Sharing an HDMI Connection - HDMI Switch

farmer_dave

Got a TV with a single HDMI connection.

I've got a satellite box to view Irish TV and a separate box to view UK Freeview. As the TV has only one HDMI connection is there any way in which I can get the two receivers to share the single HDMI connection, or must I downgrade one to SD via the SCART input?

I've noticed the following on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Duronic-HDS3-Switch-output-Switcher/dp/B0020426AG/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1355774603&sr=1-1

Are they any good?


Thanks in advance.

Brian h

Hi Farmer_Dave,

If your TV has component connections like in the picture you could use a HDMI/component cable like THIS.

farmer_dave

Thanks! Erm, I don't know about that. It's a TV I'm setting up for someone else. I'll try to find out. But thanks for that!

Is it a better (as in more reliable and better picture quality) option than the switch?


Edit: Just realised that the TVonics and Humax boxes do not have component outputs.

Brian h

I'd be more inclined to go for the simpler solution of the component cable. Judging by the reviews of the switch box on Amazon, its a bit hit and miss: people have had mixed results with it.

farmer_dave

Brian h wrote: »

I'd be more inclined to go for the simpler solution of the component cable. Judging by the reviews of the switch box on Amazon, its a bit hit and miss: people have had mixed results with it.

Thanks, but just realised above that there is no component output on Freeview Boxes or the Ferguson Ariva 250 unit.

Brian h

farmer_dave wrote: »

Thanks! Erm, I don't know about that. It's a TV I'm setting up for someone else. I'll try to find out. But thanks for that!

Is it a better (as in more reliable and better picture quality) option than the switch?


Edit: Just realised that the TVonics and Humax boxes do not have component outputs.

The cable has HDMI on one end. The component connections go to the TV.

farmer_dave

Doh!

Of course! Sorry, complete brain fart there!!!

Peter Rhea

You'll only be able to use the HDMI to component cable if the receiver can generate & output (through HDMI output) a Y Pb Pr component signal in the first place.

I'd doubt if this is a common feature.

According to this description, the TVonics DTR-Z500HD has 'two HDMI inputs, allowing you to use the PVR as a junction box for your other sources, too.'

farmer_dave

Thanks for that. I was looking at those boxes, but read on another site that TVonics had gone into administration. I see that your link refers back to the company which bought the brand - Pulse Eight.

Are they a safe purchase then?

* I assume it is a pure junction box, rather than having the ability to record the other HDMI feed too - not that it matters.

Ronnie Raygun

The retailer will have to look after you, no matter what happens with the manufacturer.

Get it from the place linked to in your other thread: looks like a good price & seems to be the perfect fit for the situation outlined in this thread.