IOGEAR releases 4-port HDMI switch

IOGEAR has just released the GHDMIAS4 4-port automatic HDMI switch, which takes four of your favorite HDMI inputs and pares them down to one output. It has automatic sensing to switch to an input when a new source is turned on, or you can use the remote with discrete buttons. The switch supports 1080p and HDMI 1.3, is HDCP-compliant, and ships now for $189.95, including a bonus 6-foot HDMI cable.

[andy @ Jul 30th 2007 12:08PM]

These switches really need an order of port preference. That is, when two sources are on, it prefers a particular published port. When that port turns off, it switches to the non-preferred port, and so on down the line. It would make them much better with TIVO and other DVR's that have a continuous output stream. It would also be nice if they'd throw in a couple of component inputs so that one switch could handle your Tivo, xbox (component) and dvd player.

I mean isn't that really the point of these switches, to do it for you so that you don't ahve to use 4 remotes and 20 buttons to get the inputs right?

[andy @ Jul 30th 2007 1:57PM]

ps

I don't want to switch my sound either. Where's the automatic switch for that?


The ideal switch matrix would convert anything to digital (hdmi for video and pcm 2.1 or 5.1 for sound) and output that to ONE input on the TV and ONE input on the receiver.

Why do I have to use a bunch of different switches for goodness sake?

[Chris @ Jul 30th 2007 12:14PM]

I thought they were there so you don't have to get off your ass to switch between your PS3/Xbox Elite/DVD Player/etc.

;)

[strider_mt2k @ Jul 30th 2007 12:17PM]

Jebus, you could get one at Radio Shmack for less than that.

-and that's saying something.

[searls @ Jul 30th 2007 12:21PM]

What a waste of money. You can get a switch just as high of quality over at Monoprice.com. Their prices are monstrously low and demonstrate just how much of a scam HDMI resale is among the home theater retailers.

Best Buy has done a great job convincing people that these devices need to be as complex and shielded as analog cables do, but it's obviously a lie to keep the only margin in TV sales alive (apart from extended warranty) .

[Heath Stahl @ Jul 30th 2007 12:26PM]

Yeah the monoprice one is a good deal ($130 less). Only problem with theirs is no HDMI 1.3 support. Which may or may not be a deal breaker to some people. However I wouldn't be surprised if Monoprice had a 1.3 spec switch shortly for not much more money.

[searls @ Jul 30th 2007 1:32PM]

Hardly anyone actually needs 1.3 compliance because support isn't there. If you're just looking for a 4x1 HDMI switch that'll work with virtually everything out there, Monoprice has you covered for $50. A far cry from anything I've seen at a B&M or elsewhere online:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10110&cs_id=1011002&p_id=2721&style=&seq=1&format=2#description

[Rob @ Jul 30th 2007 12:31PM]

Can someone tell me why this silly switches are so expensive?
They shouldn't go for more than $40 tops.

[zargon @ Jul 30th 2007 12:45PM]

Why shouldn't they go for more than $40 tops? Have you designed one and sold it so you know how much they really cost.

Sure, their is a premium on HDMI right now. However, a switch like this cost money to make. It isn't like it is a simple switch button, it has a remote. On top of that, HDMI is in the digital realm, unlike composite, s-video, component and VGA that is analog. Circuity for HDMI I am sure is more complicated. On top of that, factor in the latest and greatest HDMI with spec 1.3 and also royalty fees. It can add up and like everything else, since it is new, it will come down in price with time.

Quality component switches still fetch a pretty penny anyways.

[alex @ Jul 30th 2007 12:53PM]

No, because it IS HDMI, is should be cheaper. HDMI is all digital. The circuitry should be LESS complicated than comparable analog signals. Its as simple as hitting a switch to connect the right input source - no circuits required to deal w/ the high quality pass through of analog signals.

[Rob @ Jul 30th 2007 1:37PM]

Zargon, what is your problem? My comment started with a question "Why are they so expensive?" I don't need to have designed/created something in order to say that it's too expensive. I'm a consumer and part of the equation that dictates as to what any product should cost.

Also, I said that they shouldn't go for more than $40. I was basically saying that that's the most money I'm willing to pay for it. Be it this week, or a year or so from now.

If you're a Monster Cables kind of guy, then so be it. It's your money after all. But, me, I'd like to enjoy technology as well as keep as much of my money saved in the bank.

[Karl @ Jul 30th 2007 4:09PM]

Actually, I really do agree. Switches, of whatever variety, are not complicated nor expensive. And remote controls are pretty easy to build if they're IR, which most are.

