hdmi switcher
Latest
Amazon is bringing Fire TV to cars and Dolby Atmos to its soundbars
Amazon plans to bring its Fire TV platform to in-car entertainment systems. Today, Amazon announced that Fire TV Edition for Auto will appear in future BMW and Fiat Chrysler vehicles. It will include access to Alexa, a touchscreen interface and offline playback capabilities. Content will be available through the vehicle's WiFi or LTE connection, a mobile hotspot or a WAN-enabled device.
Gefen announces 4x2 and 2x4 Switchers for HDMI v1.3
Gefen's roll of new switchers continues today with two new ones: the 4x2 Switcher for HDMI v1.3 and the 2x4 Switcher for HDMI v1.3. The former, as the title insinuates, enables users to connect four HDMI v1.3-enabled devices to two HDTVs or projectors, while the latter is aimed at integrators wanting to display the same high-def video and audio on four HDTVs or projectors at the same time. Each one also comes bundled with HDMI cables and is fully CEC pass-through / HDCP compliant. As for pricing, you're looking at $549 for the 4x2 and $699 for the 2x4, and they'll both ship out next month.Read - 4x2 Switcher for HDMI v1.3Read - 2x4 Switcher for HDMI v1.3.
Marmitek intros Connect410 and Connect411 HDMI switches
Can't say we've ever had the pleasure of handling a Marmitek device ourselves, but for those scouting a new HDMI switch, said company has a new duo it'd like for you to look at. The Connect410 is a higher-end HDMI switch that can handle four HDMI devices and pipe 'em one at a time to a single HDMI output. It also includes a built-in repeater and equalizer for correcting any signal loss, and the bundled remote ensures that you'll never have to leave the sofa to switch inputs. The Connect411 does everything the aforementioned 410 does, but it adds in a digital audio output for good measure. Each one can be procured right now across the pond for €89.95 ($121) / €149.95 ($201), respectively.
DVIGear outs new HDMI / DVI equipment at ISE
New projectors aren't the only things being unveiled at Integrated Systems Europe this week, as DVIGear is using the spotlight to launch a new set of HDMI and DVI accessories. We're talking HDMI Matrix Switchers that support resolutions as high as 1080p (as well as dual-link DVI up to 4,096 x 2,400), HDMI 1.3 distribution wares, and long-range HDMI 1.3 extenders that transmit signals over CAT5e / CAT6 / Coax. The outfit will also be showing off its Super High Resolution HDMI and DVI cables, which rely on heavy 22AWG gauge wire in order to carry your Blu-ray signals along a fatter-than-usual pipe. For more details on the whole lot, head on south to the read link.
IXOS busts out XHE228 2-way auto HDMI 1.3 switcher
No need for a half-dozen HDMI inputs in your HDMI switcher? No worries, as IXOS has you covered. The outfit's XHE228 is a minuscule auto-switching box with two HDMI 1.3 inputs and a single HDMI 1.3 output, and it's capable of handling 1080p material up to 15-meters without signal degradation. Sadly, Americans will have to swallow the conversion fees and inflated shipping costs when paying €59 ($75) to bring it home, but those living in Europe are a-okay.[Via HDTV Info]
Ask Engadget HD: What's the best HDMI splitter on the market?
Now that you know which cable(s) you're going to use, how's about giving Daniel a bit of advice on splitting up the signal? "What is the best HDMI splitter on the market? I want to split my signal to a 42-inch LCD TV (about 9-feet away from the source) and a projector (through a 50-foot HDMI cable). Considering the distances needing to be covered, would a powered splitter be better than a passive one?" We'll go ahead and assume Daniel's looking for one that can pass a 1080p signal without degradation, so recommending that Dollar Tree box you saw probably isn't the best thing to do. On the real, feel free to shout out any positive / negative experiences you've had with extenders and switches -- hopefully one of 'em will fit the bill here.Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
AV Toolbox delivers HDMI switch, scaler and signal splitter
AV Toolbox may not be the first name that comes to mind when lookin' some new HDMI equipment, but the outfit has just rolled out a trifecta of reasonably priced, no-nonsense gear that may be just the fit for your switching, scaling and / or splitting needs. First up is the AVT-6041 HDMI Version 1.3 Routing Switcher, which enables easy switching between four HDMI sources, with or without HDCP protection. The AVT-6071 Multi-format Routing Switcher takes in a variety of analog sources (or HDMI sources) and upconverts 'em to HDMI standards (or thereabout). Finally, the AVT-6114 HDMI Version 1.3 Signal Splitter can distribute up to four HDMI / PC signals to four other displays, and it supports resolutions all the way up to UXGA. All three can be had right now for $129, $349 and $239 in order of mention.
