I have a fairly outdated television. It's a Mitsubishi projection 1080 series HD set, probably about 3 years old. It supports 1080i.
I've got a cable box that runs it's 1080i feature. I got a PS3 and bought the component cables, as the tv doesn't have HDMI.
There are 3 component connectors in the back and 3 composite. However, I just found out from the person I bought the tv from, only one of the inputs on the tv displays 1080i. The other two are 480i, which is lame.
How can I split the cable box and the PS3 both on the 1080i? I was thinking 5 Y-splitters? Aren't there boxes out there that'll split it?
I just need help figuring this out and choosing the best option that'll have the best quality. I'm aware no matter what I do there will be some quality degradation.
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
I've got a 4 year old 48" mitsubishi projection TV too. I've got three component inputs and they all support 1080i. Plug the components in and turn the TV to the correct input. It will say in the corner what definition it is displaying. I bet it'll do 1080i on all of them. Your friend probably wasn't giving it a 1080i feed. If you run component cable from a vcr or dvd player that doesn't provide 1080i the TV will know what it's really getting and display what is coming into it.
Make sure your cable box is set to 1080i.
If that doesn't work I don't know why a splitter wouldn't work. The RCA cables are all the same, just make sure you get the cables connected to the right spots on all of the splitters.
In your case, what you need is a device for "switching" sources into a single input. Combining two or more sources with a single cable will send one source's output to the other sources output electronics, causing damage to that unit. There ARE a couple of simple ways to achieve this task properly though.
The most common way is by connecting your Component Video sources to a surround sound receiver. Many (but not all) of these receivers will include more than one Component Video input (red, green, blue) along with a Component Video output that connects to the appropriate input on your TV or display device. By simply choosing the source that you want to watch from the receivers selector buttons or remote control, the picture will change to your preferred source on the TV and the sound will come through your surround speakers.
If you don't want to go the receiver route, there are component video/audio switchers available from a handful of manufacturers, some poor quality but most are fine. The resolution capabilities will range from 720p/1080i to full 1080p depending on your requirements. You should take care to plan ahead though, whenever possible. You wouldn't want to be forced to purchase another switching device or receiver just because it's time to buy a new TV!
If you have more specific questions than this answer has covered, please feel free to contact me directly via e-mail or telephone at 770-314-1596 (Atlanta, GA)
You cannot use simple "Y" adapters for video signals and it would be worse to use them for HD Video.
Video cables (which are different from red/white RCA cables) are built to exactly match the input jacks on your TV so the high frequency signals do not reflect.
Think of a speed bump at 5 miles per hour. Not a problem for most cars. But put the speed bump on the freeway - and it destroys things. The low speed audio signals wont care if they hit a "Y" adapter, but the higher speed video signals will be damaged.
So you need a switch so the TV only ever sees the output from 1 box at a time and there is no "Y" adapter.
Also - "component" switchers are only compatible with 480 signals. You need a HD rated switch for progressive or HD video.
A company called "Pelican" makes a $30 mechanical switch they claim is HD rated and www.monoprice.com has some decent, low-priced switches.
You don't want splitters, you want a component selector switch.
yes