Gefen TV line debuts with 4-port HDMI switcher

Gefen has introduced a new line of HDTV accessories for home consumers beginning with its TV Switcher. It costs $199.

The TV switcher enables users to use one display between four different High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)-equipped devices -- video game systems, high-definition media players and Apple TV, for example. The unit can either switch automatically or switch using a button -- it recognizes a recently-powered device and switches to it automatically.

The TV Switcher is compliant with the HDMI 1.3 specification, and it works with High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP)-enabled media. It supports resolutions up to 1080p.

Gefen said it's working on other Gefen TV products to round out the line currently, including SD and HD Personal Video Recorders.