Specifications
I want to split my HDMI signal
This requires a Distribution Amplifier - something that takes one signal in and gives you multiple identical signals out.
You would use one of these where you’d like one source to be sent to multiple displays.
People also sometimes call these “splitters” as you are in affect splitting one signal into many. Splitters are more usually used to refer to
analogue audio and video devices as these can be “split” passively in a crude fashion without any electronics. A distribution amplifier
contains circuitry to buffer the signal and ensure that each output is the same as the input. Even if you wanted to you cannot passively
split an HDMI signal (because it is digital) so the correct terminology is a Distribution Amplifier.
I want to go from a scart to HDMI
That’s no problem, but because you are converting an analogue signal (Scart) to a digital one (HDMI) you need an electronic box of
tricks in the middle. Although we get asked many times, it is sadly impossible to simply chop an HDMI plug off and solder on a scart
cable in its place. (OK, it’s not impossible but it definitely wouldn’t work!). There are plenty of convertors that will perform this task and
also upscale the analogue video signal as well.
I want to go from an HDMI to a scart
This is possible but trickier depending upon what the HDMI source is. HDMI from a commercial source (such as a DVD player or set top
box) will almost certainly contain HDCP copy protection (see info panel) and cannot be converted back to analogue. If the source is non
HDCP (eg camcorder) then there are several boxes to perform this task.
Can I send 3D HDMI to other rooms in the house?
3D from a Blu-ray player will only work via a correctly specified HDMI cable or an HDBaseT extender. Lower resolution interlaced 3D from
sources such as Sky will work with almost all of the other extender systems.
I haven’t got enough HDMI sockets on my TV
In this instance you need a switchbox - something that will take a number of HDMI devices in and let you choose which one is routed to the
output. Switchboxes can be automatic (switch to last device switched on) or manual (front pushbutton and/or IR control).
I want to send an HDMI signal to another room in the house
There are several ways to accomplish this. You can choose between:
a) A very long HDMI cable
advantages: Preservation of all content. Some of the other methods will not send multichannel audio for example.
disadvantages: long HDMI cables are usually thicker and so unwieldy and difficult to route through wall space and trunking.
Max length usually 20m. Notoriously unpredictable results depending upon equipment used. IR feedback will require other equipment.
b) HDMI over CAT5/6 (baluns)
advantages: CAT5 cable is cheap by comparison and flexible so easy to run through wall spaces and trunking.
Max length can be up to 60m.
disadvantages: some models do not provide IR feedback. some models require two separate runs of CAT5.
c) HDMI over HDBaseT Uses different technology to other HDMI over CAT5 extenders to give amazing results.
advantages: One single CAT5E cable send crystal clear 3D HDMI at 1080P with 7.1channel audio and also provides IR control, RS232
and extend your 100Mbps LAN.
disadvantages: relatively expensive
d) HDMI over IP network
advantages: If the IP network is already installed then no extra cabling is required. Can also be used with homeplug ethernet
over mains adaptors. IR feedback is built into the unit. Plug and play with no configuration. Other network receivers can
easily be added in different rooms.
disadvantages: The audio output is stereo not multichannel. The IP router needs to be compatible with multicast.
The HDMI signal is dynamically compressed (although in practical terms it’s extremely hard to notice).
e) Wireless HDMI video sender
advantages: neat and tidy - no cables to worry about. IR feedback built in. Easy to move from room to room.
The HDMI signal is uncompressed.
disadvantages: relatively short range, most suited to within room or adjacent room use.
You call us, we listen, we answer (or try!)
On the wonderful subject of HDMI, here’s the things
we get asked about the most:
FAQ’s on HDMI
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Email your order to us at sales@keene.co.uk
116513_HDMI_Brochure_Aug_2013.indd 2 11/09/2013 14:27