Tech: HDMI splitter cable

Subject: Tech: HDMI splitter cable
From: GUEST,Ed
Date: 24 May 18 - 03:31 PM

My partner and I like to watch television in bed. Much of it is recorded stuff using a HD/DVD recorder or iPlayer etc. via my laptop.

The TV only has one HDMI input, and it's in an awkwark place. It's quite tiresome to scrabble around the back unplugging and replugging most nights.

I thought that this would make a good, and importantly for us, cheap solution:

www.amazon.co.uk/Hdmi-splitter-Female-cable-adapter

However, the blurb comments that You can't connect two input device (i.e. PC,DVD player,cable box or satellite receiver) to one output device(i.e. Monitor, TV or projector)

Why would that be? I'd obviously only have one input device switched on at a time. Am I missing something?

Any thoughts or alternatives gratefully received.

Subject: RE: Tech: HDMI splitter cable
From: DaveRo
Date: 24 May 18 - 04:11 PM

This suggests it will work as you intend. Or you can get an HDMI Switch.

Subject: RE: Tech: HDMI splitter cable
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 24 May 18 - 06:12 PM

I'd think that would be telling you you can't use it with both bits of equipment at the same time - which you obviously wouldn't want to do, as you say.

Subject: RE: Tech: HDMI splitter cable
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 May 18 - 08:45 PM

Some of the HDMI cables are more robust than others. I'd try the HDMI switch approach first, myself.

Subject: RE: Tech: HDMI splitter cable
From: punkfolkrocker
Date: 24 May 18 - 11:13 PM

I use an HDMI switcher... [either 4 or 5 channel - can't remember which right now...???]
It's supposed to auto-detect the device you switch on, but doesn't most of the time.
One device always seems to be dominant.

There is a manual push button select, but as our switcher is low behind the TV, it's not very convenient,
and the button does not always work.

So I had to work out trial and error rituals for selecting which device I want.
This can include pulling out and reconnecting mains supply leads from the back of devices..

I did buy a powered switcher with it's own mains supply,
which I hope will be more effective and reliable.
But not got round to trying it yet,
as the tangled spagetti of dust covered HDMI cables in the tight crawl space behind the TV
is a bit too daunting to tackle until I'm finally in the right mood for that job...
..and lose several inches around my waistline which has bulged
since I installed most of the cabling several years ago

The only device that absolutely refuses to work with the switcher
is a Lenovo Win 8.1 mini HDMI stick computer...???

But being positive, I can confirm there is no discernable deterioration of image and sound quality...

Subject: RE: Tech: HDMI splitter cable
From: DaveRo
Date: 25 May 18 - 03:22 AM

GUEST,Ed wrote: It's quite tiresome to scrabble around the back unplugging and replugging

A simple HDMI extension cable would obviate the scrabbling, if not the unplugging and replugging.

Subject: RE: Tech: HDMI splitter cable
From: EBarnacle
Date: 25 May 18 - 11:49 PM

Is HDMI the only input? If not, leave the cable hooked to the TV and just disconnect from the computer when you don't need it. when you are not

Subject: RE: Tech: HDMI splitter cable
From: Nick
Date: 26 May 18 - 06:55 AM

I have a 10m HDMI cable which I bought some years back to go round the edge of the living room under the carpet (my wife hates cables) to be able to attach laptop etc and have used it a handful of times.

Bought a Chromecast audio some years ago to stream music to the various old stereos round the house rather than buy some new fangled (expensive) solution and stream anything I want via a Chromecast TV from laptop, desktop, Kindle or iPad etc

More expensive (£20-£25) but easier for me and can stream or mirror anything I can play or do on a computer or device from anywhere.

Perhaps get the fridge and toaster chatting to it one day (kidding)

Subject: RE: Tech: HDMI splitter cable
From: Kenny B (inactive)
Date: 26 May 18 - 07:10 AM

Guest Ed
if your tv has a scart/scarts socket also would a scart to hdmi converter solve some of your probs

Youtube versions of HDMi/Scart converter

Subject: RE: Tech: HDMI splitter cable
From: GUEST,Ed
Date: 26 May 18 - 08:58 AM

Thanks for the advice, everyone.

I'm going to try the splitter cable which I think should work for my needs.

If not, I won't have wasted much and will try the HDMI Switch option.

Cheers