HDMI Splitter?

[jermwhl]

Originally Posted by Matthew.Rounds

There are some audio receivers out there with multiple HDMI in and one HDMI out to the TV. I plan to get a receiver with the capability when I upgrade. I too have only one HDMI which is not enough. Luckily I use a cable card instead of a cable box to save an input.

How do you like your cablecard compared to traditional dig. box? I know you lose PPV and guide menu functionality. Is this something that didn't bother you too much?

[PeterTHX]

Originally Posted by jermwhl

How do you like your cablecard compared to traditional dig. box? I know you lose PPV and guide menu functionality. Is this something that didn't bother you too much?

Cable card has better picture & sound, particularly now that my cable company (Cox) has gone completely digital.

I also prefer using my TV's remote.

I never PPV (P&S movies, no features of DVD yet costs the same as a rental)

I just miss the program guide. My computer is nearby so if I'm desperate I can look up what's on online.

[matthewrounds]

Originally Posted by jermwhl

How do you like your cablecard compared to traditional dig. box? I know you lose PPV and guide menu functionality. Is this something that didn't bother you too much?

At the time of the TV purchase there were very few TV's with more than one HDMI in. Before purchasing I checked with Cox cable about the availability of cable cards (they were available) and read reviews on people using cable cards via CC user reviews. I found out that many times the cable cards were bad and not the TV in which the cards being used even though many cable companies will say differently. This is one of the reasons I bought the TV because I would not have to use up the HDMI for the cable box. I don't do any PPV or OnDemand, I use Netflix instead. I use the internet for searching for content, http://www.tvguide.com/listings/default.aspx for something I want to watch, but since I mainly watch HD I know the schedules pretty well. I want my next TV to come with a cable card slot as well as it also makes if more difficult for my son in the future to order content he should not be ordering.

A lot of people feel differently than me about cable cards but I like them. i have since moved to San Jose and Comcast does the cable here. The one downside is that if I ever use a satellite I will lose the HDMI or need a switch or receiver with multiple HDMI in. I plan to buy a bigger/better TV by the end of the year so I hope to not have to worry about this in the future.

[The Don]

Originally Posted by jermwhl

How do you like your cablecard compared to traditional dig. box? I know you lose PPV and guide menu functionality. Is this something that didn't bother you too much?

I have a cablecard upstairs and it seems more efficient than the box....

there's alot less freezing up and whatnot..or maybe not "alot less"...but it's enough..

I still have uses for both, though..

[The Don]

also a little FYI on cablecards...

at some point within a year or 2 they are supposed to offer 2-way cablecards..

these allow you to rent movies and you would get an on-screen guide....etc. etc.

so keep a lookout for those..

[PeterTHX]

Yes, but the TVs must be compatible.

To date all TVs have been one way. You'll need a new TV with the finalized hardware.

BTW: they've been saying this for over 2 years now.

[haiku_aubade]

go to monoprice to get a good cheap switcher... best bang for your buck

[PeterTHX]

Originally Posted by haiku_aubade

go to monoprice to get a good cheap switcher... best bang for your buck

Careful. HDMI isn't like analog, where you'd see noise.

HD devices are much more exacting in timing, HDCP information, etc. Interference is another factor. Signal dropouts can cause you to have to switch off devices (reboot), etc.