Gefen Introduces New Line Of HDMI Switchers

by , 2:00 PM EDT, September 7th, 2004

Gefen has added to its family of high definition video switchers with a line of HDMI switch boxes. The switches feature two or four HDMI switches, which can also be easily adapted to DVI. The switch boxes allow the user to connect two or four high-definition sources up to one display. From Gefen:

Two new high definition video switchers from Gefen offer greater flexibility and support for a wide selection of high definition video displays and sources by accommodating both HDMI (high definition multimedia interface) and DVI (digital visual interface) devices. Most of the consumer and high-end HDTV gear available today is equipped with one of several interfaces that connect sources to displays via cable. DVI and HDMI are among the most popular, however, neither can connect directly to the other.

Gefen’s HDMI Switchers are designed to support both interfaces, allowing for cross-interface connections. While the Switchers are manufactured with HDMI connectors, which are smaller than DVI, Gefen supplies a variety of low-cost (up to $29) HDMI to DVI and DVI to HDMI adapters and cables for DVI devices. These solutions enable incompatible sources and displays to connect and operate seamlessly.

The ex-tend-it 2x1 and the 4x1 HDMI Switchers connect either two or four high definition video sources to one display. Access to each source is achieved in a nearly instantaneous “switch” controlled by the IR remote that comes with each unit. Each can also be programmed for use with a universal remote control.

Gefen’s HDMI Switchers eliminate the need to unplug and replug multiple sources to the same display; everything is connected and accessible all the time. Geared towards multi-functional displays, the Switchers work with satellite set-top boxes, HD-DVDs and similar HD video sources and displays. Multi-channel digital audio and high definition video in multiple resolutions up to 1080P is switched for each HDMI source. DVI sources switch high definition video only in resolutions up to 1080P.

Each Switcher is fully HDCP (high bandwidth digital content protection) pass-through compliant—a must for handling protected HDTV content, which is likely to become mandatory as HDTV continues to permeate the market.

These new HDMI Switchers join Gefen’s existing DVI-based HDTV Switchers, the 2x1, 4x1 and 4x4 Matrix Switchers, providing comprehensive small-scale switching solutions with greater application and usability.

Gefen's two-port HDMI switcher is available now for US$249. The four-port model is expected to ship in October of 2004.

Gefen