Superbowl party - need to split hdmi source 3 ways - whats the best way?

[Steve Martin]

Hey Ho,

Getting ready to host a superbowl party at my office with 50+ people. I need to distribute one fios box signal to (3) separate tv locations. One of them being attached to the cable box and two remote tv's approximately 100 feet in distance from the cable box. Looking for some guidance on equipment selection to distribute audio/video over long distances.

I've read mixed reviews of 100' hdmi cables with or without boosters and loss of quality or lack there of. Leaning towards cat6 cables since bulk cable is cheap, flexible and can run long distances. Whats the ideal setup for this application? Not familiar with any of the companies that sell hdmi splitters. Any companies that I should avoid? I have no need for matrix splitters, or sending 4k/3d signal (if that even matters). Just need a straight forward hdmi splitter 1-in 4-out.

Thanks - Steve

 

[Lulimet]

I don't think an HDMI splitter will let you sent video to 3 different TVs at the same time.

If you have cable outlets near the other two locations, just connect a coaxial RG6 cable directly to the TVs. The TV's tuner should pick up the unscrambled channels without the need of a separate set top box (cable box).
Easiest solution in my opinion.

 

[Seth=L]

He hates these cans!

 

[Hobbit]

Why not just put antennas on the TVs? Broadcast 1080i HD is as good of quality as any.

 

[Lulimet]

Why not just put antennas on the TVs? Broadcast 1080i HD is as good of quality as any.

Very good idea if they have good reception.

 

[JohnnieB]

Tripp Lite makes a component out to cat 5/6 adaptor. Splits to stereo audio too. Don't know if this is a viable solution.

http://www.amazon.com/Tripp-Lite-Component-Transmitter-B136-101/dp/B003UT7TJS

You may have to split the component signal at the RCAs' but it should avoid the handshake issues with splitting HDMI.

 

[Hobbit]

Very good idea if they have good reception.

How far away are you from the transmitters? My GF is about 50 miles from the towers. I bought a $30 indoor amplified GE antenna at Target and all the stations come in beautifully.