It's a pretty simple conditional linking of electronic signals. Digital or Analog shouldn't make any difference.

[G-stylez @ Jul 30th 2007 12:43PM]

I got the ExtremeHD 4port HDMI switch. Comes with it's own remote, but works with Logitech Harmony Remotes.

http://extrememac.com/audio/av_cables/switcher/index.php

[shelterpaw @ Jul 30th 2007 12:43PM]

I guess the price includes a free ass pounding. Don't you love our overly expensive HDMI switch, who's your daddy.

[aacouch @ Jul 30th 2007 1:07PM]

This one is $50 and does the same friggin' thing!
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10110&cs_id=1011002&p_id=2721

[Rob @ Jul 30th 2007 1:44PM]

Hey, I have a question for you. Who/what is Monoprice. They seem to have good prices. But, are they like Tiger Direct? Tiger Direct has great prices, but they get you in the shipping.
I usually shop at Newegg, they have great prices too, and the shipping is really good and more than reasonable.

[koo @ Aug 3rd 2007 3:00PM]

But does that include the "bonus 6-foot HDMI cable!"??

oo wait...that's worth $4.79 at monoprice!

[Simon P @ Jul 30th 2007 1:58PM]

Monoprice are excellent and shipping is cheap. once you've bought monoprice you don't go back. in fact you start stalking customers in best buy, pouncing on them before they buy their hideously overpriced hdmi cables and whispering "monoprice.com, monoprice.com.....monoprice...." etc etc

[zargon @ Jul 30th 2007 2:03PM]

"No, because it IS HDMI, is should be cheaper. HDMI is all digital. The circuitry should be LESS complicated than comparable analog signals."

You're kidding me, right? Last time I looked, digital circuity is much more complicated than analog. I don't think that has changed unless the world has gone topsy turvy.

Rob, until you have actual working knowledge of the product and its technology, you can't say how much something should really be. If you had actually said; "I wouldn't pay more than $40 for it", it would have been different.

I am in no way a "Monster kind of guy," in fact I will go out of my way not to buy Monster products if I can avoid it. However, I under stand there is line between cheap crap and quality. I want to get the most out of all of my gear. Which is why I have resorted to making my own cables to get high quality and save some pennies.

[Daniel Gary @ Jul 30th 2007 2:25PM]

@Zargon,

Because it is all digital, you don't have to worry about losing quality, which was always a problem with analog switches. Since this is digital, it really should be alot easier to build than an analog switch.

[baffled @ Jul 30th 2007 2:34PM]

zargon is totally right. And for those users saying theres an alternative at monoprice, its not exactly the same. This one is HDMI 1.3 and has auto switching. Not trying to bash monoprice b/c I love the place.

Compare apples to apples. Is the extra money worth the auto switch and 1.3 specs, its up to you. I personally would pay it but could understand if another person would rather barf than pay for it b/c they don't need it. Its like a car, you can buy a toyota or a lexus, both run but you'll pay for for more features for the lexus.

Dude, not everyone wants the cheapest and a product will just basic features.

[FrankTheCrank @ Jul 30th 2007 2:38PM]

$189.95?!?!?!

That must be a MONSTER CABLE they pack in the box with the switch. Ouch!

[baffled @ Jul 30th 2007 2:42PM]

Daniel Gary @ Jul 30th 2007 2:25PM
"Because it is all digital, you don't have to worry about losing quality, which was always a problem with analog switches. Since this is digital, it really should be alot easier to build than an analog switch."

Daniel, you are right only if ditigal is the only factor. What about security. Why do you think cable cards and set-top-boxes exist, b/c the digital signal is secured. If its so simple why don't you lay out the differences between HDMI 1.2 and 1.3. I looked at it and man, lots of numbers to think about.

Download a song from itunes and play it on a zune. It should work b/c digital is simple and straight forward right? Digital cable is cheaper than paying for analog cable right, it isn't for me with comcast.

Theres a big difference between HDMI 1.2 and 1.3, but you'll only see it if you got the right equipment. Theres also HDMI royalty fees to think about. HDMI royalty fees aren't cheap thats why the PC industry is trying to push their own standard, I think its called Display Port.

[Heath Stahl @ Jul 30th 2007 3:41PM]

FYI I emailed Monoprice asking them when they would have a HDMI 1.3 spec switch. Although no word on price here's their response (took less then an hour to respond, btw):

"Heath,

All our HDMI switches are based on HDMI spec. 1.2a. 1.3 version will be available in about 2-3 months. Sorry.

Should you have any question, please let me know. Thanks.

Regards,

Sean
Monoprice, Inc.
Tel. [phone]"