HM-31 HDMI Switch

Oppo’s HM-31 HDMI Switch has to be one of the sleekest little units the WMG has ever reviewed. At the time this review was written (January 2008) it is selling for $99.00 (US Dollars). A little steep for many families, however with all technology it will come down in price eventually. This little unit can take a single HDMI input port on your HDTV, and connect up to three HDMI sources. These sources include the Xbox 360, Bluray, HD-DVD to name just a few. A thin little remote control is included to allow the slothful person the ability to change between the three HDMI inputs from the couch.

As previously mentioned the HM-31 HDMI Switch has a very sleek look to it. The unit and power cord are both black with grey text, and a silver trim. The blue light determines which of the three offsets is being used in a visually pleasing way. The remote control is a grey with light colors being used for most of the buttons (editor: one button is blue).

The feel of the HM-31 HDMI Switch unit is smooth. Both the main unit, and the remote control feel sturdy. The size of the remote may be a concern, especially if you lose small things easily. Oppo included the name of the unit in enough places so confusing it with another unit should not happen. The wording can not be scraped off easily either.

HM-31 HDMI Switch should last quite a long time, since the main use will come from the remote control. Plugging and unplugging wires on the back of the main unit is simple enough. The only real drawback the WMG can see is the inclusion of three inputs only. As HDMI continues to grow, people are going to have more than three things. The WMG wonders how long some readers will have such a unit before needing one with more inputs.

Which brings us to a wonderful segue of how useful the HM-31 HDMI Switch is. The WMG feels that families who are currently unplugging one unit for another will find the HM-31 HDMI Switch very useful. The more kinds of these devices one owns will determine how useful it is though. It is nice to see such units on the market. The price conscience reader may want to wait to see if there are price drops in the near future.

Having cords hang down from an entertainment center, or on the floor can be a tripping hazard. Oppo is helping families out with the HM-31 HDMI Switch. The battery is difficult to remove in the remote control, and that would be the only choking hazard. The power cord and adapter have a nice intelligent design to them with power strip usage in mind. Until next time faithful readers, this is the Working Man Gamer signing off.
- Working Man Gamer