Connecting two devices with only one HDMI interface?

[lglrgl]

I have a TV with only one HDMI interface, and I am planning on using it for my cable box when it arrives, but I also want to use the HDMI for the DVD player as well. Is there any type of devcie that I can purchase to expand one HDMI interface for two devices?

thanks

[Conquest10]

Do you have component inputs? You can use the cable box with those and the HDMI for the DVD (although with regular DVD I don't see the point in doing so).

[redwudz]

There are distribution amps and switchers for HDMI, but they are fairly expensive. Here's one site that has some of each: http://www.digitalextender.com/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=12

But Conquest10's method is probably easier and a lot cheaper.

[sammie]

Right, until HD or BluRay no point in wasting your HDMI port. Component is more than fine for your regular DVD. In adition to switchers being expensive, switched HDMI devices don't play well together yet (if they ever will). The best description of the HDMI interface is "Paranoid". It's main reason for existence (ok a bit of an overstatement but not much) is to stop you from putting extra unauthorized devices into the stream with potential nefarious (copying or capturing) purposes. I went through a couple of switches before I found one that worked well, and even then it wouldn't work with all devices. On the other hand, I've got 4 perfectly functional component in slots on my TV which the tv remote controls just fine. The only thing I put on HDMI is the satellite which requires it.

[edDV]

Lots of "issues" with HDMI switching. Chaos was avoided when the first generation HD/BD players dropped the HDCP requirement (at least the discs didn't turn on encryption). But hell awaits at the whim of the media producers and Congress (broadcast flag still lurks in committees).

Current switching issues are being discussed here.
http://forum.gefen.com/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=2

[lglrgl]

Guys,
thanks for the information, it was very helpful. From the informaton you provided I've decided continue using the component cables for the DVD player, and I will give the HDMI a try once the cable box arrives.