Gefen producing 1:10 HDMI Distribution Amp
by Matt Burns 
posted Aug 24th 2007 at 4:57PM
Just in case you had the hankering to create a bar like atmosphere somewhere in your home, Gefen has the final piece of your puzzle. Previously, component cable was the only way to route that high-def football game to all those screens off one HD source but not any more thanks to Gefen's 1:10 HDMI Distribution Amplifier. This $650 magic box takes one HDMI signal and sends it out, with HDCP intact, via 10 outputs. Honestly we don't see this device making into many residential home theater systems (if any) but rather brick and mortar A/V stores employing it for their displays. Still, how sweet would it be utilize this amp and 10 HDTVs all over your house - living room, hallway, bathroom, on and in the fridge - so you never miss a second of the game?
[Via TG Daily]
Filed under: Cables, Other hardware
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
JeffDM @ Aug 24th 2007 6:36PM
That's a little expensive, but I suppose it probably wouldn't get a lot of buyers anyway, being a niche application afterall. Besides, if you have more than five HDTVs, then you probably can spare the cash.
If I wanted a bar-like atmosphere, I'd want a crosspoint switch, with many TVs that can choose from several input sources, not repeat one source ten times over.
Steve Jr. @ Aug 24th 2007 9:22PM
FINALLY... Ben [as in Drawbaugh] can stop whining about not having HDMI distribution in his house... no excuse now not to switch over from component.
Bennnn... come over to the Dark Side!!!
glennQ @ Aug 26th 2007 2:58PM
IXOS has been shipping a $499 1in-4out HDMI splitter/amplifier for months...
Model # XHT-858
davenport @ Aug 26th 2007 8:26PM
There is no reason to have HDMI split 10 ways unless it is for 1080p content. I cannot think of many situations where a movie needs to be displayed on 10 displays, unless it's retail as mentioned. Component cable distribution is much less time & money and will give you reliable 1080i. It's also doubtful that you need a digital audio signal sent to the displays. Finally the HDMI cables are not only expensive but limited in the length (50ft) of the run.
puppy @ Aug 28th 2007 7:47PM
this is actually a big help since many stores use component and it makes it really hard to tell the quality of the display that way.