XtremeMac's four port HDMI switch for Apple TV

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. 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.

HDMI Roundup

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. 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. 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 HDMI switch box reviewed here.

A look at the XtremeHD HDMI switcher

XtremeMac's switch box matches the styling and dimensions of the Apple TV, making the two an obvious pair. The switch requires an AC adapter as it includes a video amplifier. It accepts four HDMI inputs and provides a single HDMI output. The unit ships with a thin IR remote control for selecting the input. The front of the unit has four HDMI source LED indicators that are bright enough to see but not too distracting, along with a button for selecting the source without using the remote. Because the button is integrated into the design of the face of the box, it wasn't immediately obvious that the box could be used without its remote; thankfully it can. more>>>