Question for any techies-regarding tv, blu ray, and hdmi ports

[lynxstch]

Maybe @tvguy can answer. I have a tv with only 1 hdmi port. My tivo mini is hooked up to it. I want to add a blu ray player with hdmi cable. Do I just need to buy a 1 in, 2 out adapter, plug that into the tv port, then plug the tivo mini and the dvd player into the 2 outputs?

Or can I get an RCA to HDMI adaptor and just plug the dvd player into that and use the tv input to go to the dvd player when I want to watch a dvd?

I hate to buy one that has the stupid RCA plugs and have to use that.
Thanks in advance.

 

[sam_gordon]

Maybe @tvguy can answer. I have a tv with only 1 hdmi port. My tivo mini is hooked up to it. I want to add a blu ray player with hdmi cable. Do I just need to buy a 1 in, 2 out adapter, plug that into the tv port, then plug the tivo mini and the dvd player into the 2 outputs?

Or can I get an RCA to HDMI adaptor and just plug the dvd player into that and use the tv input to go to the dvd player when I want to watch a dvd?

I hate to buy one that has the stupid RCA plugs and have to use that.
Thanks in advance.

No, a 1 in 2 out adapter (a splitter) won't do what you want to, unless it also functions as a switch.
An RCA to HDMI adapter won't do what you want to do.

I realistically see two options...
1) Purchase an HDMI switch. This one (https://www.amazon.com/Splitter-GAN...-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1) is only $13 on Amazon. Basically you'd plug your Tivo mini and BluRay Player into it, then it goes into your single HDMI port on your TV. Then select what you want to watch on the device.
2) Use RCA cables to connect the BlueRay player straight to the TV. However, this assumes your BluRay player supports COMPONENT RCA jacks (five connectors... Red, Green, Blue for video and Red, White for audio), AND your TV has a component input. Using a COMPOSITE connection via RCA (Yellow for Video, Red/White for audio) defeats the use of BluRay IMO.

I would choose #1 as the cheapest option. Spinoffs to #1 include getting a larger (say 4 in to 1 out) switch so you can add things later, or getting a stereo system/amplifier with multiple HDMI inputs. That is probably overkill for you.

If you post the model numbers of your TV and BD, I can see if there are other connection options.

 

[tvguy]

Maybe @tvguy can answer. I have a tv with only 1 hdmi port. My tivo mini is hooked up to it. I want to add a blu ray player with hdmi cable. Do I just need to buy a 1 in, 2 out adapter, plug that into the tv port, then plug the tivo mini and the dvd player into the 2 outputs?

Or can I get an RCA to HDMI adaptor and just plug the dvd player into that and use the tv input to go to the dvd player when I want to watch a dvd?

I hate to buy one that has the stupid RCA plugs and have to use that.
Thanks in advance.

Sorry, no idea. I leave all that to my (adult) children to figure out.

 

[lynxstch]

No, a 1 in 2 out adapter (a splitter) won't do what you want to, unless it also functions as a switch.
An RCA to HDMI adapter won't do what you want to do.

I realistically see two options...
1) Purchase an HDMI switch. This one (https://www.amazon.com/Splitter-GANA-Bidirectional-Supports-Passthrough-HDMI/dp/B07K2NZX8L/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2I2LOBLEWUKL6&keywords=hdmi+switch&qid=1691256389&sprefix=hdmi+switch,aps,161&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1) is only $13 on Amazon. Basically you'd plug your Tivo mini and BluRay Player into it, then it goes into your single HDMI port on your TV. Then select what you want to watch on the device.
2) Use RCA cables to connect the BlueRay player straight to the TV. However, this assumes your BluRay player supports COMPONENT RCA jacks (five connectors... Red, Green, Blue for video and Red, White for audio), AND your TV has a component input. Using a COMPOSITE connection via RCA (Yellow for Video, Red/White for audio) defeats the use of BluRay IMO.

I would choose #1 as the cheapest option. Spinoffs to #1 include getting a larger (say 4 in to 1 out) switch so you can add things later, or getting a stereo system/amplifier with multiple HDMI inputs. That is probably overkill for you.

