Can I split a component video signal

Factual Questions
1

My old A/V receiver is dying and I’m looking to buy a new one. I want to get one that will “upconvert” the video so that everything will come out in “component” mode (YPbPr), regardless of the input. This will save a lot of cables and connections, so I don’t have to use the S-video and composite outputs for my VCR and lo-res connections.

However, I have both a TV and an LCD Projector, and most (all) of the receivers I’ve been looking at have only one set of component outputs.

I know I could get an A/B switch, but that’s a lot of extra hassle. I’m wondering if it would be possible/desireable to use some “Y” adapters on the 3 component cables and run one set to the TV and the other set to the projector.

I know this kind of thing is done all the time with audio signals, but I’m not sure if the signal loss would be too great with component video.

Has anyone done this, or have enough technical savvy to know if I can do this without degrading my video signal?

Thanks.

2

I can’t swear to it, since I’ve never seen anyone try it, but your scheme probably is not a good idea. Video is pretty pickey about seeing the correct impedance - 75 ohms. Putting two outputs and one input on one line would likely degrade the signal quite noticably. It all depends on how your active output “sees” the other output on the line.

Huh. I just noticed one of the ads on this page for composite video cables mentions Y cables. Go figure. Mebbe you should look there first.

3

Here’s one.

And here’s a cheaper one.

4

The key here is using the amplified splitter that David Simmons linked to. It doesn’t require a button push to change between outputs. All components could run at the same time if you wish. A split cable for high end video is not a good idea.