How do HDMI Switches Work?

The HDMI Switch is a device that allows you to connect many HDMI inputs, based on how many HDMI ports the HDMI Switch has, plugged into one HDMI input onto your HDMI output such as your monitor or television. This device is handy if your monitor or television only has one or two HDMI input ports and you need more ports for such devices as a PlayStation 4 and Blu-ray player.

To use an HDMI Switch, connect an HDMI cable to the HDMI Switch’s output port and into your output monitor or television’s input port. Attach your HDMI input devices to the HDMI Switch. Afterward, select a connected HDMI device on your HDMI Switch. Navigate on your output device to the HDMI Switch’s source.

What Does HDMI Switch Do?

An HDMI Switch is a convenient device if you have minimal HDMI ports in your monitor or television. 

Many televisions only come with two HDMI ports, and a computer monitor usually only comes with one HDMI port. The HDMI Switch will remedy the aforenoted problem. This device is beneficial if you want to use more than one device than the ports available to you that use the HDMI audio and video interface. Devices such as this can include your PC, Blu-ray Player, and PlayStation 4.

An HDMI Switch gives one HDMI output port, which you plug the HDMI Switch into, multiple HDMI inputs. You can switch between these different HDMI ports on the HDMI Switch connected to the HDMI port on your output device, which is your monitor or television.

For example, say you have a monitor with one HDMI port with an HDMI Switch plugged into it, you can use both your PlayStation 4 and PC on the HDMI Switch’s port, which in turn is attached to the monitor native ports.

An HDMI Switch is excellent to make use of more than one HDMI input device if you have minimal ports on your HDMI output, which is either your monitor or television.

Do HDMI Switches Work Well?

HDMI Switches work well depending on the quality of the one you buy. Unfortunately, like most devices, not all are of the same quality. I have come across a budget HDMI Switch with an input port that stopped working. This is a rare case in my experience.

Many of these HDMI Switches also come with a remote. The remote that comes with the HDMI Switch allows you to switch to different sources, such as your PC or PlayStation 4, connected to the HDMI Switch similar to a television remote.

Most of the HDMI Switches available also support HDMI 2 inputs. This version of HDMI inputs allows you to connect devices that can display video resolutions up to 4K and HDR-supported video sources.

Below are some recommendations that should work well without fault:

• ZettaGuard 4K HDMI Switcher 

• NEWCARE HDMI Switch 3-in-1 

• SMARTOOO 23051 4K 60Hz HDR HDMI Switch 

How HDMI Switch Works? 

The HDMI Switch is an easy device to set up and use. Below are standardized instructions to set up an HDMI Switch and use it. These instructions go for just about any HDMI Switch. The most common difference between the HDMI Switch is just how many connected inputs it supports.

The instructions to set up and use your HDMI Switch follows below:

1. Begin by switching off your television or monitor and all the HDMI input devices, such as your Blu-ray player, XBOX One, and PC.
2. Take your HDMI Switch in hand and an HDMI cable. Connect one point of the HDMI cable into the HDMI Switch output port and the other end on your chosen output device, such as your monitor or television, chosen input port such as “HDMI 1”.
3. If the HDMI Switch requires a power source, connect it to the power source.
4. Finally, power on your output HDMI devices, such as your monitor or television, and navigate to the input source, such as “HDMI 1”, which corresponds to where you connected your HDMI Switch to your output device.
5. On the HDMI Switch, navigate to the input device, such as your Blu-ray player, and it will appear on the output device from the HDMI Switch. You will often get a remote with your HDMI Switch to navigate between the different HDMI input devices connected to the HDMI Switch.

Do HDMI Switches Switch Automatically?

Some HDMI Switch devices allow switching to different inputs automatically upon using it. 

Many HDMI Switch devices can automatically switch to the last used HDMI input device used upon turning it on. Other HDMI Switch devices will automatically navigate to the currently active HDMI device input, such as a powered-on XBOX One console.

HDMI Switches, such as the NEWCARE HDMI Switch 3-in-1 , support the function of switching to different HDMI input devices automatically as described above.

Troubleshooting

How Do I Make My HDMI Switch Work?

Double-check a few things if the HDMI Switch does not work after using the set-up instructions above. I will outline some of them below:  

Does My HDMI Switch Perhaps Require A Power Source?

Firstly, take a look at whether the HDMI Switch requires a power source. This part is often overlooked as the HDMI cable powers some HDMI Switches. If your HDMI Switch requires a power source, connect it, and it should work.

Are You On The Correct Input Source?

Occasionally, it may not seem that your HDMI Switch is outputting video. This incident can happen if you are on the incorrect source. Have a look at the HDMI port your HDMI Switch is connected to on your output monitor or television. Navigate to the correct HDMI source on your output monitor or television that corresponds to the HDMI input connected to your HDMI Switch.

For example, say your HDMI Switch connects to a port labeled “HDMI 1,” the source you should navigate to will also be marked “HDMI 1”. 

How To Switch To Different HDMI Ports On The HDMI Switch?

Your HDMI Switch will often come with a remote that functions similar to a television remote, allowing you to switch between the different HDMI input devices connected to your HDMI Switch. 

If a remote is not included with the HDMI Switch, you should be able to navigate to different inputs on the HDMI Switch device itself.

Conclusion

An HDMI Switch is a great device to use if you have many HDMI input devices that you would like to use on an output monitor or television with only one or two HDMI ports.

The HDMI Switch is connected to the output monitor or television, which in turn has all your HDMI input devices, such as your Blu-ray Player and PC, connected to it. Upon navigating to the source that corresponds to the port your HDMI is linked to, you can use your devices connected to your HDMI Switch.

Many HDMI Switch devices include a remote similar to a television remote to switch between the different HDMI input sources connected to the HDMI Switch. If not, you can switch between the various sources on the HDMI Switch itself.

An HDMI Switch is a great device if you have a few HDMI ports available on your output device and have many HDMI input devices that you would like to use.