How do the experts here solve this problem?

My TV has memory for picture settings for each input. Like many people, I use a AVR that does HMDI switching and therefore always use the same HDMI input to the TV. Since I have multiple sources and single input, I have to pick one picture setting to use for all sources.

Is there a better way? Why don't they make TV that have memory for signal sources instead of inputs? You can always assign a source to an input if people don't use a external switcher.

Thanks in advance for your advices.

Some TVs can also have picture "mode" settings like 'sports, vivid, movie,' etc., which can be used as additional settings memories. This would allow each mode memory to be used for each HDMI device in your system. Such mode memory features are typically only found in the higher-priced TVs. Cheaper displays may have the picture modes but not allow using them as picture settings memories.

Another workaround is to purchase an outboard video processor with multiple HDMI inputs and additional picture settings memories assigned to each input. In any case, you usually get what you pay for. Many novice consumers wonder why certain TVs cost so much more than others, when they look similar to them. This is a great example of why more discriminating videophiles spend the extra money for their TV. Certain capabilities, performance characteristics, features, functionality and options only appear in more elaborately engineered and costly models.

Best regards and beautiful pictures,
G. Alan Brown, President
CinemaQuest, Inc.

"Advancing the art and science of electronic imaging"

I'm not sure any of the sets do a great job of providing useful options though. For example some of the Sony's have Vivid, Standard, Custom, etc, but the Vivid and Standard modes have been mucked with internally in such a way that you cannot make them look professionally calibrated by any combination of user adjustable settings. I think most manufacturers only have one "clean" memory mode that doesn't lock you into a color or contrast or brightness bias of some sort that can't be undone in the user menus. If you don't like what they did at the factory to the Standard or Vivid or Sports modes, you're still stuck with GreenDice's problem.

I think the HDMI single output AVRs are just opposite in philosophy to the concept of separate settings by source type. I run everything direct to the TV and use a universal remote.

I think the HDMI single output AVRs are just opposite in philosophy to the concept of separate settings by source type. I run everything direct to the TV and use a universal remote.

Yeah. TV makers are putting more HDMI inputs on their TVs. AVR makers are trying to make us use their equipment to do switching.

I used to run all video directly to TV. With HDMI (instead of optical) carrying the high-quality audio signals (such as uncompressed 5.1/7.1 PCM etc) nowadays, it kind of forced me to send the HMDI through the AVR.

Unless there is a affordable way to split the HDMI to TV and AVR. I think their are around $70 each. I have 3 sources and will cost me $210. In addition, I really don't want to run the extra cables through the wall to my TV that is wall-mounted.

GeorgeAB is right about one thing. You get what you pay for. If money is no object, it is really not a problem.

The most reasonably priced solution I've found so far is at www.monoprice.com (http://www.monoprice.com)

They sell a 1 into 4 HDMI distrubution amplifier. They call it a splitter, but historically, splitters are passive devices with signal loss. The distribution amplifier plugs into AC power and sends a no-loss signal to 4 outputs for $112.50 or something like that. It goes out of stock on a regular basis (or has in the past) so you have to sign up for the Email notification when they are going to receive stock if it is out of stock when you try to order.

I've found no downside to using one of these devices so far. They do pass HDMI digital audio if you need that. Since I change video displays on a regular basis, having 4 outputs is a huge help. I can send the output of an AVR to all the HDMI inputs on the video display and tune each one for some speific purpose... 1 input for 480 satellite sources, one input for 1080 satellite sources, 1 input for high-def discs, 1 input for DVD, etc.

Monoprice also sells models with 2 outputs or 8 outputs.

Plug the output of the AVR into the input of the distribution amplifier, add 4 inexpensive HDMI cables (get the newer ones that cost $5 or $6 instead of $4 or $5) more just so you have the higher bandwidth cable.

...I've found no downside to using one of these devices so far...


This sounds reasonable. Can the video sources do HDMI bidirectional protocol/handshakes with the TV through the distribution amp? For instance, can PS3 recognize the TV display capability.

Thanks.

This sounds reasonable. Can the video sources do HDMI bidirectional protocol/handshakes with the TV through the distribution amp? For instance, can PS3 recognize the TV display capability.

Thanks.

I don't currently have an auto-setting output/source device I can use to test this. Both high-def disc players I have do a "hard wired" setting via a manual setup menu adjustment. My AVR blocks that anyway so it wasn't an issue for me. Obviously it could be an issue for somebody trying to use a 24p mode that can't be set manually.

After some reflection... there IS one SMALL downside to using the www.monoprice.com (http://www.monoprice.com) HDMI distribution amplifier... there have been perhaps 4 occasions in 5 months where the display and the AVR stop communicating. The only thing that would stop this was unplugging the HDMI distribution amp and plugging it back in (there is no power switch on it). I may have induced it myself - doing reviews requires changing a lot of things, turning things on and off a lot, doing calibrations that often require turning the video display off and back on fairly quickly to exit from a service menu and such. Every instance of having to reset the HDMI distribution amp happened during those sorts of situations. I've never had it go wonky just doing normal every-day viewing of movies or TV. But I figured in the name of full disclosure, I should mention this.