Seeking Recommendations for an HDMI Switch/Splitter with CEC Support and Auto Switching

Stevemao on 12/04/2023 - 08:55
Last edited 12/04/2023 - 11:07

Hello everyone,

I am in need of an HDMI switch/splitter that functions similarly to the HDMI slots on a TV. The key features I am looking for are:

  • CEC support on all ports
  • Automatic switching to the most recently active CEC “on” signal or stream

My current TV is a legacy model, around 8 years old, with only three HDMI ports. I believe they are probably HDMI 1.4. I use an Apple TV, a PS5, a Nintendo Switch, and occasionally connect my laptop via HDMI. I also plan on adding more devices in the future.

I require a minimum of one additional HDMI port, but would appreciate more if the product is of high quality. If the switch/splitter has the capability to auto-switch to the most recent active stream, I would like it to send a CEC “on” signal to the TV to power it on automatically. This feature would be particularly useful since laptops typically don't support CEC. However, this is a bonus feature and not a strict requirement.

The switch/splitter can be either HDMI 1.4, 2.0 or 2.1.

I have previously tried this model: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0B639RRJ3?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_…, but it only supports CEC pass-through on port 1. I've searched Amazon and eBay, but I'm struggling to find products that explicitly mention CEC support or auto-switching capabilities.

Any suggestions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!

Electrical & Electronics HDMI Switch

Comments

  • Morien on 12/04/2023 - 11:01

    Can't give an exact recommendation, but just to broaden your search a little. Without your tv model number, I'm pretty confident your TV is hdmi 1.4. Maaaaybe 2.0 if it was really cutting edge when you bought it. HDMI 2.1 is barely in tvs from 2 years ago. Many still aren't coming out with hdmi2.1 in every port.

    • Stevemao on 12/04/2023 - 11:05

      Yeah, HTMI 1.4 is fine. However, the other requirements are still important to me.

    • Stevemao on 12/04/2023 - 11:08

      Also, I have never specified the version of HDMI when I search. I'm still having a hard time finding one compatible with CEC and auto-switching.

      • Morien on 12/04/2023 - 11:25

        What's your budget?

        Honestly a cheap second hand avr might be your best bet, even if it is absolute overkill.
        I haven't had much luck with hdmi splitters in the past.

        Edit:
        Just took a look at the listing for the one you found. It doesn't say anywhere in the listing that CEC is only with one input. A reviewer does say "HDMI-CEC also passthrough via port 1", but I think they've confused things a bit. Port 1 on that unit is the output. Of course it will be the only port to output a CEC signal, because it is on the only port that will output anything.

        I think you've already found what you are looking for :)

  • spackbace on 12/04/2023 - 11:49

    https://www.amazon.com.au/ROOFULL-60Hz-Switch-Remote-Black/d…

    3 switching methods - You can easily switch your multiple source device through remote at your couch, press the button, or control your device more intelligently through automatic switching function.

  • bdl on 12/04/2023 - 12:12
    +1

    I've had good experience with PORTTA branded stuff from Amazon but you'd probably need to grab one and test if it worked with CEC like you plan it to and return if it doesn't.

    I use a switcher that extracts the audio from HDMI to SPDIF since my amp is old and doesn't have enough SPDIF inputs. Looks like this is the newer version of the switch I have: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B00SX0QKUS

  • Archaic on 12/04/2023 - 12:48

    These UGREEN branded switches should do the job for you. No real need to go for anything more expensive in my experience. https://www.amazon.com.au/UGREEN-Switcher-Splitter-Compatibl…

    • Stevemao on 12/04/2023 - 14:08

      Simply press the button to switch the signal between two HDMI sources

      This doesn't support Automatic switching? Since CEC is supported on both ports, I wonder why it only supports manual switches.

      • Archaic on 12/04/2023 - 14:11

        While haven't used this exact model, a similar one I have used did support automatic switching despite that it had the remote to switch. It wouldn't switch from A to B automatically if both were on, but if A was off and B was turned on, then it switched over to B automatically even if A had been used last.

    • spackbace on 12/04/2023 - 14:19

      A note that that one states only 30Hz, half the frequency and framerate of what OP's TV can likely do

      Hence the price

      • Stevemao on 12/04/2023 - 14:27

        True. I don't mind being (and I'd rather be) future-proof and getting a higher version than what I currently need

  • theo96 on 12/04/2023 - 14:40
    +3

    When I was researching HDMI switches I came across this which seems to be a good option — https://www.selby.com.au/brands/denon/denon-avs-3-hdmi-switc…

    Didn't end up getting it so no personal experience.

    • Morien on 12/04/2023 - 14:48
      +2

      Great minds think alike.

      Just to point out to OP, this is made for an AVR, but works without one.

    • Stevemao on 12/04/2023 - 15:10

      This does look promising! I don't use AVR, so if there's one without, that'd be perfect. Definitely consider this one.

      • Morien on 12/04/2023 - 16:56

        It has nothing to do with an AVR beyond being marketed for one.

        This is a plain old HDMI switcher manufactured by reputable brand. It isn't priced because it is an add-on for an avr, it is priced because it isn't a generic Chinese brand.

        • Stevemao on 12/04/2023 - 17:02

          Ok. Cheers! Best option so far!

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