HDMI Switches and quality loss

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dakie

74 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 2

Topic # 55755 8-Jan-2010 22:12

I was looking around for HDMI switches and was told by someone in a retail store that there is no point is the loss in quality is huge when using 3 inputs to 1 output.

I am not sure if that is the case or if he was just trying to sell me a tv with 3 HDMI inputs

Unfortunately my TV has 1 Input but I have 3 HDMI Devices so was looking at one of the Joytech ones.

unfortunately I dont know to much about these things so any advice would be appreciated (I will not be buying a new TV) And if there is a difference in quality would I be better off just connecting the devices to the composite and component inputs?

Buttonmash

361 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 1

Reply # 288314 8-Jan-2010 22:54

Just make sure the switch is HDMI 1.3 compliant. Mine wasn't which caused all sorts of wonderful graphical glitches.

clevedon

892 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 127

Reply # 288357 9-Jan-2010 10:18

Or if you can afford it ( under $1000 if you shop around ), buy a HT receiver that has 3 or 4 inputs and one output and your all go.

stuzzo

534 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 5

Reply # 288368 9-Jan-2010 10:28

dakie: I was looking around for HDMI switches and was told by someone in a retail store that there is no point is the loss in quality is huge when using 3 inputs to 1 output.

The person was telling you hogwash. There will be no loss of quality due to an HDMI switch unless losses in the switch are sufficient to result in total loss of signal or sparklies.

The biggest problem with switches is firmware compatibility with other components especially in complex arrangements with AV receivers etc. MySky HDi is one of the worst culprits in this regard.

If you buy make sure you have the option to return the switch if you have problems.