The folks at XtremeMac
are probably better known for their wide range of iPod accessories -- cases,
speaker docks, FM transmitters, and so on -- but they also carry a family of
products that designed specifically for your home theater. As basic as it is,
the XtremeHD HDMI Switcher is probably one of the most useful audio/video
devices that you will ever purchase, especially if you're heavy on the whole
high-resolution business that has everyone jumping up and down these days. It's
very simple and that's what makes it so great.
What Does It Do?
In a nutshell, the XtremeMac XtremeHD HDMI Switcher allows you to connect up to
four HDMI sources to a single display (your HDTV). It supports a variety of
resolutions including 480p, 720p, and 1080i, all the way up to full 1080p HD.
According to the official spec sheet, this device is perfectly compatible with
all HDMI and HDCP compliant devices and maintains a high resolution audio and
video signal. And that's about it.
Don't look for any kind of fancy up-sampling, a specialized menu, or any
additional features. All the HDMI Switcher is designed to do, appropriately
enough, is to let you switch between four different HDMI sources without having
to crawl behind your giant plasma TV to switch cables as needed.
Naturally, if your television already has multiple HDMI inputs and you don't
have more HDMI devices than you have ports, then this HDMI switcher is basically
useless for you. However, if you recently purchased an HDTV and it only has one
HDMI port (or two) in the back, this switcher is an absolute godsend. Better
still, there is a tiny wireless remote that lets you switch sources without
leaving the perfectly contoured butt groove that you've created on the couch.
Features and Specifications
- Video Amplifier Bandwidth: 1.65Gbps
- Formats Supported: up to 1080p resolution
- HDMI Inputs: 4 (19-pin female)
- HDMI Output: 1 (19-pin female)
- Input Cable Length Supported: 20 ft
- Output Cable Length Supported: 20 ft
- Power Consumption: 10W Max
- Power Supply:5V DC, 2A
- Dimensions: 7.7" (L) x 7.7" (W) x 1.04" (H)
- Product Weight: 3 lbs.
What's In The Box?
As you can probably expect, XtremeMac didn't have to include much in the package
and so they didn't. In addition to the actual XtremeHD HDMI Switcher itself, you
get a basic power adapter, a tiny wireless remote, and a very thin
user manual. And that's all your going to need, because this device is
ridiculously easy to use. The only thing that's missing is an HDMI cable, which
XtremeMac sells separately for $20-$30, depending on length.
The HDMI Switcher comes wrapped in a foamy sleeve, ensuring that it doesn't get
scratched or damaged on the way to your home. As I'm sure you're already aware,
the physical aesthetics of a product are almost as important as its
functionality, so XtremeMac wanted to make sure that the HDMI Switcher is as
immaculate when it finally gets to sit on your TV stand as it was when it left
the factory, passing through the last QA professional.
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