PC video and audio HD output via HDMI matrix to 2 TVs

[pthomson]

Hi guys - not sure if this is the right forum but here goes. Currently i watch HD movies via my PC via DVI -> HDMI and SPDIF and also using Sky HD.

What i want to do is output either of the sources to my main TV (which is very close to both the PC & Sky HD box) and my TV in my bedroom (distance approx 12m). My plan is to use a HDMI Matrix Switcher Splitter (4 Input 2 Output) so that i can switch between either source. My problem is that i would prefer to run just one HDMI cable to my bedroom - therefore is there anyway that i can somehow merge the audio & video before it reaches the matrix?

[Jamie S]

Yeap, this is the unit we have for that purpose:

DVI to HDMI with Audio Converter – Free UK Delivery – Shipping Worldwide

[pthomson]

Thanks Jamie - do you know if it suports both video + audio via HDMI and SPDIF ---- & video + audio via HDMI only? Thing is, the setup in the living room processes audio via an amp (which doesn't support HDMI) and the TV in my bedroom is just stand alone (no surround sound).

[Jamie S]

Yes it does, you can use both the HDMI and SPDIF output at the same time.

Kind Regards
Jamie

[Joe Fernand]

Hello pthomson

You need to be clear on what you want to achieve

SKY HD will do video + 2.0 LPCM over HDMI + simultaneous DD over Optical - ideal then to 'split the HDMI (Video + 2.0 LPCM) to two or more TV's plus have DD to a local AV Amp.

Your PC will do video over DVI + whatever you manually set it to via SPDIF - you can combine the video and audio signals using a DVI+SPDIF to HDMI converter but you would loose DD from the PC.

If you first split the PC SPDIF so that you can retain a local connection to the AV Amp plus be willing to toggle the PC between 2.0 and 5.1 depending where you want to view/listen then the combiner plus a matrix will work.

Once the PC is set to output 5.1 you wont hear anything on the TV's.

Joe

[pthomson]

Apoligies if i wasn't clear about my end goal.

Originally Posted by Joe Fernand

SKY HD will do video + 2.0 LPCM over HDMI + simultaneous DD over Optical - ideal then to 'split the HDMI (Video + 2.0 LPCM) to two or more TV's plus have DD to a local AV Amp.

So i am correct in that i can feed the SkyHD source HDMI into an HDMI matrix splitter and optical to my amp in order to archive simultaneous video & DD sound through my main TV and HD video and mono sound to my bedroom TV (which is not connect to a DD amp)?

Originally Posted by Joe Fernand

Your PC will do video over DVI + whatever you manually set it to via SPDIF - you can combine the video and audio signals using a DVI+SPDIF to HDMI converter but you would loose DD from the PC.

If you first split the PC SPDIF so that you can retain a local connection to the AV Amp plus be willing to toggle the PC between 2.0 and 5.1 depending where you want to view/listen then the combiner plus a matrix will work.

Once the PC is set to output 5.1 you wont hear anything on the TV's.

Joe

The PC solution appears to be more difficult to sort out. Perhaps it might be easier to use something like a Popcorn hour / WD HDTV for my bedroom setup. That way i won't lose DD from the PC in the lounge.

[Joe Fernand]

If its only SKY HD you want to share with multiple rooms you only require a Distribution Amp - Media Factory - Octava HDDA12-UK, 1x2 HDMI distribution amp.

A Networked Media Player may be a far simpler option in each room - you can then view whatever file you want without affecting anyone using the PC; probably best to consider a stand alone NAS drive too!

Joe

[pthomson]

Sounds like the right way to go IMO. I think for now i will just focus on Sky HD -> both my TV's and worry about the video streaming later. Thanks for youe help guys