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?

RustyViewer

298 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 33

#196427 30-May-2016 18:09

My plan, put an HDMI splitter at the output of a 5-way HDMI switchbox, then have one HDMI into the lounge TV and another into a sender to the kitchen TV. The idea then, is that whatever I switch the HDMI input to, both TVs will get the same picture. Great in theory but inconsistent results.

Cleary, a splitter does not exactly copy an HDMI signal into two identical HDMI output signals but makes some sort of compromise. Why? It's digital. What's so hard with doing exact copies of HDMI data?

Anyone know anything about splitters? Is there a brand you recommend that will actually do what I want?

1 | 2

5695 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1630
Inactive user

#1562529 30-May-2016 18:11

What happens?

May need a powered HDMI signal booster

ajobbins

5053 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1279

Trusted

#1562530 30-May-2016 18:12

Because HDCP?

Twitter: ajobbins

nathan

5695 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1630
Inactive user

#1562533 30-May-2016 18:20

HDFury is your friend

richms

29098 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 10208

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1562551 30-May-2016 19:00

I get the cheapest USB powered ones off aliexpress/ebay. Make sure it is powered.

Removed HDCP from the input, says it is 1080p capable to the source, and just dumps whatever it gets to both outputs with no oppertunity for the screens to be pains and negotiate it down. No dropout on one screen when powering the other one on or off as there is no HDCP renegoatiation, because the splitter has removed it.

Buy a fully HDCP compliant one and you are in for a world of hurt as things come and go, and then one display says it prefers 1080i so the source changes down to that etc. Just nasty.

Richard rich.ms

RustyViewer

298 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 33

#1562654 30-May-2016 21:00

How does one remove HDCP?

The two models I tried were both Digitech from Jaycar. Fortunately they have a good return policy.

richms

29098 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 10208

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1562657 30-May-2016 21:04

RustyViewer:
How does one remove HDCP?

The two models I tried were both Digitech from Jaycar. Fortunately they have a good return policy.

There's your problem overpriced and adheres to standards.

Use a Chinese HDMI splitter that removes it at the input and never adds it back on the outputs.

I'll find a link to the aliexpress one I use with great success on things like capturing HDMI out from an apple TV or sky box later when I'm on a computer.

Richard rich.ms

Geekzone

Want to support Geekzone and browse the site without the ads? Subscribe to Geekzone now (monthly, annual and lifetime options).

RustyViewer

298 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 33

#1562659 30-May-2016 21:07

Ok, thx. :)

Is this the one you're referring to? http://www.aliexpress.com/item/HDCP-HDMI-Splitter-Full-HD-1080p-Video-HDMI-Switch-Switcher-1X2-Split-1-in-2-Out/32573135541.html

Apsattv

2452 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 724

#1562732 31-May-2016 05:38

Is there a suitable one on Trademe? Im due for a Sky box upgrade and curently have the box in the bedroom., with a separate RF feed going to small tv in computer room.

I need to replace the Modulator feed with a long HDMI cable but need suitable a splitter in the bedroom.

I want to be able to have 2 tv's going at the same time playing out the same sky channel.

Jaxson

8172 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1332

Trusted

#1562761 31-May-2016 08:29

Remember that part of the hdmi connection process is to negotiate what resolution the display device is running. If you want to split the signal multiple ways, then ideally they should all be the same resolution TVs.

If not then you'll need something dumb as smart units, which adhere to old fashioned copywright standards, can cause grief. Likewise you shouldn't be running these cables very far either.

Basically there is an awful log going on via hdmi connection.

richms

29098 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 10208

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1562771 31-May-2016 08:52

RustyViewer:
Ok, thx. :)

Is this the one you're referring to? http://www.aliexpress.com/item/HDCP-HDMI-Splitter-Full-HD-1080p-Video-HDMI-Switch-Switcher-1X2-Split-1-in-2-Out/32573135541.html

Looks fancier. The ones I got were about $5 and plastic with just a mini USB input for power.

I do have a 4 way from that Portia brand that works to remove hdcp and make everything get 1080p all the time.

Richard rich.ms

Rikkitic

Awrrr
19062 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 16302

Lifetime subscriber

#1562775 31-May-2016 09:04

I think any Chinese box that passes through HDMI will do the job. I bought a cheap device to extract audio from HDMI and discovered that it also strips HDCP. However, there is no guarantee that all splitters will do this, especially ones not made in China.

Plesse igmore amd axxept applogies in adbance fir anu typos

Lego

Shop now for Lego sets and other gifts (affiliate link).

Jaxson

8172 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1332

Trusted

#1562794 31-May-2016 09:26

It's akin to buying a freeview approved TV box, which sounds good, until you read the fine print and realise that means removing features the box may potentially have.

No one is going to use an hdmi output to copy a movie etc these days, it's such an old fashioned spec inclusion that just gets in the way now. The reality is that if you remove all the copyright systems you'll be able to hook up your 2 TV's easily. With it though, you'll probably have some issues.

richms

29098 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 10208

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1562844 31-May-2016 10:08

Also if you can make do with 4 inputs then perhaps consider a 4x2 matrix switch instead of the switch going into a splitter. They only get expensive when you go to a 4x4 or larger one.

Richard rich.ms

RustyViewer

298 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 33

#1563702 1-Jun-2016 15:00

In http://www.aliexpress.com/item/HDCP-HDMI-Splitter-Full-HD-1080p-Video-HDMI-Switch-Switcher-1X2-Split-1-in-2-Out/32573135541.html the firstword is HDCP. Does this mean it is what I am looking for or the opposite?

richms

29098 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 10208

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1563727 1-Jun-2016 15:25

Same logo as a 4 port I have which strips hdcp so probably the same manufacturer. Ten bucks worth a shot.

Richard rich.ms

1 | 2