Two RCA Sources to One RCA Input?

[sgupta]

Hey folks,

I have one HDMI input on my TV, and I wanted to be able to use two HDMI sources. Got a switcher which works great. Only problem is, I didn't realize it didn't do audio. (It doesn't say it doesn't specifically, so I just assumed it passed the whole HDMI signal...apparently it passes only the video =o/ ).

That's not a huge problem in itself and I'd live with it as I don't think audio is degraded using separate cables, BUT, my problem becomes I only have one RCA input for my HDMI port and two components I need to connect (my HD receiver and my DVD player).

What's the easiest way to do this...assuming there is one? Help very much appreciated! If I can't effectively do this, the switcher is useless. (And that wouldn't make me particularly happy. lol)

Thanks!

[mjones73]

You should be able to just use two RCA splitters from radio shack to combine the signals instead of splitting them.

[sgupta]

Just looked at Radio Shack online, and I guess I just don't see any type of splitter or combiner that is doing what I'd need. Any chance you could point me in the right direction? Perhaps I'm missing something. I see Y adapters and things like that, but nothing that will take 2 sets of RCA inputs (4 plugs) and make it into 1 set (2 plugs).

[raff]

Two standard RCA (Phono) Y adapters will work just fine.

Here's the Radio Shack part number, 274-881


http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F007%5F002%5F001%5F002&product%5Fid=274%2D881

[Kal Rubinson]

Two standard RCA (Phono) Y adapters will work just fine.

Here's the Radio Shack part number, 274-881
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F007%5F002%5F001%5F002&product%5Fid=274%2D881

These may work or they may not since they connect the two RCS sources and one may short the other, depending on the design of their output stages. In addition, if both are active, you will hear both audio signals mixed.

Better to use a switch to select between the two sources so that only one is connected at a time.

Kal

[mjones73]

You need two splitters, one for the left channel one for the right.

[raff]

In addition, if both are active, you will hear both audio signals mixed.



Kal

Or how about just shut off the inactive device...

[stuckinthemud]

Or how about just shut off the inactive device...

Way too simple!

I had a crew of firewall/lan experts trying to build a custom firewall for me one time. I asked them why I could not just unplug the connection when not in use. They scratched their heads and said "I suppose that would work". KISS!

Nate

[sgupta]

Thanks for the responses. Finally think I understand what you're saying! I do have a question though:

So bascially, you're taking each source, converting it to mono, and feeding it into either the left or right channel. Wouldn't this impact sound quality negatively? I would think it would have to have an impact, but I could be wrong. (Frankly, I didn't even realize you could do this...I thought you always had to hook up each source to BOTH RCA inputs unless there was a plug to specifically combine 'em like a 1/8 input).

As far as turning off the alternative sources, that's a yes and no issue. It's no problem for the DVD player. For the HDTivo, though, I'd have to put it on standby or something.

Thanks for any answers you can give me.

If worse comes to worst, I can return the HDMI switcher I suppose and get one that DOES do audio. (Still annoyed I didn't know it didn't, which is partially my fault, but I don't think that was especially made clear).

[Splicer]

Technically each channel (left/right) is mono. It is when they are combined (used together) that the become 'stereo'.

[sgupta]

Ahhh. Never knew that. I'll have to think it over. I'm actually tempted to change to an HDMI switcher with audio as this solution seems like it could get annoying with the Tivo. But good to know I have another option. Hmmm.

[Jester]

So bascially, you're taking each source, converting it to mono, and feeding it into either the left or right channel.

No, they were suggesting you connect the right output of one device and the right output of the other device to the combiner and then plug it into the right input of the receiver. Then lather, rinse and repeat the left side. You would not be converting the signal to MONO, you would be connecting two STEREO connections to the same STEREO input.

You would have to mute or power off the device that you are not watching to prevent hearing both signals at the same time, but at least you don't have to change the connections.

[sgupta]

OOHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I'm an idiot! I kept trying to put L and R for each together in my head, which is why I didn't understand how that could work out well. LOL. I get it now! ;o) Really! Thanks. That makes a lot of sense.

Well, at this point I'm leaning towards going with a different switcher (found one for around the same price that does both video and audio, though I'll need to get the HDMI cables separately, so it'll end up costing a little more than I planned) simply because I really don't think this is the optimum solution (I'd essentially have to disable my STB while I watch DVD's). Guess I'll just sell the one I got (a Gefen...good unit...just not exactly what I thought it was). I could return it too, but I don't really want to pay the restocking fee.

BUT, I still learned something, and you never know when I might need to know this in the future. Thanks all!

[TheAntMan]

S,

You want to do all this when you could avoid this by using....component cables for the STB or DVD player? With component cables there are no switchers involved or anything else to combine. Just thought I'd ask.

A-

[Ratman]

OOHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I'm an idiot! I kept trying to put L and R for each together in my head,!

Left out device A and left out from device B into the Y adapter.

Same for the right channels.

Y adapter from left(s) to the left input.
Y adapter from right(s) to the right input.

[sgupta]

For the DVD player, it won't upscale via component, so HDMI is definitely the best option there. For the STB, I think it will upscale via component, but I'd prefer HDMI if possible (for now and the future) since it's all digital and both boxes support it...I just think it's the best connection type available to me, so I want to use it if possible. If this last try doesn't work out well, I'll probably do as you suggest. lol.

And I see now how to group the outputs together by channel (left goes into left; right into right). Good info. to have for the future should I ever require it. Thanks again everybody for the clarification.

[TheAntMan]

For the DVD player, it won't upscale via component, so HDMI is definitely the best option there. For the STB, I think it will upscale via component, but I'd prefer HDMI if possible (for now and the future) since it's all digital and both boxes support it...I just think it's the best connection type available to me, so I want to use it if possible. If this last try doesn't work out well, I'll probably do as you suggest. lol.

I hear Ya man. You got good input and know what you want. Definately Upscale DVD with HDMI, and if this last try doesn't work with STB/HDMI, you know that you can always use the component/rca in.

[Kal Rubinson]

Again, get a switch from RadioShack for the audio. They sell a line of 3-cable switchers (composite video, Laudio, Raudio) but you can ignore the video connection. They make them simple and mechanical and they make them fancy with remote control. All pretty inexpensive and all safe from the prospect of damage.

Kal

[sgupta]

Hmmm...that's another option I suppose. Thanks. =o)