StarTech 2PORT-HDMI-SWITCH-8K 2-Port HDMI 2.1 8K Video Switch

Overview

The StarTech 2PORT-HDMI-SWITCH-8K is a compact, metal-bodied HDMI 2.1 switch that lets you route two HDMI sources to a single display — supporting resolutions up to 8K at 60Hz and 4K at 144Hz over a 48Gbps bandwidth pipe. At 3.5 x 1.7 x 0.6 inches and 3.1 oz, it disappears behind a monitor or sits flat on a desk without adding cable clutter. If you're running a dual-workstation AV setup, a security console with two video feeds, or a production edit bay with a primary and secondary source, this switch handles the handoff without downscaling your signal or compromising audio fidelity. For a broader look at StarTech connectivity products, the full catalog covers a wide range of AV and network accessories.

Key Features

• 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 Bandwidth: Full HDMI 2.1 spec means no signal compression when switching between sources. 8K@60Hz and 4K@144Hz pass through without downgrading to HDMI 2.0 speeds — critical for high-refresh-rate gaming monitors or 8K display walls in control rooms.
• 8K@60Hz and 4K@144Hz Support: Two supported high-frame-rate modes give you flexibility across display types. A 4K@144Hz gaming or broadcast monitor gets full refresh throughput; an 8K reference display gets full 60Hz — no need for a separate signal converter in either case.
• 7.1-Channel HDMI Audio Pass-Through: The switch passes 7.1-channel audio without stripping or downmixing, so AV receivers and surround setups connected downstream receive the full audio bitstream from whichever source is active.
• USB Micro-B Power Input (5V DC, 1A): Draws 5W from any USB Micro-B port — a laptop, monitor USB hub, or standard phone charger keeps it running. No dedicated power brick required, which simplifies cable management at the desk or behind a rack shelf.
• 16.4 ft (5m) Maximum Cable Distance: Rated for cables up to 5 meters on each input and output. Plan your source-to-switch and switch-to-display runs within that budget; longer passive cables risk signal integrity issues at 48Gbps.
• Metal Construction: The all-metal enclosure handles the EMI shielding demands of a 48Gbps signal path better than plastic-bodied alternatives, and it survives the physical abuse of daily source-switching in commercial environments.
• 0°C to 70°C Operating Range: Covers standard IT and AV equipment rooms without issue. Not rated for outdoor or industrial temperature extremes — keep it in a conditioned space.
• Universal AC Input (100–240V): The included power supply handles any mains voltage globally, so this unit travels with international AV rigs without an adapter.

Integration and Compatibility

The 2PORT-HDMI-SWITCH-8K works with any HDMI 2.1-capable source and display. Pairing it with an 8K-rated HDMI cable on each port is non-negotiable at 48Gbps — standard HDMI 2.0 cables will bottleneck the signal. It also integrates cleanly into AV switching and distribution setups where a lightweight two-input solution is preferred over a full matrix switcher. For multi-display control room builds, consider how this fits into your broader video wall or display management architecture. If you need more than two inputs, evaluate a larger-port HDMI switch or matrix within the same product family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the maximum supported resolution on the 2PORT-HDMI-SWITCH-8K?

A: The switch supports 8K at 60Hz and 4K at up to 144Hz, with full 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 bandwidth on both inputs and the output.

Q: Does the 2PORT-HDMI-SWITCH-8K pass audio?

A: Yes. It supports 7.1-channel HDMI audio pass-through — the full audio bitstream from the active source is passed to the connected display or AV receiver without downmixing.

Q: How is the switch powered?

A: Via USB Micro-B at 5V DC / 1A (5W total consumption). The universal AC adapter (100–240V input) is included, so no separate power supply is needed.

Q: What is the maximum HDMI cable length supported?

A: StarTech rates the 2PORT-HDMI-SWITCH-8K for cable runs up to 16.4 ft (5 meters) per port. At 48Gbps, use only cables rated for HDMI 2.1 to avoid signal integrity issues.

Q: What is the warranty on this switch?

A: StarTech covers the 2PORT-HDMI-SWITCH-8K with a 2-year manufacturer warranty.

James Everett

The spec that actually matters on the 2PORT-HDMI-SWITCH-8K is the 48Gbps bandwidth ceiling — that is the full HDMI 2.1 spec, not a partial implementation. A lot of switches marketed as 'HDMI 2.1' deliver 40Gbps or less, which means they silently cap 4K at 120Hz instead of 144Hz. This unit does not do that, and if you're feeding a high-refresh-rate display or an 8K monitor, that distinction is real.

Technical Highlights:

• 48Gbps Full Bandwidth: Both inputs and the output run at the full HDMI 2.1 ceiling — no hidden bottleneck when switching between an 8K@60Hz source and a 4K@144Hz source on the same display.
• 7.1-Channel Audio: Full bitstream pass-through means downstream AV receivers get uncompressed audio from whichever source is active. No secondary audio extractor needed in the signal chain.
• 5W USB Micro-B Power: Runs off a monitor's USB hub port or any phone charger. At 3.1 oz and 3.5 inches long, it adds essentially nothing to a desk or rack shelf footprint.

Deployment Considerations:

• Cable spec is the biggest installation risk: at 48Gbps, you need HDMI 2.1-certified cables on every port. Standard 'high-speed' HDMI 2.0 cables will degrade or drop the signal — budget for premium cables in the BOM.
• The 5-meter (16.4 ft) maximum cable distance is per-port, not total run. If your source-to-switch plus switch-to-display adds up to more than 5 meters on either leg, you'll need an active cable or signal booster.

Best fit for dual-workstation video editing suites, broadcast monitoring positions, or security operations centers running two high-resolution sources to a single 4K or 8K reference display — where a full matrix switcher is overkill and signal integrity at 48Gbps is non-negotiable.