HDMI is quickly becoming the connectivity solution of choice for most manufacturers of various audio-video systems (largely due to the high data throughput it provides), but, although the aforementioned manufacturers are generally quite generous, there are certain situations when the existing HDMI ports seem to be completely insufficient. This is exactly the reason why the Oppo company launched back in October 2007 the HM-31 HDMI Switch, a device that allows users to expand a single HDMI input port on their HDTV to connect up to three HDMI sources.



According to the manufacturers, the OPPO HM-31 is among the very few HDMI switches to pass the official HDMI 1.3 certification test, which means that the device is compatible with all HDTV resolutions up to 1080p and PC resolutions up to 1920x1200. Moreover, since it has been equipped with advanced HDMI 1.3 features such as Deep Color, higher bandwidth and a signal equalizer, the HM-31 provides all the necessary features to support the latest generation of home theater products.



The device is also EIA/CEA-861D, DVI 1.0, and HDCP 1.1 compliant and supports DDC and HPD switching to ensure maximum device compatibility, as well as a video signal of up to 1080p@60Hz or 720p/1080i@120Hz with 12-bit color depth. Furthermore, it has been fitted with several options targeting especially custom home theater installers, namely the IR input and RS232 remote control, which could come especially in handy when integrating this system with an existing home theater.



The device won't occupy too much space around the user's entertainment center (but it's not very petite, either) as it measures around 187mm x 116mm x 27mm, at an overall weight of around 250 grams. However, the device is quite expensive, as it retails for around 100 US dollars, which is a sum quite a few customers will be willing to roll out, despite of this thing's very useful features.