A: Yes.  The HM-31 HDMI Switch fully supports 1080p@24Hz.  The bandwidth required for 1080p@24Hz video transmission is well within the HM-31's capacity.

Close

A: Yes.  The HM-31 HDMI Switch has a built-in signal equalizer.  The signal equalizer removes distortion from the input HDMI signal after it travels over long cables and restores the signal quality/strength.  We have tested the HM-31 HDMI Switch passing 1080p signal successfully with a 50-foot cable between the source and  the HM-31's input, and another 50-foot cable between the HM-31's output and the TV.  The total cable length from the source to the TV is 100 feet. Of course, in any particular installation, the maximum cable length depends on many factors - quality of cables used, signal quality at the source, and the tolerance of the display device.

Close

A: The signal equalizer is a key component to support long HDMI cables.  It removes distortion from the input HDMI signal after it travels over long cables and restores the signal quality/strength.  We have tested the HM-31 HDMI Switch passing 1080p signal successfully with a 50-foot cable between the source and  the HM-31's input, and another 50-foot cable between the HM-31's output and the TV.  The total cable length from the source to the TV is 100 feet. Of course, in any particular installation, the maximum cable length depends on many factors - quality of cables used, signal quality at the source, and the tolerance of the display device.

Close

A: Yes.  DVI uses the same TMDS signal as HDMI and is fully supported by the HM-31 HDMI Switch.  You can use DVI-HDMI adapters or DVI-HDMI cables to connect DVI signal to the HM-31 HDMI switch.  Please note that only the digital DVI signal (DVI-D) is supported.  DVI-A (analog) or DVI-I (analog + digital) are not supported.  Dual-link DVI is not supported.

Close

A: Yes.  If your computer monitor has a DVI port and your computer video cards use DVI-D signal, you can switch the video output of multiple computers to a single monitor using the HM-31 HDMI Switch as a monitor switch.  We have tested this setup with display resolution up to 1920x1200.  Please note that only single-link digital DVI signal is supported.  Dual-link DVI or DVI with analog signal (DVI-I or DVI-A) is not supported.

Close

A: Yes.  The HM-31 HDMI Switch can automatically switch input based on the status of input HDMI signal and the priority of the input port.  If auto-switching is utilized properly, the HM-31 HDMI Switch can be operated without using its remote control or front panel button.  It practically becomes "invisible".

The HDMI INPUT ports 1, 2 and 3 are prioritized, with port 1 having the highest priority and port 3 the lowest.  When the HM-31 HDMI Switch senses a new input signal on a port with higher priority than the currently selected port, it automatically switches to the high priority port.  When input signal ceases on the currently selected port, the HM-31 HDMI Switch automatically switches to the port with next priority and active signal.  This priority makes it possible to automatically select input without touching the remote control or front panel.  Simply turn on the desired source device and the HM-31 HDMI Switch will automatically select the correct HDMI INPUT port.   

For example, if a DVD player is connected to port 1, a game console on port 2, and a cable box on port 3, you can let the HM-31 HDMI Switch automatically select the proper input port by turning on and off appropriate source devices.  When you turn on the DVD player, the HDMI Switch will automatically select HDMI INPUT 1.  To watch cable TV, simply turn off the DVD player and turn on the cable box.  To play games, simply turn on the Game Console and turn off other devices. 

Note: Some source devices have an active HDMI output even when they are turned off.  These devices, often called "hot standby" devices, include many cable box and satellite receivers.  The OPPO DV-970HD and DV-981HD also have an active HDMI output in standby mode.  In this case please connect the device to HDMI INPUT 3 so it has the lowest priority.  If there are two devices with hot standby mode in your system, auto-switching will not work and you will need to use the remote control or push button to switch inputs.

Close

A: Although the IR Input port on the back of the HM-31 HDMI Switch is designed to use with an external IR sensor (optional accessory), it will work with the output of certain IR distribution system if wired properly.  We have received reports of success using SmartPath, SpeakerCraft and Xantech distribution blocks.  The key is to ensure that the IR signal is presented at the Ring contact of a 3-conductor 3.5mm mini plug. (The plug has three contacts from tip to handle.  The contacts are named Tip, Ring and Sleeve). Please consult with a professional home theater control system installer if you are not sure how to wire the IR distribution system.  Incorrect wiring may damage your HM-31 HDMI switch or the IR distribution block.

Close

A: No.  The HM-31 HDMI Switch does not degrade the HDMI signal at all.  On the contrary, its built-in signal equalizer actually boosts the signal.  The equalizer removes distortion from the input HDMI signal after it travels over long cables and restores the signal quality/strength before sending it out again.

Close

A: Yes, but it is not recommended.  Cascading multiple levels of HDMI switch increases the resistance of the DDC signal path.  The DDC signal is used for device capability negotiation and HDCP key exchange (HDMI handshake).  When the DDC signal path has too much resistance, the HDMI handshake may fail.  The HM-31 HDMI switch is designed with minimized DDC path resistance, therefore will work better than many other HDMI switches on the market.  We have tested cascading 3 levels of HM-31 HDMI Switch without a problem, but cannot be certain your particular combination of source devices, display device and cables will work properly in a cascaded configuration.

Close