Using a HDMI 1 to 2 Switch as a HDMI on-off Switch

CascadeHush on 22/11/2023 - 11:53

I have a generic HDMI switch that I'm using as an on-off switch, i.e. there is nothing on the second output. I've had it for years.

I'm looking to get another couple but I know from experience that not all HDMI switches will work like this. Some simply don't function at all without all 3 plugs connected. Some will not switch to an empty port.

Currently Amazon has the following deal https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/814368

Can anybody confirm if this particular switch will work like this, or if not provide an alternative? The one I have is generic and old and I have no guarantee I'd get the same model or even if I did that it would function the same.

Or even just a HDMI on/off switch but as far as I can tell no such thing exists.

Electrical & Electronics HDMI Switch

Comments

  • CodeXD on 22/11/2023 - 12:03

    What do you use the on/off switch for? Why do you need to turn it off at the switch point when there is only 1 HDMI connected?

    • CascadeHush on 22/11/2023 - 12:05

      Because I don't want to be constantly plugging and unplugging my third screen and games don't run properly when I have 3 screens connected. I use this switch every day, it's not an occasional thing and the socket would be worn out if I even could reach either end to do it.

      • jugsy on 22/11/2023 - 12:10

        You can disable the screen in Windows

        • CascadeHush on 22/11/2023 - 12:13

          Yeah, or I can hit a switch an not be digging around through multiple levels of settings dialogs

      • CodeXD on 22/11/2023 - 12:16
        +1

        There should definitely be an easier way rather than to buy additional hardware for this to work. What graphics card are you using? How is it all connected? Are you on the latest driver/firmware?

        Usually better to investigate the root cause rather than use a workaround even tho it sounds like the workaround solution is fairly simple.

        • CascadeHush on 22/11/2023 - 12:48

          Well it's been a problem with nVidia graphics cards for over 15 years in my experience so I'm not expecting a fix any time soon.

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