Monoprice

Monoprice Blackbird HDMI 1.4 Switch with Audio Extractor

3.8 (323 reviews)
HDMI 1.4

Expand Your AV Capabilities with Seamless Switching The Monoprice Blackbird 4x1 HDMI 1.4 Switch enhances your audio-visual setup, complemented by a premium stereo to RCA audio cable. Connect multiple HDMI sources and extract audio for a richer sound experience. Specifications - HDMI Switch Inpu...

View price on Amazon
Affiliate Disclosure: Studio Supplies may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. This helps support our editorial team.

Notice a mistake? Let Us Know

Overview

Expand Your AV Capabilities with Seamless Switching

The Monoprice Blackbird 4x1 HDMI 1.4 Switch enhances your audio-visual setup, complemented by a premium stereo to RCA audio cable. Connect multiple HDMI sources and extract audio for a richer sound experience.

Specifications - HDMI Switch

  • Inputs: 4x HDMI audio/video (one front-panel input)
  • Output: 1x HDMI audio/video
  • Audio Outputs: 1x S/PDIF Optical (Toslink), 1x Digital Coax, 1x Analog 3.5mm stereo
  • Audio Support: Uncompressed LPCM, compressed DTS Digital, Dolby Digital, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby TrueHD
  • Video Support: 1080p and 3D video output
  • Bandwidth: 225 MHz/2.25 Gbps per channel (6.75 Gbps total)
  • Deep Color: 12-bit per channel (36-bit total)
  • HDCP: Full HDCP support

Specifications - Audio Cable

  • Connectors: 3.5mm stereo male to 2RCA male
  • Conductor Gauge: 22AWG
  • Shielding: EMI or RFI interference prevention

Key Features

Product 1: 4x HDMI audio/video inputs with one front-panel input for convenient connection to portable devices

Product 1: 1x HDMI audio/video output, plus 1x S/PDIF Optical (Toslink), 1x Digital Coax, 1x Analog 3.5mm audio outputs

Product 1: Supports 225 MHz/2.25 Gbps per channel (6.75 Gbps total) bandwidth

Product 1: Integrated audio converter for simultaneous digital and analog audio output on all audio output channels

Product 2: This cable is ideal for connecting the output of your mp3 player or phone to your home audio system

Product 2: The cable is made of heavy-duty coaxial cable for each conductor

Product 2: The conductors are 22AWG and each conductor is shield to prevent EMI or RFI interference from entering your audio system.

Product 2: The cable is 12mm x 6mm thick, while the connector housings are about 41mm long x 15mm diameter.

Specifications

HDMI Inputs
4 (1 front-panel)
HDMI Outputs
1
Digital Audio Outputs
1x S/PDIF Optical (Toslink), 1x Digital Coax
Analog Audio Outputs
1x Analog 3.5mm
Bandwidth Per Channel
225 MHz / 2.25 Gbps
Total Bandwidth
6.75 Gbps
Audio Converter
Integrated, for simultaneous digital and analog output
Cable Type (Product 2)
Heavy-duty Coaxial
Cable Conductor Gauge (Product 2)
22AWG
Cable Shielding (Product 2)
Yes, to prevent EMI/RFI

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Offers four HDMI audio/video inputs, including a front-panel input for easily connecting portable devices.
  • Provides multiple audio output options, including S/PDIF Optical (Toslink), Digital Coax, and Analog 3.5mm, for versatile sound routing.
  • Features an integrated audio converter, allowing simultaneous digital and analog audio output across all audio channels.
  • Supports a substantial 225 MHz/2.25 Gbps per channel bandwidth, ensuring robust signal integrity for connected devices.
  • The included cable is constructed from heavy-duty coaxial material with 22AWG conductors, designed to prevent EMI or RFI interference.

👎 Cons

  • The switch supports HDMI 1.4, which means it may not be compatible with the latest HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 features such as 4K@60Hz or HDR.
  • Bandwidth is limited to 225 MHz/2.25 Gbps per channel, potentially restricting it for future high-bandwidth video formats.
  • While it offers audio extraction, it's a dedicated switch and doesn't provide advanced smart streaming features found in modern media players.
  • The cable included has specific dimensions (12mm x 6mm thick), which might be bulkier than preferred for certain installations or cable management needs.
  • The connector housings of the cable are relatively large (41mm long x 15mm diameter), potentially causing space issues behind some audio/video equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

This switch allows you to connect up to four HDMI audio/video input devices, including one conveniently located on the front panel for portable gadgets.
It offers a variety of audio outputs, including one S/PDIF Optical (Toslink), one Digital Coax, and one Analog 3.5mm, enabling connection to various audio systems.
Yes, it features an integrated audio converter designed for simultaneous digital and analog audio output across all available audio output channels.
The switch supports a bandwidth of 225 MHz/2.25 Gbps per channel, with a total bandwidth capacity of 6.75 Gbps for reliable signal transmission.
The included cable is a heavy-duty coaxial type with 22AWG conductors, and each conductor is shielded to effectively prevent EMI or RFI interference.
The cable is specified as 12mm x 6mm thick, which suggests a robust construction. Its flexibility for tight routing would depend on the user's specific installation requirements.
The front-panel input is ideal for conveniently connecting portable devices, allowing for easy, temporary access to the switch without needing to reach the rear panel.