How Many HDMI Inputs Do I Want on a HDTV?

Question: How Many HDMI Inputs Do I Want on a HDTV?

HDMI is the undisputed preferred cable to use when connecting a Blu-ray disc player, gaming system or cable/satellite set-top box to your HDTV. That’s because HDMI delivers an uncompressed digital signal to the HDTV, which makes the whole viewing experience better.

So, it’s important to consider the number of HDMI inputs on a HDTV.

Answer: Only having one HDMI input limits your options. You can always buy a HDMI switcher. I own a HDTV with only one HDMI input and I use a switcher. Still, I’d prefer the TV to have multiple HDMI inputs.

The reason is because the switcher is another component that uses power. And, I wonder if it’s the cause of a slight sync issue with the video and audio. I’d prefer to have a direct connection when possible and not use a switcher.

So, if you can control the HDMI situation on your HDTV then why not go for broke. Get a HDTV that has three or more HDMI inputs.

Two HDMI inputs is fine, but two inputs will eventually put you in the same boat as one input -- either not using HDMI or buying a HDMI switcher.

So, that leaves us with three or more HDMI inputs. I like three or more because we really only connect three components to the HDTV with a HDMI cable -- a video game system, Blu-ray disc player and cable/satellite set-top box.

Chances are that you’ll never connect any more than three HDMI components to your HDTV anyway.

Other HDMI Buying Advice

Since HDCP comes into play with HDMI, make sure at least one of the HDMI inputs is HDCP compliant.

You might also want to give consideration to buying a HDTV that has a side HDMI input. This could be a useful interface to have when connecting a HDMI digital video camcorder to the TV.