Sharing an HDMI Connection - HDMI Switch

farmer_dave · 17-12-2012 09:05PM #1

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 · 17-12-2012 10:11PM

Hi Farmer_Dave,

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

farmer_dave · 17-12-2012 11:06PM

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 · 17-12-2012 11:15PM

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 · 17-12-2012 11:17PM

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 · 17-12-2012 11:20PM

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 · 17-12-2012 11:24PM

Doh!

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

Peter Rhea · 18-12-2012 01:51AM

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 · 18-12-2012 12:21PM

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 · 18-12-2012 01:56PM

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.

Sharing an HDMI Connection - HDMI Switch

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