This would depend on the type of Audio/Video you are trying to split.
Splitting Composite Video : (Yellow/Red/White connections) VERY simple. You don't need a device, ... you can buy three RCA splitters at any electronics store for this. (Cheap)
Splitting Component Video :
(Red/Green/Blue/White/Red) Same instructions as above, except you will need FIVE RCA splitters. (Cheap)
Where it gets sticky is with HDMI. You "can" split HDMI, but you have to have a device specifically designed to split HDMI, ... and they are VERY VERY VERY expensive. The reason for this is that HDMI data streams are designed (for DRM purposes (Digital Rights Management)) to authenticate the device on the other end. The device won't output anything over HDMI until the display/device is authenticated. So, ... you can't attach two devices to any type of HDMI cable splitter, or two devices will try to sync at the same time and it will simply fail. An HDMI splitter is a device that authenticates as itself and plays "middle-man." It then authenticated with the display(s) and forwards digital packets to them... The last time I recall seeing one, I believe it was in the $2000 range.
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Based on your question, this could mean the other way around, too. (How to receive multiple inputs to one device without an audio receiver, when the television doesn't have enough inputs.) In which case, Best Buy sells a "gaming" A/V switch box as well as an HDMI switch box. The gaming switch box can be found in the PS3/XBox area, and the HDMI switch box can be found in the home theater dept, and sometimes, right next to the gaming switch box as well..
14 years ago
by
JeffIllinois
Peoria, IL