Here lately, it's been the more prosumer / professional-focused brands kicking out the extenders and switches, but IOGEAR is returning to the fold by introducing two CAT5e / 6 MiniExtender Kits and a pair of HDMI switches to boot. As for the extenders, you'll find one for HDMI ($279.95) and one for DVI-D ($69.95); the former provides "an additional 100 feet between a 1080p display unit and media source or an extra 200 feet for 1080i display units," while the latter "extends a DVI PC source 100 feet away from a single link DVI-D display with resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 60Hz." Closing things out are the 3-Port HDMI Automatic Switch ($89.95) and the 4-Port HDMI Switch with Remote ($89.95), both of which are fairly self-explanatory. The whole lot is available as we speak.

Looking for an HDMI 1.3 distribution amp that won't completely shatter the budget? Enter Octava's 3x4 HDMI Switch + Splitter Distribution Amplifier, which includes support for full 1080p resolutions and enables HDMI switching for three inputs while outputting to (up to) four displays. You'll also find a Toslink optical audio output, an RS-232 control port, a remote bundled in and an external IR jack for extending the reach. Best of all, the unit checks in at just $349, and it's available to ship right now to most any corner of the globe.

There are quite a few HDMI switches out there for the input-challenged, but this latest box from Belkin is by far the least-expensive we've seen at $49.99 list -- which means street prices might be even lower. Nothing too special apart from that: 1080p compatibility, HDMI powered, IR remote for switching, and Belkin's classy-but-anonymous case design. Shipping now in the US and Canada, March 2008 in Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Chances are, you'll never actually see a STDVE003A unless you just so happen to crack open your HDTV, but STMicroelectronics is hoping that you notice its presence without disassembling anything. The aforementioned chip is being hailed as the first HDMI switch on planet Earth to support a video data-transfer rate of up to 3.4Gbps, which enables TV designers to "provide as many as three input ports while using only a single HDMI receiver chip." Furthermore, it supports full 16-bit color, is compliant with HDMI 1.3 specifications and features an integrated equalizer to "overcome signal degradation when long (greater than 20-meters) and lossy cables are used." The active digital multiplexer also supports DDC (Display Data Channel) and HPD (Hot-Plug Detect) data switching, and while we're not told when these are likely to debut in actual sets, volume production is slated to start this quarter.

Just when you thought you had a handle on HDMI 1.3, along comes a new sub-class of HDMI switches supporting (are you ready for it?) HDMI 1.3a Category 2, otherwise known as HDMI 1.3 High-Speed. Learn it, live it. Accell's UltraAV 2-port switch supports a 1440p (2560 x 1440) resolution and 10.2Gbps (340MHz) high-speed data transfer without the need of an external power supply. Sure, there aren't any 1440p sets out there yet, but they're coming, as are those 2160p Quad HD monsters. Sorry, no launch date specifics. We only know that it'll cost $99 and receive a proper unveiling in early September at the CEDIA Expo. Of course, you'll still have to find content and a source to pump that superior resolution, but this is all about "future proofing", which we all know has little to do with rational thinking.

For those trying to transmit HDMI signals over Ethernet, Key Digital's FatCATs look to be the perfect solution. These baluns reportedly support video resolutions up to 1080p, meet the HDMI 1.3 standards, and are able to convert HDMI signals for transmission over vanilla CAT5 / CAT6 cabling. Moreover, the firm offers up an extender to pass along the digital signals for unusually long distances, and both the transmitting and receiving unit of the Digital FatCAT series are available in either freestanding or wall plate versions -- the latter of which includes an additional coaxial digital audio port. Of course, enabling you to use your pre-installed Ethernet to sling HDMI signals around won't come without a premium, as the transmitters and receivers ring up at $300 to $325 apiece, while a duo of extenders range from $250 to $300.

We've seen an HDMI switch or two 'round here before but this is one of the first to promise full HDMI 1.3 compatibility. The DigiMedia HDMI switcher features a single HDMI-out with either 4 (HSG-401) or 2 (HSG-201) input configurations at cable runs of up to 10-meters. Unfortunately, it looks like you'll have to manually switch between sources unlike other autosensing HDMI switches we've seen. Fortunately, the included remote control will keep your azz firmly planted in the sofa. Hitting Japan in July, the HSG-401 will set you back ¥18,800 or about $152, the HSG-201 for just ¥13,800 or $112 -- not bad.

[Via Impress]