The Radiient Select-4 has an auto input search feature that searches the inputs for an active signal and locks on to it. If two source devices are active, the Select-4 will use input one as the default. Utilizing Avia Guide to Home Theater, we selected Chapter 7's Resolution test. The Select-4 automatically recognized the active signal on the number 1 input and displayed the 100TVL image on our HDTV.

The unconverted 720p resolution image was perfectly displayed on our Panasonic HDTV. Horizontal and vertical resolution wedges were crisp, clear and easily discernable. The 6.75 MHz line structure looked flawless; all lines were straight and sharp. Dissecting the displayed test image, we were unable to detect any signal degradation, ringing or noise in the unconverted image passed through the Select-4 switcher.

Proceeding with the evaluation we turned off the DVD player, immediately the Select-4 auto searched for an active input and synced up with our H-10 satellite receiver. We noted that the auto sync was very fast with an average automatic sync time of about 5 seconds.

Now that we had a beautiful HDTV signal displayed on our HDTV, we wondered if we could confuse or trip up the Select-4 by switching the resolution on the satellite receiver to 1080i while maintaining the 720p resolution on the DVD player. Auto switching between the two different sources displayed at different resolutions, the Select-4 switcher operated flawlessly. It never once failed to recognize the active input of 1080i or 720p even after numerous input and On/Off cycles.

Having too few HDMI inputs on a receiver or preamp would be another possible reason to utilize an HDMI switcher. With this installation consideration in mind, we decided to evaluate the Select-4 with the incorporation of our Yamaha RX-V4600 receiver. We connected our Denon DVD-2910 to one of our Yamaha RX-V4600's HDMI inputs and selected a 720p-unconverted resolution. We then connected an HDMI cable from the RXV-4600 monitor out to the Select-4 HDMI input number three leaving the components from our first evaluation connected to input number one and two.

What we are effectively doing here is passing through unconverted 720p signal from the Denon DVD-2910 through the Yamaha RX-V4600 and then switching between sources with the Select-4.This would enable the use of the A/V receiver to switch HDMI sources in conjunction with the Select-4 thus increasing the number of HDMI inputs available.

Powering up all source components then shutting them off and turning them back on, the Select-4 recognized all the active inputs and switched the unconverted signal from the Yamaha RX-V4600 to our HDTV perfectly.

HDMI connections also have the ability to transmit high-resolution digital sound tracks simultaneously with the high-resolution video. We tested the Select-4's ability to transmit both signals using the Denon DVD-2910 HDMI input connected to the Select-4's number three input, then connecting an HDMI cable to the Select-4's HDMI output and terminating it to the RX-V4600's HDMI DVD input. Finally, we connected an HDMI cable from the RX-V4600's HDMI monitor output to our HDTV.

King Kong DVD
We used the new version of King Kong to evaluate audio/video signal transfer through the Select-4 switcher. Viewing the movie in its entirety we had perfect HDMI video and audio signal transfer. At no time during the evaluation did we experience any signal drop out, degradation, or video/audio lip sync timing issues.

With the perfect HDMI switching performance we obtained in our initial evaluations, we wanted to see how the Select-4 would perform as a HDMI signal repeater. The Select-4 is marketed for use as a repeater and the manufacturer claims undistorted signal transfer up to 100ft.

We decided to put this claim to the test by using a 50-foot HDMI cable connected to our Toshiba SD-K860 DVD player terminated to the input one on the Select-4 switcher and then using an additional 50-foot HDMI cable connected the output of the Select-4 switcher's output, terminated to DVI input of our Sharp DT-400 front projector's DVI input utilizing an HDMI to DVI converter.

We thought a direct A/B comparison using the HQV Color Bar and Detail resolution tests with the repeated 100ft signal run compared to a standard direct 35ft HDMI cable run would be a good way to evaluate the Select-4's HDMI signal repeating capabilities.

First, we conducted the test with the repeated 100ft signal run and recorded all the test scores. Next, we connected the 35ft HDMI cable to the Toshiba DVD player and Sharp projector then repeated the tests recording the test results. We also tested several motion tests to make sure the Select-4 wasn't inhibiting anything that involved more significant bandwidth.

Audioholics/HQV Bench Testing Summary of Test Results

720p unconverted HDMI connection 100ft repeated signal through Select-4 switcher

Audioholics/HQV Bench Testing Summary of Test Results

720p unconverted HDMI connection 35ft direct connection from DVD player to projector

Comments on HQV Testing

We were not surprised to see that there were no differences in the HQV test results. The significance of the test indicates that the Select-4 introduced no signal degradation even with a very long 100ft HDMI repeated cable run. The actual test scores are insignificant; the importance of the test is that it validates the ability of the Select-4 to transmit HDMI signals over long distances exactly the way they are produced by the source. In the future Audioholics will run more detailed resolution tests to compare both switchers and digital video cables for distance capabilities and performance minimums.

Conclusion

The Radiient Technologies Select-4 HDMI switcher-repeater is an engineering marvel. There is little doubt that the Radiient Technologies design and engineering teams have a strong grasp of what the consumers want and need from an HDMI switcher. Careful thought and planning were definitely involved in the development of the Select-4. Excellent build quality, elegant design, flawless high performance, ease of use and features make this an easy recommendation. The fact that the Select-4 is built in the USA makes it even more compelling. Adding, expanding or sending HDMI signal long distances can be tricky business. Fortunately Radiient Technologies has an ace up its sleeve with the Select-4 switcher that can solve most HDMI deficiencies - five stars and highly recommended.