I have quite a few HDMI devices I like to keep connected to my TV. Many of these aren’t strictly essential–how often do I really need to play my NES Mini, specifically–but having everything always set up makes the setup consistent and easy for other people to wrangle. Alas, my TV has only has four HDMI inputs. In the past I’ve tried to solve this problem with consumer HDMI switches but have been less than impressed with their quality. The most recent victims were a pair of Monoprice Blackbirds that finally died after 12 painful months of slow switching and frequent power cycles.
In looking for their replacements, I came across a number of options designed for professional installation. These had the appeal of actually being real products with spec sheets and warranties, albeit with a cost to match. Thankfully they were easy to find on eBay for relativelyx cheap, presumably from technology liquidators. I settled on a pair of models from Crestron, though I’m sure another brand would work just as well.
A week and some installation later I had a Crestron HD-MD4x1-4KZ-E and HD-MD4X1-4K-Einstalled. The former is a true 4K switch supporting 4K, 60Hz video at 4:4:4 color sampling; the latter is mostly a 1080p switch that can stretch up to 4K, 30Hz at 4:4:4. They’ve been in service for six months now and I love them. They’re dramatically better than the switches they replaced in basically every way. A few highlights:
- Both devices have ethernet connections and host built-in web interfaces that allow programming and remote control. The HD-MD4x1-4KZ-E even supports power over ethernet.
- Seamless, does-what-you-think auto-switching. This feels like table stakes, but you’d be surprised!
- HDMI CEC support if you can make it work in your setup (I have not been so lucky, but as this is very finicky I don’t hold it against them).
- HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision support on the HD-MD4x1-4KZ-E.
- Metal enclosures that stay where you put them.
- Clear LEDs that indicate what input is selected and if any unselected inputs are active.
Best of all, they really were affordable. The HD-MD4X1-4KZ-E cost me $60 and the HD-MD4X1-4K-E cost me a little under $20. That’s competitive with or cheaper than consumer models with the same capabilities, all in a package that’s designed to survive cooking to death in a conference room equipment box. If you’re in the market it’s worth tracking one down; even if you already have one, they’re worthy backups.
(A significant caveat to all this is that I haven’t performed any lag testing, but I don’t have much reason to assume anything’s amiss. I’m not good enough at video games to notice anything that’s not completely egregious, anyway.)