Marantz's 6-in / 2-out VS3002 HDMI 1.3a switcher now shipping
For most of you out there, we've all ideas Marantz sexy VS3002 HDMI switcher went in one ear and out the other when it first surfaced last December. Still, those of you waiting on pins and needles to hear more will be elated to know that the 6-in / 2-out device is finally shipping. The HDMI 1.3a switcher features an RS-232c control terminal, direct IR input jacks and a design that certainly trumps the competition. Regrettably, you'll be paying a penny under $350 to take one home, so make darn sure you're head over heels before pulling the trigger.
Sony announces sexy HDMI hub, Bluetooth paraphernalia to clutter up our life
Sony's still got that spark that can make a boring old HDMI switcher into a fashion statement. The four port SB-HD41R (pictured) isn't doing anything special, but it does it in style. Meanwhile the SRS-BT100 and the DRC-BT15 (pictured after the break) help you get your Bluetooth on, with the BT100 working as an autonomous 30W speaker for you Bluetooth-capable music players, while the DRC-BT15 acts as a Bluetooth adapter, pumping out whatever comes in the minijack over EDR / A2DP. Unfortunately, we don't really need any of this stuff, since that home entertainment center of ours is looking messy as it is, but luckily we don't have to make a decision just yet since these are only announced for Japan at the moment.Read - SB-HD41RRead - SRS-BT100Read - DRC BT15
Hands-on with the Marantz VS3002 HDMI switcher
Readers who tuned in before CES already got the details on the Marantz VS3002 HDMI switcher, but we'll recap really quick before we move to the pics. Six inputs and two parallel outputs, HDMI 1.3 and RS-232. And lookee here: there are six HDMI inputs and two outputs around back! This is priced at $349 and will ship in February.%Gallery-13242%
Marantz unveils 6-in, 2-out VS3002 HDMI switcher
A shiny new 1080p DLP projector isn't the only thing Marantz is rolling out to the HD crowd this week, as the firm's newest HDMI switch is sure to garner attention from those drowning in components. The VS3002 video selector boasts that totally simple, albeit incredibly sexy motif that we've come to expect from the outfit, and it also features a 6-in, 2-out design that enables owners to pipe high-definition content in from a whole heap of sources and out to two separate displays. We're also led to believe that this thing supports v1.3 considering its understanding of Deep Color, and there's also an RS-232 port 'round back should you need it. Unfortunately, the VS3002 won't be coming sans a premium, as it will purportedly demand a stiff ¥35,000 ($306) when it lands in February.[Via SlashGear]
RTcom's HDS-41Rv13 HDMI Switcher supports v1.3
Another day, another HDMI switcher, but at least RTCom's latest supports HDMI 1.3. The HDS-41Rv13 enables users to pipe in four separate HDMI connections and utilize just one display (or HDMI input on your TV / receiver), but unlike earlier models, this one also supports 36-bit Deep Color along with Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio streams. Furthermore, the included IR remote keeps you firmly planted when sifting through the four inputs, and the signal amplification allows owners to extend cables up to 50 feet. As expected, the unit does indeed support HDCP, and it can be snapped up right now for $199.99.[Via Digital Extender]
ACCELL's $100 UltraAV HDMI 2-1 Audio/Video Switch
With more and more devices being released sporting HDMI outputs (although certainly not all of them), and so many TVs holding steady at just one HDMI input, you're gonna have to shell out some loot for a switcher sooner or later. Most models on the market are dedicated little boxes that cost several hundred dollars, but cable manufacturer ACCELL has just announced a new solution for switching on the cheap, called the UltraAV HDMI 2-1 Audio/Video Switch, that tucks in unobtrusively among your nest of cables. This small wafer of a device simply features two inputs and an output, along with a handy IR repeater on a five-foot cord for toggling between sources from the included wireless remote. TMCnet is reporting that these will begin shipping next month, and for under a hundred bucks (well, only a penny under, but still).[Via TMCnet]
