Ask S&V

Q My system consists of a Sony XBR-X900E TV, a PlayStation 4Pro console, and a Yamaha YAS-207 soundbar. The PS4 Pro does not play Ultra HD Blu-ray Discs, so I’m planning to buy an Ultra HD Blu-ray player. Here’s my problem: I want to connect both the PS4 Pro and the disc player to the Yamaha, but the soundbar only has one HDMI input. I’ve looked around for an HDMI switcher that’s compatible with both 4K/60-Hz video signals and high dynamic range but haven’t been able to find one. Will I have to switch the cable connected to the soundbar from my sources on an as-needed basis to maintain best picture and sound quality? —Paul Trava / via e-mail

A I wouldn’t suggest doing that — unplugging and replugging cables each time you switch sources is a hassle, and it can also put significant wear and tear on the connectors. A more elegant solution to your dilemma would be to use an HDMI switcher.

You can find HDMI switchers that are compatible with both 4K/60-Hz signals and high dynamic range on sites like Amazon. Many of these cost under $50 and are made by outfits with colorful names like Foscomax, Rooful, and Awakelion. My suggestion would be to look for a model with an Amazon’s Choice tag, which indicates that the product is highly rated by buyers. If you’re seeking a more road-tested solution — the type that would be used by a CEDIA-affiliated custom integrator — and are willing to spend more money, I’d also look at HDMI switchers from companies like Key Digital, Atlona, and Gefen.

Having said all that, since you’re planning to buy an Ultra HD Blu-ray player, why not get a model that has built-in HDMI switching? Oppo Digital’s UDP-203 features an HDR10-compatible, 4K/60-Hz-capable HDMI input you can use to hook up your PS4 Pro. To select between the PlayStation and the UDP-203’s output, all you’ll need to do is switch them using the Oppo player’s remote control. At $549, the UDP-203 isn’t the cheapest Ultra HD Blu-ray player out there, but its HDMI switching feature will both solve your connectivity problem and ensure that you get the best AV quality from each source.