HDMI splitter

[MIL]

Is the Beyonwiz HDMI splitter powered / does it come with an AC adaptor?

[sub3R]

Yes.

Mine came with a 100-240V 50/60Hz input, 5V DC 1000mA output plug-in AC/DC adapter.

[MIL]

Thanks. So it needs to be powered?

[Paul_oz53]

Thanks. So it needs to be powered?

Yes.

I have a powerboard with four usb power outlets behind the cabinet that powers my 5V devices as it cuts down on the need for powerboard outlets for plugpacks.

[sub3R]

Thanks. So it needs to be powered?

Yes. That’s how I use mine.

The manual that came with mine states:

“2. Connect the DC 5V power supply to the splitter. ...”
(My comment: This is after connecting input source & output displays).

There is also an ‘Attention’ comment in the manual. In part it states:

“In order to protect the splitter and your devices, please make sure the splitter is powered off before you attach in or extract video source and displays. ...”

[MIL]

So the splitter can be left in an "always on" state?

I was thinking of running my xbox one as the source, and my TV, and my U4 as its destinations.

[Paul_oz53]

So the splitter can be left in an "always on" state?

I was thinking of running my xbox one as the source, and my TV, and my U4 as its destinations.

Yes. My own setup powers down when I switch off the TV but it has run for extended periods always on.

I route Foxtel via the splitter to the AV receiver and the U4. I do notice a delay of several seconds when first switching to Foxtel as HDCP renegotiates but after that it is fine. Usually, we watch Foxtel by selecting HDMI-IN on the U4. I'd expect the xbox to be similar.

[MIL]

So the splitter can be left in an "always on" state?

I was thinking of running my xbox one as the source, and my TV, and my U4 as its destinations.

Yes. My own setup powers down when I switch off the TV but it has run for extended periods always on.

I route Foxtel via the splitter to the AV receiver and the U4. I do notice a delay of several seconds when first switching to Foxtel as HDCP renegotiates but after that it is fine. Usually, we watch Foxtel by selecting HDMI-IN on the U4. I'd expect the xbox to be similar.

You mention an initial delay when first switching to Foxtel. Do you think this splitter will create a lag between my xbox to the TV? A gaming console with a lag is not ideal. I don't care if there's lag from xbox to U4 though.

[Paul_oz53]

Hi MIL.

The effect I am referring to is in establishing the initial picture, HDMI has a DRM protection scheme HDCP that gives a blank screen if your connected device doesn't respond with the HDCP signal. It appears most splitters do provide the HDCP signal but can be slow in doing so. But it seems they do not pass it onto their outputs, much to my delight.

I doubt it will affect latency to a noticeable degree but I don't have any experience with that so it's something you would need to experiment with.

[MIL]

Do I need to consider a certain standard of HDMI cable to remove the HDCP?

I'm looking at this: https://www.amazon.com.au/DTECH-Cable-0 ... 307&sr=8-5

[MrQuade]

Do I need to consider a certain standard of HDMI cable to remove the HDCP?

I'm looking at this: https://www.amazon.com.au/DTECH-Cable-0 ... 307&sr=8-5

No, the cable doesn't participate in HDCP other than to provide the communications pathway. The splitter is the important bit when it comes to HDCP.

As far as the quality of that cable goes, I'm not sure I would be buying it. While it is true that you don't need to spend a fortune on cables, you can also get cables that are very much not up to standard. Cheap, uncertified cables can often cut corners thus rendering them non-complaint. You end up getting sparkling artefacts, or signal dropouts when trying to pass higher bandwidth signals (eg. 1080p24 bluray signals may be fine, but a 1080p60 game signal may break up).

The thing that sticks out with that cable description, is that they never use the words:
Standard HDMI
High Speed HDMI
Premium High Speed HDMI
Ultra High Speed HDMI

All of these terms are certification levels that guarantee a level of performance. If the cable doesn't meet the specified performance corresponding to that level of certification, then you have all the grounds in the world to return the product as being non-compliant. The manufacturer may have been lying, or the cable might contain a manufacturing fault, either way, you have solid grounds to return it.

The product description you have linked specifies "High-speed" with a hyphen and then later "Highly Compatible with HDMI 2.0/1.4/1.3 Version" which rings alarm bells that the cable is probably not certified.

Even if you see the words "High Speed", this is not a guarantee that it actually is certified (if the vendor is unscrupulous), but technically, they are not permitted to describe their cables as certified when they are not.

That being said, even the "Amazon Basics" HDMI cable is described as "High-speed" with a hyphen, but those ones generally have a good reputation from what I hear.

The cable might work, it might give you trouble, the price means that you aren't risking much except your time. But I'd still recommend something around the $8-$12 range that actually uses the words "High Speed".