Will a HDMI spliter/switcher reduce signal quality?

Question

looking at a 3 way hdmi spliter/switcher and i know that bad cables reduces picture quality and thought these might do the same? was looking at this one http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=140199957784&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=004

Answer 1

HDMI is digital. It's a stream of 1's and 0's that if detected will be perfectly rendered. Degradation occurs in the form of loss of integrity. Output will either be perfect, or not there at all (OK, technically there is a third state with pixelation/flashing/dropouts occuring right on the threshold of work/not work).

Therefore an HDMI switch will similarly either work or not. So, assuming it does work, any deleterious effect would be to shorten the total cable length than can be used. For example, with a good cable you might get a connection out to 100 ft, but with a switch in the circuit you might only get out to 75ft.

Answer 2

Sorry but the first answer is incorrect partially.

Even though the signal is digital the levels and edges need to be pretty clear to make a signal work, and partial errors can occur, hence me not liking the transport.

Stick to the specs and don't exceed the length specified by the spec.

Use good quality cable and know that even a digital signal is prone to interference.