Oppo HM-31
Manufacturer: OPPO Digital Part number: HM-31
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Bottom Line:
- The Oppo HM-31 offers some nice upgrades for custom home installs, but competing models offer more inputs for less money.
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Where to buy
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CNET editors' review
Oppo HM-31 price range: $99.00 - $99.99
- Reviewed by: Matthew Moskovciak
- Edited by: John P. Falcone
- Reviewed on: 12/13/2007
The good: Switches between as many as three HDMI devices; stylish design for a switcher; RS-232 port and IR-in for custom installers.
The bad: Fewer inputs than other switchers; expensive considering the per-input price; credit-card-style remote.
The bottom line: The Oppo HM-31 offers some nice upgrades for custom home installs, but competing models offer more inputs for less money.
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.
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
| Features | Video Capabilities | |||
| HDMI inputs | Three | Passes 1080p/60 | Yes | |
| Long cable run | Intermittent | Passes 1080p/24 | Yes | |
| Discrete input remote codes | Yes | Audio capabilities | ||
| Average switch time | 4.4 seconds | Passes multichannel LPCM | Yes | |
| Average switch time (with receiver) | 4.6 seconds | Passes Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD Master in bitstream format | Yes |
In our tests, The Oppo performed as advertised. The HM-31 is one of the few switchers with an HDMI 1.3-certified port, although we found that the HDMI version didn't have a real impact on performance in our tests. Like all the other switchers, we had no problem passing 1080p/24 video along with DTS-HD Master Audio soundtracks in bitstream format. The speed of switches was pretty quick at 4.4 seconds, which is just a tad slower than the fastest switches we tested. We tested the HM-31 with a 65-foot HDMI cable and were not able to reliably get a signal--it would work for a period of time, but always wound up crapping out.
A caveat to all HDMI switchers--and products with HDMI ports in general--is that we've found frustrating compatibility issues in a variety of scenarios. An HDMI switcher may work perfectly well in one setup, then not work in another because of a different combination of home theater components. (Indeed, the problems often lay with the components themselves--cable boxes are somewhat notorious--rather than the switchers.) Because of this, we recommend buying a switcher from a retailer with a solid return policy, as it's impossible to know if it will work flawlessly in your setup ahead of time.
In all, the Oppo HM-31 probably won't be your first choice for an HDMI switcher. With only three HDMI inputs and a $100 price tag, you can get a much better bang for your buck with the $50 Monoprice 5x1 HDMI switcher. On the other hand, the Oppo HM-31 has a couple of features that will appeal to custom installers, such as the RS-232 port and the IR-in--which will give it in the edge if that's a priority for you.
User reviews
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CNET off base on comparison to Monoprice 5X1 Switcher
by tokenflame on January 16, 2008
Pros: 1.3 Certified, Connects Blu-Ray, HD-DVD thru A/V Receiver
Cons: Only 3 inputs
Summary: Bought the Monoprice 5x1 switcher and tried to connect my Sharp Blu Ray, Toshiba HD-Dvd, and a Onkyo Up-convert Dvd thru the switch to one of the inputs on my ...
Summary: Bought the Monoprice 5x1 switcher and tried to connect my Sharp Blu Ray, Toshiba HD-Dvd, and a Onkyo Up-convert Dvd thru the switch to one of the inputs on my Onkyo Receiver with 2 HDMI inputs, 1 output. No Dice, the monoprice unit didn't give me a screen on either of the High Definition units, it did pass the signal from the Up-Convert DVD unit, but that's not what I was looking for. Evidently the problem is that the Monoprice unit is not 1.3 HDMI cerified. Not the case with the OPPO HM-31 Switch. Plugged in all units, sent the signal thru to the input on the A/V Unit and viola! HD Heaven. The unit worked like a charm and it is 1.3 certified, so if only 3 inputs is not a problem for you and you have HD-DVD and Blu-ray players, then this Switch is perfect. I gave it a 9 because so far I haven't heard of any problems with the unit on any other review pages, while the same cannot be said of the units without 1.3 certification.
7 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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This thing autoswitches too...
by Albeaux on January 20, 2008
Pros: signal conditioning, and autoswitching
Cons: none outside of the price...
Summary: This switch prioritizes the input ports from 1 to 2 to 3. If you put your always-on component (mine is a Tivo HD) to port 3, and your other components ...
Summary: This switch prioritizes the input ports from 1 to 2 to 3. If you put your always-on component (mine is a Tivo HD) to port 3, and your other components to ports 1 and 2, then your HDMI signals pass to your A/V receiver in priority order. Just turn off your other components when you want to watch your Tivo (or other DVR) and the HM-31 auto-switches to port 3. Want to watch a DVD player connected to port 1? Turn it on and the HM-31 switches to port 1 as it has a higher priority than 3. How about your other component on port 2? Turn off component on port 1, and turn on the component on port 2, voila, the HM-31 switches to that port as it is still higher than port 3.
Only hitch happens when a component sends a signal out of its HDMI port even when it is turned off, but you still have the remote to handle those hardware situations.
