ATEN VM0404H HDMI Matrix Switch
Aug 12th, 2010 | By SimonIn the quick start guide, there was a single picture that details exactly how the ATEN VM0404H is setup and, I’ll be honest, there’s not too much to it. You select all of your input devices and connect them to the input side of the switch, then you do the same for the output and last but not least you provide power to the VM0404H.
For my test purposes I have 2 HDMI displays in the form of two 46″ Samsung TVs and I have 4 HDMI inputs in the form of a Blu-ray player, my benchmarking machine, my Flip Video MinoHD and my Canon 50D DSLR camera. Bear with me as I haven’t had a chance to permanently install the VM0404H so the cables are a mess.
The HDMI inputs are on the left and HDMI outputs are on the right. There are no cables included in the package so you will require your own HDMI and possibly mini cables.
Switching between inputs is quite easy. All you need to do it point the remote at the IR receiver and press a few buttons on the remote. To clarify a few things, the Port Selection on the remote, labeled 1, 2, 3 and 4, correspond to the HDMI Displays, so that would be your TV, monitor, projector, etc. The Port Up and Port Down arrow allows you to change between the inputs for the selected Display. You are able to have 1 input be shared amongst two outputs. For instance, you can have both TVs play a movie from your Blu-ray player, view a picture from your camera, play a video off your camcorder or show the same desktop screen.
However, the main reason for buying the ATEN VM0404H HDMI Matrix Switch is so you can separate inputs on each display and change them as you please without having to get up off your chair! If no source is detected on one input, the VM0404H will automatically switch to the next until a signal is found.
The ATEN VM0404H is “limited” to 4 inputs and 4 outputs. However, you can daisy chain several units together for a total of 64 HDMI displays.
I didn’t notice any loss of quality when going through the switch, an important aspect when expanding your home entertainment system. No one is going to watch movies or play games with you if your signals flicker!
During my use of the VM04040H, I did find that the remote would sometimes jump ports when changing inputs, instead of going A to B, it might occasionally jump from A to C – in which case you need to press the Port Down button to get to port B. If I had to pick a flaw that would be it. If you went to the switch itself and pressed the button there would be no issues. The buttons were easy to press but not so easy that a light touch would activate it. A green LED indicates which input mode has been selected for each device.
If you’re one that cares about keeping your entertainment system green, you’ll be pleased to know that the ATEN VM0404H HDMI Matrix Switch only draws 7 watts of power when in use, the equivalent of one CCFL light bulb.