Only 1 HDMI input on TV, how to use?

[KJAZZ1958]

My Sony LCD 50" only has 1 HDMI input. I am trying to decide if I should use it for my Sony DVD Player, or for my satellite signal. I will watch more TV than DVD's, but my DVD will only get "upconvert" if I use the HDMI output. So, for one or the other I will need to use component video cables.

Also, has anyone used Blue Jeans cables? Trying to sort through a myriad of info on how much to spend on cables, whether to use Optical or COAX for audio connections. You can spend a wide range on cables, and other forum threads seem to say it is not worth it. But is there a medium point where quality and consistency must count??

 

[mtrycrafts]

My Sony LCD 50" only has 1 HDMI input. I am trying to decide if I should use it for my Sony DVD Player, or for my satellite signal. I will watch more TV than DVD's, but my DVD will only get "upconvert" if I use the HDMI output. So, for one or the other I will need to use component video cables.

If you have a receiver with more than 1 HDMI input, use it but I believe the receiver needs to be on when watching cable TV. Use the hifi speakers

If not, there are HDMI switchers out there, someplace. Do a search.

Also, has anyone used Blue Jeans cables? Trying to sort through a myriad of info on how much to spend on cables, whether to use Optical or COAX for audio connections. You can spend a wide range on cables, and other forum threads seem to say it is not worth it. But is there a medium point where quality and consistency must count??

I may have their cable, not sure anymore If your HDMI cable run is long, you need a good cable, with 22ga wire in them. I think Monoprice also has them for less though.
Optical or coax, not a problem, either are fine and equals. If you have a spare video cable use that as your digital audio cable, then it is free Same cable.
Check out monoprice.com

 

[audio ninja]

My Sony LCD 50" only has 1 HDMI input. I am trying to decide if I should use it for my Sony DVD Player, or for my satellite signal. I will watch more TV than DVD's, but my DVD will only get "upconvert" if I use the HDMI output. So, for one or the other I will need to use component video cables.

Your satellite signal should more than likely output a signal up to 1080i using component cable. I would choose that route especially if you have a nice upconverting dvd player that outputs 720p/1080i, which is probably one of the reasons it was purchased, I assume .If not, you can buy an HDMI switch that you can plug in multiple HDMI sources to and remotely switch between HDMI sources without unplugging/replugging cables. Check this site... http://www.kvmgalore.com/shopping/product_info.php?products_id=1852

Also, has anyone used Blue Jeans cables? Trying to sort through a myriad of info on how much to spend on cables, whether to use Optical or COAX for audio connections. You can spend a wide range on cables, and other forum threads seem to say it is not worth it. But is there a medium point where quality and consistency must count??

I recommend Blue Jean Cables.
Coax cable is susceptible to emi (or) electromagnetic interference, like interference from electrical cords/sources if they're too close and/or they run parallel with your coax cable. A Good coax cable will be shielded from this though. Optical cable is not suscepticble to EMI. BUT, optical cables cannot be used for very long runs and the cable cannot be bent around sharp corners or angles and the connection isn't as physically secure as a coax cable.

I use the Belden 1694A Blue Jeans coax cable. It's triple shielded and provides a snug/tight fitting to my receiver. Their website provides actual data proving their cables ability. No need to spend money on expensive cables that offer less.

 

[KJAZZ1958]

Thanks for the replies! So you are saying that I will get as good of a picture from HD satellite on my 1080i Sony by using good component cables, as by using the HDMI, so I can use the 1 HDMI on TV for my DVD player?

As for cables, I totally agree not to waste money. However, there is still a big price difference between Monoprice.com and Blue Jeans (which is pretty much in middle of pack, price-wise). My concern w/ Monoprice.com might be the manufacturing consistency. But if all these HD enthusiasts on this site say it is "good enough", that counts for something.

Anyone have thoughts on surge protection for TV/DVD? Again, you can spend $15 for a cheap MonsterPower, and up to $200+

 

[jcPanny]

Cable options

Blue Jeans use the hightes quality Belden cables and Carnare interconnects and assembles them in the USA with CNC equipment. They will make any custom length, color, cable type, etc.

Monoprice cables are made in China. Many have reported favorable results with monoprice cables, but you get what you pay for.

Most of the monster cables are "made in china" quality at high prices IMO.

 

[BMXTRIX]

Monoprice cables are made in China. Many have reported favorable results with monoprice cables, but you get what you pay for.

You get what you pay for??? Does that apply to Bose and Monster as well?

Generally speaking you need better cables as the distance increases and the signal quality goes up. Blue Jeans has some great stuff, but I have used Monoprice cables with great results for less then 1/3 the price. If you aren't happy, you can always upgrade.

