Accell Corporation has accomplished quite a feat with their new UltraAV HDMI 2-1 Switch. This device makes it possible to connect two HDMI sources to one TV without adding another huge component to your entertainment system. Debuting at CES 2007, this switch is making quite the rounds these days. While companies boasted about their 100 plus inch TV's, Accell was making sure you could actually connect your devices to what seems to be the standard single HDMI input on these monstrosities. And with the PlayStation 3 and the rumored Xbox 360 revision, this might be the perfect time to start thinking about picking an HDMI switch like this.

Looks: Accell's UltraAV HDMI Switch is about half the size of a pack of cigarettes, and as thick as it too. This switch is the bare minimum when it comes to design; making no room for large internal components, this switch gets the job done. The nice black finish on the UltraAV gives it a discrete look when hiding amongst your cables and the lighted LED for the active device makes it very easy to find out what device is going where. The non intrusive look is definitely a plus; this device does exactly what it says it's going to do and looks good doing it.

Features: When it comes down to it we are talking about a switch, it either works or doesn't. This switch gets the job done quite efficiently, without taking up much space and featuring an ultra slim remote and an IR sensor on a five foot cord to enable you to switch between sources without the hassle of having the device within view. The UltraAV also includes 24K Gold-Plated connectors which ensure the highest possible connectivity between your Hi-Def devices.

Functionality: The UltraAV HDMI Switch is about as functional as a light switch, you turn it on and it works. Not much to say otherwise. One feature though that would have made this the ultimate accessory to own though would be an auto switching feature that switched to the most recently activated HDMI source. The UltraAV supports resolutions anywhere from 720p, 1080i and even 1080p, on top of all that it doesn't even require an external power source. Along with supporting the best possible resolutions, this device is also HDCP compliant.

Packaging: Simply perfect is the phrase that could be used to describe the packaging of Accell's UltraAV HDMI Switch. The blister packaging is secure and promptly shows the actual product in full view demonstrating exactly how small this switch really is. The products main features are fully described on the front of the packaging leaving any guessing of what this switch is capable out in the cold. This is a product that I would expect to see in a Best Buy or even a RadioShack store next to the Monster and Phoenix cable's and accessories. The switch and its remote control are visible from the outside of the box, which takes a lot of the guessing out of your shopping. Although the unit sells for around $100, it would have been nice if it came with a spare HDMI cord. As it is you will not only need to have two HDMI cords to run to the various Hi-Def products (PlayStation 3, HD-DVD player, etc.), but you will also need to purchase a third cord just to go from this switch to the TV. While this is a minor complaint, it still feels like this package should have come with some sort of HDMI cable, even if it's only a few inches long.

Conclusion: The UltraAV HDMI 2-1 Switch from Accell is reliable and not too expensive in comparison to other bulkier switches with the same capabilities. The packaging is nicely designed and puts the focus on the product and not on how flashy it can be. Not only does this switch save space, but it also provides a remote and full 1080p support, all this functionality and it doesn't even require a power source. It would have been nice if a short HDMI cable was provided to go between the switch and the TV. It would have been nice to have the switch automatically detect the most recently activated product or at least come with a spare HDMI cord, but outside of those minor complaints this switch does exactly what you are looking for. All reservations aside the UltraAV HDMI switch would defiantly be a great buy for anyone running out of HDMI inputs on their TV, or simply wanting to clean up the clutter behind their entertainment center.

WEBSITE:Accell Corporation
PURCHASE:Accell UltraAV HDMI 2 in 1 Switch