ELECOM is releasing the AD-CHDMISWSV, a USB Type-C to HDMI video adapter with a hand-operated switch that turns the external display output on and off, in mid-August[1]. Because you can stop the projection without unplugging anything, it fits situations where something you would rather not show appears during a meeting or a presentation. It supports up to 4K/60Hz output, and the adapter body is a slim 21mm wide[2].
Stopping the external output without unplugging
The AD-CHDMISWSV takes a video signal from a USB Type-C port that supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode and sends it to a display, TV, or projector with an HDMI input[2]. So far, that describes a large number of products already on the market. What sets this one apart is the push-button switch built into the adapter housing[1].
Press the switch and the video output to the HDMI side stops. Press it again and the picture comes back. Unplugging the cable achieves the same thing, but repeated unplugging wears out the connector, and reconnecting can reset resolution and window placement, leaving you to rearrange everything. A button at hand removes that hassle.
The scenarios ELECOM has in mind are straightforward: hiding internal documents or a password entry window during a meeting or presentation, and cutting the display calmly when a video error occurs at a trade show or in front of a customer[1]. It also suits anyone who wants to keep something on the projector while working on something else locally.
It does not stop screen sharing in web conferences
This is easy to misread, so ELECOM includes a note of its own. The switch only stops the physical video output to the external display over the HDMI cable[1].
In other words, if you are sharing your computer screen in Zoom or Microsoft Teams, flipping the switch off still leaves the shared screen visible to the other participants. To stop sharing in an online meeting, you still need each application's own stop sharing function[1].
What the switch protects you from is the line of sight of people in the same room. In a mixed setup where you are projecting onto a conference room display while also connected to remote participants, it is worth keeping in mind that the in-room side and the online side are stopped in different ways.
4K/60Hz support and a 2.1cm wide adapter body
The video specifications are conventional and complete. Maximum resolution is 4K (3,840 x 2,160px) at 60Hz, and maximum transfer speed is 18Gbps as a theoretical value[2]. It supports HDCP2.3, HDCP2.2, and HDCP1.4 for content protection, and digital audio output passes through as well[2]. Screen mirroring and screen extension are both supported, provided the connected device supports them[1].
For signal quality, ELECOM lists an active design with a built-in IC, a triple-shielded cable, a metal shell structure, and gold-plated pins[1]. No driver installation is needed; you simply connect the devices.
The adapter section measures roughly 21mm wide, 12mm thick, and 55mm high, the cable is about 0.12m long, and the cable diameter is about 4.2mm[2]. The short cable means no slack piling up behind a display or on a desk. ELECOM also notes that the size was chosen so it fits neatly into a bag or a gadget pouch for travel[2]. The color is silver, and the connectors use aluminum[1].
One limitation: conversion in the opposite direction, from HDMI to USB Type-C, is not possible. An HDMI cable is not included either, so you need to supply your own[2].
Price and where to buy
The model number is AD-CHDMISWSV and the JAN code is 4549550446556[2]. The list price is 4,642 yen including tax[2], while the press release cites a street price of 3,480 yen including tax[1]. The release starts in mid-August, and the official product page still lists it as coming soon at the time of writing[1][2].
Sales channels announced include the ELECOM Direct Shop, its Rakuten Ichiba store, its Yahoo! Shopping store, biccamera.com, and yodobashi.com[1]. The product complies with the RoHS directive and carries ELECOM's own THINK ECOLOGY certification[1].
Summary
The AD-CHDMISWSV is an ordinary USB Type-C to HDMI video adapter with one addition: a physical switch that cuts the external output. It supports up to 4K/60Hz, the adapter body is about 21mm wide, and the cable runs about 0.12m. At a street price of 3,480 yen, it is worth considering for anyone who frequently puts a screen in front of other people in meetings or customer-facing situations. Just remember that the switch only affects HDMI output and will not stop screen sharing in a web conference.
Source: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000001506.000026881.html
