Gefen 8x1 Switcher - The Loaded $900 Model
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Radiient Select 4-ce - The Nifty $200 Model
- 3. Gefen 8x1 Switcher - The Loaded $900 Model
3. Gefen 8x1 Switcher - The Loaded $900 Model
I wracked my brain out trying to think of eight different video sources that are compatible with HDMI and couldn't create a very worthwhile list, but for videophiles who like to plan ahead for the day when we're plugging everything, like toaster ovens, into HDMI slots, Gefen has a rockin' solution.
Despite a hefty price tag, Gefen's 8x1 HDMI box skimps on the aesthetics.
The company's 8x1 model comes with eight HDMI inputs, the most offered by any commercial device so far. In addition to the four items I used on Radiient's model, I hooked up Panasonic's S97S DVD player. I know that's only five slots, but I switched them around to check out all eight inputs, and for the most part the results were good. However, when watching really fast video sequences, like The Fast and the Furious on HD DVD, I noticed slightly sluggish frame rates. I saw the same thing in Tiger Woods 2008 for the PS3 and on various HD cable programs.
The remote almost looks like something that you'd see in a hotel elevator.
The problems were hit or miss, though, as sometimes I'd watch the same video and see no frame rate issues. The actual device is also nothing worth marveling at. Half the front panel isn't used for anything, leaving tiny indicator lights to show the selected video source. It does include support for an IR extender, but that shouldn't even be necessary for those with a sophisticated home theater remote control. I was easily able to program all the commands into my Harmony Xbox 360 remote.
At $900, the Gefen 8x1 HDMI splitter is just about the most expensive HDMI-only switch box you'll be able to find, and my gut feeling about it is that it's just not that impressive. In fact, on the unit I received, a couple of the HDMI ports were dislodged and didn't fit correctly into the casing. I don't know if that's just a shipping issue, but it's certainly not something you want to deal with if you're about to plop down over one grand after taxes.
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