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Question

HDMI cables and Sky

Apr 21, 2014 5:10AM PDT

I want to connect laptop to tv using HDMI cables but I believe the HDMI port on the tv is currently being used by my Sky connection. Do I really have to keep changing from one to the other?

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Different "source input"
Apr 21, 2014 5:34AM PDT

The HDMI is a port which gets used if plugged-in by some service or device. If your Sky is being ported there, then that's 1 service. You have to tell by the remote/service box what source input you plan to use, thus either laptop or Sky to view, though they maybe actually active, just not being viewed. The idea is to follow the source, however I'm thinking 1-HMDI if that's the case but if 2-HDMI ports, then select which one you plan to use and thus view from. Unless your TV has some "PIP" option/feature you're going to view 1-display output.

It always helps to post full details of your setup.

tada -----Willy Happy

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HDMI and Sky
Apr 21, 2014 5:52AM PDT

Hello Willy - thank you for taking the trouble to answer my query. I only have one HDMI port on the tv and one on the laptop and, as I said, Sky is currently using the port on the tv. I am unhappy about crawling round the back of the tv every time I want to change from using Sky to using laptop.

If I go down the road of using a Roku type connector will I still have the same problem?

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Pretty rare to see a HDTV with one port.
Apr 21, 2014 5:56AM PDT

But let's go with that. How about adding some HDMI switch box?

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HDMI and Sky
Apr 21, 2014 6:03AM PDT

Hello R. Profitt - I didn't know such an animal existed but I've just had a quick look on Amazon at a three port HDMI and that looks like a possible answer to me!!

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And let me share this.
Apr 21, 2014 6:10AM PDT

I like the AmazonBasics HDMI cables. The other cables I've used are BlueRiggers. They have a line with a really great nylon mesh cover. So depending on if it's for run of mill I use AmazonBasics. If it's some 30 foot run around a room I get the mesh cover for more protection (vacuum cleaners, etc.)
Bob

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You got it
Apr 22, 2014 12:56AM PDT

Robert, has covered this well. I only suggest that you review your TV manual for any other ports that could be used. Often enough some RGB or VGA type port with or w/o adapter maybe possible. IMHO, I hate adapters sometimes that is possible with older setups, otherwise the HDMI sw. box is OK. I also suggest refrain from any long cable runs, signal quality or any, drops easily over distance so keep it typical.

tada -----Willy Happy

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HDMI and Sky
Apr 22, 2014 3:44AM PDT

Willy and Robert - thank you both for your help. I have ordered a 3 port HDMI thingy and in the meantime have taken out the Sky cable, inserted the HDMI link into the one socket I have and therefore the household have been able to watch programmes I had downloaded on to the computer - because of course 'There's nothing on the tele' !!!! Thank you both again.