Successfully split a consumer (i.e. with HDCP) HDMI connection ?

[dLee]

Has anyone here successfully split a consumer (i.e. with HDCP) HDMI connection ?

The reviews on Monoprice say yes, but I've not had good luck with switching which seems less technically complicated than splitting.

I would like to monitor the HDMI connection to our projectors so the projectionists can work the menus of our sources without the audience seeing - for a more cinema-like experience. Once the film is running, we can open the shutter on the projector.

Budget is a constraint, so I must use consumer equipment.

To solve a different problem, I tried a Monoprice HDMI Switch so I could feed the projector either source without unplugging and plugging the HDMI, but it did not work, displaying the typical HDCP malfunctions.

I also needed a switch at home, but it failed to work there as well. Take the switch out of the signal chain = no problems, in both cases. I tested several switches of the same model.

Switching and splitting are not the same thing, but the switch was well-reviewed and I'm using new Monoprice cables and the sources and displays are mainstream, so I'm reluctant to buy anything to solve my monitoring issue until I hear some real life success stories from the technically competent.


Sanyo PLC WTC 500L Projector
Sony KDL - 40XBR3 LCD TV

Monoprice HDMI Switch HDX-401E

WDTV Live
OPPO BluRay Disc Player BDP-83

Denon AVR - 2807 Receiver

[redwudz]

I use a HDMI powered splitter from MonoPrice to feed my projector and my HDMI/VGA monitor at the same time. You may have to hit the reset button on occasion if you unplug the HDMI cables, but that's rarely happened. It's fed from a 5 input HDMI switch (Also from MonoPrice) and they have both worked well from the day I purchased them. I do run the audio separately with the coaxial audio going through a second switch to my surround amplifier. I don't use HDMI audio.

I use this splitter, though mine may be an older model: http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10113&cs_id=1011301&p_id=...seq=1&format=2

And this switch: http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10110&cs_id=1011002&p_id=...seq=1&format=2

I've had both for over a year.

Inputs are 2 PCs, 2 Sony DVD changers, and a WDTV Live.

[dLee]

redwudz - greetings from your former stomping grounds - and - thanks for the post.

Any recommendations for a small HDMI monitor?

[redwudz]

How small? I went with a larger monitor, a 24" Viewsonic with VGA and DVI inputs. I use a HDMI>DVI adapter on the monitor as I don't need audio. It's a separate coaxial audio to my surround receiver. One reason for the 24" monitor is that it's native screen resolution is 1920 X 1080, the same as HDMI video. But my older Hanns G 22" monitor worked well with HDMI signals also.

I really like the newer LED backlight monitors. They should last a long time, run cool and have very good brightness. For the smaller 17" sizes, not a lot of choices for VGA/HDMI or DVI input combinations. You can try a search at NewEgg to get a idea what's available. I've used Viewsonic and Hanns G and both work well. Some monitors have a HDMI input, along with VGA, but DVI and HDMI combinations are a bit rare, especially in small monitors.

If you use DVI monitor inputs, make sure a HDMI adapter will work if you have a HDMI cable to feed it. As mentioned, you don't normally get HDMI audio through a adapter. Some monitors may have a separate audio input you could use.