Hi chaps.

I've been wondering how to sort out my HDMI connection issues for the last few months. Buying a new Sony KDL-40D3500 TV has just added another variable into my equation.

I have two HDMI sources: (1) Sony PS3 (2) Tosh EP30 HD-DVD player

Ultimately, I have three HDMI destinations: (1) VPL-VW50 PJ (2) 40D3500 TV and (3) HDMI amplifier.

My issues are the following:

• HDMI amp is not truly 1080p, only 1080i. It will handle 1080p, but does not say it can. This means:
  
• Toshiba EP30 does not allow you to force 1080p or 1080/24p. When plugged into amp, it reverts to 1080i
  
• Of course, I can plug EP30 straight into PJ and then I get 1080/24p, but of course, I lose PCM audio as it is now bypassing the amp. Using optical works fine, but I want to benefit from HD codecs (in PCM format)

In many ways, since adding the TV, it's made me think again, as I clearly now need to DA sources if I don't want to continuously swap HDMI connections between projector and TV.

So, after doing a bit of research, I think the Octava 3x4 switcher is what I need.

Theory being:

• I plug PS3 into one input
  
• I plug Tosh EP-30 into second input
  
• I plug TV into one HDMI output
  
• I plug PJ into second HDMI output
  
• I plug amp into third HDMI output

This could allow me to get everything: 1080/24p on PJ and TV whilst keeping LPCM sound in the amp. HOWEVER, it will only work if the Octavia box will ignore / not enforce handshaking. If it did enforce handshaking, then worst case is I'd get no sound because PJ does not have speaker, I'd only get 1080i because amplifier would prevent 1080/24p going to TV or PJ, etc.....

Does that make sense? :orb_geek:

I'll email them in a moment and see what they say, but from what I can tell and after researching it a bit, it's potentially the perfect solution as long as handshaking is ignored.

Thoughts?

Initially, I really liked the idea of HDMI handshaking - makes it easy for simple setups - just plug and play, no incorrect resolution sent so you get no picture, no DTS-HD MA sent to your little 2 speaker telly, etc but in the more complicated setups everyone's moving to, especially when you have multiple display devices like myself, the whole benefits backfire and work against you!

Any ideas guys and gals?

So.. you're asking if you should go for picture over audio? (I think?)

If it were me, I'd go 720p / 1080i on the projector to get the better HD audio.

Of course.. I could have totally misread you're post..

HDMI 4 PORT SWITCH BOX & 2 WAY SPLITTER HDTV PS3 SKY on eBay, also, Video Switches, DVD Home Cinema, Consumer Electronics (end time 24-Apr-08 22:10:50 BST)

might work?

Obviously thinking along the same lines as Paul but perhaps a little more expensive.

DENON UK | Home Audio Components

LOL I have lost you all

I want 1080/24p on the projector

I want 1080/24p on the TV

I want high def audio going through to the amp.

I do not want to change my amplifier

I do not want to have to go down to 1080i on PJ or TV

I do not want to have to lose HD audio (have to use other connection for audio, i.e. optical / coaxial)

All I should I need is some clever HDMI routing / DA / junction box that will give me the above

Hopefully quick PDF doc attached makes it a bit clearer...

hc setup.pdf

which pdf is that then? :P

Useless suggestion mode:

Have a PC sample the source and in real time re send it at 1080p with HD audio.

which pdf is that then? :P

Useless suggestion mode:

Have a PC sample the source and in real time re send it at 1080p with HD audio.

:confused:

I've yet to come across a graphics card which will also mux in HD audio on the HDMI.

Sorry if it wasn't clear - the audio is on the same HDMI cable as the video, not two separate leads.

The PC comment was said in jest and for some reason I couldn't see the PDF last night :confused:

Ah ok. To be totally honest, I did delete the pdf and upload a newer version. Maybe you refreshed the page in that 10 second interval the attachment no longer existed :P

It is a real toughy this, as there can’t be many of us that have had to use HDMI splitters and so don’t know if they enforce handshakes etc. I am lucky enough to have an Onkyo so HD audio is fairly simple, (as well as it Upconverting and Upscaling) and interestingly my KURO TV will output PCM through it’s optical O/P even when the input to the TV is Analogue Audio (nice little A>D converter in it)

I assume you have a lot of HD discs, but if you haven’t, have you considered (I know you don’t want to spend money, but eventfully you know you will have too as HD v BluRay is over) Biting the bullet and getting a BluRay/DVD player. I am currently trying to find a Panasonic DMP-BD30 and iirc it has separate channel HD audio outs, for A/V receivers that don’t support HD Audio through HDMI. could you then use a compnent 'in' feed, for the Video from it? Would your A/V receiver accept all those audio ins and compnent Vid? And if so would it free up enough HDMIs for your system to work? Perhaps a picture of the back of your amp would help?

Bit of a long shot I know.

You're right, Amanda, the PS3 works fine as a bluray player in that I can force the 1080/24p even when going through the amp and audio is not an issue.

I'd still need a 1x2 DA splitter though so that the output of the amp goes to Projector and TV.

It will be a very long time before I'll be able to use a BD player exclusively. I've been buying loads of HD-DVDs since the collapse as they're a bargainous £4.99 from HMV's website

Also, I guess it will be some time before the HD-DVD only camp (Universal Pictures) re-release all their catalogue in blu-ray format.

So, I think getting a magic box is the only answer at the moment.

I'll email Octava and see what they say. Their products seem pretty good and lots of people have recommended them as they are proven to work well. Mind you, at £150-200 a box, I'd hope so. Still, it's certainly going to be better than a horrible cheap box from some dodgy place from China, no offense.

I'm out of my depth here, too.

But, if your not already aware of these guys, Keene electronics, try them.

Very helpful normally, there's a technical help line in my link.

Contacting Keene Electronics

good luck:thumbup:

Cheers Leeland.

In fact, maybe I could get the desired end result with two 3-way HDMI DA boxes. But the cost of that would probably be greater than that Octava box (keep on calling it Octavia ).

Will drop the Octava boys an email.

Cheers Leeland.

In fact, maybe I could get the desired end result with two 3-way HDMI DA boxes. But the cost of that would probably be greater than that Octava box (keep on calling it Octavia ).

Will drop the Octava boys an email.

It was a lot easier with scarts, you just cut pin 8 to stop the switching, mind you that also meant you lost the 4:3 and 16:9 auto switching too……..

………I’ll get my coat……….I’m boring myself!!……………