Need HDMI switch with remote/auto function and digital audio breakout

[00evan]

I've drawn a blank on this on google so hopefully someone here can help.

I'm looking to switch two hdmi inputs to one hdmi output and also break out the audio signal (pref digital) to the amp.

Also preferrably it should have a remote control or automatically switch depending on what inputs are active (with manual override).

Price is a consideration unfortunately.

Thanks for any help!

[Joe Fernand]

Hello 00evan

I notice you list SKY HD in your Sig - if you plan to run SKY HD through a Switch an HDMI+Optical Switch (http://www.tmfsolutions.co.uk/Octava_HDS4A-UK.htm) is a better option as SKY only support Stereo audio over HDMI.

Joe

[00evan]

Thanks for the reply Joe. The problem is that the Sky HD is upstairs and I have 2 cat5/baluns feeding the signal downstairs to where I have a PS3 and a projector. The switch will combine the feed from the PS3 and the Sky HD into one for my projector which has no audio out. Hence I have no way to get sound out of this setup as it stands.

I'm guessing the optical signal can't carry 25M, is that right?

I guess I could split the left/right audio feed from Sky HD and run another cable downstairs. But this would be an analogue signal, right?

Would that carry 5.1 ok? Would it be preferable to breaking the digital audio signal off the hdmi?

Am happy to look at other options but if anyone knows of a device that will split a digital audio signal off the hdmi I'd really like to hear about it.

Thanks...

[Joe Fernand]

Hello 00even

SKY HD only delivers discrete 5.1 over Optical - HDMI and 2RCA both support Stereo audio (5.1 Broadcasts are down mixed to 2.0 by the SKY HD box).

If you have a 5.1 set up in the room with the Projector I'd be tempted to run another CAT5 cable between SKY HD and your AV Receiver to carry Optical to the AV Receiver - see http://www.gefen.com/kvm/dproduct.jsp?prod_id=2615

All you require then is a decent HDMI Switch (http://www.tmfsolutions.co.uk/Octava_HDS3-UK.htm) plus Two Optical Inputs on your AV Receiver.

There are HDMI Switch/Distribution units that will Output Optical audio but you are limited to decoding whatever signal the Source is Outputting over HDMI - see http://www.tmfsolutions.co.uk/Octava_HDDA52-UK.htm

Joe

[00evan]

Thanks again Joe. I actually already have a switch similar to the one you've mentioned. Those repeaters are quite expensive though.

What do you think about this option?

http://www.tvcables.co.uk/cgi-bin/tv...ink-cable.html

Plus one of these to split the signal from Sky HD box upstairs.

http://www.tvcables.co.uk/cgi-bin/tvcables/SP001.html

Luckily my amp downstairs does have two optical inputs.

[Joe Fernand]

You'll find very mixed feedback on the low cost 1x2 Optical splitters - ranging from a bit flaky to no signal.

20m is a long way for the meagre amount of light the SKY HD box spits out to travel - especially if you want to also split the light down two separate paths.

I take it you require 5.1 in both rooms?

Joe

[00evan]

Ideally yes but I've already spent as much as I wanted to on the hdmi, splitter, baluns etc. Need to complete the job without shelling out too much more money just to get the audio. May have to go with analogue. Or split out the audio from the hdmi if I can find a box that'll do that for me.

[Joe Fernand]

Hello 00evan

Splitting the Audio out to Optical is not a problem (apart from budget) - see http://www.tmfsolutions.co.uk/Octava_HDDA12-UK.htm (Ex dem units are available too http://www.tmfsolutions.co.uk/exdemonstration.htm)

It still wont deliver 5.1 from SKY HD though!

Joe

[00evan]

Originally Posted by Joe Fernand

You'll find very mixed feedback on the low cost 1x2 Optical splitters - ranging from a bit flaky to no signal.

20m is a long way for the meagre amount of light the SKY HD box spits out to travel - especially if you want to also split the light down two separate paths.

I went for an optical splitter and 20m cable. The 20m cable works fine on its own but with the splitter I get no sound out the long cable.

Thanks to your warning I wasn't too surprised by this but as by far the cheapest option I thought it was worth a shot.

Do you think it's worth trying a different splitter? Do any of them amplify the signal or can you get a repeater that will do so?

Thanks!