StarTech.com 2-Port 8K HDMI Switch: HDMI 2.1 Switcher for 8K/4K HDR

Experience effortless source management and premium video quality with the StarTech.com 2-Port 8K HDMI Switch. This compact, high-performance HDMI 2.1 switcher is engineered for home theaters, gaming setups, and professional AV environments where reliability, clarity, and smooth performance matter. Supporting up to 8K60Hz and 4K120Hz pass-through, HDR10+ color dynamics, and flexible auto/manual switching, it lets you connect two HDMI sources to a single display without sacrificing fidelity or latency. Whether you’re juggling a gaming console, streaming device, PC, or Blu-ray player, this switch makes it simple to select the right input at the exact moment you want, delivering a cinema-like experience with minimal fuss.

• Two inputs, one output for effortless source management - Seamlessly connect two HDMI sources to a single display and switch between them with ease. The switch supports automatic input detection so the active source is chosen without manual intervention, while the intuitive front-panel control gives you immediate access to the other input when needed. This simplicity is ideal for multi-device configurations in living rooms, gaming dens, conference rooms, classrooms, or editorial workspaces where more than one device shares a screen. The tidy design minimizes cable clutter and keeps your AV rack neat and efficient, even in tight spaces.
• 8K60Hz and 4K120Hz pass-through for ultra-smooth visuals - Built to leverage HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, this switch handles native 8K60Hz output and 4K120Hz for peak gaming and cinematic experiences. Whether running high-frame-rate titles, streaming ultra-high-definition content, or presenting graphics-heavy work from a PC, you’ll benefit from reduced motion blur, razor-sharp detail, and more fluid motion. The high-bandwidth path preserves color depth and brightness across transitions, ensuring you don’t lose subtle hues or luminance when you switch sources or scenes.
• HDR10+ and wide color support for rich, cinematic imagery - HDR10+ delivers dynamic metadata that optimizes brightness and contrast on a scene-by-scene basis, bringing out more detail in highlights and shadows. In addition to HDR10+, the switch supports HDR formats such as HDR10 and HLG, providing broad compatibility with the latest TVs, projectors, and media content. Expect deeper blacks, brighter highlights, and more accurate color reproduction that elevates everything from blockbuster films to gaming cutscenes and professional video playback.
• Auto/Manual source switching with EDID control - The switch can automatically switch to the active input for uninterrupted viewing, or you can manually select a source when you want precise control. EDID management helps ensure the display and source devices agree on the correct resolution and refresh rate, minimizing compatibility issues and ensuring stable playback across a wide range of devices. This feature is especially valuable in mixed environments where devices from different generations are used, allowing you to tailor display settings to match each source’s capabilities.
• HDCP 2.3 compatibility and broad device compatibility - With HDCP 2.3 support, you can enjoy premium streaming and protected content from contemporary devices while maintaining broad compatibility with older HDMI 2.0/2.1 sources. The switch is designed to work with a wide array of devices including gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, streaming boxes, and PCs, ensuring reliable performance for entertainment and professional applications alike. This compatibility, combined with HDMI 2.1 features, makes it a future-ready solution that still plays nicely with legacy gear.

Technical Details of StarTech.com 2-Port 8K HDMI Switch

• Ports: 2 HDMI inputs, 1 HDMI output
• Video bandwidth: 48 Gbps
• Supported resolutions: 8K at 60 Hz, 4K at 120 Hz
• HDR formats: HDR10+, HDR10, HLG
• HDMI version: HDMI 2.1
• HDCP: HDCP 2.3
• Switching modes: Auto and Manual
• EDID: EDID management for compatibility and optimal display settings
• Power: External power supply recommended for optimal 8K performance

How to install StarTech.com 2-Port 8K HDMI Switch

• Step 1 — Prepare your devices: Ensure all HDMI sources (game consoles, media players, PCs, Blu-ray players) and the display are powered off before connecting anything. Gather high-speed HDMI cables rated for HDMI 2.1 to take full advantage of 8K and 4K120 capabilities.
• Step 2 — Connect inputs and output: Plug each HDMI source into the two HDMI inputs on the switch. Connect the switch’s HDMI output to your display using a high-quality HDMI cable. If your configuration uses a powered USB-C or external power supply, connect it as well to ensure stable operation at 8K.
• Step 3 — Power and configure: If your unit includes a power adapter, connect it to a suitable power source. Power on the display and sources. The switch will detect the active input automatically if Auto Switching is enabled; otherwise, you can use the front-panel control to select the desired input manually.
• Step 4 — Optimize settings: If needed, adjust the display settings to match the source’s native resolution and refresh rate. Engage EDID management if you encounter any resolution negotiation issues, ensuring the display and source devices agree on the best possible output.
• Step 5 — Test and enjoy: Switch between sources to confirm seamless transitions and consistent video quality. Verify HDR content displays correctly, and experiment with the auto-switch feature to ensure it aligns with your preferred workflow for movies, games, and productivity tasks.

Frequently asked questions

• What resolutions are supported? The StarTech.com 2-Port 8K HDMI Switch supports up to 8K at 60 Hz and 4K at 120 Hz, with HDR formats including HDR10+ and HDR10. The device uses HDMI 2.1 bandwidth to handle high-resolution, high-refresh-rate content while maintaining signal integrity across two inputs to one output.
• Does it auto-switch between inputs? Yes. The switch offers automatic input detection for seamless viewing. You can also switch inputs manually using the front-panel control if you prefer direct control over which source is displayed at any given moment.
• Is HDCP 2.3 supported? Yes. The switch is designed to be compatible with HDCP 2.3 content protection, ensuring access to premium streaming services and protected media from modern devices while remaining compatible with a broad range of HDMI sources.
• Is EDID management available? Yes. EDID control helps optimize compatibility between the display and connected sources, reducing the likelihood of resolution negotiation problems and ensuring you consistently get the best possible picture from each device.
• Will it work with HDMI 2.0 devices? Yes. The switch is compatible with HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 2.1 devices, making it suitable for mixed environments where older gear is in use alongside newer 8K/4K-capable equipment.