I have three devices that I’d like to input to my TV. The TV has only two HDMI input slots. I figured I could simply get some sort of splitter that would accept two inputs for one of those slots. (The cable system goes into the other slot) I would only use one device at a time, of course, but I can’t find a splitter that doesn’t have some sort of switch. My idea for a splitter was that I’d no longer have to get up to futz around behind the TV, switching one device’s HDMI plug for the other. Having to get up and go flip the switch would obviate my desire and need to have a splitter. Granted, I’m being fairly lazy, but it seems like a simple wish. But I can’t find one without a switch. Is there some technical reason - i.e. do they not make such a device for some reason, or have I just not found what I’m looking for?
Sounds like you want an ‘auto-sensing’ switch that automatically detects which input is providing data. You can’t have a splitter that just shorts two inputs together because hdmi has power and ground pins.
Also, you wouldn’t want clock and data pins that are outputs trying to drive the inactive outputs of the other device in case they aren’t very well protected against that sort of thing.
Yes, they make auto switching HDMI boxes e.g. Do check reviews, some are a little problematic and might be better off getting one you can control, YMMV. They also make ones with remotes and such.
From your link I found this. Seems like just what the OP needs.
Most TV’s nowadays it’s easier to use a low end stereo system amp which gives you the option of using bigger speakers, get surround sound, etc. Most amps have several HDMI inputs nowadays. After all, you’ll spend a decent amount on a simple 2-way switch.
A device that takes two signals and put them into one input port is not a splitter. You are connecting the output ports of two devices together. What do you expect will happen if one device is trying to apply +3.3V on a pin and the other device is trying to bring that same pin to 0V? And how exactly do you expect the TV to behave if you have two active video signals connected to the same input port?
As others have described, what you need is a smart digital device that has 2 inputs and selectively pass through one of those inputs to the output.
Correct. A splitter actually takes one input and sends to mutiple outsputs.
The terms is “auto switching HDMI switcher,” “AUTOMATIC INPUT SWITCHING,” “auto sensing HDMI switcher,” etc.
Shite… I just call it an A/B switch.
Boy, that’s a tough one. I guess I thought that the kanooten valve would just take the shraddis voltage and obglanify it by cutting down the wattage. Silly me.
p.s. I haven’t the foggiest idea what you said, but I promise I won’t call it a splitter any more.
Not sure where I lost you. A splitter takes a signal from one source and sends it to two devices. This is usually much simpler than what you are looking for, which is to take signals from two sources and shoving them into one port. It can’t be a simple passive device, because that would involve connecting the output port of one device with the output port of another device.
Say you want your fridge to run off the power outlet of your home AND an emergency generator. You can’t just connect it to both with wires - if you do, you would be connecting your generator to the house outlet. If both were live at the same time, the result would be disastrous. You’ve got to have a switch of some kind. (It may be a manual switch or an automatic switching device.) Same with video signals - you can’t connect two outputs together.