Denon and Marantz are giving users optional 8K connectivity with the launch of a new 3-in, 1-out 8K HDMI switcher. The new devices allows those with a Denon or Marantz-branded AV receiver to attach up to three 8K or 4K/120Hz source devices to their home entertainment system at once. 

Sound United, the company which owns both brands, said the new switchers come in a compact form factor that’s roughly the same shape and size as a Blu-ray case. As with the company’s high-end receivers, it’s a sleek-looking gadget with a brushed aluminium front panel. There’s also a small handheld infrared remote control available so users can flick between the different switch inputs at their leisure. 

The switchers are said to be compatible with HDMI CEC too, which means they will automatically turn on and off and switch between inputs once the feature has been enabled on a connected HDMI device, including TVs and other sources. In addition, the switchers can be controlled using the AV receiver remote control, as opposed to the dedicated remote or HDMI CEC 1. 

Sound United said integrators and enthusiasts may also appreciate the switchers feature a detachable wall-mount bracket, plus an IR repeater capability that enables rack installations and out-of-sight placement, or for situations where furniture or another object might block IR reception. 

The switchers are designed to work with the Denon AVC-A110, Denon AVC-X8500HA, Denon AVC-X6700H, Denon AVC-X4700H,Denon AVC-X3700H, Denon AVR-X2700H / DAB and Denon AVR-S960H, and the Marantz AV8805A, Marantz AV7706, Marantz SR8015, Marantz SR7015, Marantz SR6015, Marantz SR5015 / DAB and Marantz NR1711 models.

The release of the new switcher follows last month’s announcement by Sound United that it had finally introduced a proper fix to a problematic HDMI 2.1 bug on its 2020 AV receivers that prevented them from passing a 4K signal at 120 frames per second from devices including the Xbox Series X or Series S consoles and graphics cards from Nvidia and AMD.

That was a major flaw and both Denon and Marantz took a lot of flak, prompting the companies to come up with an interim fix in the shape of a free adapter box users can connect to their device to ensure the HDMI 2.1 signal works properly. 

Last month Sound United said all Denon and Marantz AV receivers built after May 2021 will provide a glitch-free performance thanks to the inclusion of newer, functioning HDMI 2.1 chipset. 

Sound United said the Denon AVS-3 and Marantz VS3003 HDMI switchers will be available from next month for £179.