Monster cables I rarely hear real complaints about. They are traditionally very well built and excellent cables, but they are far more pricey than Blue Jeans for what amounts to nearly identical quality. Far from 'cheap'.

Finally: If you want to run 2 HDMI sources, get a HDMI switcher. Monoprice (www.monoprice.com) has a 2x1 manual switcher and a 5x1 remote controlled HDMI switcher for under $150.00 - check them out.

 

[KJAZZ1958]

OK thanks, the switcher will help with 2 or more HDMI devices, when your receiver/TV cannot handle them. But no one has really answered the question: is this going to really give me better quality video? Will the HDMI connection using the switcher give me a better quality picture than component video cables, for this particular setup?

 

[BMXTRIX]

Will the HDMI connection using the switcher give me a better quality picture than component video cables, for this particular setup?

Maybe. There's you solid answer. Maybe.

Bottom line is that HDMI connectivity typically runs through some different chips than component connections at every front. So, sometimes HDMI looks better, sometimes it looks the same, sometimes it even looks worse.

I would say that about 50%+ of the time it looks a small bit better. About 40% of the time or so it looks the same, and about 10% of the time... maybe less, it looks worse.

So, you likely won't see the image look worse, but you may not see the image look any better either. If the run is short, then buy an inexpensive cable locally and give it a try. If you aren't happy, return the cable.

 

[mtrycrafts]

OK thanks, the switcher will help with 2 or more HDMI devices, when your receiver/TV cannot handle them. But no one has really answered the question: is this going to really give me better quality video? Will the HDMI connection using the switcher give me a better quality picture than component video cables, for this particular setup?

Most likely it will not. If you can use both HDMI and component cables with the TV, go with both as was suggested and save that $150 switcher box.
Most likely you will need to calibrate both inputs properly though, not a real problem, or shouldn't be.

 

[Exit]

HDMI switches sell for less than $150. I bought a 4-position HDMI switch from Monoprice for $43 and it works fine. I also bought inexpensive Monoprice HDMI cables and they work fine. You should think about the future for your system. If you only have one HDMI port on your TV and you might possibly add a cable or satelite system, a upconverting DVD player or high definition DVD player, a PS3, a X-box 360 or other yet to be identified equipment, then a HDMI switch with a number of extra ports might be a good investment.

 

[tcm5]

HDMI Switching Box

Oppo has just introduced a HDMI 3x1 switch. Their DVD players have been highly reviewed, so I assume the HDMI switch will be of good quality also. http://www.oppodigital.com/hm31/

 

[j_garcia]

I am using the $30 2x1 (which I only paid about $15 for) from Monoprice and it works perfectly. I may need to step up to a 2 or 3 input one though in the near future...

I use component, HDMI, HDMI-DVI and DVI cables from Bluejeans and I am very happy with their service and quality.

 

[bigbangtheory]

OK thanks, the switcher will help with 2 or more HDMI devices, when your receiver/TV cannot handle them. But no one has really answered the question: is this going to really give me better quality video? Will the HDMI connection using the switcher give me a better quality picture than component video cables, for this particular setup?

Just go with an HDMI switcher for convenience. You will not likely see a major performance increase vs other methods of connecting your components, but you WILL enjoy the simplicity of an HDMI switcher. Later on, you will probably want to upgrade to an HDMI receiver, which, in some cases (ref: Onkyo) can be had for a couple hundred more than a quality switcher.

I was low on cash after I bought my hdtv, so I opted for a good switcher, and that left me with more money for a receiver upgrade down the pike.

 

[patnshan]

Monoprice cables are made in China. Many have reported favorable results with monoprice cables, but you get what you pay for.

I am surprised to "hear" you make a statement like this, being that you frequent these forums and usually have intelligent things to say.

Pat

 

[ZoFo]

Monster Cables DO have problems

Monster uses extremely tight-fitting RCA connectors that have been known to pull out the jacks from your pre/pro or receiver and I have heard of this happening from more than a couple of people. Besides the "head monster / owner" Noel Lee is a first class prick who rips people off for a living and shuts down any mom & pop shop that has the audacity to use "monster" in their business or product name.

 

[j_garcia]

The lawsuits against other companies is sort of not their fault - they are required to defend their copyrighted name or lose it themselves. They may go a little overboard with some of them though.... I have definitely experienced some Monster cables being both too tight and too lose, but I have cables from other companies that are a bit too tight fitting also.

 

[BMXTRIX]

THIS POST WAS FROM 2006!!!

Really, how is it possible someone necrobumped it and now people are having a discussion about a dead topic? By now, everyone knows Monoprice is excellent, and, as always, prices have fallen on stuff... and the original poster found an answer to his issue over a year ago.