[nrk7001]

So, I have built an HTPC and thought the ability for me to send 2 to 4 video and audio signals out of my PC would be easy. Think again. I am only looking to clone the exact output and not send different sources. Sounds easy right? Not really.


So I am debating on using 1 output from my video card, the DVI to HDMI out. from there, I would hook up the GefenTV HDMI x 4 splitter with audio. from there, I will send the main display to my projector(AV receiver), the 2nd display will be a generic monitor in my media room for maintenance, the 3rd display will be a generic monitor in my office upstairs so I can use this PC from my office (I will extend over ethernet for the long run). and the 4th will be converted to component video with analog audio (seems to be the hardest to figure out).


Ya, Im serious about this. So, any comments on the best way to do this? Ive tried cloning displays with the other outputs and another video card and this was a mess. It seems like if I use my HDMI/DVi out and my component video out on my ATI card, I get video tearing and the quality is less. This is unacceptable to me and cant believe ATi has not addressed this.

1. I need full 7.1 audio and 720P resolution sent to my theater. i will upgrade to a 1080P projector eventually, but for now, I will use 1280x720 resolution on all displays to keep it simple. thinking of getting the Asus HDAV for True HD but, not using that yet.
   
2. I need 1 component video out and an analog (red blue) out to hook up to my video distribution system in my house. I was going to convert one of the 4 outputs to analog component video. Not found a good converter yet. i wish I could just use my second audio out on my motherboard and the component video out, but there is no way to clone the audio from my ATI HDMI and analog sound (thanks HDCP). Also get video tearing using my component video out.

Setup:

Windows 7 64 bit

ATI 4890

igabyte UD5 mobo

Intel i7 920 chip.

6GB Ram

 

[nrk7001]

Also, I thought an easy answer would be to add more video cards or use crossfire. Tried that and it seems like I can not clone windows over separate video cards, I can only extend my desktop. So, unless that is not the case, I cant use this easy answer.

 

[nrk7001]

Thanks very much for the in depth post. This helps me feel more comfortable with teh route im going. i almost gave up and just used the extender thing through my Xbox360. it is almost perfect, but at the end of the day, I would like to use my PC to its fullest if need be. (Pandora, Last FM, web browsing). there are plenty of plug ins and work arounds in extender, but some are shotty at best.


As far as the HDMI1.3, i think I'm going to try this out with a new Gefen splitter. I like your post about the HDFury2. did this work well for you for your component and analog audio needs? i think this is a part of the puzzle I have not figured out what I am going to use.


Last question for anyone that wants to answer. two of my HDMI outs on the splitter will go to PC monitors. I have monitors now that accept DVI, I would rather not buy a new monitor to accept the HDMI. I should be able to just use an HDMI DVI converter right? seems obvious, but with the Gefen splitter....i get nervous.

 

[nrk7001]

Let me just say, I have received my Gefen 1x4 splitter and.....so far so good. I have a 22" monitor, Projector, and a HDFury2 to component video all hook up so far and it looks nice. I had some ovresan issues primarily with the Hdfury component video. just some tinkering with the ATi CC and switching inputs fixed this. I think it was worth the extra cash I shelled out for it. I tried multiple video cards in my HTPC and also passive DVI splitters. this has worked the best.


Anyone looking for multiple clone monitors throughout the house, I recommend this product.