OT: HDMI splitters

[temery]

I have a tv with two HDMI slots, but now have four devices competing for these two slots. I'd rather not have to buy a new tv. If I buy an HDMI splitter to plug in the other two devices, will they work without a great deal of configuring on my part?

I am hoping a splitter will make everything, "plug and play."

 

[vtmikeb]

HDMI signals cannot simply be split like old school coax cable can. What you need is called an HDMI Switch. It's a small box/device that handles multiple HDMI devices when you run out of inputs into your TV.
Here is an a example.

http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=101&cp_id=10110&cs_id=1011002&p_id=4088&seq=1&format=2

"4x1", as this switch happens to be, will leave you with one extra HDMI input. You may not ever need the extra input, but I bet you never thought you'd have 4 HDMI devices
You can get a "3x1" and use up all your inputs but the cost for an extra input is minimal.

Your other option is to buy a home theater receiver, but that can get expensive. And based on your original email, I'm assuming not the road you want to go down.

Any questions, feel free to ask.
Merry Christmas and thanks for the BYard!

 

[temery]

Great answer, thanks. Is there such a thing as an HDMI splitter? I ask because I want to make sure I am buying the right thing. When I do a search for splitter and a search for switches, I get the same results.

If I get a switch, will it come with a remote to select which device I want, or does this happen automatically?

HDMI signals cannot simply be split like old school coax cable can. What you need is called an HDMI Switch. It's a small box/device that handles multiple HDMI devices when you run out of inputs into your TV.
Here is an a example.

http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=101&cp_id=10110&cs_id=1011002&p_id=4088&seq=1&format=2

"4x1", as this switch happens to be, will leave you with one extra HDMI input. You may not ever need the extra input, but I bet you never thought you'd have 4 HDMI devices
You can get a "3x1" and use up all your inputs but the cost for an extra input is minimal.

Your other option is to buy a home theater receiver, but that can get expensive. And based on your original email, I'm assuming not the road you want to go down.

Any questions, feel free to ask.
Merry Christmas and thanks for the BYard!

 

[SixRings]

I just happened to pick one up yesterday at Radio Shack. They don't don't split the signal they switch. I bought the manual type but they do offer one that senses the input and changes automatically.
http://www.radioshack.com/radioshack-4-in-1-out-hdmi-selector-switch/1500469.html#start=6

 

[vtmikeb]

Great answer, thanks. Is there such a thing as an HDMI splitter? I ask because I want to make sure I am buying the right thing. When I do a search for splitter and a search for switches, I get the same results.

If I get a switch, will it come with a remote to select which device I want, or does this happen automatically?

It is my understanding that HDMI splitters are only useful when you want to output video to 2 or more TVs concurrently. However, I may be mistaken on that.

HDMI switches have the capability to recognize a source and automatically switch to that device as well as the option for a remote. You need to read the description/tech specs to see what switch has what capabilities/options.

For example, the switch I linked in my first reply has a remote while the switch FourRings referenced has an "auto-sensing" feature. I'm sure there are other switches out there that have both features.

 

[upstater]

I bought this one and it works well. Also has a remote.

http://www.amazon.com/PORTTA-PET0301S-Switcher-Supports-Wireless/dp/B00B46XUQU

 

[temery]

I bought this one and it works well. Also has a remote.

http://www.amazon.com/PORTTA-PET0301S-Switcher-Supports-Wireless/dp/B00B46XUQU

Does it need an external power supply?

 

[intlzncster]

Does it need an external power supply?

Technical Details

• Resolution: 480i/p, 576i/p, 720p, 1080i/p, FullHD
• No. of HDMI Input: 3
• No. of HDMI Output: 1
• Remote Control: Yes
• External Power Supply: Not necessary

 

[uconnfan68]

HDMI signals cannot simply be split like old school coax cable can. What you need is called an HDMI Switch. It's a small box/device that handles multiple HDMI devices when you run out of inputs into your TV.
Here is an a example.

http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=101&cp_id=10110&cs_id=1011002&p_id=4088&seq=1&format=2

"4x1", as this switch happens to be, will leave you with one extra HDMI input. You may not ever need the extra input, but I bet you never thought you'd have 4 HDMI devices
You can get a "3x1" and use up all your inputs but the cost for an extra input is minimal.

Your other option is to buy a home theater receiver, but that can get expensive. And based on your original email, I'm assuming not the road you want to go down.

Any questions, feel free to ask.
Merry Christmas and thanks for the BYard!

Tom, I have a 3-1 switch, but it requires manual switching (it's a few years old). Newer ones may be remotely switchable.

 

[Kitaman]

Technical Details

• Resolution: 480i/p, 576i/p, 720p, 1080i/p, FullHD
• No. of HDMI Input: 3
• No. of HDMI Output: 1
• Remote Control: Yes
• External Power Supply: Not necessary

Thanks, I need one also. Nice price, now I have to look for a $20 item to get free shipping.

 

[NYC_HUSKY22]

a splitter will turn one output (aka dvd, xbox etc) capable into being able to be used for two tv's or two tv inputs. A switcher on the other hand you can use to split one tv input into 3-4 different devices

 

[ConnEd]

A splitter takes one input signal and replicates it on multiple output lines. You'd use an HDMI splitter if you wanted to send, say, a Blu ray player's output to more than one place, like maybe two tv's.

A switch takes multiple input signals and allows the user to switch between them deciding which of the input source signals will be passed to the one (or more) output(s). As others have said, sometimes the decision about which signal to pass to the output is made by a controller based on sensing the available input signals. You want a switch.

 

[temery]

a splitter will turn one output (aka dvd, xbox etc) capable into being able to be used for two tv's or two tv inputs. A switcher on the other hand you can use to split one tv input into 3-4 different devices

A splitter takes one input signal and replicates it on multiple output lines. You'd use an HDMI splitter if you wanted to send, say, a Blu ray player's output to more than one place, like maybe two tv's.

A switch takes multiple input signals and allows the user to switch between them deciding which of the input source signals will be passed to the one (or more) output(s). As others have said, sometimes the decision about which signal to pass to the output is made by a controller based on sensing the available input signals. You want a switch.

Thanks. Great explanation.