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one receiver two sets of 5.1 speaker distribution help

post #1 of 4
Thread Starter 
I need help distributing 5.1 audio from 1 receiver to 2 different sets of 5.1 speakers systems on two different floors. I need the audio to play on only 1 floor at a time.
On the one floor there's a 50 inch LCD TV and 5.1 speaker system.
On the other floor there is an Epson projector and a different set of 5.1 speakers. The receiver, Xbox, DVD player, and cable box are located in the equipment closet in the basement. All of the equipment is controlled through an infrared blaster from either floor, but I can't find the right switch or equipment to let me use only 1 set of 5.1 speakers at a time. I use zone A from the receiver for 5.1 speakers and zone B for stereo outside speakers. I need some way to externally switch the speakers from one floor to the other. We watch TV, Xbox on one floor, but watch movies on the projector on the other. Previously I had duplicate sets of receivers, cable boxes...etc on each floor. I want to consolidate to one system. I can't find anybody who sells a simple A/B switch to switch the 5.1 speaker systems.
All of the switches I find are for 2 in 1 out, or 1 in multiple stereo out. Any help or suggestions?
post #2 of 4
Just put a 2nd, inexpensive AVR in that stack to run the 2nd room. Split the HDMI signal at the sources (probably just the cable box and the BD player). This will be easier to use and allow for both systems to be used at the same time.

Jeff
post #3 of 4
Thread Starter 
Jeff, thanks for the suggestion. I was doing just that until it became a PITA changing the inputs around.

I only listed a few of the inputs.
I have the two AVR's, but only one each of the Xbox, Blu-Ray, Cablebox, HT Computer, Satetite Radio, IPad.
All of which connect to their respective inputs on the AVR. It's not just video. I should have been clearer...sorry.
Most of the time, we use the downstairs, but when friends come over we use the bigger space and watch/play/listen upstairs.
The kids just got me started on Halo 4. I mean... HALO 4 life size is awesome biggrin.gifbiggrin.gif
Whatever they want to use, audio or video has to be disconnected and then re-connected to the AVR for that floor.
Sometimes, it's just not conveinient. It would be great to just flip a switch to change speaker output.
I already have the speaker wires down to the equipment room.


I found this device:

Coleman A/B switcher, but it's almost $500 Although it's exactly what I need. If I coud find a $200 version rolleyes.gif I'd be all set.

abswitch_zpsd4ae2ca9.jpg
post #4 of 4
Thread Starter 
Well, I couldn't get much help from places that I asked about this (thanks Jeff).
After a month of searching here and elsewhere, the only answer given was to spend $500 bucks for the Coleman switch.
So, I had to resort to good old Yankee ingenuity.
I went and bought 8 DPDT switches from Radio Shack and mounted them to a plate. ($40 in parts vs $500 switch .. no brainer)
6 switches for the 5.1 speakers, and while I was at it, 2 switches for zone B that I can now pipe stereo sound to the yard and garage.
Voila'... not high tech, but it works great.
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