Home audio & video forum: HDMI matrix and distribution

I'd say you could do either #1 or #2. The $50 4x2 matrix switcher @ monoprice would be the one you should try first since they are pretty good about both the quality of the products they sell *and* their return policy from what I remember. And if you read through all 260 of their user reviews for the product I copied below, some have given some pretty decent tips. The one is helpful regarding matching the lowest maximum video resolution if you are connecting PCs, etc. Link:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10110&cs_id=1011002&p_id=5312&seq=1&format=4#feedback

Having a separate switcher at each device seems like more of a PITA IMHO. And then there's the issue of HDMI-HDCP. Sometimes you run into glitches in that area. That one you won't know for certain until you test the whole system once hooked up one way or another.

Since I'm a surround sound nut , my preference would be to find a 4x2 switcher that also has digital audio output, which you could run to an AV receiver. Although it's not as cheap as the monoprice version, at least that way you could get 5.1 audio from all your inputs to the single set of surround speakers. It probably doesn't cover all your bases though. The Octava does offer such digital audio output, and there's some decent info on it's performance capabilities here:
http://www.projectorreviews.com/Octava/performance.php

Does your HD projector have audio pass through? Just wondering how it would be able to send out audio from one of the connected sources back out to an AV receiver(?)

Without a doubt I'm missing at least a couple of small details regarding all the permutations of your particular setup.
I assume the HDTV and HD Projector in separate rooms? If so, I would consider eventually going with two separate A/V surround receivers (plenty of $200-300 closeout models available for the non-primary HT) for each distinct viewing space. AFAIK this won't throw off the 4x2 matrix switcher either, and it could be the $50 Monoprice version vs the $350 Octava that might not necessarily be what you need. You get the full monty all around if I got this correct. I am not 100% certain though. Quality should be good either way provided we aren't talking about sending a 1080p signal extremely long distances. 720p/1080i will be fine regardless.

OTOH, going with a separate switcher for each input should also let you pass along the additional blu ray expanded audio tracks from your PS3 via HDMI cable. You would just lose out on being able to view two separate sources simultaneously, I believe. And you would need a huge amount of spaghetti .

Which way sounds like more of the dealbreaker/PITA to you? What part still doesn't make enough sense? I would be glad to clarify.

cheers,
P

This model from the site you recommended seems more reasonably priced, and includes additional audio outputs. Link:

http://www.kvmswitchtech.com/4x2-hdmi-matrix-switcher-with-signal-equalization-and-audio-support-p49755.htm

There are so many questions and issues to look at, it might be easier to pause and rewind.

Before I go line by line and comment, I see you have a top end Sony 3D projector that cost $3K. Why would you want to pair that up with a $300 Sony surround system from 2008 that's discontinued? That one's going to sound tinny. I suggest you first re-evaluate that part of the equation since the speakers will make a big difference in your system if you are looking to maximize the quality audio along with the video. This means separates, including surrounds/sub & an AV receiver. Almost a separate thread for this discussion IMO.

Also, do you need a second blu ray player (as is included w/ the Sony Sf2300)? Or did you really mean to stick with your PS3 for BD playback?

-Yes, HDMI and speaker wire running from control room to secondary room with projector, etc. is possible.
10m is probably as far as I would run it for 1080p content though. Shorter is better. 1080i/720p is no problem though.

-The higher quality blu ray audio tracks may only be passed along via HDMI cables. So yes, you would be losing quality if you did not use HDMI output from your PS3. OTOH, most content is either 5.1DD or DTS, or even matrixed surround when you bring in typical TV broadcasts.

-Sure, a cheap (aka poor quality) switcher could possibly affect quality. Again, this is trial and error. I can't recommend any specific brand. (I've also never done a side by side with the KVM and the Octavia). I do however recommend monoprice for assistance though, along with AVS forum. HDCP is also trial and error, especially with AV receivers and their connected inputs.

-The way you described your setup earlier made me think you were connecting the projector in a non-standard manner. I'd say your way sounds correct.
-I'm not aware that an HDMI matrix would necessary throttle the resolution of every input since it's looking for the capabilities of the end displays. It's entirely possible that with the Monoprice model from above, since your older LCD HDTV is only 720p (native resolution), that could present a problem. YMMV, as I am not certain.

