HDMI/Component Splitter

[Melena]

I sorta hinted at this in another thread when I asked for recommendations on entertainment centers and computer desks. tl;dr is I'm moving, and actually going to have a lot more hooked up to my TV then I used to. PS3, HD Cable, Wii, couple retro systems, and plan on getting a 360 somewhat soon. Only problem is my TV only has two HDMI and one Component. So right now without the cable, I got ps3 on one hdmi, wii on my component. Does anyone know of a good splitter I can use, or even better so I can upgrade to a full 5.1/7.1 surround eventually, can I use an AV Receiver, run that to an HDMI port on my TV, and use the receiver as my port splitter for all my devices without killing the signal quality?

[Cephius]

I sorta hinted at this in another thread when I asked for recommendations on entertainment centers and computer desks. tl;dr is I'm moving, and actually going to have a lot more hooked up to my TV then I used to. PS3, HD Cable, Wii, couple retro systems, and plan on getting a 360 somewhat soon. Only problem is my TV only has two HDMI and one Component. So right now without the cable, I got ps3 on one hdmi, wii on my component. Does anyone know of a good splitter I can use, or even better so I can upgrade to a full 5.1/7.1 surround eventually, can I use an AV Receiver, run that to an HDMI port on my TV, and use the receiver as my port splitter for all my devices without killing the signal quality?

I did what you described. I have a 5.1 surround system, with a AV receiver. I have all of my HDMI components hooked up to a switch, which then goes through the receiver and then to the TV. I just plug my component equipment directly into the TV because my reciever doesn't have enough component inputs, but if you get a modern receiver there should be more than enough ports for you to use.

[Darus Grey]

Make sure a component switcher has enough bandwidth to:

#1: Actually handle the full RBG/YPrPb spectrum.
#2: Enough for multiples of that. 200hz+ essentially.

HDMI splitter is non-issue, it either works perfectly or doesn;t.

Are you actually looking for a SPLITTER or a SWITCHER? two entirely different things.

This: Really good SPLITTER, prosumer grade.
Amazon.com: Cables To Go - 41065 - 4-Output Component Video + Audio Distribution Amplifier: Electronics

This: Really good SWITCHER, prosumer grade.
Amazon.com: 40697 6 x 2 Component Video Matrix Selector: Electronics

Amazons out of stop on the switcher, but any of the ones that say IMPACT on them are good, there's basically several companies that rebrand the impact/CElabs ones.

[Furtwangler]

If you get a higher end reciever there should be enough HDMI inputs where you can plug them all into your reciever, and then just one output to your TV and your reciever will handle, or pass through i suppose if you wanted audio and it all goes to your tv for video.

[Melena]

Switcher is what I meant, sorry for the confusion on it. Had an awsome one for composite long long ago when I was using my Saturn, Xbox PS1, and Dreamcast on the same TV, but heard horror stories for HDMI/Component, which is why I was thinking the receiver idea.

Ok now if I go with a high end receiver, will I still get audio out of my TV as I won't have the money for speakers for a while, or is it got to have speakers for me to have audio when I have the receiver plugged into a TV?

[Darus Grey]

Some have audo-pass through, some don't.

When it comes to component switching, same advice about bandwidth applies above.

I used to have a mid-range Onkyo that anytime there was a lot of white on screen would get all distorted because the component switcher would not have enough bandwidth for the full color spectrum.

Check out crutchfield.com even if you don't buy from them, they actually lists all the stats including obscure things like component bandwidth that are important to HT buyers.

Edit: Slight correction, they don't seem to have that on their website, I remember they used to have it in their print catalog though.

[Melena]

So passover means no need for speakers, just to clarify? Hate being a techno geek but knowing jack and shit about AV stuff

[Darus Grey]

So passover means no need for speakers, just to clarify? Hate being a techno geek but knowing jack and shit about AV stuff

Pass-Through, but yeah, and it's a common feature.

[Furtwangler]

Yea just make sure the receiver does HDMI audio pass-through. In the long run though, you will be better off getting speakers for the receiver soon, as the sound will multiply in quality.

[aalryn]

Switcher is what I meant, sorry for the confusion on it. Had an awsome one for composite long long ago when I was using my Saturn, Xbox PS1, and Dreamcast on the same TV, but heard horror stories for HDMI/Component, which is why I was thinking the receiver idea.

Ok now if I go with a high end receiver, will I still get audio out of my TV as I won't have the money for speakers for a while, or is it got to have speakers for me to have audio when I have the receiver plugged into a TV?

Try to get a reviver that not only has pass-through, but also has "HDMI Up-convert" This way every video signal down to even standard RCA video will be sent to the TV through the HDMI cable. My Denon does this beautifully.

For audio, most Receivers (probably all) have audio outputs now; both digital and analog. Just send these up to the TV. If your receiver isn't outputting the HDMI audio through the analog audio out, you can feel free to hook up the RCA audio jacks from your components to the receiver also (but you shouldn't have to do this)


Another advantage to the denon is that you aren't bound to whatever input it says it is on the back. You can assign any input to any source and rename the source at will. For instance I can use the audio from my Tape in, the video from my TV in and assign it to another source and rename it "Sega Saturn" if I want to. All the while still using the HDMI or component inputs from my "TV in" for my cable box. Note: This takes some understanding of the receiver menus.

Here is a reasonably priced receiver that will do everything you want to do:
Amazon.com: Denon AVR1910 7.1-Channel Multi-Zone Home Theater Receiver with 1080p HDMI Connectivity: Electronics

you will be better off getting speakers for the receiver soon, as the sound will multiply in quality.

Oh and this. Even the cheapest piece of shit speakers you can find will be infinitely better sound than your TV can produce. Even if you only get the front two and center channel speakers (center channel is important) you will be extremely happy.

Very good surround sound set for 60% off only $232 and why I love amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Cha...098303&sr=1-33

edit: shit that same 5.1 speaker system is only $199 on newegg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-066-_-Product
(btw don't bother with 7.1. My system is 7.1 and the sound difference is negligible)

[Melena]

Any thoughts on this?

Amazon.com: Onkyo HT-S3200 5.1-Channel Home Entertainment Receiver/Speaker Package: Electronics

[Melena]

Ugg, it is such a pain in the ass to find an all in one with the speakers with an AVR with 3+ HDMI inputs without breaking the bank. The polk speakers look nice, but I really can't go more then 400ish for speakers & receiver

[Darus Grey]

Hard to really make a good recommendation in terms of component, seems like all the makers stopped listing the bandwidth stat.

I'm gonna be optimistic and say that's cause even the lowest end ones have sufficient bandwidth...but, who knows.

You can find some really good deals on the low-tier Polk speakers at newegg sometimes.