Combining TV inputs to 1 HDMI input

[PickyBiker]

I am building a home and will have a TV above the fireplace. Next to the fireplace will be a cabinet with all the "boxes" for the TV. I need to get multiple sources switched on to 1 hdmi feed into the TV. I currently have 2 x hdmi & 1 Component input. I would like the flexibility to add a computer input and a game input. Can someone recommend a remote controlled switch that will do this? I would like to keep the price under about $250.

Thanks,


PickyBiker

[usually_quiet]

Where do you live? The available switches and retail outlets for obtaining them will differ according to your location.

[jagabo]

I need to get multiple sources switched on to 1 hdmi feed into the TV. I currently have 2 x hdmi & 1 Component input. I would like the flexibility to add a computer input and a game input. Can someone recommend a remote controlled switch that will do this?

You can't send component video over HDMI so, in addition to an HDMI switch, you'll need a device that digitizes component video and converts it to HDMI. Something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-Component-Digital-Audio-Converter/dp/B0034HWQ4Y/
http://www.amazon.com/Etekcity%C2%AE-Component-YPbPr-Converter-Adapter/dp/B00BNHSQPK/

(I can't vouch for their performance, just giving examples. Note the audio inputs too.) Or an A/V receiver that has that ability.

[PickyBiker]

I'm in Tyler, TX.

If I toss my current VCR/DVD combo for a new Blueray player, then all my inputs could be HDMI.

[filmboss80]

Something like this...?

http://www.amazon.com/Portta-PET0301S-HDMI-Switcher-Support/dp/B00B46XUQU/ref=sr_1_1/1...=hdmi+splitter

or...

http://www.amazon.com/MarginMart-Inc-PET0301D-1-Out-Switch/dp/B0018DQYQ2/ref=sr_1_2/18...=hdmi+splitter

...or one of the MANY other options by typing "HDMI splitter" in the amazon search box.

Anything else you'd like us to do for you?

[jagabo]

He wants a switcher, not a splitter. And he needs more than 3 inputs. Try something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Kinivo-501BN-Premium-wireless-adapter/dp/B0049SCB2Y/

5 inputs, automatic switching when a device switches on, IR remote. Of course, there are many others to choose from at Amazon.

[PickyBiker]

Yes, the Kinivo 501BN Premium 5 port High speed HDMI switch is just what I need and it is WELL under the $250 price I mentioned.

Cool forum, THANK YOU!

[usually_quiet]

Jagabo's suggestion is reasonably priced and looks very good from the posted reviews. I would probably go with that one myself.

If you feel you should spend more, CE Labs has a reputation for building high-quality products and makes a 4-in-1-out switch. http://www.amazon.com/CE-HM41SR-1-Out-Switcher-Remote/dp/B0016A59AO/ref=sr_1_1 ...but if you need 3D, I would contact them because the specs say nothing about it. Unfortunately there are no user reviews.

From posts I have seen here HDMI can sometimes be a very fussy connection. There is no guarantee that any HDMI switch will work perfectly in every set-up. Sometimes individual components just don't want to cooperate with each other even without a switch in between.

[filmboss80]

He wants a switcher, not a splitter. And he needs more than 3 inputs.

Go back and look at the first link I offered. Even though "splitter" is in the URL, that device is actually a switcher, with 3 inputs, and has a remote. It is not pricey, either.

[sanlyn]

I'd go for the CE Labs unit. I agree with hello+hello, CE makes makes clean, durable components. I've been using their stuff for years, and you see them used in commercial showrooms everywhere. No way I'd trust a $10 or $20 switch box.

[jagabo]

He wants a switcher, not a splitter. And he needs more than 3 inputs.

Go back and look at the first link I offered. Even though "splitter" is in the URL, that device is actually a switcher, with 3 inputs, and has a remote. It is not pricey, either.

Yes, I know the devices you linked to were switchers. But you told him to search for splitters. He'll get better results searching for switchers.

