How to Use an HDMI Switcher

An HDMI switcher allows a user to connect several components to a high-definition television or computer monitor. Hooking up the switcher usually only takes a few minutes. The user will need to first make sure that each device is able to connect to the switcher with an HDMI cable.

1. Decide how many devices to use with an HDMI switcher so you can buy the right one. Check the units to verify they have an HDMI slot and then shop for a switcher online or at local computer stores. Ask a sales clerk for a switcher recommendation or do some research to choose the best one to buy. 


2. Open the HDMI switcher package and read the instruction manual. Choose a location to place the switcher so the cables for each device will reach it. Place an HDMI cable in the slot on each of the devices that you want to connect to the switcher.


3. Plug each cable into one of the slots on the HDMI switcher. Connect the switcher to the television or computer monitor with an HDMI cable. Power up the switcher and turn on the TV or monitor.


4. Change the television to HDMI by using the remote control. Choose each device on the switcher and make sure that it displays on the TV. Check the HDMI cable if one of the devices does not work on the television.


5. Verify that each device works with the switcher if you are using a computer monitor instead of a television. Click “Start” on the computer's taskbar, then click “Control Panel.” Go to “Hardware and Sound,” then click ”Connect to an External Display” under the “Display” section. Look under the “Display” box to verify that each of the devices appears in the list. Check the cable if one of the devices does not show to see if it is properly connected.