HDMI switch question (1 Viewer)

[Rancho5]

I bought a new DVD player to replace my old one that was giving me fits.

It has HDMI among all the other connections. My current TV does not have HDMI connections, only component. This DVD player will be used when I eventually put in my projector which will have HDMI but I want to use it now with my TV. I'd planned on just using the standard component inputs, like I have now, and the optical audio input. But I was looking around and saw HDMI switches. I assume they let me use HDMI cables to hook to older TV's.

Would using an HDMI cable and switch make that much of a difference in sound and video vs. component and optical? Or is quality compromised by using the switch. It would be a temporary set up until the theater is finished.

 

[SethH]

I would have to see what you're talking about, but typically an HDMI switch allows you to plug in multiple HDMI sources and have a single HDMI output to a TV. This is used if you have more HDMI components than your TV has HDMI inputs.

Your best bet would be to just run component and optical for now. Once you get your projector, you may want an HDMI switch if your receiver does not do HDMI switching so that you can run a single HDMI cable to your projector from your components.

 

[Ed Moxley]

I agree with SethH. What he said is how they work. They aren't like RF Modulators. Also, HDMI doesn't usually downconvert to a lesser signal like that.

 

[Rancho5]

Fantastic guys. Thanks for answering my question.

 

[Robert_J]

I use a Monoprice 4x2 (4 input/2 output) matrix HDMI switch. It allows me to connect 3 HD DVR's and soon a BD player to my projector that only has a single HDMI input. The 2nd output will be run to a TV in another room if I ever get one with an HDMI input.

-Robert

 

[Rancho5]

Being new at this I made the assumption that an HDMI switch was something that reversed engineered a device to enable it to connect with new technology. It makes perfect sense now that it is something that allows you to connect multiple HDMI devices. (Similar to a USB hub)

 

[T-Show]

Guys, this thread is exactly on the subject with the problem I am having. Can you please share your thoughts on what the issue is. Here is the situation. I bought a switch (3 HDMI in, 1 HDMI out) to hook up together my PS3 and the Dish Receiver box to my Panasonic plasma TV. Well, it is not working. No picture is showing from both the PS3 and the Dish. I thought the switch was bad, so I bought another one from Radio Shack, but the result was the same - no picture. What could be wrong? My HDMI cable to the TV is about 15ft long, but I doubt this could be the reason, since those switches are power operated and would support the signal for such a cable length. Do you know if there is some coding on the Dish signal to eventually cause this problem? Please share your ideas on what the solution might be. Thanks in advance!

Tisho