While HDMI video switchers provide a way to accept multiple sources on one input of a display, few options exist for a single HDMI source to multiple displays. For example, we have a Dish Network DVR that has an RF remote control and would love to use it in another room when we are not in the main viewing room. Well, that is now possible with the Atlona AT-HDMI14 HDMI distribution amplifier. This little box provides an easy way to distribute a single source to up to four displays. The unit is HDCP compliant and includes a built-in EDID simulator and HDCP keyset to allow each output to work independently when connected to an HDMI display. The unit measures a mere 5.7" W x 3.8" D x 1.5" H and is well constructed from a metal chassis.

Unit Design
Distributing HDMI video is not a trivial task and requires high bandwidth components and strict board layout constraints. The Atlona AT-HDMI14 uses the fully HDMI-compliant Silicon Image SiI9011 receiver on the single input channel. The receiver chip includes an HDCP decryption engine for the incoming data. Each output channel utilizes a fully HDMI-compliant SiI9030 transmitter along with an embedded HDCP encryption engine for the output data stream. Having a dedicated HDMI chip on each input and output channel can drive up the cost of a product quickly, but there is no other easy way around it. The AT-HDMI14 board design is impressive and has the appearance of having been through a high quality manufacturing process.

The connector interfaces are evenly split between the two sides of the unit. Two HDMI connectors and the power jack are on one side while the three HDMI connectors are on the other side. Two LED indicators provide power and sync status for the unit. The AT-HDMI14 is powered by an external universal (100-240VAC, 50/60Hz) high-efficiency switching AC power adapter that provides the unit with 5V at up to 2.6A. The unit does not have any buttons nor does it need to be configured for operation. Simply plug the source into the input jack and connect the outputs to the displays. The user should verify the Sync light turns on to ensure the amplifier recognizes the video signal.

Setup
Our system connected the output of our Dish Network ViP622 high-definition DVR receiver to the input of the Atlona AT-HDMI distribution amplifier using a 5-meter Atlona Flat HDMI cable (ATF14031B-5). We distributed HDMI video to our local Mitsubishi HC5000 1080p projector and to our Mitsubishi LT-52133 LCD flat panel located in another room. Both video and sound were sent to the remote location via a VizionWare 20-meter HDMI cable. This cable has been proven in our system for months now, so we were confident that it would perform well for us.

Performance
We tried a variety of content from the ViP622, both standard and high definition. The set-top box always outputs 1080i regardless of the source resolution so we expected consistent results. As expected, the video looked great on the LT-52133 LCD display with no dropouts or image artifacts due to signal loss. The audio came through loud and clear.

Conclusion
The Atlona AT-HDMI14 is a simple product that solves a not-so-simple problem of distributing digital video from an HDMI source. The AT-HDMI14 design is solid and performs well in all areas we tested. Longer cable runs from the distribution amplifier may have some issues especially at 1080p rates. However, all of our 1080i material worked great with the configuration we tested. Finally, we have a way to send high definition video to multiple displays.

- 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
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

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