OTHER TECH

The New Switcheroo

Q. I need an HDMI switcher to let me feed two different HDMI sources into the one HDMI input on my DLP TV. Have you ever tested one of these, or do you have any recommendations? Nelson Almond Miami Lakes, FL

A. Al Griffin says: TV makers are getting wise to the need for multiple HDMI inputs on sets, but most HDTVs manufactured over the past two years provide only a single HDMI jack. One option is to upgrade to a premium A/V receiver that offers a pair of HDMI inputs (you can read about three of them starting on page 67). At Sound & Vision, we use a Gefen 2 x 1 HDMI splitter that works great. The company also makes a 2 x 1 switcher that will set you back only around $250. Parasound also has a 5-in/1-out HDMI switcher for $600. Be advised, though, that you may have problems when connecting an HDMI source through any kind of external switch. We've found that some HD cable boxes won't support so-called "HDMI repeater" devices, or just haven't had their software updated by the local cable provider to do so.

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