HDMI splitting/switching

[WWESTY]

We have just installed Sky HD and connected to panny plasma and all is good! Next I need to connect the PS3. I have an Onkyo AV amp that I intend to use when I get around to adding the ceiling speakers etc, but that will realistically be a couple of months probably.

Question is, I only have one hdmi connection to the screen so what should I do?

Just use the onkyo as a switching device - seems a bit of a waste to have to switch it on all the time.....or go to maplin (?) and get an hdmi switch to use - which seems a bit of a waste of money but simpler...are these any good anyway?

Hope that makes sense!
Cheers

[Plotloss]

HDMI is largely a f*cking nightmare to do anything other than plain old vanilla connections with.

Its all to do with content protection and no one thinking beyond their own nose, very tedious but a massive massive massive pain in the arse.

It will be the best choice long term to use the amp as an AV switch and turn off the internal speakers on the television utilising the surround array at all times.

[WWESTY]

Just established that PS3 can be used through SCART (unfortunately losing HD quality) but as I have a scart lead there too, this seems the best option until the full AV install is completed.

[OldSkoolRS]

You could try something like this: http://www.keene.co.uk/electronic/unbranded/hdmi-3... as it's under £20 it might help you manage until you get your amp or rather your speakers sorted out. It might not be a good idea to turn the amp on with no speakers connected either (though I would have though most modern transistor amps could cope with having no output load). I tend to use my amp all the time anyway as I hate the tinny sound of my TV speakers, but I see your point. I still use a 4 in 2 out switch I bought before I got my amp as it is useful to split the HDMI and send it to either my TV or projector without having to swap cables, so this switch may even prove useful later on (maybe buy a 'better' but older amp that doesn't have as many HDMI inputs for example).

Edited by OldSkoolRS on Friday 3rd July 16:47

[cjs]

You have probably got a component input on your TV which may take a 720p input, does the PS3 have a component out?

Edited by cjs on Sunday 5th July 10:48

[oola]

You can get an AVout - Component cable for the PS3 which is on a few £.

Don't forget once you do get everything set up, you'll need a optical lead from the PS3 into the Onkyo to get your 5.1 surround sound.

[mrmr96]

I have a 5 way HDMI switcher from Maplin. Works fine. It has auto switching and manual override via infrared remote. Perfect.

[WWESTY]

Thanks for the input chaps.