HDMI Splitter vrs RCA for seconds TV from Sky box

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sheldonlendrum

Sheldon
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#150175 14-Jul-2014 09:51

Hi,

Moving house and setting up network/systems again.
What I currently have is the mySky box HDMI plugged in to the main TV, and RCA run to the second TV.
We watch most TV in the on the main TV via HT amp, so I want a direct HDMI connection there.

We have multi-room so the below diagram illustrates what I am thinking:
Main mySky HDMI direct to AMP direct to main TV.
Second mySky direct to second TV.
RCA form both sky boxes feed to RCA splitter, then to each of the tree TV's.

The next question is control, I was thinking IR relays on all 3 TV's back to each sky box to control it.
I currently have one of these on the second TV back to the sky box, but the remote received has died and it not working anymore so would need to replace.
http://axium.co.nz/products/IR

That, or everyone raves about the logitech harmony remote for the main lounge, and the sky remotes in the other rooms.

Does this sound like the best way to run this ?

Link to bigger image: https://cdn.geekzone.co.nz/imagessubs/54a195f42552c60fa7035aec23361cc9.jpg

trig42

5814 posts

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#1088366 14-Jul-2014 10:05

What is your budget?

The best way to do it would be with an HDMI matrix switch (like: http://www.ascent.co.nz/productspecification.aspx?ItemID=406186) though you may be able to get a 2 in 4 out one.

With that, you can have 4 HDMI device plugged in, and choose which one to watch on any TV at any time. I'm not sure how the remotes work, and how it is passed back to the unit from remote viewing places, but I am sure they have thought about it. There are Ethernet version where the balun at the remote end has an IR blaster.

Doing it your way will work, and Harmony remotes will make it much easier for WAF (setup activities Watch Sky decoder 1 and watch Sky decoder 2). Be aware though, that most new TVs these days only have 1 set of composite inputs (so if you have to replace a TV, your system falls down).

A Matrix switch, whilst expensive, is the cleanest way to do it (and with a 4 x 4, you could add an AppleTV or something to the matrix and anyone can watch it from anywhere). I'd recommend Harmony remotes for all TVs (even the cheaper Harmonys).

Yabanize

2350 posts

Uber Geek

#1088384 14-Jul-2014 10:43

trig42: What is your budget?

The best way to do it would be with an HDMI matrix switch (like: http://www.ascent.co.nz/productspecification.aspx?ItemID=406186) though you may be able to get a 2 in 4 out one.

With that, you can have 4 HDMI device plugged in, and choose which one to watch on any TV at any time. I'm not sure how the remotes work, and how it is passed back to the unit from remote viewing places, but I am sure they have thought about it. There are Ethernet version where the balun at the remote end has an IR blaster.

Doing it your way will work, and Harmony remotes will make it much easier for WAF (setup activities Watch Sky decoder 1 and watch Sky decoder 2). Be aware though, that most new TVs these days only have 1 set of composite inputs (so if you have to replace a TV, your system falls down).

A Matrix switch, whilst expensive, is the cleanest way to do it (and with a 4 x 4, you could add an AppleTV or something to the matrix and anyone can watch it from anywhere). I'd recommend Harmony remotes for all TVs (even the cheaper Harmonys).

615, Ouch!

trig42

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#1088404 14-Jul-2014 11:03

Yep, not cheap.
Another option, cheaper, would be to use a 2 way HDMI splitter and a 2x2 Matrix as follows:

Excuse the crappy Paint image.

This would get output from both MySkys to the other 2 TVs. Only MYSky1 would show on the TV connected to the HT system (but why would you want both connected to that?).
This would also mean you could ditch one of the MySkys and replace with a Freeview box or something too.

sheldonlendrum

Sheldon
120 posts

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Lifetime subscriber

#1088409 14-Jul-2014 11:14

Thanks Trig,

Finding a 2 in/out proves harder than expected.
2x of these would work the same I guess ?
http://www.ascent.co.nz/productspecification.aspx?ItemID=402380

I have apple TV's and ChromeCasts but would plug them in at each TV I guess...

Yabanize

2350 posts

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#1088416 14-Jul-2014 11:26

How about this?

trig42

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#1088417 14-Jul-2014 11:29

That would work fine. Better than finding a 2x2 matrix anyway.

Definitely look for some Harmony remotes - best thing I ever bought for WAF in our house.

sheldonlendrum

Sheldon
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Lifetime subscriber

#1088472 14-Jul-2014 12:29

Thanks guys, that looks like a good option.
I'll post some results after install :)

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JimmyH

2886 posts

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#1088820 14-Jul-2014 19:00

sheldonlendrum: Thanks Trig,

Finding a 2 in/out proves harder than expected.
2x of these would work the same I guess ?
http://www.ascent.co.nz/productspecification.aspx?ItemID=402380

I have apple TV's and ChromeCasts but would plug them in at each TV I guess...

I think Jaycar has a similar 4-in 2-out model for significantly cheaper than that one. Or, at least, they did when I purchased mine.

Haven't hooked it up yet, so can't comment on quality.