Setup - do I need switchers and splitters...?

[dr.morgie]

I have an AVR 2805 at the heart of my system at the moment, looking to upgrade a bit. I'm looking to incorporate SKY HD, the 360, my current HDMI DVD player and a Media Centre PC. Has anyone got any ideas of the best way of connecting these both to a Sharp Aquos AND a projector? Are there any decent switchers out there with 2 outputs, or would I have to use splitters? I'm just boggling at the number of cables and the fact that the TV and the projector would be on opposite sides of the room - would there be a limitation on the length of cable runs for example? Any advice (even if it's "talk to a professional") appreciated.

Christiaan

[Joe Fernand]

Hello dr.morgie

There are a few combined Switches and Splitters now on the market.

Gefen have a range of Mirrored output devices - you select an Input using the supplied Remote and its Displayed on both Outputs; you can then view the source on one or more of the Displays attached to the output side of the switch.

Gefen have 2x2, 4x2, 6x2 and a 4x4 Matrix (any source to any Display) - though the matrix is big money.

The Gefen EXT-HDMI-442 (379.95 GBP) sounds like it may be ideal for you - see http://www.gefen.com/kvm/product.jsp?prod_id=3453

Octava have a 3x2 Cross Switch (199.95) - you chose a Source to view on Output A and a Different source to view on Output B - it has Automatic source selection on one Output (you set which is the priority Output).

The Octava also incorporates line driver technology to ensure you signals exit the switch in good condition - see http://www.octavainc.com/HDMI%20swit...x2%20port.html

Another option is to combine a Switch with a Distribution amp - you can for example combine an Octava 3x1 Switch (119.95 GBP - http://www.octavainc.com/HDMI%20switch%203port.htm) with a Gefen 1x8 (619.95 GBP - http://www.gefen.com/kvm/product.jsp?prod_id=3251) if you want to Distribute to lots of Displays.

Cable wise you can go to 40m using Amplified Copper cables and far longer if you use Fibre or CAT5.

Best regards

Joe

[Neil Davidson]

Joe has given a great run through of the options above, however now may the time to investigate a video processor which will give you significant advantages over and above convinient switching and splitting.

All depends on the budget!

Neil

[dr.morgie]

You're right - those are very comprehensive and give me a lot to think about. Some of the switching boxes look very handy - will certainly consider them when I'm ready to move. Do you have any tips on where to start investigating video processors as an alternative?
Many thanks...

[BUFFY FAN]

Hi I'm also looking into getting a HDMI switch box. After reading the info on the Octava I'm still a little confused I have an LCD TV and projector and what I want to have is the capability to watch whatever source I have plugged in on either the projector or the TV. Now the Octava says it doesn't split the signal. Does this just mean you can't watch the same thing at the same time on each display device?, which is not a problem for me. I just want to watch one device at a time but be able to watch which ever source I want on which ever display I want. e.g. If watching a DVD, then be able to watch it on the TV or the projector. If watching SKY HD be able to watch it on the TV or the projector. Does anyone know if the Octava does this? Also are there any cheaper ones out there that still have good picture quality? Thanks

p.s. hope I made sense

[Joe Fernand]

Hello all

dr.morgie - see http://www.avforums.com/forums/a/ though please note very few VP's have more than one Digital Output so you would still potentially require an HDMI Distribution amp on the Output of a VP.

BUFFY FAN - the only 'limitation' with the Octava HDS32-UK is you cant view the same source on booth Outputs simultaneously; which doesn't sound like an issue for you.

Its very simple to 'flip' the selected Source between Output A and Output B - which sounds ideal for your proposed set-up.

Best regards

Joe

PS I hope I make sense - just back from an 800 mile round trip (by car) to see the latest VP from DVDO!