HdmiSplitter
Latest
SmartVM delivers HDMI Splitter, HDMI Switch and HDMI Matrix
Considering that there are never enough options when it comes to HDMI adapters, we'll welcome in SmartVM's latest family with open arms. The company has just tossed out a trio of new boxes, so we'll get started with the HDMI Splitter. Said device is HDMI 1.3 compatible, supports resolutions from 480i up to 1080p and can distribute an HDMI signal to up to eight HDMI displays. Moving right along, we've got the HDMI Switch, which arrives with a number of inputs (depending on model) and allows for one of the lot to be selected for on-screen viewing without pulling / plugging new wires. Lastly, the HDMI Matrix Switch enables "up to four HDMI compatible source devices to be switched easily into four HDTV compatible monitors or projectors," and the RS-232 / IR remote port should tickle the integrators just right.
Gefen intros $499 1:5 Splitter for HDMI 1.3
Anyone remotely familiar with Gefen gear will understand that "inexpensive" isn't really an option, so we suppose that explains the lofty $499 price tag attached to the outfit's freshest splitter. Designed to take a single HDMI 1.3 source to five different displays without a loss in quality, the 1:5 Splitter for HDMI 1.3 is fully HDCP compliant and supports resolutions as high as 2K (so yeah, 1080p is totally covered). It's available now with a 2-year warranty.
Ask Engadget HD: What's the best HDMI splitter on the market?
Now that you know which cable(s) you're going to use, how's about giving Daniel a bit of advice on splitting up the signal? "What is the best HDMI splitter on the market? I want to split my signal to a 42-inch LCD TV (about 9-feet away from the source) and a projector (through a 50-foot HDMI cable). Considering the distances needing to be covered, would a powered splitter be better than a passive one?" We'll go ahead and assume Daniel's looking for one that can pass a 1080p signal without degradation, so recommending that Dollar Tree box you saw probably isn't the best thing to do. On the real, feel free to shout out any positive / negative experiences you've had with extenders and switches -- hopefully one of 'em will fit the bill here.Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
ATEN intros 2- / 4-port HDMI splitters
ATEN has just announced a new pair of HDMI splitters, the VS182 (2-port) and VS184 (4-port). Both units are fully compatible with HDMI 1.3b and HDCP 1.1 specifications, and each box can send one source of HD video up to 20-meters to two / four displays at the same time. You can also count on Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio signals being piped out along with imagery, and those looking to do huge, huge things will love to hear that the splitters "are an extremely scalable solution with the capability to send signals to up to 64 displays when installed in a cascade." Both devices are ready to be purchased as we speak for £69.90 ($139) / £119.90 ($239).
Octava intros 3x4 HDMI 1.3 distribution amplifier
Looking for an HDMI 1.3 distribution amp that won't completely shatter the budget? Enter Octava's 3x4 HDMI Switch + Splitter Distribution Amplifier, which includes support for full 1080p resolutions and enables HDMI switching for three inputs while outputting to (up to) four displays. You'll also find a Toslink optical audio output, an RS-232 control port, a remote bundled in and an external IR jack for extending the reach. Best of all, the unit checks in at just $349, and it's available to ship right now to most any corner of the globe.
Accell launches UltraAV 1-2 HDMI Splitter
Yeah, there's already a number of devices on the market to split that HDMI signal, say, ten different ways, but for those just needing a traditional 1-to-2 split, Accell's got you covered. The UltraAV 1-2 HDMI Splitter, set to be exhibited at CEDIA, allows a "single HDMI audio / video source to send an audio / video signal to two devices." The wee box handles resolutions up to 1080p, can be daisy-chained to play with more than two displays, supports HDCP, but isn't marked as being HDMI 1.3-compliant. 'Course, the respectable $119.99 pricetag may be low enough to win you over, anyway.
