HDMI Selectors - can you help?

Question

I have a HD TV with 2 HDMI sockets at the rear.

I want to connect 3 different items:

a) Home Cinema System (with integral DVD player).

b) DVD Recorder with HDD

c) FreeSat receiver box.

I was thinking of using one of these (please hit the link or paste into your URL):

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Aerials_Index/Thor_HDMI_Switch/index.html

It is what is called a Compact HDMI Selector. Basically is a cable with a male HDMI plug on one end and a double HDMI socket on the other. It has a manual overide switch but claims to switch automatically.

My question is about combinations. What should I plug into the TV directly using the one HDMI socket available and what should I attach to the Compact HDMI Sector, so that all of my devices can interact with each other.

I haven't got the Freesat box yet as I'm hanging on till they release the HD version with the HDD so that I can record in HD.

Hope you can help!

Answer 1

as far as the HDMI, you should connect from your HD satellite or HD cable receiver to a slot in the back of your tv. Your tv has to have a slot for that though....I have a Sharp Aquos, and that's what i had to do. then you switch it to one of the video modes until you see your picture. Or the best picture quality....I think we had 2 different video modes we could view it on, but one was better than the other. As far as the other connections....I would think your tv should have all the slots you need in the back....if not, your manuals should tell you how to connect different sources to eachother. I hope that made sense....lol

Answer 2

It won't matter which you plug directly if this thing works.

Answer 3

You can only have one of the devices on when hooked up to that cable, If you record from the home theater dvd to the dvd recorder, you should put them on separate inputs. However that would mean you can't have the sat box on while you have both of the dvds on.

I would sugest that you hook the home theater dvd player up with component cables, the dvd recorder and sat box with hdmi and forget about the 2 way cable.

Answer 4

I would suggest putting the DVD/hd and freesat box into the automatic device, as you will need your sound system on whenever you are using the system, and it may output enough of a signal to confuse the cable from automatically choosing the correct device, even if you dont have the dvd drive engaged.  I should warn you though that some sat recievers still output some signal even if turned off, so there is a chance that this won't work well for your setup.  I know it is an inexpensive solution, but a better way would be a proper switching device.  On the other hand, I suppose you could take the gamble, and if it doesn't work right, put it on ebay and buy a proper switcher.