An HDMI switch is helpful if you have run out of HDMI inputs on your projector, monitor, TV or soundbar. If possible, you should connect the PS4 Pro or PS5 directly to your TV’s HDMI port, and then use a switcher for the other devices you want to connect, on a different TV port. Your TV and amplifier/soundbar both need to support HDMI ARC. If not, then you might need to use an optical connection instead.

CEC stands for Consumer Electronics Control. CEC was fully specified in HDMI version 1.2 and allowed devices to control each other via an HDMI connection. The truth is you are hardly likely to get much oxidization going on in your living room. Or is your TV in the garden?The HDMI connector has a distinctive rectangular shape that fits cables one way. Ports are usually inputs or outputs: Materials: Most cables have a standard protective PVC plastic exterior and shielding to prevent signal interference. Some brands will come with a nylon braided cord, making the cable more flexible and easier to move in tight spaces. Otherwise, it just makes it looks nice. It shouldn’t matter either way for most people, but a more flexible and smaller cable may ease installation. It also comes with an external power supply that you might need if you connect to a device that doesn’t output enough power – like the Sony PS4 and Apple MacBook Pro.

But if you can use either, you would usually use HDMI ARC – as it saves you from connecting another cable. There are different colors, lengths, materials, specifications, and prices. It can make your head spin. Some HDMI switchers come without a separate power supply – instead, they get their power from the HDMI devices you connect (which are usually connected to either the wall outlet or your TV’s USB port). Does the same audio signal sound different over HDMI ARC and optical? No. However, as always, you will find some swear blind that they do. By all means, buy an HDMI cable with gold-plated connectors, but you really don’t need to pay extra just for this feature. Where Can You Buy an HDMI 1.4 or HDMI 2.0 Cable?The rectangular connectors are usually silver, but some are gold-plated. The material used will have no impact on performance. The cable’s job is to transfer audio/video signals between HDMI ports. Even cheap, well-made cables will do this with no issues. The bottom line:HDMI delivers great high-res video and audio, making it the first choice for home theater hookups. Look for HDMI 2.1 if you want the newest, future-proofed features. What Does the HDMI Connector Look Like? CEC: consumer electronics control allows you to control several devices connected via HDMI with a single remote – such as volume and power commands.

All HDMI cable types will support transferring all audio formats within the specification. If you are unsure, the guide to surround sound formats explains all about Dolby and DTS audio. What Video Formats Does HDMI Support? HDMI Support for Common TV Video Formats HDMI 2.0 devices are designed to transfer data up to 18 Gb per second, whereas a ‘high speed’ category 2 cable is only intended to support a maximum of 10.2 Gb per second.

in the same category

When you search to buy the best HDMI switcher, you’ll see devices called “HDMI Switch”, devices called “HDMI Splitter”, and those that mix it up and say they’re a Switcher AND a Splitter.

Remember, manufacturers may still limit some video formats on their devices. They may also add support for a format that isn’t in the HDMI specification – as long as it is within the bandwidth limits of that version. No. The circuitry in an HDMI 2.1 board uses the wiring inside an HDMI cable differently. So you would need a new HDMI board installed inside your device. What Are the Different Types of HDMI Connectors? This means a ‘standard speed’ category 1 cable has been tested to transfer data at 742 Mb per second for a single data pair – or 2.2 Gb per second for the three combined. This is the equivalent of a 720p or 1080i video signal. Category 2 HDMI Cables Audio: It carries multi-channel surround sound like Dolby Atmos that older connections can’t. HDMI keeps quality high for both your video and audio.

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Manual Switching: You switch between the HDMI input ports by pressing a button on the switcher itself. If you are unsure what the video formats mean, see the guide to TV resolutions or what is the refresh rate of your TV? HDMI 1.0-1.1 Video Formats