Looking for a cheap HDMI output switcher (1 input, 2 output) for easy PC-on-TV gaming

Josh1billion

Josh1billion

CAGiversary!
Feedback
7 (100%)
I'm looking to get into PC gaming more. For me, that means getting a decent controller (just ordered another DualShock 3 to hook up via bluetooth) and an easy way of outputting the display to my TV.

Since my video card has HDMI output, I can hook up an HDMI cable directly from my PC to my TV, but unplugging cables every time I want to switch from my monitor to my TV and vice versa is a hassle. Are there any cheap HDMI switches that can make simplify that process to a matter of flipping a switch?

I've found some HDMI splitters on Amazon, but anything without a crap rating has a price tag of over $20, and I really don't need a splitter so much as a switch, but the only actual "switches" that I've found that would work are bi-directional (unnecessary, and the extra direction means the price tag on those is above $20 as well).

The closest solution I've found is using an HDMI coupler, which runs between $1.41, but it has no switch (nor second output port), so it would still require unplugging/plugging in HDMI cables every time (but it would be more convenient since I wouldn't have to crawl behind my PC every time to make the switch).

Has anyone here found such a switch for cheap?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Monoprice has a HDMI splitter here. Buddy of mine picked one up to connect his 360 to his TV and to his DVR (to record gameplay for his video game reviews).

Works fine in his setup and may work fine for yours as long as you can run both displays at the same resolution and you don't require HDCP. It's only $5.23 and shipping will be a few bucks. May be worth a try since it won't be a huge investment.

Unfortunately, I haven't seen a cheap switch.
 
Thanks for the recommendation. Sounds like that might work, but my HDMI cable for my TV is 15' long and the product description strongly recommends against using the splitter in conjunction with "long" HDMI cables.. not sure if that would be considered long. Hmm..
 
[quote name='LordFlux']Monoprice has a HDMI splitter here. Buddy of mine picked one up to connect his 360 to his TV and to his DVR (to record gameplay for his video game reviews).

Works fine in his setup and may work fine for yours as long as you can run both displays at the same resolution and you don't require HDCP. It's only $5.23 and shipping will be a few bucks. May be worth a try since it won't be a huge investment.

Unfortunately, I haven't seen a cheap switch.[/QUOTE]Ratings on that splitter make it look like complete crap, unfortunately.

I think the OP should pony up for a reasonable switch and just do that to make sure there aren't any signal issues.

$23.81: http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10113&cs_id=1011306&p_id=8204&seq=1&format=2
 
Last edited by a moderator:
You must log in or register to reply here.
bread's done
Back
Top