While HDMI switchers are abundant for the many HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) sources available, sharing sources among multiple displays is not an easy task. Much like HDMI switchers, HDMI splitters are expensive due to the point-to-point electrical interface requirements of HDMI. Accell Corporation, known well for their cables and accessories, have recently introduced the new and affordable UltraAV™ 1:2 HDMI Splitter designed to retransmits digital audio and video signals from a single HDMI source. For example, the splitter allows a single HD DVD player or PlayStation3 game console to drive two independant displays. The UltraAV™ 1:2 HDMI Splitter is capable of carrying both multi-channel audio and high-definition (HD) digital video in resolutions of up to 1080p. The device is fully compatible with HDCP devices and HDMI 1.2a compliant. The HDMI splitter is also designed to work with personal computers and DVI enabled devices (requires optional DVI adapters). The UltraAV™ 1:2 HDMI Splitters can also be cascaded together to increase the number of connected displays.

Installation
We connected the UltraAV™ 1:2 HDMI Splitter to our Dish Network ViP722 DVR which provided audio and video to our Mitsubishi HC5000 projector and Mitsubishi LT-52133 LCD display. The splitter requires external power from the AC power adapter included with the unit. Wall/Panel mounting slots located on the back of the housing allow the unit to be mounted on a wall or cabinet. An LED illuminates when a valid HDMI display is connected to the splitter. The 1080i video sourced from the Dish Network ViP722 DVR worked great with no loss in signal quality. The picture was stable and looked excellent.

Next we used our Sony PlayStation 3 as a source for 1080p video. We loaded NBA07, which is capable of full 1080p at 60 Hz. A set of shorter 2-meter cables were used during the test. Video looked perfect and exhibited no digital artifacts. Colors were accurate with excellent saturation. We also played several movies that ran 1080p at 24 frames per second and they too looked great with no problems. Mileage may vary with longer cable runs since some video can have difficulty at higher bandwidths.

Conclusion
There have been many instances when we needed a 1:2 distribution amplifier for our HDMI source, yet there were few options available unless you were willing to spend several hundreds of dollars. Accell offers a simple and affordable solution to distributing digital audio and video with their UltraAV™ 1:2 HDMI Splitter.

- Kevin Nakano

Projector: Mitsubishi HC5000 Full 1080p High-Definition LCD Projector
Screen: Stewart Filmscreen 100" FireHawk Screen on a Luxus Deluxe ScreenWall
Video Processor/Scaler: Anchor Bay Technologies DVDO iScan HD+ A/V Processor
Preamplifier/Processor: Parasound AVC-2500U THX-Ultra DTS/DD Preamp/Processor
Amplification: Parasound HCA-2205AT THX-Ultra Five Channel Amplifier
Bass Management: Miller & Kreisel BMC Mini 5.1 Bass Management Controller
Front Speakers: Miller & Kreisel S-150THX (L+R) and S-150AC (Center) Speakers
Rear Speakers: Miller & Kreisel SS-250 Tripole® Surround Speakers
Subwoofer: Two Miller & Kreisel MX-350THX MkII THX-Ultra Push-pull Subwoofers
Room Treatments: Echo Buster panels and Bass Buster towers
Set-top Box: Dish Network ViP622 HDTV Satellite and Terrestrial Receiver with HDMI
Blu-ray Player: Sony PlayStation3 Blu-ray Player with HDMI
HD-DVD Player: Toshiba HD-A1 HD-DVD Player with HDMI
DVD/CD/SACD Player: Sony DVP-NS900V DVD/CD/SACD Player
DVD Audio/Video Player: Kenwood Sovereign DV-5900M 400-Disc DVD Changer
DVD Player: OPPO Digital OPDV971H DVD Player with DVI Output
D-VHS VCR: JVC HM-DH30000U D-VHS High-Definition D-Theater VCR
Media Server: Kenwood Sovereign MRH1 Entre
Remote Control: Remote Technologies Inc. T4 Controller
HDMI Video Switcher: Atlona AT-HDMI41 4:1 HDMI Video Switcher
HDMI Cable: Atlona 5-meter Flat HDMI 1080p Cable
HDMI Cable: VizionWare Hi-Wirez 20-meter Active 1080p Cable
HDMI Cable: Accell UltraRun 45-meter 1080p Cable
DVI Cable: AudioQuest DV-1 20m DVI-D Cable
A/V Cables: Ultralink Platinum and Advanced Performance Series Cables

UltraAV™ HDMI 1-2 HDMI Audio/Video Splitter

Features: