A high definition monitor (HDMI switch) allows the user to select multiple entertainment devices in order to provide the best quality and resolution of the picture. The devices that can be hooked up to a HDMI switch are game stations, DVD players/ recorders (HD or blu-ray), settop boxes, HDTV, and monitors. The sources must be HDMI compatible.

There are different models of HDMI switches. The simplest and most basic model is the 2x1 HDMI, meaning that there are two inputs and one output. The user is able to switch between two different HDMI sources. For example, the user will be able to have a HD DVD player and a game station hooked up to the switch. The 2x1 HDMI switch is not highly recommended because the consumer will not have room for future expansion. The 4x1 HDMI switch allows up to four sources, which is recommended. A 5x1 switch is also available for the ultimate expandability. An external HDMI switch is beneficial for anyone who has a HD monitor and has less than the desired amount of inputs to expand the system.

There are many features a consumer should look for in an HDMI switch. A consumer should consider expandability. A 5-port HDMI switch is recommended for future expandability, while 2-port HDMI switch will not. It is also important that the HDMI switch has High Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) capability. HDCP must pass data between source and monitor.

Another feature in a HDMI switch that should not be overlooked is that it is backward compatible, or able to take the place of a Digital Visual Interface (DVI). This means that the user will just have to select the correct cables, either HDMI, or HDMI to DVI, to customize the system. The switch should also include a remote control in order to select the specific channel desired. A dedicated power adapter is essential in an HDMI switch as some HDMI switches are powered directly from a HDMI cable, which can over load power to the HDMI sources. The function of the HDMI cable is to power the Extended Display Identification Data (EDID),which communicates the monitor's display capabilities to the computer.

HDTV technology is becoming more advanced all the time. Therefore, HDMI switches may become absolute in the future as more TVs include HDMI inputs.