According to Logitech, multi-console gaming is becoming increasingly popular among gamers. They claim that more and more people are using at least two gaming systems, and managing inputs and audio on a single main screen has not been easy. I completely agree with this statement. Previously, to switch between playing on PlayStation and PC, I had to crawl under my desk and physically move the HDMI 2.1 cable from my console to the computer port. I couldn’t use the same headset without also connecting it to the USB port. It was frustrating.
The A50 X headphones seem to directly solve this problem. It is a gaming headset that borrows many features from the regular A50 model, but also has a redesigned base that serves not only as a charging dock for the headphones, but also as an HDMI 2.1 switch with multiple inputs.
I want to emphasize that I was already looking for something like the A50 X system, but unfortunately, true HDMI 2.1 switches are very rare on the market. Either they are very expensive or they actually do not support “true” HDMI 2.1. Naturally, I was very excited about these headphones as they came at the perfect time.
The Logitech Astro A50 X headphones look identical to the existing A50 headphones that many gamers use. If you were hoping for significant changes in the design or quality of the Astro series headphones, you will not find them in the A50 X. The advantage of this is that all accessories designed for the original A50, from first and third-party companies, will still work with the new model, including interchangeable ear cups.
The A50 X features large rectangular ear cups with height adjustment on the headband connected to the ear cup band. On the left side, there is a movable microphone that automatically mutes when raised. On the right side, there is a voice/game volume control button, and at the back, there are familiar buttons for power, two buttons, and the main volume dial for gamers.
Although the layout is the same as in the previous model, the functionality of the two buttons is different. Logitech replaced the Dolby Atmos audio and EQ buttons with Bluetooth and source switch buttons. The Bluetooth button requires no explanation, while the source switch allows you to control the HDMI 2.1 switch in the base to change the input source: PlayStation, Xbox, or PC.
Let’s move on to the topic of the switch. The charging base of the A50 X has a completely redesigned backside, with two HDMI 2.1 input ports, each with an assigned USB-C port for audio, a third USB-C port for connection to the PC, and a single HDMI output port, in addition to the power port. You can select the active HDMI source that should be displayed on the connected display (monitor or TV) through a button on the side of the headphones.
From a technical point of view, the switch built into the Astro A50 X headphone base controls the audio on all three systems, and the audio and video on the first two. Logitech did not include three HDMI 2.1 ports in the charging base. More accurately, the base has two such ports and one audio port for PC connection. There is also a single HDMI output port.
What is a bit strange about this solution is that Logitech seemed to assume that PC gamers would never use HDMI for video output, but would rather choose DisplayPort. Although DisplayPort is indeed the preferred choice if we want to achieve the maximum refresh rate, I personally have no problem using HDMI if my TV supports 4K at 144Hz (and it does). For games like Starfield, Baldur’s Gate 3, and Cyberpunk 2077, 144Hz is sufficient. I particularly enjoy using my PC with a TV because it allows me to move away from the desk and play from the couch. It’s worth separating the workspace from the play area, and even as a longtime PC gamer enthusiast, I have developed a fondness for my couch in recent months.
Due to Logitech’s design, the company assumed that the user would play on a monitor where Xbox, PlayStation, and PC would share the same space. And that’s fine, if I wanted to use the monitor with all three systems, I could use the switch to transfer the audio from PC to the headphones, and the video would be supported by DisplayPort. The remaining two devices can share a single HDMI port, which is great: three gaming machines, two combined ports on the monitor, and one audio source. However, if a player wanted to use a TV for all three systems, problems arise. Since TVs do not have DisplayPort, I cannot use the “PC” function on the switch if I am connected through HDMI. In that case, I would have to disconnect the Xbox and use the same HDMI port on the TV to connect my PC. It works pretty well, but it’s definitely not as convenient as before.
Logitech seemed surprised that I chose to use HDMI with my PC, and to some extent, this is understandable. HDMI only became a convenient connection after Nvidia introduced the 30 series graphics cards, and we are now on the 40 series. Looking at hardware surveys conducted by Steam, I’m aware that only about 30% of gamers use these newer cards. Nevertheless, I am satisfied with how it works. I don’t own an Xbox console and regularly play only on two systems, so these issues don’t bother me too much.
FAQ:
1. What is multi-console gaming?
Multi-console gaming is the practice of using at least two different gaming systems, such as PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, for gaming.
2. Why can managing inputs and audio on a single screen be difficult?
Many gamers face difficulties managing inputs and audio on a single main screen, especially when using different systems. Switching cables and adjusting settings can be time-consuming and inconvenient.
3. What problems do Logitech Astro A50 X headphones solve?
Logitech Astro A50 X headphones solve the problem of managing inputs and audio on a single screen by providing a headset with a built-in HDMI 2.1 switch with multiple inputs.
4. How does the switch in the headphone charging base work?
The A50 X charging base has a redesigned backside with HDMI 2.1 ports, USB-C ports, and an HDMI output port. The switch in the base allows for changing the input source (PlayStation, Xbox, PC) through a button on the side of the headphones.
5. Does Logitech A50 X support real HDMI 2.1?
Yes, Logitech Astro A50 X headphones support real HDMI 2.1, allowing for audio and video transmission according to the latest standards.
6. Are Logitech Astro A50 X headphones compatible with other A50 accessories?
Yes, Logitech Astro A50 X headphones are compatible with first and third-party accessories designed for the original A50 model.
7. What
The source of the article is from the blog zaman.co.at