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Overview
At present, there is not a single HDTV system on the market
that combines the HDTV, full HDTV tuner (HD cable and satellite), DVD
player, and Surround Sound Processor. As we have noted in our “Future
of” series in our sister site, GamingIllustrated.com, the consumer
is currently faced with a plethora of cables, wires, and set-top boxes
to enjoy their “Digital Center”.
Because of this, one of the “most ask” questions
we receive is: “Is there a switcher that I can input several sources
to my HDTV?”
We have finally found an excellent, albeit expensive, digital
switcher from Gefen, Inc.– the ex·tend·it 4x1 DVI
(Digital Visual Interface, aka Digital Video Interface) HDTV switcher.
What It Does
The Basic Unit is a small, compact assembly about 6-inches
by 5-inches, with a 5-VDC converter power source. The Unit has one output
DVI connector, and 4 input DVI connectors (a 2x1 DVI switcher is also
available). The output DVI cable is run to the HDTV display and the input
DVI cables are run to the various input devices: cable TV box, DVD, PC
computer, and Digital Recorder.
The Unit is sealed, small, and can be unobtrusively place
adjacent to the equipment. The remote control is infrared (IR), so you
do have to have line-of-sight. The remote is simple – switching
the output among the four inputs. As the remote is IR, you can likely
take your existing television remote control (universal remote) and program
in the switcher commands on your main remote control (see your remote’s
manual for instructions).
The Unit also comes with four (4) six-foot DVI cables for
ease in hooking up to your DVI components.
Installation takes a maximum of 10 seconds per connector.
The remote is idiot proof [press the button for the input number (1 to
4) you want]… doesn’t get any simpler.
Applications
What the unit also does internally is also impressive:
• Supports HDCP (High Definition Content/Copy Protection)
devices
• Maintains 480i, 480p, 720i, 720p, and 1080i resolution
• Regenerates the DVI signal to permit longer cable runs
The first item, HDCP, is important since new equipment will
likely be equipped with HDCP and there are potential compatibility issues
(which the Unit will avoid) with competing similar products.
The second item is important since downconverting or upconverting
can result in loss of picture quality. The pass through of the signal
ensures that the source quality is unaffected.
The third item is important since many people desire to
use their display as a computer monitor – but don’t want to
place the computer adjacent to the display. This Unit allows the PC (or
other components) to be placed anywhere in the room, and the DVI output
run will be refreshed by the Unit.
Evaluation
We were extremely impressed with the signal quality of the
4x1 HDTV switcher. We utilized a cable HDTV DVI output signal, DVD DVI
output signal, and a PC computer DVI output signal, and switched between
them with no loss of signal. Frankly, without seeing the remote, you would
not know if the switcher was used or not.
For consumers looking for a solid, simple, and easy to operate
switcher – the Gefen, Inc.– the ex·tend·it 4x1
DVI (Digital Video Interface) HDTV switcher is an excellent choice that
we would recommend without hesitation.
However, the one negative is the price points on the
unit – the 4x1 switcher has a suggested list of $399. The 2x1 switcher
has a suggested list of $249.
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10 / 10 |
OVERALL SCORE
90%
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- extremely
simple – plug in and operate |
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10 / 10 |
- simple |
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10 / 10 |
- works exactly
as described |
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9 / 10 |
- Simple solution
for simple application |
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6 / 10 |
- Expensive |
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9.0 /
10 |
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