Comprehensive Comparison: iSwitch 108 vs. iSwitch 8K108 HDMI Splitters

In the ProAV industry, HDMI splitters are critical for distributing high-quality audio and video signals to multiple displays. INFOBIT, a trusted name in AV solutions, offers two 1x8 HDMI splitters: the iSwitch 108 1x8 HDMI 18Gbps Splitter and the recently launched iSwitch 8K108 8K HDMI 1x8 Splitter with Audio Extract. This article provides a detailed comparison of these two products, focusing on their features, performance, and suitability for various applications, helping you decide which splitter best meets your needs.

Overview

• iSwitch 108: A reliable 1x8 HDMI splitter designed for 4K applications, offering robust performance for commercial and residential setups. It supports HDMI 2.0b with an 18Gbps bandwidth, making it ideal for high-definition content distribution.

• iSwitch 8K108: A cutting-edge 1x8 HDMI splitter launched recently, built for next-generation 8K and high-frame-rate 4K applications. With HDMI 2.1 compatibility, 48Gbps bandwidth, and advanced features like audio de-embedding and auto-downscaling, it caters to modern, high-performance AV systems.

Both splitters duplicate a single HDMI input to eight HDMI outputs, ensuring identical audio and video across all connected displays. However, their capabilities differ significantly due to advancements in technology and feature sets.

Key Specifications Comparison

Detailed Feature Comparison

1. Video Performance

• iSwitch 108: Supports resolutions up to 4K@60Hz with 4:4:4 chroma subsampling, delivering crisp and vibrant visuals for most modern displays. Its 18Gbps bandwidth ensures lossless transmission for 4K content, making it suitable for conference rooms, digital signage, or home theater setups. It also supports HDR, enhancing contrast and color depth for compatible content.

• iSwitch 8K108: Takes video performance to the next level with support for 8K@60Hz (4:2:0, 12bit) and 4K@120Hz (4:4:4, 12bit), aligning with HDMI 2.1 standards. This makes it future-proof for emerging 8K displays and high-frame-rate content, ideal for gaming, professional studios, or premium home entertainment systems. It supports a broader range of HDR formats, including HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG, ensuring compatibility with diverse content types.

Winner: iSwitch 8K108, for its superior resolution support and broader HDR compatibility, catering to next-generation AV demands.

2. Audio Capabilities

• iSwitch 108: While specific audio formats are not detailed, it supports standard HDMI audio pass-through, likely including common formats like LPCM, Dolby Digital, and DTS. It lacks audio de-embedding, meaning audio must be processed by the connected displays or a downstream AV receiver.

• iSwitch 8K108: Offers robust audio support, including high-end formats like LPCM 7.1CH, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, and DTS-HD Master Audio. Its audio de-embedding feature allows extraction of audio to external systems via optical or analog outputs, providing flexibility for setups with separate audio processing (e.g., soundbars or amplifiers).

Winner: iSwitch 8K108, due to its advanced audio format support and de-embedding functionality, offering greater versatility.

3. Signal Management

• iSwitch 108: Features basic EDID management with COPY/AUTO modes controlled via a dip switch. This ensures compatibility with displays of varying resolutions by either copying the EDID of a connected display or using a preset configuration. However, it lacks advanced signal processing like downscaling or HDR conversion.

• iSwitch 8K108: Provides advanced EDID management for precise control over signal output, ensuring optimal compatibility across diverse displays. Its auto-downscaling feature (8K to 4K, 4K to 1080p) adjusts the resolution per output to match each display’s capabilities, preventing blank screens. Additionally, it converts HDR to SDR for displays that don’t support HDR, enhancing compatibility in mixed-display environments.

Winner: iSwitch 8K108, for its sophisticated EDID management and signal processing capabilities, making it more adaptable to complex setups.

4. Gaming and Dynamic Features

• iSwitch 108: Lacks gaming-specific features, as it is designed for standard AV distribution rather than high-frame-rate or variable refresh rate applications.

• iSwitch 8K108: Supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Fast V-Sync Alternate (FVA), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), making it ideal for gaming consoles like the PS5 or Xbox Series X. These features reduce screen tearing and input lag, enhancing the gaming experience.

Winner: iSwitch 8K108, for its gaming-oriented features, appealing to users with modern gaming setups.

5. Design and Installation

• iSwitch 108: Boasts a compact design, making it easy to integrate into tight spaces. Its plug-and-play setup and minimal configuration (via dip switch) simplify installation for basic applications.

• iSwitch 8K108: Also compact, but includes additional ports for audio de-embedding, which may require extra cabling. Its advanced features (e.g., downscaling, EDID management) may involve a slightly steeper learning curve but remain user-friendly for professional installers.

Winner: Tie, as both offer compact, installer-friendly designs, with the iSwitch 8K108 requiring slightly more setup for its advanced features.

6. Compliance and Bandwidth

• iSwitch 108: Compliant with HDMI 2.0b and HDCP 2.2, with an 18Gbps bandwidth sufficient for 4K@60Hz content. It meets the needs of most current AV applications but is limited for future 8K or high-frame-rate content.

• iSwitch 8K108: Compliant with HDMI 2.1 and HDCP 2.3, offering a 48Gbps Fixed Rate Link (FRL) bandwidth (with 18Gbps TMDS fallback). This ensures support for the latest content formats and devices, making it more future-proof.

Winner: iSwitch 8K108, for its higher bandwidth and compliance with newer standards.

Use Case Suitability

• iSwitch 108:

  • Best For: Budget-conscious users or setups requiring reliable 4K distribution, such as small conference rooms, retail digital signage, or home theaters with 4K displays.

  • Examples: Splitting a 4K presentation to eight monitors in a boardroom or distributing a cable box feed to multiple TVs in a sports bar.

  • Limitations: Not suitable for 8K content, high-frame-rate 4K, or setups requiring audio extraction or advanced signal management.

• iSwitch 8K108:

  • Best For: High-end commercial installations, professional studios, gaming setups, or future-proof home entertainment systems requiring 8K or 4K@120Hz support, advanced audio, and flexible signal management.

  • Examples: Distributing 8K content to multiple displays in a broadcast studio, splitting a gaming console output to 4K/8K TVs with low latency, or extracting audio to a surround sound system in a luxury home theater.

  • Limitations: May be overkill for basic 4K setups, potentially increasing costs for features not fully utilized.

Pricing and Availability

As pricing details are not provided, check the official INFOBIT website (iSwitch 108, iSwitch 8K108) or authorized distributors for current pricing. The iSwitch 8K108, being a newer and more advanced model, is likely priced higher due to its enhanced capabilities and HDMI 2.1 support.

Conclusion

The iSwitch 108 is a solid choice for users needing a cost-effective, reliable 1x8 HDMI splitter for 4K applications. Its simplicity and compact design make it ideal for straightforward setups where 4K@60Hz is sufficient.

The iSwitch 8K108, however, is the superior option for those investing in future-proof AV systems. Its support for 8K, 4K@120Hz, advanced audio formats, gaming features, and sophisticated signal management (downscaling, HDR to SDR conversion, and EDID control) make it a versatile powerhouse for high-end residential and commercial environments.

Recommendation:

• Choose the iSwitch 108 if your setup is centered around 4K content and budget is a concern.

• Opt for the iSwitch 8K108 if you need cutting-edge performance, 8K support, gaming features, or advanced audio and signal management for professional or premium installations.

For further details or to purchase, contact us!

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