CurtPalme.com Home Theater Forum

daves123 · Joined: 16 Jan 2009 Posts: 126

I need to be able to switch 2 inputs and 2 outputs separate of each other. I know this can be accomplished with a switch and a separate matrix switch, just wondering if there is an all in one solution. What I want to do is switch between 2 sources into my scaler, and then switch between 2 displays. My RPTV and my PJ. The scaler only has one dvi in and one dvi out. Hopefully I explained this ok, cuz i'm a little confused myself.

jkruger · Joined: 24 Oct 2007 Posts: 2435 Location: Carlsbad, CA

This one will work:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10110&cs_id=1011002&p_id=5704&seq=1&format=2

You will need dvi-hdmi cables to hook it up but then all you need to do is run your souces into any of the first three inputs, hook the scaler's input to one of the outputs and the output to the fourth input and then you can use three different displays on the other three outputs. this will give you a complete matrix of switching ability. Three sources in, three displays, and the scaler can be switched in or out of the line in any configuration.

daves123 · Joined: 16 Jan 2009 Posts: 126

Perfect, that looks like exactly what I need. I'm still a little confused though. Just to be clear, I want to hook up 2 sources to my scaler that only has 1 input, and switch the scaler between 2 displays. If the scalers input is hooked up to one of the matrix switches outputs, is it still able to display the scaler on the other 3 outputs?

Thanks for the help, i'm just having a little trouble wrapping my head around this one.

jkruger · Joined: 24 Oct 2007 Posts: 2435 Location: Carlsbad, CA

yes. any input can be connected to any or all outputs, any input run thru the matrix to the scaler and then back to the matrix and out thru one, two, or three outputs. or one input can bypass the scaler while two others go thru it. any of the four inputs can be connected to any of the four outputs. by using one output for the scaler's source, you can then run the scaler's output back thru a different input on the matrix and send it to any of it's outputs, except the one the scaler is hooked to, it might not like that much. I doubt it would do any damage but it would be just a loop in the signal.

jarseneau · Joined: 06 Nov 2007 Posts: 323 Location: WI

daves123 · Joined: 16 Jan 2009 Posts: 126

Those diagrams help. I tried to draw it out myself and was still confused thanks. So both jkrugers method 2nd drawing, and yours 1st will work then. I knew I could do it with 2 separate boxes, but wasn't sure about a matrix switcher. For cost reasons I think i'll stick with the switch / splitter option, unless you guys think the matrix switch would offer any advantages quality wise, due to less cables being run.

jkruger · Joined: 24 Oct 2007 Posts: 2435 Location: Carlsbad, CA

Here's a 4 x 1 switch for $30.00 that is made by the same company as the matrix:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10110&cs_id=1011002&p_id=4088&seq=1&format=2

This page has a bunch of inexpensive splitters:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/search.asp?keyword=dvi+splitter&x=20&y=14