Upgrading to HD, need a switcher

[scarleton]

We are part of the 80% of USA churches that are less than 200 folks. Aka, we have limited funds...

We want to go from two 800x600 projectors to about 6 HD TV's. There are a few questions:

1. How do we distribute the signal, stick with VGA, DVI, or HDMI?
2. What hardware should be used to distribute the signal to all the displays?
3. Pastor wants to switch between 2 sources, one video camera and the computer/slides. What is the most cost effective switch to do this? The camera IS a HD camera.

[Jay M]

I'll assume you need to do this for as little money as possible. I'm sure there are as many ways to go about this as there are forum members. I'll throw out a few thoughts...

For distribution, Monoprice has some very inexpensive HDMI splitters. One in particular, can convert an HDMI signal to CAT6 which can then be run up to 50 meters to an HDMI receiver. That's about $400 or so plus cables.

For switching between PC content and a camera, I think some of the presentation software can handle a live video input. The free Screen Monkey program can do live video, but I don't know about HD.

I would assume all you need is a computer with some HD capture card, such as a $250 to $500 black magic design card and presentation software.

Another option would be a real video switcher. The cheapest HD switcher I'm aware of is the Panasonic AW-HS50N for about $4000.

Black Magic makes some interesting products that might do what you want for switching as well. Take a look at their web page.

~Jay

[scarleton]

Is there any reason they Monoprice "2x8 Matrix HDMI Switch & Splitter" would not work? It seems very reasonably priced. As far as HDMI run length, I cannot imagine it would be more than 100 feet.

(the switch/spliter is found: HOME > VIDEO/AUDIO SWITCHES > Audio & Video Splitters > HDMI Matrix Switch and Splitters)

[Jay M]

Everything I've ever gotten from Monoprice works very well. I assume that in your case all your HDMI runs will be long, and near the maximum that's supported. If it works, that would be great!

Just be aware that the gauge of HDMI cable you need to go 100' will be very thick, that might make installation a challenge.

~Jay