HDMI extension or switcher ?

[mars396]

Here’s my situation:
My 37” Ölevia has but one HDMI input.
I have my COMCAST HD box connected via HDMI and my upconverting DVD player-recorder via component. I found this to be optimal, as the drop in PQ from connecting my HD box over component was unacceptable. As I have been unable to find a hack to get my LG RC797T to upconvert over component, when I am going to be watching DVDs at a higher rez than 480p, I pull out the COMCAST HDMI and plug in the DVD’s HDMI, and reset the player’s resolution.

My concern is that I may somehow damage the HDMI input to my Ölevia by continuing to do this.

Is there some sort of male-female extension I can use for the constant plugging and unplugging of HDMI cables, so that #1 it is easier to swap the HDMIs, and #2 should it get damaged, it would be easier and less expensive to replace.

Or do I really need to invest in a $$$ HDMI switcher (and a third HDMI cable) ?

[jagabo]

You can get 2 port HDMI switches for about $20 and another HDMI cable for $10.

[mars396]

I found this:
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2989800&cp=&sr=1&origkw=hdmi+mal...entPage=search

Will this gizmo degrade the connection in any way ?

[redwudz]

Probably not, but a switch would be the better option.

A few switches: http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10110

[markbowen]

I have an LG Plasma with only one HDMI input. Been using it for my HD sat receiver, but wanted to add HDMI DVD and later possibly a media PC. I bought a Vivanco auto-switch with 4 HDMI inputs, and it works a treat. Well worth the investment, unless you are considering upgrading the TV anytime soon (most new plasmas/LCDs have at least two HDMI inputs).