Accell Intros 2-to-1 HDMI 1.3a Switch

If you already find yourself overloaded with HDMI 1.3a-capable devices, Accell's new UltraAV Switch lets you switch between them by remote control.

If you’ve on of those home theater fans who’s already jumped on the HDMI 1.3a bandwagon but you find your receivers, displays, or other systems aren’t quite keeping up with you, accessory and cable maker Accell Corporation might have a solution for you in the form of its UltraAV 2-1 HDMI 1.3a Category 2 Switch. The premise is simple: two HDMI 1.3 signals enter, one HDMI 1.3a signal leaves—and you control which one via a handy remote control.

"A/V devices that support any part of the HDMI 1.3a Category 2 are starting to emerge, and Accell plans on being the frontrunner in its connectivity," said Accell VP of sales and marketing Tenny Sin, in a statement. "Home users expanding their A/V system with HDMI devices may find their TV lacks enough HDMI inputs, therefore building a system with an HDMI 1.3a Category 2 Switch provides built-in scalability for the inclusion, presently or in the future, of products that support features from this specification."

The UltraAV 2-1 Switch supports HDMI 1.3A Category 2, including resolutions up to 1440p, 10.2Gbps data transfer, and 4-bit deep color, and, of course, the switch also supports audio transported via Dobly True-HD and DTS-HD audio formats. The switch doesn’t need any external power support, and the unit ships with a small inrared remote and an infrared extender so the switch (and the HDMI cables) can be tucked out of sight.

Accell plans to offer the UltraAV 2-1 Switch for $99, and will be exhibiting at next month’s CEDIA expo in Denver.