1 HDMI port, 2 HDMI devices - Canadian TV, Computing and Home Theatre Forums

Anteater · 2009-12-27, 10:43 PM

Ok, so this is probably one of the more stupid questions asked on here, but is there anything you can do when you have two things to connect through HDMI and only one HDMI port on a TV? Is there a such thing as a HDMI splitter or thing that two things can go into at one time or anything?

Pulling it out of the TV every time I want to switch is too much work for the lazy like me.

Cyclism · 2009-12-27, 11:03 PM

What you are looking for is an HDMI switch, and they can easily be found.

Larry · 2009-12-27, 11:32 PM

An HDMI switch or an AV receiver that has at least 2 HDMI inputs (you want the best sound don't you - get some decent speakers to go along with it).

cavu · 2009-12-28, 12:37 AM

Check monoprice dot com

JamesK · 2009-12-28, 08:00 AM

And of course, when you get a new A/V receiver, you'll want some nice new speakers and sub-woofer. ;-)

the hawk · 2009-12-28, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeonFire372

...is there anything you can do when you have two things to connect through HDMI and only one HDMI port on a TV?

Just about any current gen A/V receiver will have multiple HDMI inputs with an output to feed your HDTV or you can use an HDMI switcher. If going the latter and you're a stickler for PQ than I'd recommend an Oppo HM-31. You can get it in the GTA for a little over $100. Not as cheap as some of the ones on monoprice but it is a very well regarded, quality unit.

ScaryBob · 2009-12-28, 02:24 PM

Quote:

1 HDMI port, 2 HDMI devices

As mentioned, you need an HDMI switch. A Google search will turn up some for about CD$30-$50. You should also be able to find HDMI cables for under $10.

Anteater · 2009-12-28, 02:45 PM

I found one on eBay for $16...not sure on the quality but the seller's feedback is pretty much comprised of that one item and no negatives.

Is there any decrease in picture quality with a HDMI switch?

Michael TLV · 2009-12-28, 02:53 PM

Greetings

If it works right, there should be no quality difference ...

But if it has issues, you should see it right away ... big glaring issues.

regards

dennism3 · 2009-12-28, 11:29 PM

Get a switch with remote, not manual switch.

cavu · 2009-12-29, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeonFire372

I found one on eBay for $16...not sure on the quality but the seller's feedback is pretty much comprised of that one item and no negatives.

Why would you go to an unknown source when you can get an extremely highly recommended unit from monoprice for very little more??

kcowan · 2010-02-04, 11:59 AM

I have found a passive HDMI splitter for under $8 and an active splitter for $35. What are the pros/cons of passive vs. active?

I am splitting a home theater output to two TVs, both within 6 feet.

ScaryBob · 2010-02-04, 04:19 PM

I've had problems with a passive HDMI splitter. An active splitter is typically better.

kcowan · 2010-02-05, 08:33 AM

Can you expand on what types of problems? I would have expected an active splitter to be for long runs, i.e. more than 10 feet, or an unbalanced split such as one leg at 20 feet and the other at 6 feet.

JamesK · 2010-02-05, 10:44 AM

^^^^
Like any other passive splitter, there is only so much signal power that must be divided between devices. This means in a perfect 2 way splitter, each device will only receive 1/2 the power. This reduced power may cause problems.

2009-12-27, 10:43 PM	#1
Anteater Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 450	1 HDMI port, 2 HDMI devices Ok, so this is probably one of the more stupid questions asked on here, but is there anything you can do when you have two things to connect through HDMI and only one HDMI port on a TV? Is there a such thing as a HDMI splitter or thing that two things can go into at one time or anything? Pulling it out of the TV every time I want to switch is too much work for the lazy like me.

2009-12-28, 12:37 AM	#4
cavu Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Geographic Centre of North America Posts: 491	Check monoprice dot com __________________ CAVU 92-inch Infocus Theatre

2009-12-28, 02:53 PM	#9
Michael TLV Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Calgary, Alberta Posts: 1,101	Greetings If it works right, there should be no quality difference ... But if it has issues, you should see it right away ... big glaring issues. regards __________________ Michael @ TLVExperience ISF/THX Video Systems Instructor

2010-02-04, 04:19 PM	#13
ScaryBob Veteran Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: The Dandelion City Posts: 7,133	I've had problems with a passive HDMI splitter. An active splitter is typically better. __________________ At 20 I had a good mind. At 40 I had money. At 60 I've lost my mind and my money. Oh, to be 20 again. --Scary

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2009-12-27, 11:03 PM	#2
Cyclism Moderator Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Vancouver - OTA, Pioneer KURO Elite Signature PRO-141FD, 27" iMac, WDTV Live. Posts: 2,779	What you are looking for is an HDMI switch, and they can easily be found.

2009-12-27, 11:32 PM	#3
Larry Veteran Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Ottawa, Ontario (Rogers) Posts: 1,521	An HDMI switch or an AV receiver that has at least 2 HDMI inputs (you want the best sound don't you - get some decent speakers to go along with it).

2009-12-28, 08:00 AM	#5
JamesK Veteran Join Date: May 2009 Location: Mississauga Posts: 5,037	And of course, when you get a new A/V receiver, you'll want some nice new speakers and sub-woofer. ;-)

2009-12-28, 02:45 PM	#8
Anteater Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 450	I found one on eBay for $16...not sure on the quality but the seller's feedback is pretty much comprised of that one item and no negatives. Is there any decrease in picture quality with a HDMI switch?

2009-12-28, 11:29 PM	#10
dennism3 Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 531	Get a switch with remote, not manual switch.

2010-02-04, 11:59 AM	#12
kcowan Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: VancouverBC/PV Shaw Direct 505-530-630, Telus Landline, Rogers PayGo, Panasonic Viera 50", HTPC-HDMI Posts: 333	I have found a passive HDMI splitter for under $8 and an active splitter for $35. What are the pros/cons of passive vs. active? I am splitting a home theater output to two TVs, both within 6 feet.

2010-02-05, 08:33 AM	#14
kcowan Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: VancouverBC/PV Shaw Direct 505-530-630, Telus Landline, Rogers PayGo, Panasonic Viera 50", HTPC-HDMI Posts: 333	Can you expand on what types of problems? I would have expected an active splitter to be for long runs, i.e. more than 10 feet, or an unbalanced split such as one leg at 20 feet and the other at 6 feet.

2010-02-05, 10:44 AM	#15
JamesK Veteran Join Date: May 2009 Location: Mississauga Posts: 5,037	^^^^ Like any other passive splitter, there is only so much signal power that must be divided between devices. This means in a perfect 2 way splitter, each device will only receive 1/2 the power. This reduced power may cause problems.