None.

Final Verdict
5 out of 5 stars.



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  • This unit certainly does deliver. Many people may not be thinking ahead when they originally create their in home theatre. Becuase of that, they will often just have one video source. As time goes by, they start adding in other sources and face the problem of constantly connecting their HD cable from one unit to the next.
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