This fixes the problem of insufficient HDMI ports on your TV (or the device to which the switcher is connected). By disconnecting and re-connecting HDMI connections, it removes the necessity of physically switching between devices. Most switchers come with a remote control to switch sources from the couch.

Switchers are great for gamers who have more consoles and inputs than they have HDMI ports. Home entertainment enthusiasts can also use them to connect Blu-ray and DVD players, cable and satellite decoders, streaming boxes, optical or hard drive recorders, PCs, and more.

Most TVs have about four HDMI inputs, but not all have the same benefits.Some televisions only offer one or two connectors for the higher-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 standard, which is used by the newest gaming consoles and graphics cards. If you have a PC with a modern graphics card and a new game console, you may use a switcher that supports HDMI 2.1 to suit all of your 4K 120Hz (or 8K 60Hz) demands.