There are several HDMI switches currently on the market and the need for these products have increased due to the growth of HDMI-based components. However, none of the current HDMI switches we have seen appear to be affordable up until now. Accell Corporation, know for their cable line, has recently introduced the smallest HDMI switch we have ever seen with a price to match. For under $100, the Accell UltraAV™ High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI™) 2 to 1 Switch provides users with the ability to select from one of two HDMI sources using the supplied IR remote control or by manually pressing the toggle button on the unit. The unit has LED indicators that illuminate the selected input. The switch is fully HDCP compliant and supports high-definition video rates as high as 1080p (or computer resolutions of 1920 x 1200) as well as multi-channel digital audio. Measuring just slightly larger than 2" x 2" and 0.6" thick, the UltraAV™ HDMI Switch can be hidden among the cables (out of sight) thanks to the 5-foot cable that extends the IR sensor. The sensor can be placed in a strategic location using the self-adhesive, double-sided tape so that it is in clear line-of-sight of the remote. The body of the switch has a built-in IR detector, so using the extension cable is optional. The mounting holes on the body of the HDMI switch allow it to be fastened to a cabinet or wall as another option. Gold plated connectors provide reliable connectivity to the HDMI cables. No external power supply is needed for the switch, making it a completely stand-alone device. There is a small jack located on the side that appears to be designed for an external power adapter, but there is no mention of this in the manual. The small IR remote is similar to the ones that come with camcorders. It uses a 3-volt lithium button battery.

Setup and Performance
Our test setup included a Dish Network Vip622 DVR and a Toshiba DV-A1 HD-DVD player, both of which have HDMI outputs. The output of the UltraAV™ 2-1 HDMI Switch fed our Optoma H77 DLP projector. An HDMI-to-DVI adapter was used to run the signal to our DVI-based H77. What was really impressive is that we ran a long 20-meter (65-foot) AudioQuest DVI cable to the display and had no problems doing so. Video quality was excellent and we never experienced any dropouts in the picture during our review period. The small IR remote worked great and had excellent range.

Conclusion
If you need an HDMI switch and the price of these products has scared you away, you might find the new Accell UltraAV 2-1 Switch fits into your budget. The limitation is that it only supports 2 HDMI sources, but for many this may be enough. The IR sensor extender is a great idea and most users will make good use of it. For less than $100, HDMI owners now have a simple and practical way to switch their video sources.

While it may be tough in the future to limit HDMI sources to two components, Accell Corporation has an affordable solution for today's consumers. The simplicity and performance offered with the UltraAV™ 2-1 HDMI Switch makes it a highly recommended product.

- Kevin Nakano

Projector: Optoma H77 High-Definition HD2+ DLP™ Projector
Screen: Stewart Filmscreen 100" FireHawk Screen on a Luxus Deluxe ScreenWall
Video Processor/Scaler: Anchor Bay Technologies DVDO iScan HD+ A/V Processor
Preamplifier/Processor: Parasound AVC-2500U THX-Ultra DTS/DD Preamp/Processor
Amplification: Parasound HCA-2205AT THX-Ultra Five Channel Amplifier
Bass Management: Miller & Kreisel BMC Mini 5.1 Bass Management Controller
Front Speakers: Miller & Kreisel S-150THX (L+R) and S-150AC (Center) Speakers
Rear Speakers: Miller & Kreisel SS-250 Tripole® Surround Speakers
Subwoofer: Two Miller & Kreisel MX-350THX MkII THX-Ultra Push-pull Subwoofers
Room Treatments: Echo Buster panels and Bass Buster towers
Set-top Box: Dish Network ViP622 HDTV Satellite and Terrestrial Receiver with HDMI
HD-DVD Player: Toshiba HD-A1 HD-DVD Player with HDMI
DVD/CD/SACD Player: Sony DVP-NS900V DVD/CD/SACD Player
DVD Audio/Video Player: Kenwood Sovereign DV-5900M 400-Disc DVD Changer
DVD Player: OPPO Digital OPDV971H DVD Player with DVI Output
D-VHS VCR: JVC HM-DH30000U D-VHS High-Definition D-Theater VCR
Media Server: Kenwood Sovereign MRH1 Entre
Remote Control: Remote Technologies Inc. T3 Controller
DVI Cable: AudioQuest DV-1 20m DVI-D Cable
HDMI Cables: Accel Corporation UltraRun HDMI Cables and Adapters
A/V Cables: Ultralink Platinum and Advanced Performance Series Cables

UltraAV™ HDMI 2-1 Audio/Video Switch

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