HDMI/DVI and all that business

[Higgie]

Hi guys, I'm going to be buying a playstation 3 next week. Here's my dilemma:

My computer has a 22" flat panel HDCP compliant monitor. Therefore I figure I can use it with my PS3 instead of shelling out for the equivalent sized HDTV. The problem is, I need to be able to switch the monitor from PS3 signal to PC, and vice versa. I think I need some kind of HDMI/DVI siwtch box. Something with a DVI input for my computer to plug into, and a HDMI input for the PS3 to plug into, then a DVI out to my monitor, so I can switch between the two.

Could I get a 2 DVI input>1 DVI output box, and then use a HDMI to DVI cable from the PS3 to convert the signal to DVI before it hits the switcher box, or would it be better to use a box with HDMI/DVI inputs and then a DVI output?

And then for the final question, does anyone know of a unit that can do either of these things, for a decent price?!

Cheers guys

[Geoff St. Germaine]

It doesn't really matter which switch you use. I'd try to find a 2/1 DVI switch since you'll only need to make one conversion with the playstation's hdmi and none with the computer or monitor. It would probably be cheapest depending on availability of DVI switches.

[TheButler]

Can you not plug both in to your monitor and just use the switch on your monitor ? I do that with my 360 ... although the chances of us having the same moniotr is slim to none :P

[MCBTunes]

If you really want a switch look for DVI KVM switches, they'll set you back like 150 bucks. However I imagin your monitor has 2 inputs so plugging your PC and PS3 into the monitor at the same time and use the source button to switch them. Remember DVI doesn't do sound, so you'll need another output from PS3 to transfer sound to a receiver or something.

[Higgie]

Originally Posted by MCBTunes

If you really want a switch look for DVI KVM switches, they'll set you back like 150 bucks. However I imagin your monitor has 2 inputs so plugging your PC and PS3 into the monitor at the same time and use the source button to switch them. Remember DVI doesn't do sound, so you'll need another output from PS3 to transfer sound to a receiver or something.

Yeah, I've been trying to think of a way around the sound issue. Will probably just plug my stereo's speakers into the switch box I've found.

Switcher

Switcher 2

Both are made by the same company (Bandridge) but I'm not sure which would be best to get. The first one doesn't seem to support 1080p so should I get the 2nd one. Opinions?

[Higgie]

Bump...

[Geoff St. Germaine]

What is your monitor's resolution? Is it 1920x1200? If it is I'd get the 1080p capable switch.

[Higgie]

I think it does, but I'm not sure. I will have to check when I get home

[Bruce Lindfield]

Amazon in the UK sells a 3 way HDMI switcher for only £30!

HDMI Tri Link Switcher (PS3)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/HDMI-Tri-Lin...1275273&sr=8-1

[Bruce Lindfield]

There is a cheaper 4 way one now

http://www.google.co.uk/products?hl=...&um=1&ie=UTF-8

[Higgie]

Thanks Bruce, the only problem I can see with that is no Audio, as DVI is video only, so when I convert I will have no sound.

I think I found something on eBay that will sort me out for only £10 more!

Switcher

4 HDMI inputs (PS3), and 1 DVI input (computer), an HDMI output (included is a HDMI>DVI converter which goes to the monitor), and then audio outs which I can send to my stereo

All set I think! Thanks for the help guys

[Bruce Lindfield]

I have HD TV on Sky as well as a PS3 and audio for both comes through the HDMI lead!

[Higgie]

Sorry for not being clear, what I meant was, once converted to DVI, there is no audio - The DVI cable only transmits video. So I was looking for a unit that had outputs to go to a stereo

[Higgie]

Right. I bought my PS3, and this switcher unit. Plugged everything in. On the PC channel, everything is fine. On the PS3 channel, there is just a blank black screen. I have been searching high and low for a solution to my problem, but no luck as of yet.

The Signal switcher box came with a HDMI->DVI adaptor as standard, so what's happening is this:

The PS3 goes to the switcher via HDMI-HDMI cable.
PC goes to switcher via DVI-DVI.
The output goes from HDMI out straight into a DVI converter, then a DVI-DVI cable to the monitor.

When on the PC channel, I have visuals and everything works perfect. I switch to the PS3 input, and the screen is black. I can see no reason why it isn't working, as the Monitor has HDCP support and the PC channel is working fine. I can only guess that the HDMI port on my PS3 is faulty, or the HDMI lead is buggered.

Any ideas?

[Higgie]

Bumpity bump!