• On MP3.com: Free music videos
advertisement
FT BK REMOTE
OVR
FT BK REMOTE

Product summary

The goodThe good: Switches between as many as three HDMI devices; stylish design for a switcher; RS-232 port and IR-in for custom installers.

The badThe bad: Fewer inputs than other switchers; expensive considering the per-input price; credit-card-style remote.

The bottom lineThe bottom line: The Oppo HM-31 offers some nice upgrades for custom home installs, but competing models offer more inputs for less money.

Price range: $99.00 - $99.99

CNET editors' review

  • Reviewed on: 12/13/2007

HDMI connectivity is quickly becoming a must-have connection type for all types of gadgets. But while the list of gadgets with an HDMI output is growing, the number of HDMI inputs on HDTVs and receivers is limited--you'll need to spend a lot of money before you see more than three inputs on either. That's where HDMI switchers come into play, allowing you to add more HDMI-enabled gadgets to your home theater setup without paying the big premium on your HDTV or AV receiver. The Oppo HM-31 offers switching for three inputs and is priced about average at $99.

The Oppo HM-31 is the best-looking HDMI switcher we've tested. The top of the switcher is black brushed metal, and the front and sides have a glossy black look. There are three LED lights to indicate which source is selected, plus an additional LED to indicate power. To the right is a Select button, so you can toggle through the inputs if the remote goes missing. It's tough to make something as utilitarian as an HDMI switcher look good, but Oppo pulls it off. The included remote is a weakness, as it has the slim, credit-card-style design, although we appreciate the separate buttons for each input. We definitely prefer full-size remotes, such as the one provided by the Monoprice 5x1 HDMI switcher.

Oppo HM-31
The Oppo has only three HDMI inputs, but the RS-232 port (far left) makes it useful for custom home installations.

With only three HDMI inputs, the HM-31 was the least endowed switcher we tested. The three inputs and one output will allow you to switch between three connected devices. As mentioned above, there are discrete remote codes for each input, which make it easier to program with a universal remote, and universal remotes make it much easier to integrate an HDMI switcher into your home theater setup. For example, with an activity-based universal remote such as a Logitech Harmony, you can simply select Watch TV and it will change the respective inputs on the switcher, the TV, and the AV receiver without your needing to remember which input is which. Unlike most of the other switchers we tested, the HM-31 does include some custom installer-friendly features such as an RS-232 port and an IR input.

Continue reading
See more CNET content tagged:
Oppo,
HDMI,
input,
universal remote,
RS-232

User reviews

Submit your review

Log in or create an account to submit your review for:

Oppo HM-31

1. Rate this product:
(Mouse over the stars to rate this product and click to set your rating.)
2. One-line summary:(Summarize your review in one line. 10 characters minimum; required.)
0 of 55 characters
3. Pros:(Tell us what you like about this product. 10 characters minimum; required.)
0 of 250 characters
4. Cons:(Tell us what you don't like about this product. 10 characters minimum; required.)
0 of 250 characters
Bottom-line summary:(Explain to us in detail why you like or dislike the product, focusing your comments on the product's features and functionality, and your experience using the product. This field is optional.)
0 of 5000 characters

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks are prohibited.
Click here to review our site terms of use.

Submit

Where to buy

Oppo HM-31: $99.00 - $99.99
storepricein stock?rating
Projector People
$99.00 No 5.0 star rating
Amazon.com
$99.99 Yes 5.0 star rating
OPPO Digital, Inc.
$99.00 No

see prices from 3 stores

Similar products

Where to buy Oppo HM-31

Price range: $99.00 - $99.99
advertisement Special Sponsor Offer
advertisement
advertisement
Before you buy
MP3 player finder
Editors' top MP3 players
Editors' top headphones
MP3 player buying guide
See all MP3 player accessories
See all MP3 player reviews
sponsored
advertisement
Click Here