I'm looking for an HDMI switcher. I've looked around and recall hearing that cheap, non-powered ones are absolute shit, degrade image quality, and are designed cheaply. I've done a bit of research and I've come to two options.
<"""""prosumer""""" switchers
I've seen these go for around $80-100+ and usually have up to 6 HDMI inputs and sometimes two outputs. I don't really need two outputs for my purpose, and 6 inputs would be nice, but that's pushing the boundary a bit for the HDMI outputting systems I have hooked up. Can't find any information on the quality of these things.
<professional extron switches
I know a lot of extron equipment goes in and out of professional use, but they are built to last and I've seen their switchers in the range of $30-60. They are all powered as they are used in professional video fields and any sort of quality loss is just not going to happen on pro hardware. They tend to be as few as 2 in, 1 out, but I saw a few 4 in, 1 out switchers.
What do you think would be an ideal switcher solution? I'll be using it for a variety of consoles, my PC, and whatever else HDMI that pops up.
Also, lets talk about general peripherals and components for video games, what are you looking for or considering right now? Did you pick up anything new?