I still remember the first time I had to use an HDMI switch and it confused me because I did not know where to begin or where to look. Thankfully, these switches are a lot simpler than one would think. An HDMI switch is an easily pocketable device that can connect two or more than two HDMI devices to the same port on a TV or a monitor.
You can then switch between different devices with a press of a button and the entire process is seamless and is done in real-time. With that said, if you are searching for the best HDMI switch, the market has an abundance of these options with the Zettaguard HDMI switch being one of the best options that you can buy at the moment,
This switch brings support for 4K @ 60Hz and has 4 HDMI ports that you can use, which means that you can connect 4 HDMI devices using this switch and it works seamlessly. However, how good is it? Considering how most of the HDMI switches in the market are lacking when it comes to functionality. Well, that is what we are here to figure out.
The Design of the Switch
The first thing that you should be looking at the design of the switch; this is subjective in a way that not a lot of people think about it but it is always better that you pay attention to what you are getting. With that said, the Zettaguard HDMI switch looks simple and straightforward.
You are not getting any fancy enclosure or unnecessary inclusion of lights that are not going to be needed. The switch feels sturdy in the hand, and you can put it anywhere without having to explain that “weird device” you have placed on your table. The switch is unassuming at best, and that is how most of us are going to prefer.
The silver and black case is made out of aluminum, which is great because you are not going to have to worry about breaking it. Sadly, it does not ship with an HDMI audio splitter, which can make cable management a little hassle, but hey, we all like a challenge here, don’t we.
The switch supports HDMI 2.0, HDCP 2.2, and Dolby TrueHD standards, so if you are looking for compatibility, you are good to go. You are also getting a compact remote that comes with a button for each HDMI input, and a dedicated button if you are looking for the picture-in-picture mode, which will allow access to all active inputs simultaneously.
Setting Up the Zettaguard HDMI Switch
More often than not, you run into HDMI switches that are painstakingly difficult when it comes to setting up. Things are a lot different with the Zettaguard HDMI switch, however. The process of setting this switch up is as simple as it could get.
To test it out, I plugged three devices ranging from a console, a handheld device, and a computer all hooked up to my LG C9 TV. The installation process took less than 5 minutes, and most of the time was spent routing the cables. The ports are located at the back, and once you are done plugging everything in, just pick up the control and start switching and you are good to go.
Do keep in mind that the LG C9 has HDMI 2.1 support while this one only has HDMI 2.0, so there is a little compatibility issue especially when you try and go beyond 4K/60Hz. But other than that, everything works fine.
In conclusion, setting this switch-up is a walk in the park, and makes you wonder if other switches are just as easy to setup.
Features and Overall Performance
Although we normally don’t look for extra features in HDMI switches simply because the main purpose here is being fulfilled in the form of HDMI switching, the features are still important aspects for a lot of people. With that said, the Zettaguard HDMI switch does not disappoint in terms of features.
You are getting a range of features, to begin with. You have access to four inputs, and it can automatically switch between inputs as soon as it is powered on. The LED lights indicate which inputs are active, and to prevent any power draw from the device it is plugged into, it ships with a dedicated AC adapter.
The one feature that I love is the picture-in-picture preview mode, which can simultaneously give you access to thumbnails for all the active inputs. The 18-Gbps transfer speeds ensure that all the data is transmitted with proper experience, and you can use it with a plethora of devices including the latest game consoles.
Streaming 4K content is also not a problem as long as the source device supports 4K and you have 4K content available at your disposal. Just make a note that this switch does not support 4K at higher than 60Hz due to the limitation of HDMI 2.0.
Value for Money
Honestly, when you are looking at the value for money, the Zettaguard HDMI hits the spot as it fits in the mid-range of HDMI switches and gives access to all the features that you are going to need. Granted, you can always get higher-end switches but they are also going to cost you more, while this one is more affordable, which makes it a great pick for a lot of people.
Conclusion
If you are looking for an affordable switch that can help you manage your HDMI connections, then the Zettaguard is the switch that you should be going for. It is reliable, has all the right features that you could want from an affordable switch, has low switching times, and virtually no latency. For anyone who wants to make their home entertainment simpler, this is the switch that you should go for.
- The picture-in-picture preview mode is great.
- You are getting 4K/60Hz compatibility.
- Solid aluminum construction.
- Ports are on the rear for easy management.
- There is no integrated HDMI splitter available.
I have been gaming for almost 24 years with extensive knowledge of all platforms and the gaming industry, in general. With interests in literature, art, gaming, and PC hardware.