HDMI splitters - why don't they do what they're supposed to?

Forums › Freeview (DVB-T/DVB-S) › HDMI splitters - why don't they do what they're supposed to?

1 | 2

JimmyH

2886 posts

Uber Geek

#1564080 2-Jun-2016 10:51

I second the recommendation for a matrix switch. Makes routing of different content to different connected devices a breeze, and the 4x2 ones aren't that expensive.

bazzer

3438 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#1564335 2-Jun-2016 15:30

JimmyH:

I second the recommendation for a matrix switch. Makes routing of different content to different connected devices a breeze, and the 4x2 ones aren't that expensive.

Have any specific recommendations?

RustyViewer

296 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1579176 23-Jun-2016 18:38

The splitter via AliExpress arrived today. It had a European plug so I had to get an adapter from JayCar for about 13 bucks.

Plugged everything in, the HDMI cables and the mains. All the lights lit up. Only one problem. It simply doesn't work AT ALL. No picture from either output cable. It isn't showing a picture from any of my recorders and players. WHY? At least the Digitech I tried did most the units (except the Panasonic, which is the most important one). I'm baffled. Should I brave opening it and seeing if there is some sort of obvious disconnected wire or some such, not that I would know what I was looking for.

Rikkitic

Awrrr
18663 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#1579188 23-Jun-2016 18:59

It really sucks when something like that happens but don't give up yet. If the device really is faulty you should be able to get a refund or exchange. Definitely don't open it as that may void any warranty and it is unlikely to help. I (and others) have had good luck with these devices so you shouldn't get too discouraged.

You need to try to isolate the problem. Connect anything together with your Digitech splitter that gives you a picture. Then replace the Digitech with your new splitter but don't change anything else. Do you get a picture or is it blank?

Can you provide a link to the device you bought?

Plesse igmore amd axxept applogies in adbance fir anu typos

RustyViewer

296 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1579190 23-Jun-2016 19:01

The link was further back in this thread. It's too cheap to bother to return I think. The description included HDCP in it but it was recommended to me from another site that it splits protection. It does not actually appear to.

I suppose if I buy a device that is 4+ switch, 2 split, it shouldn't have any problems but it costs more.

Rikkitic

Awrrr
18663 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#1579199 23-Jun-2016 19:13

The one in the link should do it if that is the same one. Before you go buying more stuff and complicating things, try what I suggested. Just make the simplest direct connection you can between any source device and your TV via the Digitech that gives you a picture. Once you see a picture, unplug the Digitech and replace it with your new splitter. Try both outputs. If you still don't see anything, the new splitter is probably faulty.

Plesse igmore amd axxept applogies in adbance fir anu typos

RustyViewer

296 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1579232 23-Jun-2016 20:13

I haven't kept the DigiTech splitter, I returned it, but it basically worked with everything except the Panasonic twin tuner recorder.

I'm just afraid if I return it, and get another one, it will still do the same thing. I suspect a flaw in the design or it just doesn't like my Panasonic TV. Does it have something against plasma?

Out of curiosity, are they making any TVs these days with an HDMI OUTPUT? That might solve a lot of hassle for people in the future.

Quic Broadband

Move to New Zealand's best fibre broadband service (affiliate link). Free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE. Note that to use Quic Broadband you must be comfortable with configuring your own router.

richms

28191 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1579240 23-Jun-2016 20:24

I cant see any reason for an HDMI out on a TV, there would be all sorts of issues with the inbuilt media players not being allowed to output etc.

The only reason they put AV outs on old TVs was so that shops that were cheap could just daisychain the TVs.

Richard rich.ms

Rikkitic

Awrrr
18663 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#1579252 23-Jun-2016 20:42

I still recommend trying some simple tests. You need a source and a TV. The source should have HDMI out, the TV HDMI in. If possible, the source should not be copy protected. Bypass any HDMI switches or other devices and connect the source directly to the TV. If you get a picture, try connecting the same source to the same TV in the same way, except put the splitter in the middle. Try both outputs. If no picture, try replacing the HDMI cables one at a time. If nothing works, you may indeed have a problem with the splitter. Another test would be to take it to a friend's place, and hook it up with different equipment and different cables to see if that helps.

Plesse igmore amd axxept applogies in adbance fir anu typos

richms

28191 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1579270 23-Jun-2016 21:53

RustyViewer:

I haven't kept the DigiTech splitter, I returned it, but it basically worked with everything except the Panasonic twin tuner recorder.

I'm just afraid if I return it, and get another one, it will still do the same thing. I suspect a flaw in the design or it just doesn't like my Panasonic TV. Does it have something against plasma?

Out of curiosity, are they making any TVs these days with an HDMI OUTPUT? That might solve a lot of hassle for people in the future.

Where are you based? I am pulling all the stuff out of my garage to move it around so could lend you a couple of known good splitters to see if they work in your system for a couple of weeks.

Richard rich.ms

Rikkitic

Awrrr
18663 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#1579286 23-Jun-2016 22:40

That is the kind of test you need.

Plesse igmore amd axxept applogies in adbance fir anu typos

RustyViewer

296 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1579297 23-Jun-2016 23:29

richms:

RustyViewer:

I haven't kept the DigiTech splitter, I returned it, but it basically worked with everything except the Panasonic twin tuner recorder.

I'm just afraid if I return it, and get another one, it will still do the same thing. I suspect a flaw in the design or it just doesn't like my Panasonic TV. Does it have something against plasma?

Out of curiosity, are they making any TVs these days with an HDMI OUTPUT? That might solve a lot of hassle for people in the future.

Where are you based? I am pulling all the stuff out of my garage to move it around so could lend you a couple of known good splitters to see if they work in your system for a couple of weeks.

I am in Christchurch, close to the city centre. Anyone near there, I would love to help me out. :)

1 | 2