Radiient offers up 4-port HDMI switch / hub

While we've taught you how to craft your own component video switch (not to mention your own cables), there will (probably) come a time in your 1080p-needing life where that sole HDMI port on the rear of your television just won't cut it. Enter Radiient's HDMI Switch Select-4, a 4-port HDMI hub that doesn't deviate too far from the other alternatives already out there, but cuts out the audio ports altogether while adding in an RS-232 control port. Also, this device features a bevy of colorful LEDs, sure to enthrall some users who want to control things with the lights out while enraging others who like things pitch black when catching a flick. Nevertheless, the Select-4 supports HDCP, DVI (via adapters), and all your standard HD resolutions right up to 1080p. Notably, this sucker doesn't seem to support the recently-unveiled 1.3 spec, which means you'll miss out on some of the extra niceties on that shiny PlayStation 3. Still, Radiiant apparently feels its HDMI switcher is worth its weight in gold, as this bad boy will run you a whopping ¥69,300 ($592).

Update: These things have a $299 US asking price (at least as of right now). Thanks Jacobim.

[Via Akihabara News]

[strider_mt2k @ Dec 16th 2006 8:36AM]

592.00???

Geeze man, by the time Radio Shack gets ahold of it it'll be 800 freaking dollars!
(so get the service plan)

[James Sullivan @ Dec 16th 2006 10:50AM]

I was so excited when I saw this, then, I saw the price ;-(

[scooter @ Dec 16th 2006 10:52AM]

Go to monoprice.com they have switches for much much less. Like sub 100 dollars.

[James @ Dec 16th 2006 10:54AM]

here's a 5 in 1 AND it's a high quality as any other switcher:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10110&cs_id=1011002&p_id=2777&seq=1&format=2&style=

for 20% of the price. i had HT accessories like thi Radiient crap. these businesses (Monster included) need to get a life and stop ripping people off.

[Rob Stevens @ Dec 16th 2006 11:15AM]

"... but cuts out the audio ports altogether while adding in an RS-232 control port."

Silly Engadget. HDMI includes audio and video in the same cable. Why would they need separate audio ports?

[I LOVE THE CAPS LOCK KEY @ Dec 16th 2006 1:27PM]

Because most people are feeding the DVD audio through the reciever not the TV's speakers. Lack HDMI audio is no big deal because it is only Two Channel. The addition of RS232 means that It can sycronized with a reciever or universal control system.

[I LOVE THE CAPS LOCK KEY @ Dec 16th 2006 1:27PM]

Because most people are feeding the DVD audio through the reciever not the TV's speakers. Lack HDMI audio is no big deal because it is only Two Channel. The addition of RS232 means that It can sycronized with a reciever or universal control system. I'd rater have the RS232 than the Audio.

[walk2k @ Dec 16th 2006 1:29PM]

HDMI has 7.1 HD audio now, not just 2-channel. In fact you NEED HDMI to use HD audio. SPDIF won't cut it.

[I LOVE THE CAPS LOCK KEY @ Dec 16th 2006 8:55PM]

There is always the option of Analogue outputs directly to the reciever/preamplifier. Sometimes when you have a high end dvd/cd player, analogue would be your best choice.

[walk2k @ Dec 16th 2006 1:32PM]

By HD audio I mean of course Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD found on Bluray and HD-DVD video discs.

[Paul @ Dec 16th 2006 6:25PM]

for $600 bucks i will get up and manually unplug and replug my devices
especially since that thing looks like ass

[b00da @ Dec 16th 2006 7:59PM]

That's a really high price.

Here's one that supports 1080p and has an IR Remote for about half the price:

http://www.octavainc.com/HDMI%20switch%204port.htm

And that's MSRP...you could probably find it at a reseller for cheaper.

Not to mention that most high-end receivers (like the Yamaha 2700) already support HDMI switching.

[Mr. B @ Dec 16th 2006 10:13PM]

I don't get it. How hard could is possibly be to manufacture one of these switchers for under $20?

[ewiles @ Dec 17th 2006 3:46AM]

Couple of comments....
1) As some have stated - the $529 price is wrong. This this can be had for $299 pretty much anywhere you look.
2) Many "cheap" HDMI switchers are nothing more than mechanical switches that simply connect the input side to the output. Fine for 480p, 720p, and 1080i (maybe). But you'll have a really hard time getting 1080p signals to pass through.
3) The Radiient switch is a signal repeater. The data sent out is completely re-buffered and transmitted as if it were a source. What does this mean. It means you can run up to 20 meter cables in and 20 meter cables out without any signal degradation.
4) It has Simplay certification. This means it has been fully tested to be HDMI and HDCP compliant. So it's pretty much guaranteed to work with anything you can plug into it.
5) For those (like the reviewer) who don't like tons of flashing LEDs, the box can be set to operate in stealth mode where all the LEDs are turned off.