Topic: 2 TVs and 3 video game systems

[DAaaMan64]

So between my roommates and I we have a 360, PS3 and Wii. We want to be able to hook it up to some type of receiver/splitter/something that will allow me to easily play Wii on one TV while another person is playing PS3 on the other TV. This way we won't need to constantly disconnect and reconnect to the superior TV or something.


Probably not possible,


but whateva.


Thanks.  (I guess I'm paging Pro with this one).

[BlackNMild2k1]

The two TV's are next to each other?

[NinGurl69 *huggles]

The two TV's are next to each other?

Yes, what distances are we talking here?

[TJ Spyke]

If they are indeed right next to each other, why bother? It takes about 10 seconds to switch the cables from one TV to the other, and I sincerely doubt you will be switching them enough where that 10 seconds is a problem.

[stevey]

Buying two AV cables might be simplest and cheapest way out. (Or just never hooking up the Wii to the HD tv just as it was meant to be)

[NinGurl69 *huggles]

The two TV's are next to each other?

Yes, what distances are we talking here?

Where are the consoles relative to the TVs you want?
Are any of the systems going to move?

[TheBlackCat]

How many jacks do the TV's have?  The easiest solution would be to use a y-splitter to connect all systems to both TV's at the same time.  So each cable coming out of each system goes into a y-splitter, and each arm of the y-splitter goes to a different tv.  Then you just use the TV's internal input selector to pick the system.  If you don't have enough jacks on the tvs, you would need to get a manual input switcher, which is about $20 at radio shack.  In short, both TVs are getting the signal from all 3 systems, you just set the TVs themselves to display the signal from different systems depending on what you want. 

Analog y-splitters are cheap, $4-5 for the overpriced ones they seem to be selling nowadays.  I am not sure about HDMI ones though, but you can get HDMI stuff cheap online (the stuff in stores is once again really overpriced, but you have a better shot at radioshack).

[UncleBob]

Dude... it'd be so easy to set up.  You should see my set up.

With the 360 - can you use the component cables *and* the HDMI cable?  If so, that would easily solve the problem on how to hook it up to two TVs.  For the Wii, yeah, Y-splitter cables are the way to go.

[DAaaMan64]

Okay I'll look into it. The TVs will simply be in the same room together thats all I can guarantee. I'd like to use component for all the Wii stuff, I'd use either HDMI or component for the 360, and HDMI for the PS3. Any further advice?

[NinGurl69 *huggles]

The two TV's are next to each other?

Yes, what distances are we talking here?

Where are the consoles relative to the TVs you want?
Are any of the systems going to move?

Which console is going to frequently get kicked-off of the "good" TV?

[DAaaMan64]

The systems should preferably not move. Any of the systems could be kicked off at anytime

[NinGurl69 *huggles]

If you don't mind manually reconnecting cables on the back of the consoles, have 2 sets of of a cable for one console, for each TV.

Example:  Wii
- Have 2 sets of Component Cables
- One cable for each TV at all times
- Switch the plug on the Wii end whenever you make the change

If you don't want want to change the plug on the Wii and use a switching device instead,
- Get 2 sets of standard Component/RCA Audio cables
- One set for each TV at all times
- Get single set of Wii Component Cables
- Get a Component/AV switchbox
- Setup the switchbox in reverse, treating the TVs as multiple "inputs" and the Wii as the "output"
* You can apply this to an HDMI situation, but you have to buy an HDMI switchbox for each HDMI console (and each HDMI switchbox will need a free electrical outlet).  In all, you'd have 3 switchboxes, one for each console, to eliminate any unplugging.

Do not buy generic RCA Y-splitter cables for Component Video.  Splitting requires a duplicator-amplifier device to maintain signal strength/bandwidth.

[DAaaMan64]

Thanks Pro. Thats what we'll do.  Any component/HDMI switches you recommend? I used the Pelican ones in the past and they were pretty good. But I don't think they are manufactured anymore which sucks cuz they were all of 20 bucks.

[NinGurl69 *huggles]

For your purposes, you shouldn't spend more than $25 on each switchbox.  Any of the ones found on Amazon will do just fine.  Some boxes include remote controls, which may or may not increase the asking price.

[DAaaMan64]

For your purposes, you shouldn't spend more than $25 on each switchbox.  Any of the ones found on Amazon will do just fine.  Some boxes include remote controls, which may or may not increase the asking price.

Thanks I assumed as much. I got 2 for 27 bucks. One for the 360, one for the Wii.  Appreciate your help again.

[DAaaMan64]

Thanks Pro. It worked

[NinGurl69 *huggles]

No way?

Way.