I just purchased a projector for my home theater. I'm planning to keep my TV as well & switch between the two. I have a 3 input - 1 output HDMI switcher that I thought maybe I could use but then I realized I actually need the opposite, a 1 in - 3 out switcher instead. My question is can I hook this up backwards as illustrated here or is that going to be a big no-no?

http://www.scipie.com/hdmi_switcher_backwards.jpg

If the switch is totally mechanical connecting the pins on the corresponding connectors together (pin 1 to pin 1, pin 2 to pin 2 etc.) it should work in either direction. If the switching is done electronically (most likely) then it won't work because the wires are uni-directional some going to the TV/projector (output)and others going to the input connector. If the switch is involved with HDMI handshakes then it absolutely won't work.

I'm using one of the manual switches "backwards" but haven't tried it on the powered ones.

If the switch is totally mechanical connecting the pins on the corresponding connectors together (pin 1 to pin 1, pin 2 to pin 2 etc.) it should work in either direction. If the switching is done electronically (most likely) then it won't work because the wires are uni-directional some going to the TV/projector (output)and others going to the input connector. If the switch is involved with HDMI handshakes then it absolutely won't work.

I'll second this. The unit displayed in the OP looks to be a powered unit. It's not going to work.

Yes it is a powered unit but I'm not sure if that's just so that its remote control can operate a mechanical switch or if there's a chip in there somewhere that's doing the switching electronically.

I guess my major concern is the possibility of damaging something by hooking it up backwards. My guess is it'll either work or it won't, no harm done but my gear is rather pricey so I'm reluctant to take any risks with it.

I think I'm just going to buy a 1x2 switcher & put this unit back on my shelf. Thanks for the responses.

Yes it is a powered unit but I'm not sure if that's just so that its remote control can operate a mechanical switch or if there's a chip in there somewhere that's doing the switching electronically.

I guess my major concern is the possibility of damaging something by hooking it up backwards. My guess is it'll either work or it won't, no harm done but my gear is rather pricey so I'm reluctant to take any risks with it.

I think I'm just going to buy a 1x2 switcher & put this unit back on my shelf. Thanks for the responses.
Good idea. Unless you can find some else who would like to try it on their equipment.