If you post the model numbers of your TV and BD, I can see if there are other connection options.

The tv is a smart tv, not that old (maybe 2 years) , no idea why it only has 1 HMDI port. It's a Vizio D-24-D1 smart tv . I don't have the blu ray player yet, I was waiting to see how I could connect it. The one I was looking at is this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08BL4SKRG/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3JSEIK46Q5IKT&psc=1
which comes with both kinds of connectors. I just have a regular old dvd player hooked up to the tv now, and it has the RCA plugs.

We have a blu ray in the living room but it's hooked up to a brand new tv which has 3 HDMI ports. I was hoping to see that on the back of the bedroom one, but no such luck.

So if I go with the #1 option, and hooked it up that way, I would just turn the tv on, switch the input to the dvd player and it would work? I'm not usually so technically challenged and can figure most things out, but this one threw me. I either need a new blu ray and the adaptor, or a new tv, and this one is only 2 years old, lol.
I wouldn't be adding anything to it later, since it's just the bedroom tv.

I thank you so much for your assistance!


I was just looking at that adaptor. Would I have to switch the button back and forth between ports every time I want to watch a dvd? Or does it automatically switch ports depending on what input you put the tv on? If I had to switch it every time, that would be difficult as the tv is up on the top of a shelf in the corner of the bedroom.

 

[lynxstch]

Sorry, no idea. I leave all that to my (adult) children to figure out.

Thank you for answering anyhow. Yours was the only name I could think of that might know, lol!

 

[fla4fun]

The tv is a smart tv, not that old (maybe 2 years) , no idea why it only has 1 HMDI port. It's a Vizio D-24-D1 smart tv . I don't have the blu ray player yet, I was waiting to see how I could connect it. The one I was looking at is this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08BL4SKRG/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3JSEIK46Q5IKT&psc=1
which comes with both kinds of connectors. I just have a regular old dvd player hooked up to the tv now, and it has the RCA plugs.

We have a blu ray in the living room but it's hooked up to a brand new tv which has 3 HDMI ports. I was hoping to see that on the back of the bedroom one, but no such luck.

So if I go with the #1 option, and hooked it up that way, I would just turn the tv on, switch the input to the dvd player and it would work? I'm not usually so technically challenged and can figure most things out, but this one threw me. I either need a new blu ray and the adaptor, or a new tv, and this one is only 2 years old, lol.

I thank you so much for your assistance!


I was just looking at that adaptor. Would I have to switch the button back and forth between ports every time I want to watch a dvd? Or does it automatically switch ports depending on what input you put the tv on? If I had to switch it every time, that would be difficult as the tv is up on the top of a shelf in the corner of the bedroom.

I had a switch that functioned similarly to switch between antenna and satellite. You have to flip the switch so the device knows which signal you want to use. Since you are switching between Blu Ray and Tivo, you won’t need both of them at the same time. You will just need to decide before getting into bed which one you want to view and set the switch appropriately. You will have to get out of bed to flip the switch if you change your mind.

As far as the height of the tv shelf, maybe get a cable long enough between the switch and the tv so you can reach it easily instead of plugging the switch itself directly into the tv. It may not be the most visually appealing solution but it will get the job done. Are the Tivo and Blu Ray in the bedroom or in another room? Good luck!

 

[lynxstch]

I had a switch that functioned similarly to switch between antenna and satellite. You have to flip the switch so the device knows which signal you want to use. Since you are switching between Blu Ray and Tivo, you won’t need both of them at the same time. You will just need to decide before getting into bed which one you want to view and set the switch appropriately. You will have to get out of bed to flip the switch if you change your mind.

As far as the height of the tv shelf, maybe get a cable long enough between the switch and the tv so you can reach it easily instead of plugging the switch itself directly into the tv. It may not be the most visually appealing solution but it will get the job done. Are the Tivo and Blu Ray in the bedroom or in another room? Good luck!

