Review: TeckNet 3 Port HDMI Auto-Switcher

The TeckNet 3 Port HDMI Switcher is one of those devices you don’t know you need. I definitely didn’t know I needed one until after I purchased it (I kind of did… hence purchasing it!). The concept behind this device is simple: Have the ability to use 3 x HDMI devices – over a single HDMI cable, thus freeing up port space on your TV as well as ugly cable trails!

Table of Contents

Features

3 x HDMI input ports
1 x HDMI output port
IR blaster
Optional 5V (DC) power input – although the unit self-powers via HDMI
Physical switch button on the front of the device
HDMI v1.4a
HDMI resolutions: 1080p / 1080i / 720p / 576p / 576i / 480p / 480i
Audio formats: DTS-HD / Dolby-true HD / DTS / Dolby-AC3 / DSD
Max length HDMI cables supported: 25m

Install/Setup

The install and setup process for this device is as simple as the features list above.

Plug in the HDMI cable from your TV, into the “Output” port on the device.
Plug in a HDMI cable from one of your devices, into one of the “Input” ports
Repeat step 2 two more times

TeckNet HDMI Switcher - HDMI Ports and suggestions

Et voila! Your device is now setup and ready to go! Change your TV to the correct source (for example: HDMI 1 on your TV) and then use the IR blaster included with the TeckNet HDMI Switcher to switch between your 3 HDMI sources! Do bear in mind though that this device supports HDMI 1.4a which technically supports 4K2K, however the product description on both Amazon and TeckNet’s website does not list 4K as one of the supported resolutions. It’s worth noting that some users do actually report 4K signals working via the device though!

I have my devices set up as follows:

HDMI 1 on my TV -> TeckNet output
Input 1 -> Xbox One
Input 2 -> Computer/Laptop
Input 3 -> Google Chromecast

Why buy this? What’s the point?

This is potentially a very good question! In response to which, I can provide a couple of use cases that I’ve come across:

You have an older TV which has a very limited number of inputs. I’ve seen TVs with only 2 HDMI ports, meaning that only two of my devices can be connected at any given time!
Your TV is wall mounted, meaning adding new devices to your collection and cabling them in is going to be a massive pain! In that case, I’d leave the permanent devices plugged into my TV (e.g. Google Chromecast/Amazon Fire TV Stick) and hidden away, freeing up a spare, hot-swappable and easily accessible HDMI port!

Summary

This device is incredibly simple to setup, could save you a fair amount of money in extending your existing TV’s input capacity. At the time of purchasing this product, it cost me £9.99.

Switching between sources is incredibly quick and the unit will even auto-switch between source when a new signal is detected. For instance:

I am sat watching TV via my laptop/computer (plugged into Input 2 as previously mentioned) and I come across a video on YouTube on my phone. If I start streaming via my Chromecast (Input 3) then the TeckNet will detect that new signal and will switch the source for me without the need for manual intervention! Call me lazy, but I find that so useful!