Cheap vs expensive HDMI matrix switch

[Farpun]

Hi,

I've noticed there is large gap in prices for HDMI switches, I'm just wondering if there are any noticeable differences in audio and visual quality?

Also are there any recommended brands?

Thanks, Farpun.

[groovem]

If it can handle 4K it would probably be more expensive. It depends on your needs, if you aren't watching in 4K then you might get away with a cheaper one.

[Farpun]

4 minutes ago, groovem said:

If it can handle 4K it would probably be more expensive. It depends on your needs, if you aren't watching in 4K then you might get away with a cheaper one.

Thanks, yeah my limit is 1080p 60hz, I have found alot of unknown brands that make me a bit hesitant buying from

[cwt]

As groovem says if you need to switch a 4k HDR @ 60hz signal good bandwidth is required  ; but cheap Chinese ones may screw up a good cables eye test [ how well shielded a cable is can help this]. The switcher may do more than just switch and there are different ways to power these switchers ; some only from the hdmi port trace ..Other factors occur as well ;

 

Quote

various electronics components have different levels of active compensation built in to help EQ incoming signals and help restructure HDMI signals into a more reliable stream

what can happen with a weak link in the chain to things like BER ;

http://tools.audioquest.com/downloads/literature/technical_papers/HDMI_eyepattern_BER_and_cliff_effect.pdf

 

Edited December 15, 2019 by cwt

[Farpun]

7 minutes ago, cwt said:

As groovem says if you need to switch a 4k HDR @ 60hz signal good bandwidth is required  ; but cheap Chinese ones may screw up a good cables eye test [ how well shielded a cable is can help this]. The switcher may do more than just switch and there are different ways to power these switchers ; some only from the hdmi port trace ..Other factors occur as well ;

 

what can happen with a weak link in the chain to things like BER ;

 

http://tools.audioquest.com/downloads/literature/technical_papers/HDMI_eyepattern_BER_and_cliff_effect.pdf

Thanks for the information, I'm guessing I'll only run into those problems once I jump up to 4k etc?

[cwt]

1 minute ago, Farpun said:

Thanks for the information, I'm guessing I'll only run into those problems once I jump up to 4k etc?

The higher the resolution ;the higher the bandwidth but there are plenty of good value ways to future proof now like this one https://www.ezyhd.com.au/shop/hdmi-switcher-3x1-4k60hz-hdr/

[Guest Muon N']

Aside from the 4k aspect, I imagine the normal aspects are the same, quality of connectors and how the grounds are switched and isolated from other inputs.

Just aspects that would be inherent to quality regardless if it be a HDMI or RCA switch box.

Edited December 15, 2019 by Muon N'