If you have a PlayStation, an Xbox, a Switch, a cable/satellite box, or a media streamer and an ARC-supported soundbar, that's easily too many sources for the meager number of HDMI inputs found on most TVs. Even big, expensive models often don't have enough inputs for many people. It's also always a hassle having to switch HDMI cables every time you want to use a specific device. Over time, switching out cables can damage the device's ports and possibly the cable, too.
So ideally, you shouldn't have to swap cables all the time. Fortunately, there are several solutions. Some don't cost a lot, and in most cases, they all involve only a small amount of rewiring for your system.
Is it OK to swap HDMI cables?
GettyImages/monticelllo
Obviously, the cheapest solution is to just swap HDMI cables between devices. Each time you do this, however, you put a little extra wear and tear on the device's HDMI port. Behind that metal connection are tiny wires and usually, cheap plastic supports. Over time, you may wear something loose, and the HDMI port may be toast. Depending on the product, that could mean the entire device is toast and needs repair.
If you're pulling and tugging on the cables themselves, those too can wear out prematurely. Inside all HDMI cables are extremely thin copper wires. HDMI cables are cheap, so if one wears out, it's not a huge deal, but if you're wearing out the cable, it's likely you're wearing out the connection in the devices at either end, too.
So technically speaking, you can just swap cables to alternate between sources, but you're better off going with one of the solutions below.
An HDMI switch
The next cheapest solution is an HDMI switch. These small devices have multiple HDMI inputs and a single HDMI output. They're often described by the numbers of each, so a "4x1" switcher has four inputs and one output. The cheapest HDMI switches have buttons to swap between devices. More expensive models have remote controls to do the same.
A few things to keep in mind. First, buy a larger switcher than you currently need. Have four devices you want to switch between? Get a five- or six-input switcher. You'll inevitably have more gear in the future that you'll want to connect. Second, make sure the switcher you're considering is capable of passing the resolutions and frame rates you want. Most switchers will handle 4K, but not all will do HDR. I'd say 4K60 is a minimum. You can also check that it's compatible with the most current (or reasonably current) HDMI standard.
... continue reading