Accell Cable is nearly ready to release a 4:1 HDMI switch that complies with the 1.3 standard requirements. As more and more high-definition players find their way into entertainment centers, media rooms, and commercial establishments, the ability to select among up to 4 such inputs to drive a single HDMI input is bound to increase. With this affordable product (MSRP $149), Accell appears well-poised to serve such needs.

The formal name for this product is the UltraAV 4-1 HDMI 1.3a Switch, which complies completely with the HDMI 1.3a specification, and is backward compatible with earlier HDMI implementations. Simply put, this box lets its owners plug in as many as four HDMI devices, which may include Blu-ray or second-generation HD-DVD (1080p) players, Sony PS3, Microsoft Xbox with HD-DVD, and so forth, and attach them to an HDMI-equipped HDTV or signal processor/receiver. Please note that to realize the full benefits of HDMI 1.3a, all devices in the chain (player or other source device, receiver or processor (if present), and HDTV set) must comply with HDMI 1.3a. Today, alas, this means that most TV sets, receivers, or processors purchased before 2007 are unlikely to meet this requirement. Actual output will be determined by the lowest HDMI standard supported by any device in the output chain.

The UltraAV 4-1 HDMI 1.3a Switch includes a small remote control to enable users to select among inputs from their couches or theater seating. This IR device is compatible with all the major universal IR remotes, so if you use a Harmony or a Philips Pronto, for example, you’ll be able to add codes for this device to your remote with very little effort. There’s even an infrared extender included with the unit, so if you have to tuck it away somewhere out of the line of sight, you can still run the extender to a location where your remote can see and control it. Support for HDMI 1.3a also means the UltraAV 4-1 HDMI 1.3a Switch supports Dolby Tru-HD and DTS-HD audio formats, a 2.5Gbps data transfer rate, and 36-bit deep color. This should make it "future-proof" for some time to come. For more information, please check out the product page.