The Kinivo 550BN HDMI Switch is a feature rich HDMI switch that lets you connect any HDMI source to any HDMI TV, monitor, projector, or receiver. The 550BN is compatible with most HDMI devices, including HDTVs, projectors, receivers, game consoles, Blu-ray players, and media players. The 550BN is also equipped with HDCP 2.2 for HD video output. HDCP is short for High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection, and HDCP 2.2 makes HDCP 2.0 compliant.
In a world of multimedia, nothing lasts forever. However, a lot of gear has been around for a long time now, and continues to offer experienced users maximum quality and performance. HDMI is one such example. It has been about a decade since HDMI was first introduced as a consumer audio/video interface. While HDMI as a spec has evolved as the technology has advanced, the interface as a feature has remained virtually unchanged.
There’s not a lot of options for wired HDMI switch solutions, at least not that I’ve found, and I was looking for a switch that did everything I could imagine. I’ve used some small HDMI switches for my HTPC for general use, but I wanted something with the features of the Kinivo 550BN for my new HDMI desktop setup. That’s when I discovered the Kinivo 550BN. The 550BN is a full featured HDMI switch, which is able to switch between multiple inputs on your TV, including HDMI, DVI, VGA, and component. The 550BN has a built in IR reciever, so it can also operate as a smart TV control device, which is a nice bonus. I was very impressed with the
There is no lack of excellent HDMI switches on the market, and the Kinivo 550BN HDMI Switch is one of them. The goal of this review is to look at a switch that is designed with power users in mind, since it has a lot of excellent specifications for people seeking for the greatest possible experience. Having saying that, the switch has a lot of excellent features.
This HDMI switch has 5 inputs, all of which support 4K at 60Hz, as well as a tiny and compact design that makes it one of the finest. You won’t have to worry about plugging in your HDMI cables and having them not function since this switch prevents that from happening.
An Extensive Design
In terms of designs, the Kinivo 550BN is one of the busier than some of the other HDMI switches I’ve examined in the past. To begin with, the switch is tiny, which means that everything is closely packed together, which isn’t terrible but does stick out for some.
For starters, you’ll receive 5 HDMI input connections, an AC adaptor, and a remote control. Because of this, one of the HDMI ports is on the right side of the box, while the output is on the left. This was done on purpose to keep the size small, but unfortunately, it does not help with cable management and makes it more difficult.
The box is constructed of strong plastic with metal coating on the sides. Rubber feet on the bottom prevent slipping, while the top is glossy black.
This isn’t very attractive, but it does deliver in terms of feature set, and if you’re looking for something on the smaller side, this one meets the bill.
Process of Setup
To be honest, we usually evaluate an HDMI switch by how simple it is to set up. After all, you’ll get over the aesthetics soon, so the setup procedure will be the only thing remaining. The procedure is not difficult with the Kinivo 550BN HDMI switch.
To use it, just connect the HDMI inputs, output, and supplied AC adapter, and the switch will automatically switch to the active HDMI input. Unfortunately, there is no way to make things seem neat since the AC adapter and HDMI output cable will always protrude from the side, making the switch appear larger than it has to be.
This might have been easily avoided if the manufacturer had just chosen a large container for everything on the rear. Thankfully, the setup procedure still makes it a realistic choice for many individuals, and those who don’t mind the wires hanging out may use it.
Excellent Feature Set
While the switch is strangely poor at handling wires, it makes no concessions when it comes to functionality. You get 5 inputs, all of which can go up to 60hz at 4K, but you don’t get a built-in HDMI splitter, so you’ll have to buy one separately if you want to reroute your audio.
With that, I tried the switch with all of the HDMI devices plugged in at the same time to see whether it caved in or not, and it didn’t give me any errors that caused me to reconsider. Dolby Digital Encoding, HDCP, HDR, 3D video, and an 18Gbps connection are all supported by the switch. You also get a 2-year warranty, so if you need some assurance, this is the place to go.
How is the Streaming Quality?
When searching for low-cost HDMI switches, you’ll usually find that streaming performance suffers or that other flaws emerge. This is not the case, though.
In terms of steaming performance, the switching speed is about 9 seconds, which is similar to what we’ve observed previously. The switch itself is basic and straightforward to use, with no frills that make it seem to be a waste of money. This switch’s incredibly smooth assistance will have you going back to it in terms of general use.
When it comes to inexpensive switches, a lot of features are either neglected or not provided at all. This is no longer the case, as the Kinivo 550BN HDMI Switch provides excellent performance across the board, and if you’re searching for a decent deal, this is the one to get.
The Final Word
If you’re searching for the finest HDMI switch with no extra bells and whistles, the Kinivo 550BN HDMI Switch is the way to go. It performs well, and the greatest thing is that it completes the task in nearly every manner.
The good news is that this switch comes with 5 inputs, as well as compatibility for 4K at 60Hz and a two-year guarantee. All of this comes in a tiny, portable package.
However, there are a few drawbacks. For starters, no picture-in-picture mode is available, and two inputs are placed on each side of the switch, making wire management a little tricky.
Overall, if you’re looking for something nice, this is the place to go. Purchasing the Kinivo 550BN HDMI Switch is the best option, and you will not be disappointed with its performance.
Pros
- There are five inputs available to you.
- The support for 4K at 60Hz is fantastic.
- A two-year warranty is included.
Cons
- On each side of the switch, there are two inputs.
- Picture-in-picture mode is not available.
The new H.264 4K HDMI switch from Kinivo takes the HDMI signal from your gaming console, Blu-ray player, or other video source to your TV, projector, or other display. On the back it also offers support for two HDMI inputs so you can connect to up to four devices.. Read more about kinivo hdmi switch and let us know what you think.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are HDMI switches any good?
HDMI switches are a great way to get the best picture and sound quality from your TV.
Whats the difference between a HDMI splitter and a switch?
A HDMI splitter allows you to connect multiple devices to a single HDMI port, while a switch only allows one device at a time.
Why is my HDMI switcher not working?
There are a few possible reasons why your HDMI switcher is not working. It could be that the HDMI cable you are using is faulty, or it could be that the HDMI switcher itself is faulty.