[jagabo]

Then there's the issue of switching a computer. If the computer has HDMI output you don't need anything more. But if it has DVI you'll need a DVI to HDMI cable (or adapter) for the video.

http://www.amazon.com/Importer520-Plated-Female-DVI-D-Adapter/dp/B0035B4LJM/

If you want audio over that link too you'll need a device that mixes digital or analog audio onto the HDMI signal.

http://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-Digital-Optical-Toslink-Converter/dp/B0038XNTWW/

If the computer only as VGA out (like many laptops) you'll need a VGA to HDMI scan converter.


Those are just the first examples I found, not recommendations for those particular devices.

[usually_quiet]

I'd go for the CE Labs unit. I agree with hello+hello, CE makes makes clean, durable components. I've been using their stuff for years, and you see them used in commercial showrooms everywhere. No way I'd trust a $10 or $20 switch box.

hello+hello isn't a participant in this thread and so couldn't have suggested an HDMI switch for the OP.

[sanlyn]

I'd go for the CE Labs unit. I agree with hello+hello, CE makes makes clean, durable components. I've been using their stuff for years, and you see them used in commercial showrooms everywhere. No way I'd trust a $10 or $20 switch box.

hello+hello isn't a participant in this thread and so couldn't have suggested an HDMI switch for the OP.

Corrected.

[PickyBiker]

My computer has an HDMI output so the swtch with just hdmi inputs is fine. I actually decided on a 4X4 switch so I can hook it up to multiple TV's. Now the problem is the first two TV are close to the box and HDMI cable length is no problem. I do have another TV about 65' away, so is there an hdmi to RG6 converter that will handle that one without losing quality?

[filmboss80]

Which unit did you end up getting? It'll be nice to hear how it turned out for you.

As a side note, some in this thread may be unfamiliar with the fact that a lot of HDMI splitters are switchers and will automatically switch to the device that is turned on. (Of course, the other devices not in use need to be switched off.)

[usually_quiet]

I do have another TV about 65' away, so is there an hdmi to RG6 converter that will handle that one without losing quality?

No. RG6 only has one wire, which isn't nearly enough to carry a signal for HDMI, but there are HDMI extenders and extenders for sending HDMI over Cat 5e or Cat 6 Ethernet cable.

http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=104&cp_id=10419&cs_id=1041914&p_id=2849&seq=1&format=2
http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=109&cp_id=10110&cs_id=1011012&p_id=6532&seq=1&format=2

[PickyBiker]

The unit I ordered is Monoprice 4X4 True Matrix HDMI Powered Switch w/ Remote (Rev. 3.0) - $169

[Chopmeister]

Are you also installing a sound system? You really should if you want a good viewing experience.

If so, most good HT receivers should have multiple HDMI and analog inputs, and an HDMI output for the TV.

Plug the receiver into the TV. 2 x hdmi & 1 Component outputs from the devices into the receiver.

Job done.

[PickyBiker]

Thanks for the info on sound. Unfortunately, I am 66 years old and have poor hearing. I will likely use a wireless headset for sound.

[dphirschler]

Then there's the issue of switching a computer. If the computer has HDMI output you don't need anything more. But if it has DVI you'll need a DVI to HDMI cable (or adapter) for the video.

http://www.amazon.com/Importer520-Plated-Female-DVI-D-Adapter/dp/B0035B4LJM/

If you want audio over that link too you'll need a device that mixes digital or analog audio onto the HDMI signal.

http://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-Digital-Optical-Toslink-Converter/dp/B0038XNTWW/

I have the Monoprice box (second link). It works perfectly and is well made. I use it to connect my mini PC to my TV (DVI + optical to HDMI). Keeps the connection alive too in case the PC goes to sleep or I switch TV inputs and come back to the PC. Before that, the HDMI from the PC would just go black if I switched away and came back to it.


Darryl