Added HDTV to Direct TV DVR

[knotworking]

I recently bought a 32" LCD for my patio and planned to split off the Direct TV HD DVR receiver about 12 ft away. I ran cable to the box and was surprised to find cable input, but no cable output. Only HDMI. Is there a way to split HDMI, so I can have both TV's run same channels or do I have to lease another HD box from Direct TV?

 

[Adam]

You can split HDMI signals. I'm under the impression that a powered splitter is the way to go, but I'm no expert on them. As an example, here is one from Monoprice that costs under $30.

I'm surprised that the only audio/video output on the DTV receiver is HDMI. Are there other outputs, such as component video and digital audio? Which receiver do you have?

 

[Surroundpro]

hdmi

you can split HDMI but you need to use a quality, powered splitter OR switcher... depending on the app. Rocketfish @ best buy makes an economical piece thats reliable in the field.I will guess the splitter is the one you will need.be aware that you need to use quality cables, as HDMI can be problematic at lengths over 15' or when splitting..... I hope this helps !

 

[knotworking]

Thanks for the reply. I should have checked this out before running coax, but if the splitter will work, then all is good.

 

[knotworking]

Adam, I don't know who makes the receiver for Direct TV. It does have component video and digital audio outputs. There is what looks like an RCA plug that says COAX above it and it says digital audio above that. There is also an optical output jack. If I'm trying to keep the wiring to the new TV at a minimum, then isn't the HDMI splitter the best way to go or should I use component video to my main 65"tv and use the HDMI output to the new 32"? Is there a noticable quality drop with component video from HDMI?

 

[Adam]

I don't know about the quality differences between HDMI and component video, as I've never checked them. HDMI can certainly carry 1080p, and component can carry 1080i (and some say 1080p).

I agree with you that the HDMI splitter is the way to go, leaving only one cable to go to each TV.