DVI to HDMI to DVI again

[zozoman]

Hello everyone,

I am about hook up a projector to my computer but I want it to have a digital signal instead of the VGA (analog?) one and I was hoping if anyone could tell me if my idea will work, or if there is a better way.

What I plan to do is purchase a DVI to HDMI adapter like this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814999007

then use a splitter like this :
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882021094

what I plan to use this splitter for is to have one go to my monitor and one to my projector. Then I could simply press the button to go back and fourth from projector to monitor and this is where I have concerns. Right now my monitors use DVI and I plan to use a HDMI to DVI cable from the splitter back to the monitor:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812816009

I was wondering if going from DVI to HDMI back to DVI would cause problems / loss in quality or something like that?

Another question I had was about using different resolutions if my plan above worked. Since right now I use 1680 x 1050 and my projector would most likely use 1280 x 720 would I have to change the resolution on my computer every time I had to use the projector or would it work fine with my with using 1680 x 1050?

Also, using HDMI in this way to a projector would work, correct? If it doesn't then my whole plan to shot down ha ha.

I thank everyone for their time,

-Alonzo

 

[j_garcia]

Your projector may scale everything to its native resolution, though I suppose that depends on the projector. I don't see why the switch and adapter wouldn't work, but unfortunately, you won't know until you try.

 

[zozoman]

I imagine everything will work (at least that is what I am shooting for) but I was just a little concerened with jumping back from dvi to hdmi to dvi again.

Do you agree with me that it is a better move to send a digital signal to the projector rather than using a VGA cable?

 

[Hi Ho]

If I read your post right, zozoman I do not believe everything you want to do will be possible with the equipment you listed.

1. Going from DVI > HDMI > DVI will be no problem. All you're doing is chaning the connector type. It does not affect the signal.

2. The "splitter" you linked to is not a splitter at all. It is a 2 in 1 out switch. As far as I can tell it will not work the other direction (1 in 2 out). It is made to switch between two sources and send to a single monitor.

In order to accomplish what you want you would need an active 1 in 2 out HDMI splitter like THIS. Unfortunately those aren't as cheap as switches.

3. You will need to switch resolutions in order to maintaing the best possible picture quality. Digital displays always operate best at their native resolution. It is possible that your projector may not recognize the resolution that you are sending to your monitor as it is not a standard NTSC resolution. What projector are you using?

BTW: I love Newegg and buy all of my PC parts from them. However, Monoprice.com has better prices on the adapters and adapter cables.

 

[zozoman]

Hi_Ho, my mistake on calling the switch a splitter. What I am looking to do is have my computer transmit the video and have the switch either send to my monitor or my projector. I want to use only one at a time, not both at the same time. (I currently have a 2 monitor setup, but I believe that there should be no issues with that since the projector would just act like the other monitor)

Here is a terrible flowchart:

http://img131.imageshack.us/my.php?image=switchjn7.jpg

This is what I thought that switch could do. If it still can not do what I think it can please let me know and I will look into what you are talking about.

Thank you for your help so far.

 

[Hi Ho]

It depends on how the switch works. If it is a physical switch that actually switches between sets of contacts then there would be no problem. The thing is, that is not how HDMI switches work. Old analog switches (composite video/audio) were simple. They worked as I just described and they could operate in either direction and the signal didn't know the difference.

HDMI is a different animal. A successful HDMI connection requires a handshake between two devices. This makes switching more involved. HDMI switches are designed to If you were to open up an HDMI switch you would see some ICs and a circuit board. The circuitry is designed to work in only one direction. Switching between two displays can also cause problems with HDCP.

I don't know how that particular switch works so I guess the only way to know would be to try. However, I do not believe it will work. Newegg has a great return policy so you could order it and see if it works.

If you're feeling geeky and have some soldering skills you can try the procedure described in the following link: Connect One HDMI to Multiple Displays

 

[zozoman]

Oh, I see where you are coming from now. As you said, I guess I will have to just try it. If it all goes to hell I could just return it.

You asked me earlier what projector im using, I currently do not have a projector. I plan to order that after I get my receiver and speakers in.

 

[phlakvest]

Is this a Desktop or Laptop?

If its a desktop have you thought about buying a Dual DVI video card? That way you can output to one, both. Depending on what graphics card you currently have it might not bee too expensive to get a comparable Dual Head card.

 

[lsiberian]

Isn't VGA just as capable of high resolutions though?

 

[phlakvest]

Isn't VGA just as capable of high resolutions though?

Resolution, Yes.

But the quality is usually not as good over VGA. Its an analog connection so a projector/LCD has to convert it back to digital before it can do anything with it. Most lcd monitors and some projectors don't have very good hardware for converting the analog signal to digital.

 

[Hi Ho]

If its a desktop have you thought about buying a Dual DVI video card? That way you can output to one, both. Depending on what graphics card you currently have it might not bee too expensive to get a comparable Dual Head card.

I completely overlooked the obvious! Thank you! This is exactly what I do with my plasma/projector and my PC. One line goes to my monitor and the other goes to the TV or projector. I can have independant resolutions setup and it works great.

 

[zozoman]

I am currently using a dual monitor setup. The projector will just take the place for one of my monitors when I have it in that mode.

@Hi Ho, I finally see what you mean about that switch I have ha ha. I guess I have a thick head and didn't see that it wants 2 out put devices and 1 input. I will get that one from monoprice.

Also, I've been looking at some HDMI cables and noticed that some are 1.0-1.3. Is there a difference with these cables or are they campatible with each other. I don't want to get a device that is HDMI 1.1 and have a cable that is 1.3 then find out nothing will work.

Thanks again to everyone.

 

[Hi Ho]

Ther is no such thing as an HDMI v1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 cable. While it is true that some cables labled as HDMI v1.3 have been tested and proven to pass the most demanding content that v1.3 has to offer, any properly built HDMI cable will do the same.

How long of a cable do you need? Anything under 10 feet is will work with just about any signal as long as it is built correctly and not defective. When you get into longer lengths you can run into problems with inferior cables. I have always used Monoprice HDMI cables and I have never had any issues. In fact, the the HDMI run that feeds my 1080p plasma is 60 feet! I have a 35 foot Monoprice HDMI going from my PC under the house where it is coupled with another 25 foot Monoprice HDMI that goes to the TV. It passes 1080p from the PC without an issue and the cables cost me under $70 total. Neither of them are "v1.3 rated" either.

 

[zozoman]

I don't need a long cable at all. I just need it to go from my computer to my projector. It would be ~8 ft. I plan to get a 10 footer just incase.

EDIT: I just wanted to thank you for monoprice. I was able to find all of the cables I found on New Egg for less. Now the only thing I am getting from New Egg is the speaker system:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882120085

It is nothing fancy, but has a decent receiver that supports optical audio and some 5.1 speakers. After I get these cords and speakers in I plan to get my projector, projector mount, and projector screen.