The HM-31 displays one of three light colors depending on what it senses on any port.
It displays nothing if it senses no signal on the incoming port.
It displays a red light if it senses a signal is present on a port.
It displays a blue light if it senses a signal and is sending that signal through to the output HDMI port. It will blink with a blue light when it can't find any incoming signal, but has been artificially directed to switch that specific port to the HDMI-Out port.
The blinking light will only happen when you use the remote or the button on the HM-31 to direct output from that inactive port to the HDMI-Out port.
For what it is worth on signal conditioning, I found a "white paper" on the Oppo site that describes their switch receiving a signal on an incoming HDMI 1.3 rated cable 50 ft. in length and passing that signal through another 50 ft. 1.3 rated HDMI cable to an HDTV with no signal degradation. It was tested at an an official HDMI.org authorized test center. I can't attest to that as I don't have cables that long but it might be of help to other readers.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Solid HDMI Switcher that is easy set up and works!!
by mattliptak on January 28, 2009
Pros: Nice small box design and easy set up make this awesome! You can tell Oppo takes pride in their product with the packaging and care they took making this product. I have tried 4 other swithcers and this one is the best! Beats Xtrememac and Terk
Cons: Pricey an only 3 outlets makes it a bit out of budget. No power off switch on this thing make it a bit strange.
Summary: Sleek design and solid controls and features make this a hit out of the park. Took 5 minutes to set up and even configured with my Logitech remote..awesome...
Summary: Sleek design and solid controls and features make this a hit out of the park. Took 5 minutes to set up and even configured with my Logitech remote..awesome...
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Great Switcher!
by m007368 on January 18, 2008
Pros: 1) Worked out of the box. 2) No compatibility issues 3) Defaults to active signal if none present.
Cons: 1) could have used one more port, but not an issue for me.
Summary: I loved this device based on the sale price on Ama$#@ and it met all my needs with no hassle. I am using it only for video pass through and ...
Summary: I loved this device based on the sale price on Ama$#@ and it met all my needs with no hassle. I am using it only for video pass through and I am running all my sound via Toslink due to my YSP-1100 not possessing HDMI.
I have the following for reference routed through it:
HD-A2 HD-DVD
DISH Vip 622 HD DVR
XBOX 360
all routed to
Mitsubishi WD-52528 DLP
In the end the HDMI three ports wont be an issue since the next time I upgrade my YSP to the YSP-4000 there will be suffient 1.3 HDMI ports I wont need a switcher.
But this is an awesome intermediate solution.0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: OPPO Digital
- Part number: HM-31
- Description: The OPPO HM-31 Advanced 3x1 HDMI Switch is able to expand a single HDMI input port on your HDTV to connect up to three HDMI sources, such as DVD, Blu-ray or HD-DVD players, cable or satellite receivers, and gaming consoles. No longer bound by the limited HDMI connectivity on most HDTVs, home theater users can expand the number of source devices thanks to the OPPO HDMI switch. The OPPO HM-31 is among the very few HDMI switches to pass the official HDMI 1.3 certification test. The certification ensures that the HM-31 is compatible with all HDTV resolutions up to 1080p and PC resolutions up to 1920x1200. Equipped with advanced HDMI 1.3 features such as Deep Color, higher bandwidth and a signal equalizer, the HM-31 is ready to support the latest generation of home theater products. The HM-31 transmits rich, vibrant images and sound while maintaining the highest in video and audio quality. It is EIA/CEA-861D, DVI 1.0, and HDCP 1.1 compliant and supports DDC and HPD switching to ensure maximum device compatibility. Equipped with a remote control, this switch provides the option of resting on a table-top or mounted on a wall. Custom home theater installers will find the IR input and RS232 remote control convenient options for integration. With the worries of HDMI connectivity problems put behind by the HM-31, it's now time to enjoy your HD entertainment, whether it's from your favorite OPPO up-converting DVD player or any other HDMI source.
General
- Device Type Video/audio switch
- Enclosure Type External
- Width 7.4 in
- Depth 4.6 in
- Height 1.1 in
- Weight 8.8 oz
Networking
- Ports Qty 3
- Data Link Protocol HDMI
- Networking type Video/audio switch
- Connectivity Technology Wired
- Status Indicators Power, Port status
- Features HDCP compliant
- Compliant Standards DVI 1.0, HDCP 1.1, HDMI 1.3
KVM
- Max Resolution 1080p @ 60 Hz
- KVM Features HDTV support
Expansion / Connectivity
- Expansion Slots Total (Free) None
- Interfaces 3 x Audio / video - HDMI - 19 pin HDMI Type A Female, 1 x Remote control - Infrared
- Compatible Slots None
- Compatible Bays None
- Connections 1 x Audio / video - HDMI - 19 pin HDMI Type A Female
Miscellaneous
- Included Accessories Remote control
Power
- Power Device Power adapter - External
- Voltage Required AC 120/230 V
- Power Consumption Operational 3 Watt
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 41 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 95 °F
- Humidity Range Operating 15 - 75%