Thank you so much! I'm considering taking the shelf down and putting the tv and player on top of the bureau and eliminating the problem of needing a longer cable.

 

[sam_gordon]

The tv is a smart tv, not that old (maybe 2 years) , no idea why it only has 1 HMDI port. It's a Vizio D-24-D1 smart tv . I don't have the blu ray player yet, I was waiting to see how I could connect it. The one I was looking at is this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08BL4SKRG/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3JSEIK46Q5IKT&psc=1
which comes with both kinds of connectors. I just have a regular old dvd player hooked up to the tv now, and it has the RCA plugs.

COMPOSITE (yellow, red, white) RCA connectors can only give you a standard definition signal at best.
COMPONENT (red, green, blue, red, white) RCA connections can give you a HIGH definition signal.
IMO, watching a BD (blueray disc) player in standard definition is like buying a Corvette to drive through downtown Manhattan. Sure, you can, but why?

We have a blu ray in the living room but it's hooked up to a brand new tv which has 3 HDMI ports. I was hoping to see that on the back of the bedroom one, but no such luck.

So if I go with the #1 option, and hooked it up that way, I would just turn the tv on, switch the input to the dvd player and it would work? I'm not usually so technically challenged and can figure most things out, but this one threw me. I either need a new blu ray and the adaptor, or a new tv, and this one is only 2 years old, lol.
I wouldn't be adding anything to it later, since it's just the bedroom tv.

As PP mentioned, the TV would stay on the HDMI input. You would have to change the switch to decide what you want to watch (BD or Tivo). Change your mind? You'd need to go to the switch again. You can get a switch with a remote control for slightly more money... https://www.amazon.com/UGREEN-Switc...efix=hdmi+switch+with+,electronics,113&sr=1-3 so you wouldn't have to get out of bed. Of course, that add another remote into the mix, so now you'd (presumably) have one for the TV, one for the BD, one for the Tivo, and one for the switch. I'd get a universal that would control all of those.

I thank you so much for your assistance!


I was just looking at that adaptor. Would I have to switch the button back and forth between ports every time I want to watch a dvd? Or does it automatically switch ports depending on what input you put the tv on? If I had to switch it every time, that would be difficult as the tv is up on the top of a shelf in the corner of the bedroom.

I don't have a switch like that, but more than likely, yes, you'd have to go to the switch and hit the button to watch a DVD, then go to the switch when you want to watch Tivo, back to the switch to watch a DVD, etc.

You can get long HDMI cable and put the switch (whichever one you get) near your Tivo & BD player.

 

[lynxstch]

COMPOSITE (yellow, red, white) RCA connectors can only give you a standard definition signal at best.
COMPONENT (red, green, blue, red, white) RCA connections can give you a HIGH definition signal.
IMO, watching a BD (blueray disc) player in standard definition is like buying a Corvette to drive through downtown Manhattan. Sure, you can, but why?



As PP mentioned, the TV would stay on the HDMI input. You would have to change the switch to decide what you want to watch (BD or Tivo). Change your mind? You'd need to go to the switch again. You can get a switch with a remote control for slightly more money... https://www.amazon.com/UGREEN-Switcher-Splitter-Compatible-Projector/dp/B0865JJLHD/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=hdmi+switch+with+remote&qid=1691262528&s=electronics&sprefix=hdmi+switch+with+,electronics,113&sr=1-3 so you wouldn't have to get out of bed. Of course, that add another remote into the mix, so now you'd (presumably) have one for the TV, one for the BD, one for the Tivo, and one for the switch. I'd get a universal that would control all of those.

I don't have a switch like that, but more than likely, yes, you'd have to go to the switch and hit the button to watch a DVD, then go to the switch when you want to watch Tivo, back to the switch to watch a DVD, etc.

You can get long HDMI cable and put the switch (whichever one you get) near your Tivo & BD player.

Thank you again, I really appreciate it!

 

[longboard55]

buy a new TV

 

[lynxstch]

buy a new TV

I would if it wasn't only 2 years old, and if it wasn't just the bedroom tv!