VGA and HDMI simultaneously?

[LeAnn B]

We have two projectors at the front of the church and a flat screen tv monitor at the back of the sanctuary. Just bought a Kramer VP-728 switch, which says in the manual

The output signal is available simultaneously on a 15-
pin HD computer graphics video (UXGA) connector and on an HDMI
connector.

So basically I need clarification. I should be able to run the projectors and monitor at the same time or independently? Not a different source on each but I can black the projectors while only having the monitor showing or visa versa?

Also the people that installed the tv monitor ran it as VGA and after looking at the cost of long run HDMI cables I'm thinking a VGA to HDMI converter would be cheaper and easier. Will that work?
Thanks in advance for your help!

[prochlea]

Generally - when there is two outputs on a device like that, they do not have separate controls. They're both on, or both blacked out. If you want to back out one projector vs the other, you'll likely need to use the projector remote.

[LeAnn B]

So what does it mean in the manual when say they can be used simultaneously? That I can run them at the same time but not control them separately?

[rjwalker]

Originally Posted by LeAnn B

So what does it mean in the manual when say they can be used simultaneously? That I can run them at the same time but not control them separately?

FWIW, that's how I read that clause

[bpalermini]

Me too:

si·mul·ta·ne·ous[sahy-muhl-tey-nee-uhs, sim-uhl-] adjective existing, occurring, or operating at the same time; concurrent: simultaneous movements; simultaneous translation.

[LeAnn B]

Ok we'll that's not good because our remotes cannot control the projectors from the sound booth. I picked up an IR extender but can't get it to work.

[LeAnn B]

Thanks for the English lesson

Originally Posted by bpalermini

Me too:

si·mul·ta·ne·ous[sahy-muhl-tey-nee-uhs, sim-uhl-] adjective existing, occurring, or operating at the same time; concurrent: simultaneous movements; simultaneous translation.

[LeAnn B]

Ok I think I solved my problem of not being able to control the projectors and monitor independently. I purchased one of these http://www.ebay.com/itm/261043261384...ht_2234wt_1163 And it will allow me to 'black' the screens I choose with the push of a button. Not ideal but should work. Thanks for everyone's help!

[VoltNHalf]

Regarding your question of the VGA/HDMI converter: be careful. HDMI implements HDCP (basically digital copy protection). The converters which do not handle this will simply black out the display device when copy protected material is transmitted.

[Brad Weber]

Are the projector and monitor both the same format and native resolution? If you have a common situation like a 1024x768 native resolution projector and 1920x1080 resolution monitor then then to get the best image on the projector would mean the monitor image would be scaled and pillarboxed (black bars on both sides) or scaled and horizontally stretched (everyone looks fatter on it).

There is unfortunately very limited information available on the Belkin box you bought. They don't even tell you the type of connectors used. What might be an issue is that it may not 'black' the displays, it may simply not provide any signal at all except to the selected outputs. That means how the projector and monitor react when they lose and regain the signal may be a factor. When you deselect either the projector or monitor you may see nothing or see some noise or it may display a warning or it may try to find a signal on another input. And when you then reselect the signal to it the projector or display may have to resync. The result may be acceptable, I just doubt that it is going to be a smooth going to black and then back to the image.

[LeAnn B]

Luckily I've had experience with the Belkin box before (had one in my previous church but forgot to take it with me when I moved). I believe it does 'cut the signal'. It doesn't do a pretty fade to black but it does go black. And I can fade to black on the Kramer switch first, cut the signal to the projectors and then fade back in on just the back monitor.

[LeAnn B]

I decided not to go that route, thanks!

LeAnn

Originally Posted by VoltNHalf

Regarding your question of the VGA/HDMI converter: be careful. HDMI implements HDCP (basically digital copy protection). The converters which do not handle this will simply black out the display device when copy protected material is transmitted.