HD distribution.

["i_lowe" <ianlowe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I have wrestled with AV distribution (and subseqent automation) for
ages.

Back in my house in the UK, I had a variety of composite video + stereo
audio sources, all being piped around through a SCART video source
selector, then fed into a distribution amp and off the various outputs (in
those days, a projector and two TVs)

I am now planning the next version, and I think I have the following
inputs:

A PC with media centre with HDMI or DVI + Digital Audio
A freeview box with HDMI
A Sky HD Box (maybe)
A second PC running albumplayer, also over HDMI or DVI+Digital

The outputs are all LCD TVs (or monitors with an HDMI input)

There seem to be a bunch of HDMI matrix switches that are, to put it
frankly, suspiciously low priced, like this: <http://www.tvcables.co.uk/cgi-bin/tvcables/hdmi-matrix-switch-4x2.html>

Which seems to be ideal (and has IR control, so easily automateable as
well)

On my main TV at present, I use HDMI to connect in the good stuff, then use
the optical pass thru to get to my AV receiver. in the old days, I had
seperate video/audio switching and it was a complete pain in the ass - I
also had SCART cable running through my walls at one point.

HDMI cables seem like an easier run, and these boxes look almost too good
to be true.

One thing I don't particularly care about is HDCP - I'm happier ripping HD
content and watching it that way, rather than watching Blu Ray etc
directly.

So, has anyone done this yet? any pitfalls? Suggestions?






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