CurtPalme.com Home Theater Forum

daves123 · Joined: 16 Jan 2009 Posts: 126

I'm looking to get a DVI splitter to split all of my components between my crt pj, and my crt rptv. I only plan on watching one at a time, and since the signal is digital, does it matter if I go for one of the expensive buffered models, or can I just buy one of the cheap y cables? I really want to keep everything as clean as possible.

jkruger · Joined: 24 Oct 2007 Posts: 2435 Location: Carlsbad, CA

I use a 4 x 2 hdmi powered matrix switcher. Works great. They are available in DVI as well.

Nashou66 · Joined: 12 Jan 2007 Posts: 16171 Location: West Seneca NY

If you want HDCP removed try the Moome MUX-HD, it has a dvi and a hdmi out and 4 HDMI inputs.

Nashou

daves123 · Joined: 16 Jan 2009 Posts: 126

I've already got a switch, built into my Sony RHT-G800, being fed to my DVDO HD+, and now I want to split the outgoing signal. I'd rather not spend $100 + on a splitter, if I dont need to. I've read that a digital signal doesn't degrade like analog, and am wondering if I could get by with one of those less than $20 Y cables. At the same time, I don't want to throw $20 away either.

jkruger · Joined: 24 Oct 2007 Posts: 2435 Location: Carlsbad, CA

Look here: http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10113&cs_id=1011304&p_id=2518&seq=1&format=2

daves123 · Joined: 16 Jan 2009 Posts: 126

daves123 · Joined: 16 Jan 2009 Posts: 126

jkruger · Joined: 24 Oct 2007 Posts: 2435 Location: Carlsbad, CA

Are all your connections DVI? Do you have long cable runs?

daves123 · Joined: 16 Jan 2009 Posts: 126

Yeah, both are dvi. The HD+ has one DVI out, which I would be feeding to my hdfury to my box 1020. The DVI cable run would be about 20', and the other dvi connection would go directly to my tv, at about 15'

jkruger · Joined: 24 Oct 2007 Posts: 2435 Location: Carlsbad, CA

Personally I would try to go with a powered switcher or something similar. I have read too many stories about ppl having problems with longer cables and low signal strength or no power on pin 14.

CIR Engineering · Posted: Fri Oct 23, 2009 3:03 pm Post subject:

That won't work. You really should use an "HDMI distribution amp." I have installed several of these two on client's systems with success.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10113&cs_id=1011301&p_id=5068&seq=1&format=2

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10113&cs_id=1011301&p_id=4921&seq=1&format=2

Running just a splitter is hard for DVI and HDMI because it results in echos and excess attenuation. DVI and HDMI hardly work to start with and adding a splitter is not good.

craigr

daves123 · Joined: 16 Jan 2009 Posts: 126

I think i'm gonna go with the powered unit, seems to be a safer bet. Thanks for the input.

daves123 · Joined: 16 Jan 2009 Posts: 126

CIR Engineering · Posted: Fri Oct 23, 2009 3:39 pm Post subject:

Different distribution amps will sometimes work in different setups. It is often trial and error. Get the cheap one first and try it. If it works stick with it; if not, return it for a full refund and try the higher priced one. I have gotten a stable and reliable image on all the systems I have tried both those boxes with Smile

craigr

jkruger · Joined: 24 Oct 2007 Posts: 2435 Location: Carlsbad, CA

I went with the 4 x 2 hdmi matrix so there would be future compatability. DVI is dying out.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10110&cs_id=1011002&p_id=5312&seq=1&format=2

daves123 · Joined: 16 Jan 2009 Posts: 126

This is for a second system in the bedroom, being fed to a 6pg xtra, as soon as I finish changing the tubes. The system downstairs in the theater room is all hdmi.
So, I don't want to spend anymore than I have to, without compromising quality.