“XtremeMac’s four port HDMI switcher is designed with the Apple TV in mind, but works with any game consoles, cable and satellite set top boxes, DVD and HD disc players, and other equipment supporting the High Definition Multimedia Interface port. XtremeMac’s switch is well built and value priced [US$99],” Daniel Eran Dilger reports for AppleInsider.
“Users integrating the Apple TV (review) into their existing stereo and TV setup might quickly find themselves out of audio and video ports. The ideal way to connect the Apple TV is using its HDMI port, which not only handles high definition video, but also piggybacks audio on the same cable,” Dilger reports.
“The downside to HDMI is that cables are often outrageously expensive. At both CompUSA and RadioShack, all the HDMI cables were priced at $100 and up, just for a simple cable. Even a generic branded DVI to HDMI adapter was $50. It was therefore a pleasant surprise to find the Apple Store carrying a variety of XtremeHD cables by XtremeMac, priced at just under $20,” Dilger reports.
Dilger reports, “XtremeMac makes a variety of cables, chargers, cases and other accessories custom designed for Apple’s iPods, the iPhone, and the Apple TV,” including the four-port HDMI switch box reviewed in the full article here.