HDMI distribution from HTPC?

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divxmaster

66 posts

Master Geek

#30986 28-Feb-2009 14:36

Hi All,

This topic may have been answered elsewhere, but I cant find the answers I am looking for via search, so here goes:

I am looking to distribute HDMI from my htpc, - It has to be HDMI, because that is all the htpc outputs.
(radeon 4850 via DVI to HDMI cable). The content would be HD via Mediaportal, or bluray disc.

I am already running an SD distribution network (RG6 video, and standard RCA audio) from my tivo, so audio is already taken care of.

So basically what I am after is a HDMI video distribution solution only. Hunting around on trademe, etc there seem to be some 'one in, four out' hdmi splitters available, and some more expensive ones from rapolloav.co.nz.

The four devices that I have are 3xlcd tv's at 1366x768, and one PJ at 1920x1080 (sanyo plvz2000)
Obviously I would only be looking at distributing video to the lcd's simultaneously. (1366x768).
Whilst outputting to the PJ at 1080p, the other tv's would be off (I guess they would 'downconvert' if they got a 1080p signal anyway)

What I would like to know is, has anyone had experience with these hdmi splitters? (generally $399 or cheaper)

- did it handle HDCP correctly? and what about the 'non standard' resolution of 1366x768 (or 1280x768). I have a concern from the blurb about these boxes that they handle 720p, 1080p, etc ONLY.

- is there a better solution to distribute? Bear in mind that output is DVI or HDMI only - the projector will only support 1080p via HDMI (or presumably component input), not vga.

Cheers,
Divxmaster

davidcole

6020 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#198552 28-Feb-2009 19:04

I would pick network as a potentially easier way to distribute, and possibly easier.

Of course the fundamental flaw is the requirement of some device that can connect to the tv and connect to the network.

But I would imagine that an hdmi distribution system would be in the $1,000s so getting media devices might be cheaper. Also has the advantage of each room being able to watch different content.

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divxmaster

66 posts

Master Geek

#198559 28-Feb-2009 19:54

Hi, thanks for the reply.

Media devices are not what I wish to use for various reasons,
futureproofing for one, - I have a netgear MP3 MP101 media box, but it only plays mp3's
and all my music is now in AAC, so its useless.
Also, I would need to purchase four devices, so that would be in the $1000's anyway.
Then that creates the problem of playing bluray. They cant, not from disc anyway, unless I buy four ps3's!! (Converting to BD5 is one of things I will be doing, but not right away).

As mentioned in the first post, this post is about sub $400 'one into four' HDMI splitters.

Cheers,
Divxmaster.

kiwijunglist

2981 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

#199400 5-Mar-2009 13:29

Doesn't your video card support dual hdmi?

Do any of your displays have monitor out port?

For HDCP issues might be solved with a gefen dvi detective (I know it solves EDID handshaking issues)

HTPC / Home automation (home assistant) enthusiast.

divxmaster

66 posts

Master Geek

#199632 6-Mar-2009 15:14

Well, yes, my card does have dual dvi output, but im not sure how that is relevant to this post.
Most monitor out connections are composite, and many will only pass out composite and svideo, and the tv would have to be on to do it anyway, so it is less than useful.

Cheers,
Divxmaster