My Sky HDi HD question

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wilt64

246 posts

Master Geek

#75793 23-Jan-2011 14:39

Looking at running MySky HDi to 2 monitors the main TV will be at HDMI but the 2nd upstairs was going to run component video, my question is does My Sky HDi run HD on both HDMI and Component at the same time?

Cheers

JimmyH

2886 posts

Uber Geek

#430337 23-Jan-2011 21:43

Haven't upgraded to HDi yet, so can't test it for you. However, even if it works, you won't get HD video over component - so will lose a quite bit of picture quality on the second TV.

A better bet, if the second TV is HD capable and you don't mind spending a bit extra up-front, is to buy a 4x2 HDMI Matrix Splitter. Jaycar has these for $205, part number AC1622. This splits the HDMI signal and you would run one HDMI output to the first TV, and the second HDMI output to the second TV.

If the second TV doesn't have HDMI (presumably that's why you want to use component?) you also need an HDFury2 (Monoprice is where I have just ordered mine - around $US130 from memory). Run the MySky box into the matrix splitter as one of the 4 inputs. Run 1 output to the first TV using HDMI. Run the second ouput into the HDFury, to convert the video to Component (still in HD), and run this into the second telly.

One of the guys at work essentially has the second of these setups (but with a US matrix splitter rather than the Jaycar one), and I eventually intend something similar, but with the second video stream going into an HTPC.

wilt64

246 posts

Master Geek

#430496 24-Jan-2011 11:31

JimmyH: Haven't upgraded to HDi yet, so can't test it for you. However, even if it works, you won't get HD video over component - so will lose a quite bit of picture quality on the second TV.

A better bet, if the second TV is HD capable and you don't mind spending a bit extra up-front, is to buy a 4x2 HDMI Matrix Splitter. Jaycar has these for $205, part number AC1622. This splits the HDMI signal and you would run one HDMI output to the first TV, and the second HDMI output to the second TV.

If the second TV doesn't have HDMI (presumably that's why you want to use component?) you also need an HDFury2 (Monoprice is where I have just ordered mine - around $US130 from memory). Run the MySky box into the matrix splitter as one of the 4 inputs. Run 1 output to the first TV using HDMI. Run the second ouput into the HDFury, to convert the video to Component (still in HD), and run this into the second telly.

One of the guys at work essentially has the second of these setups (but with a US matrix splitter rather than the Jaycar one), and I eventually intend something similar, but with the second video stream going into an HTPC.

Hi JimmyH thank you for the info, just downloaded the user guide for My Sky HDi http://www.skytv.co.nz/Portals/0/data/images/High_Definition/B248-User-Iss1-Web.pdf and in the manual it does say component is HD out? my reason for wanting to use that feature is MySky HDi only has one HDMI output so thought I would make use of the component out. The 2nd TV does have HDMI and component.

Cheers

Mike

Niel

3267 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#430510 24-Jan-2011 12:14

You are not supposed to run HDMI more than a few meters, perhaps 5. You can go further, but it is not guaranteed. However component (with the right quality cable and if the product complies with the standard) can run 30m. So it makes sense to use component for the remote TV. So now you just need someone to confirm if HDMI and component can run at the same time.

You can never have enough Volvos!

Dunnersfella

4086 posts

Uber Geek

#430526 24-Jan-2011 12:31

HDMI should be fine over 5 meters... heck, I've seen it working fine up to 20 meters without a booster.
If you're running through walls / crawlspace, pick up some installer grade HDMI cable.
And for the record, I've seen MySky over component and it looks fine, especially on a 'second' TV upstairs.

JimmyH

2886 posts

Uber Geek

#430548 24-Jan-2011 13:20

Regardless of what the manual says, it might be worth checking with Sky. While the box hardware may be capable of outputting HD over component, I would be a bit fairly surprised if Sky hadn't disabled this option - if not for all channels then at least for premium movies and pay-per-view.

I have seen HDMI runs at 15 metres (using off the shelf cables), and 20m cables exist, which suggest that it should be possible. As the second TV has HDMI in as well, I would be very inclined to go the matrix splitter route. With four inputs and two outputs, as well as distributing Sky it also gives you the future option of easily distributing HD video from a blu ray, a HD media player, a PS3 etc to both TVs as well.

wilt64

246 posts

Master Geek

#430560 24-Jan-2011 13:37

JimmyH: Regardless of what the manual says, it might be worth checking with Sky. While the box hardware may be capable of outputting HD over component, I would be a bit fairly surprised if Sky hadn't disabled this option - if not for all channels then at least for premium movies and pay-per-view.

I have seen HDMI runs at 15 metres (using off the shelf cables), and 20m cables exist, which suggest that it should be possible. As the second TV has HDMI in as well, I would be very inclined to go the matrix splitter route. With four inputs and two outputs, as well as distributing Sky it also gives you the future option of easily distributing HD video from a blu ray, a HD media player, a PS3 etc to both TVs as well.

Good advice JimmyH.....this brings me to my next question I have 3 RF modulators which at the moment running 2 DVD players and sky to the rest of the house, I will be using one of the modilators for MySky HDi as it does not have an internal modulator, now I also want to run the PS3 to the other TV's as well using one of the other modulators (yes i know the picture will be crap) does anyone know if the PS3 is able to run HDMI and composite video at the same time? I have a felling it does not.....

Niel

3267 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#430656 24-Jan-2011 17:41

Originally HDMI was for up to 5m. You should be able to get 15m reliably, but originally it was not intended. The HDMI standard does not specify cable length, rather allowable signal attenuation/degradation to guarantee integrity. The operative word is guarantee. It is very hard to control the impedance of twisted pairs, which is why (with good quality connectors of the same plating so you don't get intermetalic corrosion) you >should< not run more than 15m absolute max (but people will anyway). It might work with 20m+, but unless you have measured the reflections in the cable you do not know if it will be reliable (e.g. reject external interference).

Cables 20m+ are intended for use with boosters which amplify the signal to a level higher than the specification knowing that you (should) have a long cable attached which will attenuate the signal to within spec.

There is nothing wrong with operating outside the specification, I'm just pushing the point so people understand what is going on and be informed in case they see issues.

You can never have enough Volvos!