High Def Output

[ddix]

Can someone tell me if my HR 10-250 can output two high def signals at the same time. One from the HDMI and one from the component video / audio? I would like to share the unit with two high def televisions. If not, any other suggestions?

[markrsmith83]

No, it can't. Plugging in the HDMI disables the component outputs.

[ebonovic]

Not unless you hack the unit

[ddix]

Any problem with just using a HDMI splitter other than paying $$$$ for long HDMI cables?

[jaguar325]

Any problem with just using a HDMI splitter other than paying $$$$ for long HDMI cables?

The potential for problems with HDMI has to do with the in-built security features. The short delay you see when switching to an HDMI input is the "handshake" the TV is making with the source to make sure it is authorized to display the content. At some point in the future, we're probably going to be forced to HDMI-only for digital content as the providers try to protect themselves. This is the same logic behind why DTV doesn't want to go down the path of offerings like "Tivo to Go". All that said, if you want to try it, check out Ram Electronics.. they have about any kind of cable/connector/box you can think of. Something I wonder about (but don't know for sure) is whether the DTV box can only shake the hand of one TV at a time via HDMI, or whether the system isn't that sophisticated. If it is, I don't know whether the splitter box is able to act like a router (LAN anaolgy) and "hide" the fact that there are really two TVs hooked up to it.

http://www.ramelectronics.net/html/hd-DVI-Dist.htm#12

I have both component and HDMI hook-ups to work with and find no discernable difference between the two. Because the handshake delay bugs me, I decided to use component connections. You can split those without worrying about all the security safeguards. Remember, HDMI starts having problems with long cables.. opinions vary but I am hearing somewhere above 30 ft. will give you trouble. Component is supposed to be good up to 200ft. Small downside to component is that you need a seperate audio cable.

Good luck!