Hi-Def Distribution

[Mike]

Came across this (for those who saw my early reference, it is Audio Authority who made the distribution amplifiers I was using to do something similar, just using more traditional means, not over cat5. Also I was lucky enough to find the amps for $20 a piece...).

http://www.audioauthority.com/residentvid.php

Interesting concept, only thing was I saw this and two wallplates going for $600 (and a new wallplate for around $220). Which considering I suppose isn't too bad, but the cost for a few rooms could get back to the issue of it being cheaper to buy new equipment. Very clean looking regardless...

 

[electron]

That looks pretty nice. I am surprised that they don't support 1080p tho, I wonder why ...

 

[Mike]

That's an interesting point, I didn't catch that. They say they can use cat5, 5e or 6 wire, if I remember some bandwidth discussions when looking at component video switches I don't think it's the cable (if cat5 is (typically I think) 100MHZ and 5e is 350MHZ I think 100MHZ is plenty for high definition but I don't remember all the details).

The only other thing I could think of, doesn't quite fit either: Many devices will only output 480p over component and won't upconvert to 1080p (or send it) unless it is a copy protected HDMI output. This doesn't fit though as the limit would be less.

I wonder if it is as simple as a typo...

 

[mcascio]

You guys might want to check out this option which has been around longer than the audio authority from what I know.

http://www.svideo.com/1080i.html

I'm using 3 pair of these throughout my home and they seem to work flawlessly.

The price is right and even gets better. If you enter cinemaronline in the coupon code you'll save another 10% off.

One of my sources is a computer running 1280x720 and it looks great on all the TVs. Add a gyration wireless mouse and keyboard and you've got yourself computer access where you typically might not want to keep a computer.

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

Mario:

That looks nice for an "end to end" solution, but what happens when you need to "distribute" the signal to multiple places?

 

[Mike]

Add a distribution amp, I'm guessing. This would take a single input and copies it. Add an IR controllable component video switch and it is another approach to this...

I looked at these and preferred the coax approach (with the amp and switch if required) as it was cheaper (this is $160 per connection just for baluns). Easier to implement granted and easier to run the wires of course (1 run versus 5 is easier anyday). I had the option of running the wires, I know these baluns are really popular when you can't really add new wires but you have cat5 already.

I guess you could put the balun the wall and then connect it to quickport plates for a clean install.

This is the same concept as the audio authority one essentially, it's just very well packaged in the AA case. You just add a coax input, an ir channel and wall plates and such...

The AA one already allows for multiple outputs and includes the amp. But you are paying for essentially the same thing.

 

[alexzogh]

I went the uber-expensive route using a Crestron Pvid system over cat5. Has the added benefit of distributing from any room to any other room, but the downside of component only.

 

[Mike]

Nice setup. Component only is only a downside if your tv's dont have component inputs.

If you installed crestron, I'm guessing that's not a problem.

The only issue I would see is the upconverting issue that seems to be the norm now: you only get 480p out of devices if it's not going over a HDCP (sp) copy protected output like HDMI or DVI (it's DVI as well right?) and it won't convert it to 1080p for example.

Of course digital is better than analog, but for the flexibility you have, I think the 'compromise' is acceptable. You can always locate the source equipment in the primary viewing area and use digital outputs there, but distribute component to the rest of the house...

I'm wondering how this will work with HD DVD's, as the native will be higher than 480p so will it even have component out....

 

[GadgetBoy]

I looked at these and preferred the coax approach (with the amp and switch if required) as it was cheaper (this is $160 per connection just for baluns).

If I can run the coax, does it make sense to run that instead of dropping so much money for these CAT5 products? Will the signal be strong enough travel a 1000 square foot house?

 

[Mike]

I've actually begun to use exactly that approach. And that was (as noted above) my thought as well, coax is so cheap and uncomplicated...

Now if you have cat5 in the walls and brick construction, I'm guessing you would be happy to pay that perhaps. I like the concept just don't like the extra cost...