[Sterling252]

EQUIPMENT

TIVO Series 3 w/2 Cable Cards (Astound)
Onkyo TX-SR605 A/V Receiver
Mitsubishi WD-65833 1080p DLP TV
Magnavox 32" 1080i LCD (will be replacing at some point with a 1080p LCD)

PROBLEM

I'd like to be able to watch the TIVO on both TVs. The Mitsubishi TV is located near the TIVO and A/V Receiver. The Magnavox is located in a bedroom which would require a 40-50 foot cable run from the TIVO (or A/V Receiver).

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

From what I know, I have two options. First, I can split the HDMI output from the TIVO (or run the HDMI from the TIVO to the A/V Receiver and split the output from there). Secondly, I can use HDMI for the Mitsubishi and Component with some type of audio cable for the Magnavox.

I keep going back and forth on what solution will work the best. I'm concerned about the long cable run, especially with HDMI. Also obviously HDCP issues. But running one HDMI cable seems a bit easier than Component plus audio.

Any suggestions?

 

[ah30k]

Uh, oh...

Let the religious wars begin.

Last conversation on this topic degraded to name calling pretty quickly. I am a fan of running HDMI to the near set and running component and optical to the far set (75ft run). I ran into HDCP issues on the long HDMI run.

The opposing camp says I am a fool and should just buy two TiVos and maintain two NowPlaying lists.

 

[hiker]

I use 50' component w/audio without a problem. Also used successfully a heavy 22 AWG 25' HDMI cable from monoprice.com but was not splitting the signal. A heavy 22 AWG 50' HDMI cable and good powered HDMI distribution amp (like a Gefen) should work but cost considerably more than component.

 

[Reinman]

Would this wireless system work for your application?

http://www.audiovox.com/webapp/wcs/...10001&storeId=10001&productId=14138&langId=-1

 

[Sterling252]

Would this wireless system work for your application?

http://www.audiovox.com/webapp/wcs/...10001&storeId=10001&productId=14138&langId=-1

Not with HD.

 

[Sterling252]

Uh, oh...

Let the religious wars begin.

Last conversation on this topic degraded to name calling pretty quickly. I am a fan of running HDMI to the near set and running component and optical to the far set (75ft run). I ran into HDCP issues on the long HDMI run.

The opposing camp says I am a fool and should just buy two TiVos and maintain two NowPlaying lists.

Especially with the new Tivo HD I'm definitely considering that as an option. But I'm a simple person and I like to have all my stuff wherever I am - so two Now Playing lists seems like a pain.

And it definitely seems like running component/optical is the best alternative if I'm going to split - at least in terms of keeping down costs versus HDMI with a powered splitter.

Edit: My bedroom TV doesn't have digital audio inputs so it would have to be an RCA cable.

 

[Sterling252]

Would there be any HDCP issues running both component and HDMI?

 

[Canoehead]

Would there be any HDCP issues running both component and HDMI?

There can be, depending on the TV/HDCP. My Tivo S3 will not output premium content over component if the HDMI is plugged in but the TV connected with HDMI is off. To be clear - I think the blame for this lies with the TV - the Sammy LNS__9_ series, while otherwise great, are known for some HDCP/HDMI wonkiness.

 

[ah30k]

Would there be any HDCP issues running both component and HDMI?

As canoehead said, there can be some issues. If the content is copy protected, the HDMI connection must be either in a disconnected state or in a HDCP enabled state for the analog output to be enabled.

Some TVs when in the off position put the HDCP state into connected but not negotiated. When this happens you need to turn on the HDMI TV in order to see output on the analog TV.

I get around this by routing my HDMI through a surround receiver which actually sets the HDCP state to disconnected when powered off.

 

[Dr_Diablo]

You might consider this product...

http://us.slingmedia.com/page/home

 

[Sterling252]

You might consider this product...

http://us.slingmedia.com/page/home

Besides compression issues and 1080i limitation, I'm curious as to how you'd configure a Slingbox to enable viewing on a second TV while eliminating the need for a long cable run?

 

[Sterling252]

Monoprice has a regular and premium composite cables.

The regular cables (much less expensive) are 22 AWG.

The premium cables are 18AWG.

Will the premium cables really make a difference?

 

[wbradney]

I was looking at the Audio Authority 9870 for just such a scenario. Depends how much you want to spend, I guess.

 

[Sterling252]

I was looking at the Audio Authority 9870 for just such a scenario. Depends how much you want to spend, I guess.

Sweet. Unfortunately, I'm in a rental so I need to be a bit careful about breaking into walls. Otherwise . . .

 

[wbradney]

Sweet. Unfortunately, I'm in a rental so I need to be a bit careful about breaking into walls. Otherwise . . .

Whichever option you pick is probably going to involve running cables, though, right? And two Cat5s won't be any thicker than an alternative. If it's the outlet-box-mounted wallplate that you're concerned about, you can get surface-mount boxes that could be screwed to the back of an A/V rack, or cabinet, or inside an entertainment center, etc.

 

[hiker]

Monoprice has a regular and premium composite cables.

The regular cables (much less expensive) are 22 AWG.

The premium cables are 18AWG.

Will the premium cables really make a difference?

For a 50' run, get the premium.

 

[ah30k]

Will the premium cables really make a difference?

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/hdmi-cable-battlemodo/the-truth-about-monster-cable-part-2-268788.php

 

[Sterling252]

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/hdmi-cable-battlemodo/the-truth-about-monster-cable-part-2-268788.php

Very nice read. Thanks.

 

[TexasGrillChef]

If you use a powered HDMI splitter, you can run the HDMI cable up to 150 feet. The one I have claims to allow cable runs of that length.

Non Powered HDMI splitters have a maximum of a total of 50 feet combined. IE.... You would add the cable length from the device to the splitter and each cable run from the splitter. The total can't be above 50 feet.

Powered HDMI splitters cost significantly more. Mine was $150. However, one advantage a POWERED splitter will provide is HDCP signal to the source device.

Why is that important? Well at first I ran HDMI to my main TV and component to my 2nd TV.
If my FIRST TV was NOT on, and I wanted to watch HBO on my second TV, it would not let me. Why? Because the first TV was NOT providing the HDCP signal back to the TIVO and thus would not let me watch HBO even though the second TV was connected via component.

HDMI also provides complete digital one cable run of both Audio and Video. The powered spittler being in the ON state would allow you to watch HBO (As an example) even though TV 1 was not on.

IMHO.... Using a Powered HDMI 1.3 splitter from the TIVO to both TV's or in this case, one run to second TV, and first run to your receiver is your best alternative. Will give you best picture and sound quality on all devices that you watch your content on.

TGC

 

[Sterling252]

What model powered HDMI splitter are you using?