That's correct. Your flat panel, which is 720p, processes the 1080p content to fit the native number of pixels present. It's not full HD, but still pretty good. Keep in mind though that the further you sit from the screen, and the size of the panel, the less relevant 720p vs 1080p may be for your situation since the typical human eye/brain can't resolve this difference under such circumstances. Take a peek at the Carlton-Bale site for good info on this (link below). How big is your panel again, btw, and how far are you seated from the screen mostly?

http://s3.carltonbale.com/resolution_chart.html

Full article-
http://carltonbale.com/1080p-does-matter/

Hey,

I live in Lebanon. It seems most things here arrive a bit late... I went around different stores today and here are the options I shortlisted. Similar to above (which you mention is still not very good) but perhaps a bit better:

- Opt 1: Onkyo TX-SR307 (Receiver) + Onkyo SR5205 (Speakers)
- Opt 2: Harman AVR 142 (Receiver) + Harman HKTS9 (Speakers)
- Opt 3: Onkyo TX-SR307 (Receiver) + Harman HKTS9 (Spakers) - because apparently this amp is better for my room size.
- Opt 4: Yamaha RXV-467 (Receiver) + Bose Accoustimass 6 (Speakers)

What do you think?

Regarding the screen size, the graph you sent is very helpful. My distance is about 12 feet and my screen size is 82 inches. As you said it's the flat panel which is 780; but will the projector also process 780 even though it can take 1080?

Thanks,

Fadi

I couldn't tell you one way or another since it's not sold in the U.S. Sorry.

Hey man,

Lebanon has access to goods but they do come in late because turnover for such items is quite low. Dubai, OTOH has much more access to goods in the Middle East.

The HK speakers cost about $700 here. The AVR 142 receiver is $400.

My total budget is $1000 (it was $500 but what you said about pairing my HD projector with a better sound system made sense).

You're right about the Onkyo SR5205 being a HTIB but apparently here in Lebanon the dealer was getting rid of some extra units and they've paired the speakers with the SR307 receiver at a total price of $777.

Considering the HK speakers, do you think they should be paired with the Onkyo Receiver or the HK receiver?

In Dubai I found for the same price an upgraded version of all of the above options:
- AVR 158 Harman receiver + TS11 Harman speakers for $953
- Marrantz 2300 receiver or Denon AVR 1912 receiver + Definitive ProMonitor speakers for a total of $1050.

Of all the above, I am leaning towards the Marrantz even though the speakers do not seem great.

The other burden is getting them from Dubai which might be a problem. So if you think the difference between the Dubai options and those mentioned above is not that big, I'll go with the HK 142 & TS9 speakers available here...

What do you think?

Regarding the screen size, as you said it's the flat panel which is 780; but will the projector also process 780 even though it can take 1080?

Do you think I should try my luck with the Hama Matrix or does it seem like a cheap model?

Fadi

Unless you have the model number incorrect, I would skip it since it's ancient. The Denon will be a stronger value/performer IME. It has almost every 'new' feature one could ask for for a good price.

While I don't have any personal experience with Definitive speakers, which model number exactly are you looking at so we can compare with the others you have mentioned?

Keep in mind that some of the HTIB Onkyo systems you have mentioned above are not intended to be 'mixed and matched', even with other standalone Onkyo AV receivers. In this sense, I would caution you for taking what the dealers are selling from that perspective.

The HK AVR158 would be fine too, but I fear your are getting somewhat short changed with the accompanying HK TS11 speakers since they are almost five or six years old now. Would you have access to the HKTS 30BQ? That would be a more up to date performer.
http://www.amazon.com/Harman-Kardon-Theater-Speaker-System/dp/B0039UUPFS/ref=cm_cr_pr_sims_t

It's too bad you don't have access to higher quality bargain priced systems in the U.S. With the budget you have listed, I am thinking of the Energy 5.1 Take Classic as ideal for your needs.
http://www.amazon.com/Energy-Classic-Theater-System-Black/dp/B001202C44/ref=pd_cp_e_1

Getting back to my comments on resolution, there is no such thing as 780 outside of some custom program on a PC for brewing your own video footage . For reference regarding PAL, etc. (including 16:9)-
http://www.michaeldvd.com.au/articles/palvsntsc/palvsntsc.asp

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PAL

Sorry. I mis-spoke about the Definitive. They actually had them at Best Buy. Halfway decent and should work fine for your room size(!)

Go for the Denon 1912 + Definitive ProMonitor 600s. You should double check if those could also be upgraded at some point to 7.1. I believe it is possible with enough plugs in back.

Enjoy!