I've run dual RG-6 all over my house for distributed video, but haven't actually hooked up components to those wires. Who out there can give me some advice / pointers before I start buying componentry? I'm especially concerned about solving the control problem. Any thoughts?
Plus, I know I'm not the only one out there working on this project.
Topics in Distributed Video
Wed, 03/02/2005 - 10:37
#1
Topics in Distributed Video
RF Modulation works well, as long as your secondary displays are smaller and don't need really high quality. It is a great inexpensive solution.
There are many others, all the way up to a component video distribution block to send component video to your entire house. This, coupled with Component over Cat-5 is pretty easy as well, although VERY expensive.
Okay, so I can see the modulation working one-way pretty simply (one source you want to get out to many rooms), but the two-way thing seems a lot more complicated. Of course, I'm not even convinced there's a strong need for two-way (any source in any room routed to other rooms).
When you say two-way, you mean IR-based returns to control the original source right? I have these in place and they are not complicated. Does mean you might need a few more remotes throughout the house tho - or a really cool holster.
That's one issue, but I was referring to a multi-zone configuration. Example: If I have two TiVo's in two different rooms, can I route either TiVo's signal downstairs to watch on the treadmill? Seems like the multiple source thing makes simple RF modulation a bit (lot) more complicated, so say nothing of the remote control problem.
Am I missing something straightforward?
RF Modulation is easy to split/join, so you can do multiple sources pretty easy, but in the end you may as well just put them all in one room right? If you have whole house distribution, why complicate it by having different inputs different places?
RF is easy to do. I know there are Modulators out there that you can select 4 or 5 channels. So all you need is one Modulator for each component, then use the TVs tuner or a VCR if you want to get the audio out. Now this can't be on the same buss as your Cable/SAT is on. And if you are going to use more then say 5 Modulators and 5 Demodulators (TV/VCRS) you will need some way to amp the voltage on the buss. If you go this route you will need a way to bring all the sources together, amp them, and then distribute them back out. Meaning more wires.
Paul
For my solution I have a 4 channel. 2 channels are for my TiVos, and then 1 channel is 'second room output' from my receiver, so I can watch any other device, although I have to switch it at the receiver (and can only do one at a time). However, this is 'good enough' for my use.
I have DirecTV, so those runs come straight to the family room, and I have RG6 runs through the house shared between my OTA antenna and the modulated signals.