Is there an HDMI splice or switch option?

[LwnmwnMan2]

My issue now that I'm moving a new desktop tower to the entertainment stand is I don't have enough HDMI inputs on the back of the TV.

Is there a switch or splice where I could run HDMI cables from the back of the computer and PS3 into one box, and then run the HDMI from that to the TV?

Or do they make a "Y" like you used to be able to go to stereo to mono headphone jack on your walkman?

Or do I just have to mount a hook on the back of the TV stand to keep the HDMI cable from the computer handy and just plug it into the side jack when I want to use the computer?

[pureinsanity]

They make both.

[pureinsanity]

The switch might be a better option for you. but the Y might be a better options as well.

If you use a "Y" the ps3 and computer will be used on the same input on the tv. Which depending your setup could cause issues.

having a switch would be some what nice so you can have your ps3 and pc on separate inputs to the TV, but you would always have to fumble with the HDMI switch which would require you to hit a button. and that would really be no different than plugging whatever cord in you want to use each time.

So its up to you what you wanna do. Personally id hate to have to use two items on the same input, but id also hate to hit a switch every time.

personally id hope the tv has multiple HDMI inputs. if it doesnt, id find a nice receiver that does with one out to the TV.

[LMITOUT]

I have an HDMI splitter box that I picked up relatively cheap and has worked great. I'll get the model number when I get home. Many splitter boxes are expensive.

[LwnmwnMan2]

Our TV has 3 inputs on the back, 1 on the side, a Samsung LN46A860. The 3 in the back have the PS3, the Sat. Box and the surround system.

None of those have an input though.

I just ordered the 3 plug auto switch, the top pic that P.I. posted from Amazon. It was the same price as everywhere else, but shipping was cheaper and faster.

I'll leave the Sat. box and PS3 plugged in where they are, but I'll plug the Bose system and the computer into this switch. If we're using the surround, I won't be on the computer, and if I'm on the computer, it'll pretty much be for work anyways.

[LwnmwnMan2]

Lastly, this new desktop has a 1.5 TB hard drive. I'm going to transfer all of my pics and videos to this one computer. Is it as easy as taking the portable hard drive, making a copy onto that, and then plugging that hard drive into the new computer and copying off again?

[pureinsanity]

for pics, videos and stuff? yes simple as that

[LwnmwnMan2]

Woohoo.... got the Quickbooks up and running, have 90% of the webpages bookmarked, now it's just copying over the videos/pictures and getting them in the right folders.

Gotta love having no snow and kids in school all day to be able to actually accomplish something. I haven't even played BOps all day.... yet....

I know it's nicer doing paperwork with the wireless keyboard / mouse in the recliner.

[spearchucker]

You mentioned your surround system. Is that capable of switching HDMI? The normal surround configuration would be to run all devices into the surround receiver with one input to the TV. Then the surround receiver would switch the HDMI devices depending on the input selected on the surround receiver. Have you checked if that is possible? May not need a switch box.

[LwnmwnMan2]

Nope... it's an older one, again without enough inputs.

[pureinsanity]

Bookmarking webpages? Export your bookmarks. From your browser click > File import/export. Export Favorites

[LMITOUT]

My HDMI splitter is from Monoprice. Supports 1080p and also has an amplifier which helps for long runs (which I have).

[Slabasaurus]

go to where limit said. I have not bought cables from anywhere else since upgrading to my current setup.

[Shack]

I know it's nicer doing paperwork with the wireless keyboard / mouse in the recliner.

You can also use your smart phone. I have been using Track Mouse for the Iphone which allows a keyboard to popup also. I know there most likely bigger and better options also so you can search track pad or mobile mouse in the App Store. Droid has the RemoteDroid which does this also.

[Nick Kuhn]

You can get a splitter in any size. I wish I could show you what we did at work, 1 HDMI signal powering 80 devices.

[LwnmwnMan2]

I finally got around to putting my 3 way manual switch in.

I only needed 2 plugs for now, but figured this way I have a quick access without tearing the TV down in the future.

We have a "false wall" which separates the kitchen from the living room where our TV is hung on. The fridge is directly on the other side of this wall so we're able to just run holes through this wall.

I now have the new 3 way switch right behind the fridge.

The PS3 is plugged into #1, the computer into #2.

The computer is on all the time, but when the PS3 is switched on, then the switch automatically goes to the PS3 signal.

Very slick, and all of $15 online.

If you're short HDMI inputs on the TV, absolutely buy one of these. Mine's an Atlona from the great "South American River" HSOforum.

[LMITOUT]

So you can't use all the devices at the same time?

[LwnmwnMan2]

I've got 3 HDMI inputs on the back, one on the side of the TV. By the time we run the Sat Box, the theater system, the PS3 into the back, the computer had to be run to the side.

This meant seeing wires. This switch allows me to have everything still wired to the back, not seeing any wires.

I'm.not sure how you'd.be able to use everything at the same time anyways.